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Frequently Asked Questions
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I am having trouble getting credentialed in New Mexico
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What is the difference between licensure and
certification?
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How do
I decide which type of credentialing is right for me?
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What education
is required?
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What is the Scope of Practice for Substance Abuse Counselors?
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Testing
Do I have to take a test?
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How do I get my
experience hours signed?
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The New Mexico regulations
state that I must have a "counseling related degree". How do I
know if my degree qualifies as "counseling related"?
The
regulations define Counseling Related Degrees as:
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Counseling
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Guidance
and Counseling
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Mental
Health/Community Counseling/Agency Counseling
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Psychology
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Human and
Family Studies
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Clinical
Psychology
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Counseling
Psychology
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Family
Studies
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Social
Work
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Art
Therapy or Art Education whose curriculum for training counselors
provides a course of study equivalent to no less than 48 graduate hours
and required to meet in the mental health clinical core curriculum and 9
semester hours or 12 quarter hours of practicum, and additional hours
required for the professional clinical mental health counselor (LPCC)
license.
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My degree is not in any of the
areas listed. Can I still qualify for an LSAA or a LADAC?
There are
currently two
alternative methods for application. One is to have your application reviewed
on a "case by case" basis by the Licensure Board. In order to use this
method, one must first apply using the normal process. Once you
receive a
rejection because your degree is not in an approved field, you may then
request that your application be reviewed by the Board. You need to
have all your documents in place in advance, so that copies can be made for
the Board members prior to the meeting.
Please read the help pages provided here to help you prepare, and feel free to also
contact a
member of NMAEN for assistance in this process.
The applicant must
demonstrate that his/her academic preparation is equal to, or greater than
the minimum required. At the time of this writing, the minimum degree
requirement for a LADAC is an Associate Degree in Human Services. The
licensure application is good for six months, so it is recommended that the
applicant begin without delay. The Board is currently accepting a
minimum of 12 college credits in related fields as comparable to an AA in
human services.
The second
alternative is
licensure by credentials (scroll about halfway down the linked page).
A person who is already licensed in another State, or has a
CADAC in a
State that does not require licensure can qualify for licensure in New
Mexico by submitting evidence that they are qualified. Such an
applicant must have passed either the ICRC (CADAC) exam or the NCAC I exam.
Education and training for substance abuse counselors means formal classroom
education, workshops, seminars, institutes, in-service training programs,
professional continuing education and coursework from accredited and
non-accredited institutions. Practicum as it relates to the substance
abuse counselor includes 300 hours in the
twelve core functions.
A minimum of 90 contact hours of substance abuse specific
training is required to apply for an LSAA.
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Do I have take a test?
Yes. Unless you have a passing score exam score from
one of the approved exams within the five years, you will have to take a
test. If you need assistance with test preparation, use the "study"
button to the left, or send a message to NMAEN.
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Do
I need to take a test to get my LSAA?
No. The Licensed
Substance Abuse Associate is an entry level license that does not require an
exam. You need 90 clock hours of basic education in substance abuse,
an approved supervisor, and an internship placement.
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I have heard that the exams cover the
Twelve Core Functions. What are these?
Scope of Practice
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What is the Scope of Practice
for LADAC's and LSAA's?
LADAC's and LSAA's may offer services in any or all of
the
12 core functions.
LSAA's perform these duties at all times under a qualified supervisor.
LADAC's are expected to continue under supervision for three years after
they are licensed, at which point they are considered to be a the level of
independent practice, and can provide supervision.
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I have heard that Medicaid has
even further restrictions on the Scope of Practice for substance abuse
counselors. Is this true, and if so, what are they?
This is true. Sadly, Medicaid does not accept that
LADAC's can be competent independent practitioners unless they have a
Master's degree. You can read these regulations
here.
Information on
all these topics is available at the
Counseling and
Therapy Practice Board Website
This page updated
06/01/2010
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