New Mexico Register / Volume XXXIV, Issue 1 / January 18, 2023

This is an amendment to 16.27.9 NMAC, Sections 2, 9, 10 and 12, effective 1/18/2023.

16.27.9.2 SCOPE: All individuals applying for licensure by examination as entry level licensed mental health counselors.

[16.27.9.2 NMAC - Rp 16 NMAC 27.8.2, 6/15/2001; A, 1/18/2023]

16.27.9.9 LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR (MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALTY OR ART THERAPY SPECIALTY):

A. LMHC is intended as a transition between the required degree and the completion of supervised training required for licensure as a professional clinical mental health counselor or a professional art therapist. All work must be performed under appropriate clinical supervision. Applicants must assure that their education and experience are appropriate for the level of licensure they will seek upon completion of supervised training. There is no maximum time limit as a licensed mental health counselor, but all work at this level must be done under clinical supervision.

B. Qualifications for entry level licensure by examination. An applicant for licensure by examination as an entry-level mental health counselor (LMHC) must possess the following qualifications:

(1) be at least 21 years of age;

(2) applicant must sign a statement provided in the application indicating the applicant has read the code of ethics and agrees to be bound and governed by the code of ethics;

(3) holds a masters or doctoral degree in a counseling or counseling related field with no less than 48 graduate hours or 72 quarter hours in the core curriculum and nine practicum hours; and

(4) have arranged for appropriate clinical supervision, as required by their licensure track.

[16.27.9.9 NMAC - Rp 16 NMAC 27.8.8, 6/15/2001; A, 7/1/2004; A, 2/10/2006; A, 11/30/2021; A, 1/18/2023]

16.27.9.10 DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED FOR LICENSURE BY EXAMINATION:

A. A completed application as specified in 16.27.3.8 NMAC.

B. The applicant is required to submit an official transcript in a sealed envelope from each institution contributing to the applicant's master or doctoral degree. The transcript must be submitted with the application. Applicants educated in foreign institutions who are unable to submit certified official transcripts shall submit a statement explaining why such transcripts are not available and shall submit certified copies of the degree certificates granted, information on the curricula offered, and any other documentation requested by the board.

C. A statement from each supervisor in a sealed envelope on a form provided by the board (attachment C) verifying the applicant's has arranged for appropriate supervision supervised experience and setting forth the nature and extent of such supervision must be submitted with the application.

D. Applicant with the mental health specialty must complete attachment E and art therapy specialty must complete attachment F.

E. Application fee of $75.00.

[16.27.9.10 NMAC - Rp 16 NMAC 27.8.9, 6/15/2001; A, 7/1/2004; A, 2/10/2006; A, 1/18/2023]

16.27.9.12 [LICENSURE BY CREDENTIALS:

A. Submit a completed application per of 16.27.3.8 NMAC.

B. Verification (attachment A) that the applicant holds and has held a current license for five years issued by the appropriate examining board under the law of any other state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia or any foreign nation.

C. Verification that the applicant is in good standing with no disciplinary action pending or brought against the applicant within the past five years.

D. Holds masters or doctoral degree in counseling or a counseling-related field from an accredited institution.

E. Application fee of $75.00 as provided for in 16.27.17 NMAC.

F. Applicants who do not meet the licensure by reciprocity must meet the current licensure requirements.] [RESERVED]

[16.27.9.12 NMAC - N, 11/30/2021; Repealed, 1/18/2023]