Below are basic guidelines for those wishing to earn their counseling certification in New Hampshire. Most of these requirements, such as earning your Master’s degree, completing 3000 hours of supervised experience and passing the NCE examination, are likely to continue to be mandatory in the New Hampshire counseling licensure process. However, it is wise to contact the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice at (603) 217-6762 to make sure you are on the right track.
I’m a High School Graduate
By already researching how to become a counselor in New Hampshire, you are showing great motivation. Hold onto that motivation: New Hampshire counseling certification requires all candidates to possess a master’s level education, and staying motivated through the earning of that education is vital to success.
Before earning a master’s degree, however, you should start by enrolling 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.
Already Received Bachelor’s Degree
Once you have your bachelor’s degree, start looking for a school that offers a master’s or doctoral degree program in counseling.
Your master’s or a doctoral degree in counseling must be from a regionally accredited institution whose program meets guidelines set forth by the National Academy of Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselors or the National Board for Certified Counselors. OR, you can earn a graduate degree program in a related field, such as psychology, that is deemed to have met all necessary requirements by the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice.
Request information from additional schools offering counseling programs in New Hampshire to learn more about how to earn the required educational qualifications.
Step One:
Complete a minimum of 2 years of paid, post-master’s experience in a mental health counseling setting, including a minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised clinical work in no less than a 2-year period and no more than a 5-year period. In addition, your supervised experience must include 100 hours of face to face supervision by a nationally-certified or state-licensed mental health professional.
More information about supervisory requirements and procedures can be found in section Mhp 302.19 on the following New Hampshire Board’s webpage.
Step Two:
Next, successfully pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHC).
Registration and examination information is available on the NBCC website.
Step Three:
Finally, download and complete the New Hampshire Clinical Mental Health Counseling Licensure form found on the following New Hampshire Board’s webpage.