New Hampshire

Welcome to the New Hampshire Substance Abuse Counselor Certification Guide, your essential resource for navigating the path to becoming a certified addiction counselor in the Granite State. New Hampshire, like much of New England, has been hit hard by the opioid crisis, making the need for skilled addiction counselors more urgent than ever. As a certified counselor, you will be positioned to help individuals overcome their struggles with addiction and create lasting recovery.

This guide will cover the steps required to become certified in New Hampshire, from educational prerequisites to the application process, helping you understand everything you need to know to start or advance your career.

Why Become Certified in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire has one of the highest opioid overdose death rates in the country, with over 400 deaths reported in 2020 (New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, 2021). Alcohol and other drug addictions also remain significant public health challenges across the state. Certified substance abuse counselors are crucial in helping individuals break free from addiction and rebuild their lives.

Becoming certified as an addiction counselor in New Hampshire opens the door to a variety of career opportunities. Whether working in outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or community health programs, certified professionals are highly valued for their ability to provide life-saving treatment.

New Hampshire Certification Requirements

The certification process in New Hampshire is regulated by the New Hampshire Board of Licensing for Alcohol and Other Drug Use Professionals. The state offers several levels of certification, including the Certified Recovery Support Worker (CRSW) and the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC).

Educational Requirements

The education required for certification depends on the level you are pursuing:

• Certified Recovery Support Worker (CRSW): Requires a high school diploma or GED and 46 hours of addiction counseling education. This includes specific courses in ethics, communication skills, and recovery support.
• Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC): Requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant behavioral science field (such as counseling, psychology, or social work) and 270 hours of specialized alcohol and drug counseling education.

Tip:

Many institutions in New Hampshire, such as University of New Hampshire and Granite State College, offer degree programs that align with the educational requirements for certification.

Experience Requirements

In addition to meeting educational requirements, candidates must complete supervised clinical experience:

• CRSW: Requires 500 hours of supervised work in addiction counseling or peer recovery support, under the supervision of a certified professional.
• LADC: Requires 4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience in addiction counseling for individuals with a bachelor’s degree. Candidates with a master’s degree can reduce this requirement to 2,000 hours.

Practical Advice:

You can gain clinical experience through organizations such as Farnum Center, Keystone Hall, and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, which offer comprehensive addiction treatment and counseling services in New Hampshire.

Certification Exams

Once you have completed your education and clinical experience, the final step is passing the certification exam. New Hampshire uses the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) exam for both CRSW and LADC certifications.

• IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) Exam: This exam assesses your knowledge of addiction counseling techniques, ethics, client assessment, treatment planning, and recovery support.

Study Tips:

Leverage IC&RC-approved study guides and online practice exams to prepare for the exam. Many resources are available through the New Hampshire Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselors Association (NHADACA) and other local organizations that offer exam preparation workshops.

Application Process

Once you’ve met the educational, experience, and exam requirements, you can apply for certification through the New Hampshire Board of Licensing for Alcohol and Other Drug Use Professionals.

Steps to Apply:

1. Complete the Application: Download the appropriate certification application from the NH Board of Licensing website.
2. Submit Required Documentation: You will need to provide:
   • Official transcripts from your educational institution
   • Proof of completed supervised clinical hours
   • Exam results
3. Pay the Application Fee: Certification fees typically range from $100 to $300, depending on the certification level.
4. Submit the Application: Applications can be submitted online or by mail. Be sure to keep copies of all submitted materials for your records.

Renewal and Continuing Education

In New Hampshire, certification must be renewed every two years. To maintain your certification, you must complete continuing education hours focusing on addiction treatment and counseling.

• CRSW and LADC Renewal: Requires 40 hours of continuing education (CEUs) every two years, with at least 6 hours dedicated to ethics training. CEUs should cover advances in addiction treatment, clinical supervision, and mental health integration.

Organizations such as NHADACA, Dartmouth-Hitchcock, and local universities offer continuing education opportunities and annually host workshops, webinars, and seminars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does becoming a certified addiction counselor in New Hampshire take?
The time it takes depends on your education level. For those with a bachelor’s degree, completing the required supervised hours and passing the certification exam may take 2 to 4 years. For those with a master’s degree, the process typically takes 1 to 2 years after completing the degree.

Can I complete my certification education online?
Many accredited institutions offer online programs that meet New Hampshire’s educational requirements for addiction counselors. However, supervised clinical experience must be completed in person at an approved facility.

Is my New Hampshire certification transferable to other states?
Yes, New Hampshire participates in reciprocity agreements through IC&RC, meaning your certification can be transferred to other states that recognize IC&RC credentials. Be sure to check the specific requirements of the state you plan to move to.

What is the cost of certification in New Hampshire?
The cost of certification, including exam and application fees, typically ranges from $100 to $400, depending on the certification level. Renewal fees and continuing education costs will apply every two years.

How do I find a supervisor for my clinical hours?
Supervisors can be found through the New Hampshire Board of Licensing or by contacting local addiction treatment centers, hospitals, or community health organizations that offer substance abuse counseling services.

Additional Resources for New Hampshire Substance Abuse Counselors

• New Hampshire Board of Licensing for Alcohol and Other Drug Use Professionals
• IC&RC Exam Information
• New Hampshire Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselors Association (NHADACA)
• New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services – Substance Use Services

Mental Health and Addiction in New Hampshire

Mental health and addiction issues are often intertwined, and this is especially true in New Hampshire. According to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, nearly 50% of individuals seeking addiction treatment also experience co-occurring mental health disorders (NH DHHS, 2021). As a certified counselor, you will play a key role in addressing both addiction and mental health needs, helping your clients achieve long-term recovery.

Are you ready to become a Certified Recovery Support Worker (CRSW) or Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) in New Hampshire? Follow the steps in this guide to begin your certification journey and make a meaningful impact in your community.

For more information or to connect with other professionals, join our forum to share your experiences and gain support from fellow addiction counselors. Join the Forum.

Sources:

1. New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Report, 2021. Available at: NH DHHS Report.