New Mexico

What does an Addiction Counselor in New Mexico do? What is Their Job Role?


Substance abuse counselors have the necessary training and experience required to provide alcohol and drug abuse and/or addiction patients with services that are both informed and ethical. As a licensed professional, these individuals are prepared to regularly assess, diagnose, and evaluate the condition of their patients, as well as provide expert counseling services in individual and group settings. Substance abuse counselors are also trained in intervention and referral techniques.


Where Substance Abuse Counselors Work


While there are a number of potential career opportunities for substance abuse counselors, they often work in one of the following settings:


  • Hospitals

  • Detox Centers

  • Juvenile Detention Facilities

  • Halfway Houses

  • Probation and Parole Agencies


New Mexico Licensing & Certifications for Associates & Independent Counselors


The New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board establishes and maintains professional, ethical, and continued education standards for counselors and therapists. It’s the only authority capable of granting this type of certification and practicing in New Mexico without an active license is illegal. The Board is primarily responsible for ensuring that all substance abuse counselors in the state possess the necessary knowledge and skills to practice efficiently and ethically. It also investigates patient complaints and holds licensees responsible if they’re found to be acting in an unprofessional or unethical manner. While the Board offers a number of licensing options, including Mental Health Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, and Professional Art Therapist, there are two certifications available for those interested in entering the substance abuse and/or addiction field.


Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC)


Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC) is the first and most extensive substance abuse and/or addiction counseling credential offered in New Mexico. LADACs are certified to provide one-on-one and group counseling services including, but not limited to, screening, intake, orientation, assessment, evaluation, referral, treatment planning, counseling, crisis intervention, patient education, consulting, record keeping, and case management. Those interested in becoming an LADAC must meet the following requirements:


  • Be at least 21 years of age

  • Have, at minimum, an associate’s degree in counseling, a counseling related field, or a substance abuse related field

  • Read and agree to the standards established in the Code of Ethics

  • Complete 276 hours of education and training

  • Go through a period of supervised experience (requirements vary depending on the level of education obtained)

  • Take and pass the National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I examination

  • Provide sealed, official transcripts from any and all applicable educational institutions


LADAC applications can be found online at www.rld.state.nm.us. Completed forms must be signed, dated, and notarized. Additionally, a $75 non-refundable application fee is required. The Board no longer accepts credit card payments of any kind; a check or money order should be made payable to the “Counseling and Therapy Practice Board.” The application, fee, official transcripts, verification of education and training, and verification of postgraduate supervised hours must then be sent to the following address:


New Mexico Counseling & Therapy Practice Board

PO Box 25101

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505

There is simply one level of licensure in New Mexico which is called the Accredited Alcohol and also Medicine Abuse Therapist (LADAC). The needs depend upon the level of instructional accomplishment you have, in addition to training and also monitored experience. Are you interested to discover Dependency and additionally Compound Counseling education and learning? See institutions both local and likewise online who enlighten to much more become a specialist or numerous other sort of specialist in relevant profession fields.


The supervisor could hold licensing as a psychotherapist, psychoanalyst, professional emotional health and also wellness counselor, marital partnership as well as household professional, art expert, or independent social worker. A professional nurse professional might use supervision if drug abuse is the specialty. The manager will absolutely validate guidance and also record whether effectiveness sufficed. A LADAC ought to fulfill extra education and learning as well as learning needs.


A private with a bachelor's level requirement to operate under support for 2 years, gather 2,000 consumers and get in touch with hrs, in addition to contend for the very least 100 hours of face-to-face support. With a qualifying academic degree, the experience requirement is decreased to one year as well as 1,000 hrs; the advice need is just 50 hours.


The prospect will certainly require to send a competent duplicate of the degree certification as well as a description concerning why the documents can not be provided. The Board will require educational program info; added information might be requested for. Dependence coursework can be taped via transcripts or certifications of visibility; if a certification of existence is sent out, the possibility will furthermore include the following information: date, variety of hours, training course title, and summary.


Pupils additionally become aware of counseling strategies that satisfy the present requirement of treatment in a range of therapy settings. Classes are supplied online. Our tuition is affordable as well as our classes are quickly available. Our LADAC coursework meets the state as well as also across the country scholastic demands for individuals that prefer to be accredited or approved dependences specialists.


We are simply among minority states in the UNITED STATE where you can wind up being an accredited alcohol as well as medicine abuse counselor with an associate level in social science and additionally our added LADAC coursework.


Winding up being a drug abuse counselor in New Mexico unlocks to a rewarding profession helping people to enhance their lives. The need for compound misuse therapists in New Mexico ought to remain to broaden as the state focuses on managing the opioid circumstance along with reversing its high price of medicine overdose fatalities.


Ahead to be a counselor in New Mexico, people need to head to the very least 21 years of age as well as hold an associate level. The board uses four substance misuse treatment licenses: LSAA (rates one, 2, as well as likewise 3) LADAC LSAAs can offer separate treatment yet needs to operate under an expert supervisor. LADACs can function separately without a clinical manager.


If you have recently graduated from college, or if you are considering a career in the field of addiction, then you may be considering a career as a drug and alcohol counselor in New Mexico. The job of a counselor is to help and support people who are addicted to alcohol and drugs. The counselors are also responsible for providing the best treatment possible to these individuals so that they may lead a better life.


If you are thinking about becoming a drug counselor in New Mexico, you should know that it will take you several years to get trained to become a certified counselor. There are many different schools for drug and alcohol counseling, and you should check the requirements of each program to see if you meet any of the requirements. There are several different schools for drug and alcohol counseling in New Mexico, including the following:


The New Mexico Schools for Drug and Alcohol Counseling (NMSCAC) is one of the most prestigious of the schools for drug and alcohol counseling. The NMSCAC was founded in 1998, and it is located in Albuquerque, NM. You can take classes to become a drug and alcohol counselor in New Mexico through this school.


Another school that is one of the top schools for drug and alcohol counseling is called the Albuquerque Academy of Counselors. This school is located in Albuquerque, NM, and is affiliated with the NMSCAC. You can enroll in this course to become a certified counselor in New Mexico through this school.


You will need to have a high school diploma, or a GED, to enroll in this program. You will need to complete a clinical or internship degree program in order to become a certified counselor in New Mexico. The clinical or internship degree program will involve attending a two-year program that will include both classroom and clinical learning. You will then attend a post-graduate internship that will include learning how to work with individuals who are addicted to alcohol or drug abuse.


You can also enroll in an online course to become a counselor in New Mexico. There are several online schools for drug and alcohol counseling in New Mexico that you can choose from. The online school will allow you to work from home and complete your course in a more convenient way.


If you are already employed and already have a degree, you may be able to find an internship that will allow you to complete the clinical or internship degree through this school. The internship will give you hands-on experience that you can take back to your job and use to help others. This is a great career choice for you to consider if you are already employed, or if you are currently attending school.


You may also be able to find the certification required to become a certified counselor in New Mexico through a school that offers a Master's program. A Master's degree is a great career choice, as it allows you to teach and mentor others who are in the field of addiction.


Many New Mexico schools will also offer online programs. These programs will allow you to complete your training from home and be able to attend classes at any time. Online classes are also very convenient and allow you to work while attending classes. You will be able to work while you are in class, or even while you are on your break, if you desire.


Miami is one of the most diverse cities in the world and one of the most diverse areas in the country. You will find that if you look online, you will be able to find a school that offers courses in a number of different topics. that are related to drug and alcohol counseling.


The number of programs offered can vary, as well. You can learn how to help people who are addicted to alcohol and other drug abuse, including teenagers. You can also learn how to deal with those who are suffering from alcoholism or who have other forms of drug abuse.


If you are interested in a career that will give you a job that provides a variety of different jobs, you will want to consider the opportunities that are available in Miami. You can be trained in any number of fields related to drug and alcohol counseling. This is a great choice for you to consider if you are a person who wants to work in a variety of settings.


Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA)


The New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board also offers a restricted licensure option, referred to as Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA). LSAAs are certified to provide one-on-one counseling and group process services to patients, but must have a direct supervisor who oversees their practice and ensures quality services are being provided. While the supervisor isn’t required to observe at all times, clinical supervision through case reviews, audiotape reviews, videotape reviews, and direct observation is expected. Those interested in becoming an LSAA must meet the following requirements:


  • Be at least 21 years of age

  • Have, at minimum, an associate’s degree in counseling, a counseling related field, or a substance abuse related field

  • Provide sealed, official transcripts from any and all educational institutions

  • Read and agree to the standards established in the Code of Ethics

  • Complete 90 clock hours of education and training in alcohol and drug abuse education

  • Arrange for appropriate supervision and provide an experience plan


LSAA applications can be found online at www.rld.state.nm.us. Completed forms must be signed, dated, and notarized. Additionally, a $75 non-refundable application fee is required. The application, official transcripts, and a check or money order made payable to the “Counseling and Therapy Practice Board” must then be sent to the following address:


New Mexico Counseling & Therapy Practice Board

PO Box 25101

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505


Education Requirements


Both the LADAC and LSAA candidates are required to meet certain education and training requirements. These requirements vary drastically depending on the credential sought.

Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC)


All LADAC candidates must also complete 276 clock hours of drug, alcohol, counseling, and ethics training in the following quantities:


  • 90 clock hours of alcohol abuse education

  • 90 clock hours of drug abuse education

  • 90 clock hours of counseling education

  • Six clock hours of ethics education


This training can consist of any combination of academic courses, seminars, and workshops pertaining to each given subject. Photocopies of all certificates and official transcripts are required, as well as course descriptions if “substance abuse” is not mentioned specifically in the course titles.

Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA)


Those interested in becoming an LSAA are responsible for completing a total of 90 clock hours of education and training that is specific to alcohol and drug abuse counseling. Candidates must be able to provide official transcripts from an accredited college or university to the New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board. Transcripts must be official and remain sealed when submitted with the other LSAA application materials.

Clinical Supervision Explained


To apply to become a substance abuse counselor in New Mexico, candidates for both the LADAC and LSAA credentials must complete some amount of supervised experience. These requirements vary drastically depending on the credential sought.


Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC)


LADAC candidates are responsible for obtaining the appropriate amount of supervised experience prior to applying for certification. These requirements vary depending on the level of education obtained:


Associate’s Degree

  • Three years and 3,000 supervised hours of client contact in alcohol and drug abuse counseling

  • 200 hours of face-to-face supervision


Bachelor’s Degree

  • Two years and 2,000 supervised hours of client contact in alcohol and drug abuse counseling

  • 100 hours of face-to-face supervision


Master’s Degree or Doctorate

  • One year and 1,000 supervised hours of client contact in alcohol and drug abuse counseling

  • 50 hours of face-to-face supervision


Supervision must be provided by a licensed professional with direct experience in alcohol and drug abuse counseling. It’s ultimately the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that the hours of supervision meet the Board’s requirements. Proof of this supervised experience must be provided by the supervisor(s) and submitted in a sealed envelope with the LADAC application.

Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA)


LSAAs are required to practice, even after they’re certified, with professional supervision. This supervision must be provided by a licensed professional with direct experience in alcohol and drug abuse counseling. It’s the responsibility of the candidate to verify that supervision arrangements meet the Board’s requirements. Proof of an experience plan is required. Candidates must print and give the experience plan form to their supervisors, who will need to return the form to the following address:


New Mexico Counseling & Therapy Practice Board

PO Box 25101

Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505


CACREP Accredited Online Certification


Two types of accreditation are recognized in the United States; institutional and specialized. Institutional accreditation takes the entire institution into account while the specialized focus on professional preparation programs. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is a specialized accreditation that focuses on master’s and doctoral degree programs in counseling at colleges and universities worldwide. Only already-accredited institutions are eligible for CACREP review. The review for accreditation will center on programs offering graduate degrees in counseling.


Choosing a CACREP-accredited program ensures that the program meets the highest of quality standards. Many counseling specialties are accredited by the CACREP, including addiction counseling. Accredited addiction counseling programs prepare individuals to work with those affected by addictive behavior and their families. Addictive behaviors include alcohol, drugs, food, gambling, sex, and anything else that negatively affects your personal or work life by creating addiction behaviors.


CACREP-accredited programs will focus on treatment models and the phases of addiction including prevention, recovery, and relapse prevention. These 60-semester hour programs will include the application of interventions. When students choose a CACREP-accredited program they can be confident that:


  • the program meets or exceeds national standards

  • the program will focus on professional counseling rather than psychology or education

  • the program has an excellent reputation

  • CACREP graduates statistically receive higher scores on the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE).

  • the requirements for licensure will be met.


Counseling and Therapy Practice Board


The New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board creates and enforces professional standards for counselors and therapists in the state. The Board is responsible for setting continuing education requirements for New Mexico counselors. They also investigate consumer complaints and enforce any disciplinary action. The Counseling and Therapy Practice Board regulates four levels of drug and alcohol licensure including Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC) and three tiers of Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA). Tiers are dependent upon the level of degree completed.


Address

2550 Cerrillos Road

Santa Fe, NM 87505


Phone

(505) 476-4500


Website Address

http://www.rld.state.nm.us/boards/counseling_and_therapy_practice.aspx


Licensure:

  • Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC)

  • Licensed Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LPCMHC)

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

  • Registered Mental Health Counselor (RMHC)


Education Required for Practice in the State of New Mexico


While LSAA candidates are not required to take any examination for certification in New Mexico, LADAC candidates must successfully pass the National Certification Examination for Addiction Counselors (NCAC level I) or the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC).


Once the educational and supervision requirements have been met and proof of each submitted to the New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board along with the LADAC application, candidates will need to wait for board approval to take the examination. The only exception to this ruling is if the NCAC level I or IC&RC exam has already been taken and passed previously. In this case, candidates should indicate this on their application and have verification of a passing score sent directly from the testing facility to the Board.


If the exam is being taken for the first time, the application and all of the required materials must be approved by the Board before the next available exam date. Once approved as a qualified applicant, information regarding the exam registration requirements will be provided. Additionally, candidates will receive specifics regarding the exam fee, payment options, and locations.


While individuals who arrive late to the examination will be permitted to enter, under no circumstance will they be allowed additional time. If, however, special accommodations through the American Disability Act are needed, requests can be made in writing. These should include details about the testing accommodations needed and must be accompanied by a medical statement as confirmation. Special accommodation requests will be considered by the Board on a case-by-case basis.


Candidates can expect to receive their test results within 60 days. These will be provided in writing by the Board. If a passing score isn’t attained, the candidate’s temporary license must be surrendered immediately.


Renewal and Continuing Education


Substance abuse and/or addiction specialists in New Mexico must renew their license every year. As part of this process, professionals are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education undertaken between October 1 and September 30 of each year. For all licensure types, this must include at least six hours of ethics education. Those in supervisory roles must also complete at least three hours of training pertaining to supervision.


There are a variety of sources professionals can use to obtain their required continuing education classes, including coursework approved or sponsored by:


  • Association International Certification Reciprocity Consortium

  • National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counsel

  • National Board of Certified Counselors

  • New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board

  • Other regulatory boards of related fields

  • International, national, regional, or state mental health professional associations


Additionally, writing professional publications and teaching educational courses can count for up to 20 hours of the continuing education requirement. Internet and home studies continuing education correspondence cannot exceed 12 hours.


Licensees are responsible for providing proof of participation in and completion of all continuing education hours. Properly maintaining documentation is important, as the Board can request additional proof of participation if necessary.


Practicing counselors should expect renewal notices to arrive in mid-July. If the license is not properly renewed by October 31, then it’s considered expired. At that time, all patient meetings must be discontinued, as it’s illegal to provide counseling services in the state of New Mexico with an expired license.


Potential Counselor Career Path Options


  • Addiction Counselor

  • Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor

  • Behavioral Health Specialist

  • Certified Addiction Drug and Alcohol Counselor

  • Chemical Dependency Counselor

  • Mental Health Counselor

  • School Counselor

  • Substance Abuse Counselor


Associations & Organizations


The New Mexico Counseling Association (NMCA) is a state branch of the American Counseling Association (ACA). It was established in 1956 and encompasses a variety of counseling fields. Their purpose is to facilitate networking, promote professional development, improve counseling skills, and advocate for improved services to better meet the needs of patients in New Mexico.