Licensed Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselors Requirements in New Mexico
New Mexico offers two credential levels for addiction counselors: the Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA) for entry-level practice under supervision, requiring 276 training hours and 3,000 supervised hours, and the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC) for independent practice, requiring a degree (associate through master’s), clinical hours (6,000 to 4,000 depending on education), and passing the NCAC I exam. Both credentials are managed by the New Mexico Credentialing Board.
Maybe you’ve watched someone you love struggle with addiction. Maybe you’ve been there yourself. That weight, that helplessness, it changes you. And for a lot of people, it becomes the reason they want to help others find their way back.
If that’s why you’re here, you’re in the right place. New Mexico has a clear path to becoming a licensed addiction counselor, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve already got experience under your belt. The state offers two main credentials: the Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA) for supervised practice and the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC) for independent clinical work.
This guide walks you through both pathways, from education requirements to application steps, so you know exactly what it takes to get licensed and start making a difference.
Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA) Requirements
The LSAA is New Mexico’s entry-level credential for addiction counselors. It allows you to work with clients under clinical supervision while you build experience toward full licensure. Think of it as your supervised training period, where you’re actively working in the field but still developing your clinical skills under the guidance of a licensed professional.
To qualify for LSAA licensure, you’ll need to complete 276 hours of approved substance use disorder training. This isn’t college credit, it’s specialized training focused specifically on addiction counseling fundamentals, assessment techniques, and treatment planning. Many community colleges and online training providers offer these courses, and they’re designed to give you the core knowledge you need to start working with clients.
Once you’ve finished the training, you’ll need to accumulate 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. At 20 hours per week, that’s roughly three years of hands-on work. You’ll be providing direct services to clients, conducting assessments, facilitating groups, and implementing treatment plans, all while receiving regular supervision from a licensed counselor who reviews your cases and helps you develop your clinical judgment.
The beauty of the LSAA is that it gets you into the field sooner. You don’t need a four-year degree to start your career; you just need the training and a willingness to learn on the job. And while you’re building those supervised hours, you’re also getting paid and gaining the real-world experience that matters most in this work.
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC) Requirements
The LADAC is New Mexico’s independent practice credential. With this license, you can assess clients, develop treatment plans, provide therapy, and work without direct supervision. It’s the level most counselors aim for because it gives you full clinical authority and opens up more career opportunities.
New Mexico recognizes that there are different paths to competence. You can get there through formal education, through extensive supervised experience, or through a combination of both. The state offers three educational pathways to LADAC licensure, each with different supervised hour requirements:
| Education Level | Required Supervised Hours | Timeline at 20 hrs/week |
|---|---|---|
| Associate’s degree in substance use counseling | 6,000 hours | Approximately 6 years |
| Bachelor’s degree in a related field | 6,000 hours | Approximately 6 years |
| Master’s degree in a counseling or substance abuse counseling-related field | 4,000 hours | Approximately 4 years |
Here’s what matters: those supervised hours need to be direct clinical hours. That means time spent actually working with clients, providing counseling, conducting assessments, running groups, and developing treatment plans. Administrative work, case management tasks, and non-clinical duties don’t count toward your total. This requirement ensures that by the time you’re licensed to practice independently, you’ve logged serious time doing the actual work of counseling.
If you’re starting with an associate’s degree in substance use counseling or a bachelor’s in a related field, you’re looking at 6,000 supervised hours. That’s a substantial commitment, roughly six years if you’re working 20 clinical hours per week. But if you invest in a master’s degree, you cut those supervised hours down to 4,000, shaving about two years off your timeline to independent practice.
The trade-off is real: more education means less supervised time. A master’s degree requires two additional years of schooling, but it reduces your supervised practice requirement by 2,000 hours. For many counselors, the master’s route makes sense not just because it shortens the path to licensure, but because it deepens your clinical knowledge and opens doors to specialized practice areas and higher-level positions.
Once you’ve met the education and experience requirements, you’ll need to pass the National Certified Addiction Counselor Level I (NCAC I) examination. This is a comprehensive test covering everything from addiction theory and assessment to ethics and treatment planning. It’s the same exam used in many states through the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), which means your New Mexico LADAC credential may be recognized in other states if you ever need to relocate.
Application Process and Examination
Once you’ve completed your education and supervised hours, you’re ready to apply for licensure through the certification and licensure process managed by the New Mexico Credentialing Board. Here’s how the process works:
- Complete your supervised clinical hours and ensure your supervisor(s) are willing to verify your experience.
- Gather your documentation: official transcripts, supervision verification forms, and proof of completed training hours.
- Register for the NCAC I examination through IC&RC or an approved testing provider.
- Submit your application to the New Mexico Credentialing Board with all required documents and fees.
- Pass the NCAC I exam, which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering addiction counseling domains.
- Complete any additional board requirements, such as background checks or ethics training.
- Receive your license from the New Mexico Credentialing Board (processing typically takes 4-8 weeks after all requirements are met).
The NCAC I exam costs $195 for NAADAC members and $250 for non-members. It’s a computer-based test you can take at designated testing centers, and you’ll receive your results immediately upon completion. The exam covers eight content domains: clinical evaluation, treatment planning, referral, service coordination, counseling, client/family education, documentation, and professional/ethical responsibilities.
If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam after a 60-day waiting period. There’s no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you’ll need to pay the exam fee each time. Most candidates who take the exam seriously and prepare thoroughly pass on their first or second attempt.
Salary and Job Outlook
Let’s be honest: you’re not getting into addiction counseling for the money. But you do need to make a living, and you deserve to know what the work pays. According to 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, here’s what substance abuse counselors earn in New Mexico:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $35,280 | $16.96 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $42,760 | $20.56 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $52,340 | $25.17 |
Entry-level positions typically start around $35,280 annually. As you build experience, advance your credentials, and develop specialized skills, you can work your way toward the median salary of $42,760. Counselors with extensive experience, advanced degrees, or supervisory responsibilities can earn upward of $52,340 or more.
Several factors influence where you land in that range. Geographic location matters; urban areas and regions with higher costs of living generally pay more. Your educational background plays a role, too; master’s-level counselors typically earn more than those with associate or bachelor’s degrees. Specialized certifications, bilingual skills, and experience with specific populations can all boost your earning potential. And as you move into supervisory roles or private practice, your income ceiling rises significantly.
The job outlook is strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 16% employment growth for substance abuse counselors through 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by increasing recognition of addiction as a treatable medical condition, expanded insurance coverage for addiction treatment, and ongoing efforts to address the opioid crisis.
New Mexico, in particular, has a consistent need for addiction counselors. The state’s rural areas, Native American communities, and border regions all face unique substance use challenges, and there’s a shortage of qualified counselors to meet the demand. If you’re willing to work in underserved areas, you’ll find plenty of opportunities and often loan forgiveness programs or hiring incentives to make it worthwhile.
Beyond salary, many counselors find the work itself rewarding. Helping someone rebuild their life, watching families reunite, seeing the moment when a client finally believes recovery is possible, that’s the real compensation. The paycheck covers your bills, but the work gives you something money can’t buy.
Joining professional organizations like NAADAC can also support your career development through networking opportunities, continuing education discounts, and access to job boards and career resources.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
If you’re already licensed as an addiction counselor in another state, New Mexico may recognize your credentials through reciprocity agreements. The state participates in the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), which means if you hold an IC&RC credential from another member state or jurisdiction, you may be able to transfer your license to New Mexico without retaking all the examinations.
Reciprocity doesn’t mean automatic approval. The New Mexico Credentialing Board will review your credentials to ensure they meet New Mexico’s standards for education, supervised experience, and examination. If your training and experience are substantially equivalent to New Mexico’s requirements, you’ll likely qualify for reciprocity. If there are gaps, you may need to complete additional training or supervised hours to meet the state’s standards.
Here’s the general process for out-of-state counselors seeking licensure in New Mexico:
- Contact the New Mexico Credentialing Board to request information about reciprocity and obtain the necessary application forms.
- Submit verification of your current license and credentials from your home state’s licensing board.
- Provide documentation of your education, supervised experience, and examination scores.
- Pay the application fee and any additional processing fees required by the board.
- Wait for the board to review your credentials and determine if you meet New Mexico’s standards or if additional requirements are needed.
The board evaluates each application individually, so timelines and requirements can vary. Some counselors receive approval relatively quickly, while others need to complete supplemental training or experience. If you’re planning to relocate to New Mexico, start the reciprocity process early to avoid gaps in your ability to work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a LADAC in New Mexico?
Can I work as an addiction counselor before getting my LADAC?
What’s the difference between LSAA and LADAC?
Do I need a specific degree to become a LADAC?
How much does the NCAC I exam cost?
What happens if I don’t pass the NCAC I exam?
Can I complete the 276 training hours online?
Is there a demand for addiction counselors in New Mexico?
Key Takeaways
- New Mexico offers two credential levels: LSAA for supervised practice (276 training hours + 3,000 supervised hours) and LADAC for independent practice (degree + 4,000-6,000 supervised hours + NCAC I exam).
- Higher education reduces supervised hour requirements: master’s degree requires 4,000 supervised hours, while associate/bachelor’s degrees require 6,000 hours.
- You can work as an addiction counselor while building supervised hours through the LSAA credential, earning income while gaining required experience.
- Timeline to LADAC licensure ranges from approximately 4 years (master’s degree pathway) to 6 years (associate/bachelor’s pathway) of supervised clinical practice.
- New Mexico participates in IC&RC reciprocity, which may allow licensed counselors from other states to transfer credentials without retaking all examinations.
- Job outlook is strong with 16% projected growth through 2032, driven by increased recognition of addiction treatment needs and expanded insurance coverage.
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Salary data sourced from the 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed December 2025.