Before pursuing a career as an LPC in the state of New Hampshire, be positive that you are aware of the states requirements.
Even though there are other routes that can be taken, most counselors in New Hampshire will require the candidate to have completed an appropriate graduate education.
Future Counselor: For New Hampshire High School Student or High School Graduate
Your First Step:
Start looking to help out local counseling centers in your community. These hours will help build your resume later.
Some paid positions are available through the state’s Department of Human Services, some of which will required you to have complete classes in fields like social science and psychology.
Your Second Step:
On your path to becoming a counselor, we recommend that you choose a Bachelor’s degree in one of the relevant social sciences such as Psychology or Social Work, degree programs that provide you the most relevant experience.
For more information on mental health counseling organizations, please click here.
Bachelor’s Degree College Graduates
(
CACREP– The Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs). Rehabilitation counseling programs are usually accredited by
CORE (The Council on Rehabilitation Education).
First:
Be sure that you take your time with your graduate school applications. You want to give yourself enough time to collect your reference letters and write your essays/statements.
Second:
- People who are looking to become a mental health counselor in the state of New Hampshire will need to complete a graduate program with at least 60 credits of coursework pertaining to counseling. Make sure that the program is CACREP- accredited or seen as equal by the Board. Check with the Board’s website to ensure your are taking the proper courses. If you have already completed a graduate program, but it only had 48 hours of coursework, the additional credits may be made up through a certificate program.
- In some cases, aspiring counselors will be able to pursue multiple types of counseling while earning their degree through courses the program might offer.
- People who plan on becoming a school counselor should look for a program that is approved by the state Board and includes 600 hours of work experience. An ideal program will prepare students to work with children age 6-18.
Third:
For aspiring counselors who are still trying to explore which field of counseling they would like to undertake. One option might be to try internships at different facilities that offer different counseling services. This may give one insight into which branch they enjoy the most.
Fourth:
After commencement, you will need to complete a Candidate for Licensure Agreement. Once this document is received by the board, you may begin accumulating supervised work experience.
Furthermore, those looking to obtain full licensing must complete the NCMHCE.
Fifth:
When accumulating materials for you application make sure you complete all the requirements set by the Board. You will need letters of reference, statement of purpose, and essays that all need to be completed prior.
Those looking to become school counselors must undergo a background check, as well.
For those with Religious Training:
People looking to become pastoral counselors will be required to be credentialed as a pastoral psychotherapist. Education for this form of counseling extends all the way to the Ph.D status, with people majoring in subjects such as theology and completing the extra coursework in psychotherapy or some form of spiritual counseling. Those interested will need to complete two examinations, one written, one oral.
For more details on licensing in New Hampshire, please click here.
New Hampshire Counseling Organizations
NH Board
NH Dept. of Edu.
We wish you the best of success in your pursuit of becoming a counselor in New Hampshire.
