Master’s in Mental Health Counseling Programs in New Mexico

New Mexico, known for its rich Indigenous culture and picturesque desert landscapes, offers an idyllic view of the southeastern United States. However, despite its history and beauty, New Mexico is not exempt from the growing mental health crisis in this country. 

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 300,000 adults and 32,000 New Mexicans ages 12-17 experience a mental health diagnosis. While this number may seem small compared to the state’s population, it is three times the population of Santa Fe. The report also mentions that there are 1,366,095 people in the state that live in an area not services by enough mental health professionals. 

To combat this problem, New Mexico has utilized federal funding to create a mobile crisis intervention team to bring care to those in need. This funding includes federal resources, including the 988 Crisis Line. 

With additional resources being offered at the state and federal levels, O*Net Online expects an increase in mental health counselors by 19% by 2030, which is on par with the expected national growth. This means those seeking to become counselors in New Mexico will have ample opportunity. Those looking to become counselors in New Mexico can join the New Mexico Counseling Association. 

Of the programs on this list, a standout is at New Mexico State University. This program is CACREP-accredited, does not require the GRE for admittance, and is affordable. 

Master of Counseling Programs in New Mexico

Mental health counselors in New Mexico must graduate from an accredited master of counseling program containing at least 48 credit hours. While the program must be accredited, it does not need to be CACREP-accredited. There are seven master of counseling programs in New Mexico.

Online Master of Counseling Programs in New Mexico

Attending an online master of counseling program has many benefits. Some include the flexibility of courses, continued access to course materials, and the ability to take classes at your own pace. There are four online master of counseling programs in New Mexico.

CACREP-Accredited Master of Counseling Programs in New Mexico

Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accreditation is becoming an increasingly popular feature of many master of counseling programs nationwide. Attending a CACREP-accredited graduate program can help you meet the counseling licensure requirements in most states. There are four CACREP-accredited master of counseling programs in New Mexico. The University of the Southwest program is CACREP-accredited and under the Online Programs category.

No GRE Required Master of Counseling Programs in New Mexico

The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is a standardized test used to determine the aptitude of potential college admittance. However, many people get anxious about standardized tests or do not want their college admission based on test scores. 

Recently, programs have started recognizing that low GRE scores do not necessarily mean someone will not do well in their program. That is why many programs waive the requirement to take the GRE for admittance. 

Luckily, for those who do not do well on standardized tests, none of the seven master’s of counseling programs require the GRE for admittance.

Most Affordable Master of Counseling Program in New Mexico

Some people consider choosing an affordable master of counseling program just as important as choosing one that meets the licensure criteria. 

Of the programs based in New Mexico under the Online Programs category, the most affordable program is at Western New Mexico University. This program costs $300.19 per credit hour. Under the CACREP-accredited programs category, the most affordable program is at New Mexico State University. This program costs $261.80. 

Overall, New Mexico State University is home to the most affordable master of counseling program in the state.

Accelerated Master of Counseling Programs in New Mexico

Many people seek out a master of counseling program that is affordable and does not take a long time to finish. While there are not any programs on this list that are advertised as accelerated, there is one that only requires two years to complete. The program at New Mexico State University requires only 24 months to complete. Most master of counseling programs require two to four years to complete.

Required Courses for Licensure in New Mexico

The New Mexico Administrative Code sets course requirements for future counselors. The required course topics include: 

• Human Growth and Development
• Social and Cultural Foundations
• Helping Relationships
• Group Work
• Career and Lifestyle Development
• Appraisal
• Research Methods
• Professional Orientation
• Specialized Clinical Studies
• Supervised Practicum

New Mexico Counseling Licensure Requirements

There are two stages of mental health counselor licensure in New Mexico: the Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) license and the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) license. The LMHC is an initial license that requires supervision whereas the LPCC is an independent license. 

To become an LMHC in New Mexico one must graduate from an accredited master of counseling program and pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE). 

Becoming an LPCC requires 3,000 hours of supervised experience as an LMHC, 100 hours of face-to-face clinical supervision with an approved supervisor, and passage of the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE). 

New Mexico Counseling FAQs

How many continuing education hours are required to renew my license? 

The New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department states that those seeking to renew their mental health counselor license must obtain 40 hours of continuing education. These hours must be completed every two years and contain 12 hours of ethics training.

How Much Does a Mental Health Counselor Make in New Mexico

According to O*Net Online, the average salary for a mental health counselor in New Mexico is $62,120. This is higher than the national average of $53,710. 

How to Become a School Counselor in New Mexico

The New Mexico Public Education Department creates the requirements to obtain licensure from each of the three pathways to becoming a school counselor in New Mexico. 

Pathway One:

Obtaining school counseling licensure from this pathway requires that applicants complete a master’s degree in school counseling and pass the PRAXIS School Counselor Examination.

Pathway Two: 

Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs) may apply to become school counselors. After meeting the requirements to obtain their respective licensure, they must also pass the PRAXIS School Counselor Examination.

Pathway Three: 

To become a school counselor on this path, one must be nationally certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and pass the PRAXIS School Counselor Examination. 

How Much Does a School Counselor Make in New Mexico

According to O*Net Online, the average salary for a school counselor in New Mexico is $66,960. This is higher than the national average of $61,710. 

How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in New Mexico

Becoming a substance abuse counselor in New Mexico is different than becoming a mental health counselor, but similar in that there are two stages of substance abuse counselor licensure. 

The New Mexico Administrative Code reports that the first stage of substance abuse counselor licensure is the Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA) license and the second is the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADAC) license. 

Becoming an LSAA in New Mexico requires a minimum of an associate’s degree in a counseling or substance abuse-related field and 90 hours of education in substance abuse counseling. 

To become a LADAC in New Mexico there are varying requirements based on the highest level of education. Those applying with an associate’s degree must complete 276 hours of education in substance abuse counseling, 3,000 supervised client contact hours, and 200 hours of supervision. With a bachelor’s degree, one must complete 276 hours of education in substance abuse counseling, 2,000 hours of supervised client experience, and 100 hours of supervision. Finally, those applying with a master’s degree must have 276 hours of substance abuse counselor education, 1,000 hours of supervised client experience, and 50 hours of supervision. 

How Much Does a Substance Abuse Counselor Make in New Mexico

According to O*Net Online, the average salary for a substance abuse counselor in New Mexico is $62,120. This is higher than the national average of $53,710. 

What Other Career Options Are Available to Those with a Degree in Mental Health Counseling

The skills learned in a Master’s of Counseling program open the door for many positions outside the counseling profession. Some important skills learned in a graduate program and the counseling field include communication, problem-solving, and crises. Positions one can hold with this degree include human resources, governmental social services, education, and non-profit leadership. Many mental health counselors also get into counseling consulting to provide business support and training to other counselors.