Frequently Asked Questions
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What education is required?
Testing
Scope of Practice
Do I have to take a test? -
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 case reviewed individually by the Licensure Board, for which you should prepare a portfolio. In order to use this method, one must first apply using the normal process. Once a rejection is received on the basis of the degree being in another field (such as Criminal Justice), one may begin work on a portfolio. Please read the help pages provided here, 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 second alternative is to obtain a CADAC. There is not a college degree required for this, and there is a grandfathering period until 2010. Once you obtain a CADAC, you can present this to the Licensure Board, pay your fee, and 'viola'!- - you will be issued a license.
Education
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.
Testing
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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?
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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
Other Resources and Links
This page updated 08/13/2008