Governor Greg Abbott has made key appointments to the Texas State Board of Marriage and Family Therapists, with the terms set to expire on February 1, 2031. Two new members, James Castro and William Price, have joined the board, while Russell “Russ” Bartee, Ph.D., retains his position for another term. This board oversees the licensing and regulation of Marriage and Family Therapists in Texas.
James Castro from Bergheim brings his experience as a counselor and consultant at Conscious Health and Wellbeing. He is actively involved with the Association for Mental Health Professionals and the Texas Alliance of Child Family Services. Castro’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Science from Franciscan University and a Master of Arts from St. Mary’s University.
William Price of Houston, vice president of corporate development at Cornerstone Building Brands, joins the board. Price contributes as a board member and finance committee chairman at CHARM Prison Ministry and is active at Houston’s First Baptist Church. His educational qualifications include a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Continuing his service, Russell “Russ” Bartee, Ph.D., from Fort Worth, is a self-employed psychotherapist and an associate professor in the graduate counseling program at Texas Wesleyan University. He is connected with several professional bodies, including the Fort Worth Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Moreover, Bartee serves as an elder at Western Hills Church of Christ. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medical Science from Oklahoma Christian University, a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of North Texas, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Family Therapy from Texas Women’s University.
The Senate must confirm these appointments before they are finalized.
