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Behavioral Health Careers by State

The SAMHSA Behavioral Health Career Navigator is a tool for people who want a job or career in mental health and substance use disorder treatment and prevention. There are many ways to start and grow a career in behavioral health. Each path has its own requirements for getting and keeping a license or certification, and these requirements can be different depending on where you live. You can also learn more about each role.

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New Mexico Careers

Addiction Counselor

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification New Mexico Credentialing Board

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Not applicable
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? High school/GED
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 6000/5000/4000/2000 hours (depends on degree level, with most for high school/GED)
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 6000/5000/4000/2000 hours (general supervision) depending on degree, including 300 hours (direct supervision)
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification New Mexico Credentialing Board

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Not applicable
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? High school/GED (plus certification as an ADC, AADC, CCJP, CCDP or CCDPD)
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 10000 hours, including 4000 hours as a supervisor; fewer hours for more advanced degrees
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, Must be certified as an ADC, AADC, CCJP, CCDP or CCDPD (which require such hours)
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 6 hours (may be part of the 40 hours needed for recertification as an ADC, AADC, CCJP, CCDP or CCDPD )

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification New Mexico Credentialing Board

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Not applicable
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? High school/GED
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 6000/5000/4000/2000 hours (depends on degree level, with most for high school/GED)
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 6000/5000/4000/2000 hours (general supervision) depending on degree, including 300 hours (direct supervision)
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification New Mexico Board of Nursing

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Yes for nurse licensure; no for APRN
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Graduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, Must be a licensed RN
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, Not specified
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 50 hours

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Practitioner

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification New Mexico Board of Nursing

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Yes for nurse licensure; no for APRN
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Graduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, Must be a licensed RN
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, Must be a licensed RN
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 30 hours or maintain national APRN certification; plus additional 5 hours (for controlled substance prescribing authority)

Clinical Social Worker

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? No
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Graduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 3600 hours
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 3600 hours (general supervision), including 90 hours (direct supervision)
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 30 hours

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? No
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Graduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? No
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? No
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 30 hours

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? No
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Undergraduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? No
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? No
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 30 hours

Marriage and Family Therapist

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification New Mexico Board of Counseling and Therapy Practice

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Not applicable
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Graduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 1000 hours
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 200 hours (direct supervision)
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours

Mental Health Counselor

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification New Mexico Board of Counseling and Therapy Practice

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? No
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Graduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 3000 hours
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 3000 hours (general supervision), including 100 hours (direct supervision)
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours

Peer Recovery Support Specialist

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification New Mexico Credentialing Board

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Not applicable
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? High school/GED
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours (general supervision)
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? No
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification New Mexico Credentialing Board

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Not applicable
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? High school/GED
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours (general supervision)
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? No
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification New Mexico Credentialing Board

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Not applicable
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? High school/GED
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours (general supervision)
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? No
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours

Physician Assistant

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification New Mexico Medical Board

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? No
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Graduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? No
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? No
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? No
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 100 hours every two years (for NCCPA certification)

Prevention Specialist

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification New Mexico Credentialing Board

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? Not applicable
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? High school/GED
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 2000 hours
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 120 hours (direct supervision)
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours

Psychiatrist/Addiction Medicine Physician

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification New Mexico Medical Board

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? No
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Graduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, Post-graduate training (e.g., residency)
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, Not specified
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 36 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 75 hours

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification New Mexico Medical Board

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? No
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Graduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, Post-graduate training (e.g., residency)
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, Post-graduate training (e.g., residency)
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 36 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 75 hours

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification New Mexico Medical Board

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? No
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Graduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, Post-graduate training (e.g., residency)
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, Post-graduate training (e.g., residency)
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 36 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 75 hours

Psychologist

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification New Mexico Board of Psychologist Examiners

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? No
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Graduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 3000 hours (but depends on number of doctoral hours obtained)
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 3000 hours (general supervision), but depends on doctoral hours obtained
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 40 hours

Social Worker

Issuing body and coverage area Issuer of the license or certification New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners

For more information
Is the state/jurisdiction a member of an interstate compact that covers this license or certification? No
Obtaining a license or certification for the first time What degree is necessary to obtain this license or certification? Undergraduate
Is passing a qualifying exam required for this license or certification? Yes
Are practice hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 3600 hours (for independent practice)
Are supervision hours required for this license or certification? Yes, 3600 hours (general supervision) for independent practice, including 90 hours (direct supervision)
Does the issuer of the license or certification provide any information for professionals licensed/certified in another state/jurisdiction on how to become licensed/certified in this state/jurisdiction? Yes
Renewing a license or certification How frequently does this license or certification require renewal? 24 months
Are continuing education hours required to renew this license or certification? Yes, 30 hours

Last Updated: 10/18/2024, 05/07/2025

Source: https://samhsa-main-prod-ext-alb-197684657.us-east-1.elb.amazonaws.com/about/careers/behavioral-health-workforce/careers-by-state?field_bwc_state_value=New%20Mexico