How to become a Counselor in New Mexico
Learn how to earn your counseling licensure in NM
Additional Information
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Below are basic guidelines for those wishing to earn their counseling certification in New Mexico. Most requirements such as earning your Master's degree, completing 3000 hours of supervised experience and passing the NCE examination have been and will continue to be mandatory in the New Mexico counseling licensure process. However, it is wise to contact the New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board at (505) 476-4610 to make sure you are on the right track.
I'm a High School Graduate...
In a tough economy, you simply can not start doing career research too early. As a high school graduate already researching New Mexico counseling certification requirements, you are ahead of the game and setting yourself up to have a prosperous career in an area you enjoy. Right now, you will need to keep your current momentum and learn how you can eventually meet the educational requirements for becoming a counselor in New Mexico (eventually earning your master's degree).
The next step is to learn how you can enroll in an Associate's degree program or Bachelor's degree program.
Click on the links below to browse schools offering programs in psychology or counseling.
Once you have enrolled in a program, take advantage of your school's career services department and learn how you can find employment or volunteer opportunities that are related to the counseling career path.
I've already received my Bachelor's degree...
Once you have your bachelor's degree, you will need to find a school offering a master's or doctoral degree program in counseling.
Step One:
Click on the links below to contact schools offering Master's or PhD programs in counseling or related field.
- Capella University - Master's of Science in Human Services (HS) - Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
- Adler School of Professional Psychology - Master's in Counseling Psychology
- Argosy University - EdD in Counseling Psychology
- Grand Canyon University - Master's in Addiction Counseling and Master's in Professional Counseling
- Liberty University - Master's and PhD programs in Professional Counseling and Pastoral Counseling
Or request information from additional schools offering counseling programs in New Mexico.
Step Two:
You will also need at least two years of post-graduate work experience. A total of 3000 hours are needed and 1000 of them can be earned through an internship or practicum while earning your degree. All hours need to be under a qualified supervisor.
More details can be found on the New Mexico Commission of Public Records website.
Step Three:
Next, you will want to download the New Mexico counseling license application and submit the application along with all other supporting forms and required fees to the New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board.
You may download the application from the following New Mexico Board's webpage.
Step Four:
The Board will review your application packet, and once it has been approved, they will notify you of your eligibility to sit for the necessary examinations in addition to providing information about registration.
The New Mexico Board requires you to pass both the National Counselor Examination and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination. Information about both exams can be found on the National Board for Certified Counselors website.