At LifeWorks Counseling Associates, our commitment to excellence is reflected in our rigorous selection process. We meticulously review numerous resumes and conduct extensive interviews to identify the most exceptional practitioners in the field. It’s with great pride that we can say our LifeWorks providers represent the pinnacle of professional expertise and dedication.

LICENSED PRACTITIONERS 

In New Hampshire, obtaining a full independent mental health license involves a comprehensive process to ensure that licensed practitioners meet high standards of competence and professionalism. If you are considering therapy with a fully licensed mental health professional in New Hampshire, here’s what you should know:

1. Education and Training: These practitioners have completed significant educational requirements in their field. Conditionally licensed providers have a minimum of a 60-credit clinical master’s degree in either Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, or Marriage & Family Therapy. These rigorous degrees must be from Nationally recognized educational institutions and the degree program must be accredited by, ASWB, CACREP, or COAMFTE. 
2. Supervised Experience: Before obtaining full licensure, they must complete a significant period of supervised clinical experience over a two-year period, which includes 3,000 hours of post-master’s supervised clinical experience and 100 hours of direct supervision with a board-approved supervisor.
3. Examination: Candidates must pass a rigorous national examination.
4. Licensure and Renewal: Upon meeting all requirements, including the application process and fee payment, the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice issues the full license. These licenses require renewal every two years, including the completion of continuing education and collaboration hours to maintain their validity.
5. Continuing Education Requirements: Licensed professionals are required to complete 40 approved continuing education hours (CEs) every 2 years to maintain their licensure. At least 30 of these 40 CEs must be completed from Category A. Additionally, a minimum of 6 of the 40 hours must be in Category A ethics, and 3 hours must be in Category A suicide prevention. These requirements are crucial for ensuring that mental health practitioners stay updated with the latest knowledge and practices in their field.
6. Scope of Practice: Fully licensed mental health professionals in New Hampshire are authorized to engage in independent practice, offering a range of mental health services based on their area of expertise.
7. Regulatory Oversight: The New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice regulates these professionals, ensuring they adhere to established standards of practice and ethics, safeguarding public welfare.

When you choose a fully licensed mental health professional in New Hampshire, you are opting for a practitioner who has met rigorous educational, experiential, and ethical standards, demonstrating their commitment to providing high-quality mental health care.

CONDITIONAL LICENSED PRACTITIONERS

In New Hampshire, a conditional license for mental health practitioners is designed for those who are in the process of obtaining their full professional independent practice license. This type of licensure allows individuals to practice under certain conditions while they complete the strict requirements for full licensure.

By choosing a mental health practitioner with a conditional license, you’re engaging with a professional who is actively working towards meeting the full and highest standards of their profession while being able to provide reimbursable services under supervision. 

If you’re considering therapy with a practitioner holding a conditional license, here’s what you should know:

1. Educational Background: These practitioners have completed significant educational requirements in their field. Conditionally licensed providers have a minimum of a 60-credit clinical master’s degree in either Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, or Marriage & Family Therapy. These rigorous degrees must be from Nationally recognized educational institutions and the degree program must be accredited by, ASWB, CACREP, or COAMFTE. 
2. Supervised Practice: Conditional license holders practice under the supervision of a fully licensed professional. This supervision is part of their process of gaining the experience required for full licensure.
3. Scope of Practice: Conditionally licensed practitioners in New Hampshire are authorized to engage in clinical practice, offering a range of mental health services based on their education and area of expertise.
4. Regulatory Oversight: Practitioners’ conditional licenses are approved and regulated by the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice, ensuring adherence to professional standards and ethical guidelines.
5. Commitment to Full Independent Licensure: Obtaining a conditional license reflects the practitioner’s commitment to pursuing full licensure, demonstrating their dedication to their professional development and adherence to federal and state regulations, and the highest of ethical standards.