How to Become a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in New Hampshire

As of 2025, more than 1 in 5 adults in the United States experiences a mental health condition each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). In New Hampshire, the demand for qualified mental health professionals continues to rise, with NAMI finding that 71,000 adults in the state reported needing but not receiving mental health treatment from 2018 to 2019. 

Individuals interested in helping to meet this demand by becoming licensed clinical mental health counselors (LCMHCs) will find that it takes a series of defined steps. 

LCMHCs help people facing emotional challenges, mental health struggles, and life transitions improve and achieve healthier lives. Entering this rewarding profession in New Hampshire begins with earning a master’s degree in mental health counseling. The remaining steps involve gaining hands-on experience, passing an examination, and obtaining licensure. 

What Does a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Do?

Licensed clinical mental health counselors assess, treat, support, and advise individuals and groups of people dealing with issues such as depression, trauma-related conditions, grief, addiction, and stress. Other challenges that LCMHCs work with people on are related to aging, parenting, marriage, and self-esteem. Counselors work in private practices, mental health centers, hospitals, nonprofit agencies, and schools. 

Steps to Become a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification’s Board of Mental Health Practice regulates licenses for clinical mental health counselors, who must have an advanced degree in the field. Through this office, candidates can submit their initial applications and learn how to take the licensing examination. 

Earn a Graduate Degree

In New Hampshire, a master’s or doctoral degree in clinical mental health counseling is required to become licensed. The degree program must consist of at least 60 credit hours and should be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. 

Complete Supervised Clinical Experience

After earning a graduate degree, aspiring LCMHCs in New Hampshire must complete at least 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised clinical experience under a licensed independent clinical social worker, licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor, or licensed psychologist. 

Submit Prelicensing Paperwork

Before registering for the licensing exam, applicants must submit an approved Candidate for Licensure Agreement to New Hampshire’s Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, Board of Mental Health Practice. Next, they need to send a Request to Sit for the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) form to the state’s Division of Licensing and Board Administration. 

Prospective counselors will also need to pass a criminal background check. 

Pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination

Candidates must pass the NCMHCE, either online or in person at an approved testing partner site. The exam evaluates entry-level clinical mental health counselors’ ability to apply theoretical knowledge and practical counseling skills by analyzing various clinical scenarios. The 255-minute test includes 11 case studies, each with its own narrative and multiple-choice questions. 

Passing this exam meets New Hampshire’s licensing requirements and the requirements for the optional certified clinical mental health counselor credential. 

Apply for a New Hampshire Clinical Mental Health Counselor License

After passing the NCMHCE, applicants must submit the following completed documents to the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice to obtain a license to practice: 

• Application and résumé
• Summary of Supervised Clinical Experience form
• Supervisor’s Confirmation of Clinical Experience form 
• Three professional references
• Undergraduate and graduate degree transcripts
• Proof of passing the NCMHCE
• New Hampshire Criminal Offender Record Report 
• Check or money order for licensure fees paid to the New Hampshire State Treasurer

Individuals researching how to become a licensed clinical mental health counselor should know that a counselor’s professional growth doesn’t stop at licensing. Every two years, LCMHCs in New Hampshire must complete 40 hours of continuing education units every two years, including ethics training.

This requires listing at least two licensed professionals with whom the counselor has worked and the issues that they discussed. 

These professionals typically perform duties that include:

• Diagnosing and treating clients who have mental health conditions
• Developing treatment plans
• Maintaining clients’ records
• Referring clients to other healthcare professionals

Skills to Become a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Licensed clinical mental health counselors need to have certain professional skills to support their clients’ care. Most critical for LCMHCs are skills in the following areas: communication, empathy, active listening, critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and crisis intervention. 

Salary and Job Outlook for Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors in New Hampshire

As of May 2024, the median annual salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in New Hampshire was $58,520, with the highest paid 10% making more than $85,800, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

The U.S. Department of Labor’s New Hampshire trends report projects a 24% increase in positions for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors between 2022 and 2032—much higher than the 17% increase predicted for the nation as a whole between 2024 and 2034.

Begin Your Counseling Career with New England College

Learning how to become a licensed clinical mental health counselor helps prospective professionals plan their education and gain more clarity in their long-term career goals. 

The intensive 24-month online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at New England College prepares tomorrow’s counselors with courses covering topics such as group counseling, ethics, addiction counseling, and counseling techniques. Students can apply their counseling skills through the program’s practicum and internships. 

Learn how NEC can prepare you for a career where you can make a difference.