CHAPTER Mhp 300  LICENSE AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS, APPLICATIONS AND FEES

 

PART Mhp 301  DEFINITIONS

 

          Mhp 301.01  Definitions.  The following terms shall have the meaning indicated when used in this chapter:

 

          (a)  “Applicant” means a person who seeks licensure as a mental health practitioner in New Hampshire;

 

          (b)  “Candidate for licensure” means a person, not licensed as a mental health practitioner, who is receiving post-graduate supervision in mental health practice in New Hampshire in order to meet the licensing requirements;

 

          (c)  “Face-to-face supervision” means being in the physical presence of individuals involved in the supervisory relationship during either individual or group supervision;

 

          (d)  “Group supervision” means one supervisor in the physical presence of 2 or more supervisees at the same time;

 

          (e)  “Individual supervision” means one supervisor in the physical presence of one supervisee; and

 

          (f)  “Mental health practitioner” means mental health practitioner as defined in RSA 330-A:2, VII.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Psy 100) #5675, eff 7-22-93; EXPIRED: 7-22-99

 

New.  #7625, eff 1-10-02, EXPIRED: 1-10-10

 

New.  #9854, eff 1-25-11; ss by #10857, eff 6-24-15

 

PART Mhp 302  APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

 

          Mhp 302.01  Pre-Licensure Supervised Practice.

 

          (a)  Prior to beginning supervised practice as required by RSA 330-A:22,  all candidates for licensure as a mental health practitioner and each supervisor shall complete, sign and submit the “Candidate for Licensure: Supervision Agreement” form dated 6/19/15. 

 

          (b)  The candidate shall supply the following:

 

(1)  Name;

 

(2)  Home address;

 

(3)  Email address;

 

(4)  Name of employer;

 

(5)  Employer address;

 

(6)  Place of employment;

 

(7)  Title at place of employment;

 

(8)  Supervisor’s name at place of employment;

 

(9)  Telephone number at home and place of employment;

 

(10)  Name of undergraduate school, type of degree granted, and date of degree;

 

(11)  Name of graduate school, and official transcript certified by a school official showing all coursework, type of degree granted, and date of degree;

 

(12)  A complete explanation of any “Yes” response to the following 5 questions as set forth on the “Candidate for Licensure: Supervision Agreement” form dated 6/19/2015:

 

a. “Have you ever had a malpractice claim against you within the previous 6 years, regardless of whether a lawsuit was filed in relation to the claim?;”

 

b.  “Do you have any complaints pending against a license or certificate in any state or jurisdiction, and if so, the details of the complaint?;”

 

c.  “Have you ever been denied a certificate or license you applied for, and if so, the name of the denying board, the date of the denial, and the reasons for denial?;”

 

d.  “As required by RSA 651:5 X, have you ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor (that has not been annulled)?  If so please state the name of the court, the details of the offense, the date of the conviction, and the sentence imposed.;” and

 

e.  “Have you ever had, or currently have an emotional disturbance or mental illness, an organic illness, or addictive disorder which impaired your ability to practice mental health counseling, and if so, the treatment received and the outcome of such treatment?”

 

(13)  Certification that:

 

a.  All pertinent information concerning all clients and their care in order to make informed, ethical and efficacious decisions for client care;

 

b.  All clinical activity is authorized by my supervisor;

 

c. All ethical dilemmas and practice issues will be resolved as directed by my Supervisor to the best of my ability;

 

d.  The candidate for licensure: supervision agreement does not remove any legal or civil responsibilities that I have for my actions related to this role;

 

e. All of the above statements, and all statements and information contained in this form are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief; and

 

f.  Acknowledgement  that the provision of false information on this form is a basis for denial of this application.

 

(14)  A written statement as to why there is a change in supervisor if the candidate already has an approved “Candidate for Licensure: Supervision Agreement” on file with the board.

 

          (c)  Supervisors of candidates shall supply the following information:

 

(1)  Name;

 

(2)  Business name and address;

 

(3)  Business telephone number;

 

(4)  Business email address;

 

(5)  Title at place of employment;

 

(6)  A certification that the supervisor has been licensed to practice mental health by the board or by the licensing board in another jurisdiction for a minimum of 2 years prior to the date supervision with the candidate is to commence,; or, for marriage and family therapists as allowed by Mhp 306.02 (a);

 

(7)  A certification that the supervisor holds a mental health practitioner license that is current, in good standing and does not have any restrictions;

 

(8)  A certification that the supervisor is licensed in the same profession for which the candidate seeks licensure;

 

(9)  A certification that the supervisor has successfully completed one of the following:

 

a.  A graduate level course in clinical supervision;

 

b.  A clinical supervision certificate approved by one of the following:

 

1.  American Association of Pastoral Counselors;

 

2.  National Association of Social Workers;

 

3.  American Mental Health Counselors Association; or

 

4.  American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy; or

 

c.  Twelve  continuing educations units (CEU’s) in clinical supervision prior to entering the supervision relationship meeting the requirement set forth in Mhp 402.02 (a)(1);

 

(10)  A response of “yes” or “no” to the question: “are you an employee of your supervisee’s clinical site?

 

(11)  If the answer is “no” to the question in (10) attach a written statement to the Candidate for Licensure: Supervision Agreement which addresses the following:

 

a.  Your relationship to the candidate’s employer/clinical site;

 

b.  A statement acknowledging you will provide supervision at the candidate’s place of employment/clinical site;

 

c.  A copy of a written agreement with the candidate’s employer that allows you to review records, files etc. at the supervisee’s place of employment/clinical site;

 

d.  A statement that you have knowledge of a candidate’s employer’s policies; and

 

e.  How any disagreements between the contracted supervisor and the agency supervisor will be resolved.

 

          (d)  The candidate and supervisor shall jointly supply the following information:

 

(1)  The proposed starting date of supervision;

 

(2)  The proposed completion date of supervision;

 

(3)  The frequency of individual face to face supervision;

 

(4)  The length of face to face supervision expressed in 60 minute hours; and

 

(5)  A statement describing the goals of the supervised practice in the areas of:

 

a.  Ethics specific to the profession;

 

b.  Diagnosis and assessment of mental health issues;

 

c.  Theoretical applications of treatment methods;

 

d.  Community resources available to the patient;

 

e.  Specific competence of the candidate to effect treatment; and

 

f.  Cross cultural issues.

 

          (e)  Each “Candidate for Licensure:Supervision Agreement” shall be accompanied by the applicable fee as set forth in Mhp 307.01 (f).

 

          (f)  The “Candidate for Licensure: Supervision Agreement” form shall:

 

(1)  Be typewritten or legibly printed;

 

(2)  Have all subsections complete or designated as not applicable to the applicant; and

 

(3)  Be signed by the applicant.

 

          (g)  Any “Candidate for Licensure: Supervision Agreement” form shall be returned to the applicant as incomplete if:

 

(1)  Any portion of the form is illegible;

 

(2)  Any section of the form is incomplete; or

 

(3)  The form is not signed where required by the applicant or other person who has completed that section.

 

          (h)  A “Candidate for Licensure: Supervision Agreement” shall be considered to be on file with the board as of the date the board has received:

 

(1)  A fully completed application form;

 

(2)  An official graduate school transcript in a signed, sealed envelope; and

 

(3)  Proof that the applicant’s check has been deposited and cleared, if applicable.

 

          (i)  Within 60 days of the date the “Candidate for Licensure: Supervision Agreement” is on file with the board, the board shall request the applicant to provide additional information or documentation determined to be needed to clarify the application or any materials related to the application.

 

          (j)  The board shall approve or deny the proposed “Candidate for Licensure: Supervision  Agreement” within a reasonable time, not to exceed 120 days from:

 

(1)  The date the application is on file with the board; or

 

(2)  The date of the response to a request pursuant to Mhp 302.01 (i).

 

          (k)  The “Candidate for Licensure: Supervision Agreement” shall be denied if:

 

(1)  The supervisor does not meet the requirements set forth in Mhp 302.01 (c)(6-10); 

 

(2)  The candidate does not meet the educational requirements of:

 

a.  Mhp 303.01 for pastoral psychotherapists;

 

b.  Mhp 304.01 for independent clinical social workers;

 

c.  Mhp 305.01 and Mhp 305.02 for clinical mental health counselors; or

 

d.  Mhp 306.01 for marriage and family therapists; or

 

(3)  The supervised practice takes place in a private practice setting. 

 

          (l)  If the application is denied, the applicant shall be provided an opportunity to request a hearing for reconsideration pursuant to Mhp 208.16 on the deficiency issues identified by the board.

 

          (m)  Any such request for a hearing shall be submitted to the board within 30 days from the date of the board’s notification of denial, failing which the denial shall be deemed final.

 

          (n)  Pursuant to RSA 330-A:22, IV, no hours of supervised practice shall be credited to the candidate until the “Candidate for Licensure Supervision Agreement”  has been approved by the board.

 

          (o)  The supervisor and the candidate for licensure shall notify the board, in writing, if any requirements contained in an approved “Candidate for Licensure Supervision Agreement” cannot be met, and may request the board:

 

(1)  To approve a new supervisor for the candidate, which shall be granted so long as the new proposed supervisor qualifies under the provision of this rule;

 

(2)  To terminate the agreement, which shall require the candidate to reinstitute the process of pre-licensure supervised practice from the beginning; or

 

(3)  Otherwise change a provision of the Agreement, which shall be granted so long as no proposed change results in a violation of RSA 330-A:22.

 

          (p)  A request to terminate or modify an approved “Candidate for Licensure Supervision Agreement” shall be approved or denied within a reasonable time, not to exceed 60 days from the date the request has been filed with the board.  If denied, the candidate may seek reconsideration or appeal as in (k) and (l) above.

 

          (q)  Approval of a “Candidate for Licensure: Supervision Agreement shall not guarantee licensure.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Psy 100) #5675, eff 7-22-93; EXPIRED: 7-22-99

 

New.  #7625, eff 1-10-02, EXPIRED: 1-10-10

 

New.  #9854, eff 1-25-11; ss by #10857, eff 6-24-15; amd by #11076, eff 4-19-16

 

          Mhp 302.02  Character Qualifications.

 

          (a)  No application for licensure as a mental health practitioner shall be approved if the applicant is not of good character.

 

          (b)  For the purpose of this subdivision a lack of good character shall be shown by one or more of the following:

 

(1)  A finding by the board that the applicant, or someone acting on the applicant’s behalf, has submitted materially false information to the board in connection with the applicant;

 

(2)  The presence of any complaints pending against a license or certificate issued by another licensing body or professional association, indicating that  the applicant cannot be relied upon to practice competently, safely and honestly, or adhere to the ethical standards required by Mhp 501.02;

 

(3)  Receipt of evidence of denial of a requested license or certificate by another licensing body or professional association;

 

(4)  Receipt of evidence that the applicant cannot be relied upon to practice competently, safely and honestly or adhere to the ethical standards required by Mhp 501.02 due to:

 

a.  Conviction of a felony or misdemeanor crime; or

 

b.  Any charge of felony or misdemeanor criminal conduct which has been filed with a court, but has not yet been finally resolved by a dismissal or judgment of  “not guilty”;

 

(5)  Receipt of evidence of past or pending civil suits alleging malpractice, professional incompetence, or negligence, indicating that the applicant cannot be relied upon to practice competently, safely, and honestly; and.

 

(6)  Receipt of evidence of a past or current emotional disturbance, mental illness, organic illness, or addictive disorder which impaired or presently impairs the ability of the candidate to serve as a mental health practitioner, provided that evidence of a positive outcome of treatment for a past disorder shall be considered to determine whether the applicant is presently of good character.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Psy 100) #5675, eff 7-22-93; EXPIRED: 7-22-99

 

New.  #7625, eff 1-10-02, EXPIRED: 1-10-10

 

New.  #9854, eff 1-25-11; ss by #10857, eff 6-24-15 (from Mhp 302.01)

 

          Mhp 302.03  Application Process.

 

        (a)  Persons wishing to obtain licensure as a mental health practitioner in New Hampshire shall apply to the board by submitting the following:

 

(1)  An application on a form provided by the board, which contains the information: specified by Mhp 302.03 (b);

 

(2)  Supporting documents required of the applicant, as specified in Mhp 302.03 (c);

 

(3)  An original, not a photocopy, of a criminal offender record report that is issued by each state     where the applicant has resided or been licensed within the past 5 years: 

 

a.  Covering the applicant under his or her current legal name and any other names used during the reporting period; and

 

b.  Dated within the 6 months preceding the application for licensure.

 

(4)  A 2 inch by 2 inch passport quality photograph taken within 90 days of the date of the application;

 

(5)  The results of the examination required to achieve licensure, namely:

 

a.  The National Pastoral Counselor Exam;

 

b.  The American Association of State Social Work Boards, Clinical Level Exam;

 

c.  The National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam; or

 

d.  The National Exam of the Association for Marriage and Family Regulatory Boards; and

 

(6)  The application review fee as required by Mhp 307.01 (a).

 

        (b)  The applicant shall supply the following information on or with the application form:

 

(1)  Name, as it should appear on the license;

 

(2)  Any other name used, if different from (1) above;

 

(3)  Street and mailing address;

 

(4)  Place of current employment, with business address;

 

(5)  Personally identifying information of the applicant, to include:

 

a.  Height;

 

b.  Weight;

 

c.  Hair color;

 

d.  Eye color;

 

e.  Birthplace;

 

f.  Date of birth;

 

g.  Sex;

 

h.  Social security number, pursuant to RSA 161-B:11, VII-a; and

 

i.  Personal email address;

 

(6)  All places in residence for the 5 years prior to the date of the application;

 

(7)  An original certified transcript, signed and sealed by the school, of both the undergraduate and graduate courses taken by the applicant,; showing dates of attendance, courses taken, grades and class hours earned, programs completed and degrees awarded by colleges and universities attended;

 

(8)  The status of any current or former license or certificate to engage in mental health practice in New Hampshire, any other state, or any other jurisdiction based upon the answers to questions on:

 

a.  The withdrawal or failure to proceed with an application;

 

b.  A denial, revocation, suspension, surrender, reduction, probationary limitation, or non-renewal of such license or certificate;

 

c.  Claims of violation of ethical standards, professional misconduct, incompetence, or negligence in such practice; or

 

d.  Entry of a consent decree regarding a license or certificate which results in any limitation on the scope of mental health practice in that jurisdiction;

 

(9)  Information provided by the applicant regarding:

 

a.  Any privileges to practice with any provider group, hospital, health maintenance organization, or any other medical or clinical staff; or

 

b.  Whether the applicant has been the subject of an individual focused review by a professional review organization, or a similar agency.

 

(10)  Information provided by the applicant regarding:

 

a.  Any conviction for any felony or misdemeanor level criminal offense in any jurisdiction;

 

b.  Any finding or entry of judgment for a violation level offense regarding controlled substances or alcohol; or

 

c.  The entry of a judgment, whether after trial or by entry of a settlement agreement, involving claims or professional liability for mental health practice.

 

        (c)  Each application form shall be accompanied by the following supporting documentation:

 

(1)  A “Summary of Supervised Clinical Experience” form, in which the applicant shall report:

 

a.  The start and end date of post graduate supervision;

 

b.  The name of the facility where clinical work was performed;

 

c.  The name of the supervisor;

 

d.  The total hours of face to face supervision received; 

 

e.  The total hours of clinical experience obtained;

 

f.  The total hours of supervised clinical experience;

 

(2)  The “Supervisor’s Confirmation of Clinical Experience Form” in which the supervisor shall report:

 

a.  The dates of supervised clinical experience;

 

b.  Hours of face to face supervision;

 

c.  A description of the supervisory methods used, and the types of issues dealt with during supervision;

 

d.  A description of the type of work performed by the applicant; and

 

e.  A description of the quality of work performed by the applicant;

 

(3)  Three separate and distinct “Professional Reference Forms", each signed by a person providing a reference, at least one of which is from a supervisor and the form shall:

 

a.  Contain the signature of the applicant, providing a release to the reference to release all pertinent information concerning the applicant to the board;

 

b.  Contain the name and address and signature of the reference;

 

c.  Contain the professional relationship to the applicant, including the licensed status and license number of the reference;

 

d.  Contain the length of time the reference has known the applicant;

 

e.  Contain a description of the reference’s knowledge of the applicant’s professional and ethical behavior;

 

f.  Contain the name of organization and title of the applicant’s position when the reference worked with the applicant;

 

g.  Contain a description of the applicant’s duties and responsibilities;

 

h.  Specify any area where the applicant has a specialty;

 

i.  Specify whether the reference will attest and certify that the applicant is of good moral character, as defined in Mhp 302.02, and if not, the reasons supporting that conclusion; and

 

j.  Specify whether the reference will make no recommendation of licensure, or will recommend licensure “without reservation”, or “with reservation”.  If  “with reservation”, the applicant shall have the opportunity to set forth in writing the reasons behind that conclusion.

 

        (d)  The application form and supporting documentation shall:

 

(1)  Be typewritten or legibly printed;

 

(2) Have all sections complete or designated as not applicable to the applicant; and

 

(3)  Be signed by the applicant.

 

        (e)  Any application form, shall be returned to the applicant as incomplete if:

 

(1)  Any portion of the form is illegible;

 

(2)  Any section of the form is incomplete; or

 

(3) The form is not signed where required by the applicant or other person who has completed that section.

 

        (f)  An application shall be considered to be on file with the board as of the date the board has received:

 

(1)  A fully completed application form;

 

(2)  All required supporting documentation specified in 302.03; and

 

(3)  Proof that the applicant’s check has been deposited and cleared, if applicable.

 

        (g)  Within 60 days of the date the application is on file with the board, the board shall request the applicant to provide additional information or documentation determined to be needed to clarify the application or any materials related to the application.

 

        (h)  The board shall approve or deny the application within a reasonable time, not to exceed 120 days from:

 

(1)  The date the application is on file with the board; or

 

(2)  The date of the response to a request pursuant to Mhp 302.02 (e).

 

          (i)  If the application is denied, the applicant shall be provided an opportunity to request a hearing for reconsideration pursuant to Mhp 208.16 on the deficiency issues identified by the board.

 

          (j)  Any such request for a hearing shall be submitted to the board within 30 days from the date of the board’s notification of denial, failing which the denial shall be deemed final.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Psy 100) #5675, eff 7-22-93; EXPIRED: 7-22-99

 

New.  #7625, eff 1-10-02, EXPIRED: 1-10-10

 

New.  #9854, eff 1-25-11; ss by #10857, eff 6-24-15 (formerly Mhp 301.03)

 

     Mhp 302.04  Application Process for Those Licensed in Another State.

 

(a)  Persons who wish to apply for a license as a pastoral psychotherapist and are already licensed in another state shall:

 

(1)  Submit an application as required in Mhp 302.03;

 

(2)  Pass the written examination required in Mhp 303.05;

 

(3)  Pass the oral examination required in Mhp 303.06;

 

(4)  Meet the educational requirements in Mhp 303.02;

 

(5)  Meet the coursework requirements in Mhp 303.03;

 

(6)  Meet the supervision requirements in Mhp 303.04; and

 

(7)  Pay the fee required in Mhp 307.01 (a).

 

          (b)  Persons who wish to apply for a license as an independent clinical social worker and are already licensed in another state shall:

 

(1)  Submit an application as required in Mhp 302.03;

 

(2)  Pass the Association of Social Work Boards clinical level examination;

 

(3)  Meet the educational requirements in Mhp 304.01 (a):

 

(4)  Meet the coursework requirements in Mhp 304.01 (b);

 

(5)  Meet the supervision requirements in Mhp 304.02; and

 

(6)  Pay the fee required in Mhp 307.01 (a).

 

          (c)  Persons who wish to apply for a license as a clinical mental health counselor and are already licensed in another state shall:

 

(1)  Submit an application as required in Mhp 302.03;

 

(2)  Pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination;

 

(3)  Meet the educational requirements in Mhp 305.01;

 

(4)  Meet the course requirements in Mhp 305.02;

 

(5)  Meet the supervision requirements in Mhp 305.03; and

 

(6)  Pay the fee required in Mhp 307.01 (a).

 

          (d)  Persons who wish to apply for a license as a marriage and family therapist and are already licensed in another state shall:

 

(1)  Submit an application as required in Mhp 302.03;

 

(2)  Pass the exam required in Mhp 306.03;

 

(3)  Meet the educational requirements required in Mhp 306.01;

 

(4)  Meet the coursework required in Mhp 306.01 (b);

 

(5)  Meet the supervision required in Mhp 306.02; and

 

(6)  Pay the fee required in Mhp 307.01 (a).

 

          (e)  Complete applications that are submitted pursuant to (a)-(d) above and received by the board at least 10 business days prior to a regularly scheduled meeting shall be reviewed by the board at that meeting. 

 

          (f)  The board shall review applications submitted under (a)-(d) above in accordance with Mhp 302.03 (g) – (j).

 

          (g) Notwithstanding (f) above, pursuant to RSA 330-A:26, II any applicant seeking  licensure under this section shall be deemed able to practice in New Hampshire not more than 60 days after the completed application is received by the board and  while final approval or denial by the board is pending.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Psy 100) #5675, eff 7-22-93; EXPIRED: 7-22-99

 

New.  #7625, eff 1-10-02, EXPIRED: 1-10-10

 

New.  #9854, eff 1-25-11; ss by #10857, eff 6-24-15 (formerly Mhp 301.05); amd by #12571, eff 7-4-18

 

PART Mhp 303  PASTORAL PSYCHOTHERAPISTS

 

         Mhp 303.01  Educational Requirements for Pastoral Psychotherapists.

 

         (a)  All applicants for licensure shall:

 

(1)  Have met the standards as defined by RSA 330-A:17, I – X;

 

(2)  Hold the following degrees:

 

a.  A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university;

 

b.  A Master of Divinity degree from a school of theology accredited by the American Association of Theological Schools or have met the theological body of knowledge as defined by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors as of December 31, 2015 and approved by the New Hampshire Pastoral Psychotherapists Association, available as noted in Appendix II; and

 

c.  A doctoral degree in pastoral psychotherapy or psychology and clinical studies based on a program the content of which was primarily psychology, pastoral counseling or psychotherapy and clinical studies, or its equivalent in both subject matter and extent of training; and

 

(2)  Be authorized by a denomination or faith group through ordination, consecration, endorsement or equivalent means to exercise specific religious leadership and services within and on behalf of the denomination or faith group.

 

          (b)  Course work content for the post-graduate degree shall be primarily related to pastoral psychotherapy, psychology and/or counseling.

 

          (c)  The equivalent of one academic year of post-graduate study in pastoral counseling shall be completed in residence at the institution granting the doctorate degree, meaning:

 

(1)  The predominant modality shall be face-to-face instruction;

 

(2)  Advising and evaluation shall be done face-to-face;

 

(3)  Students shall have face-to-face access to a core pastoral counseling faculty who have time and employment responsibilities to the institution; and

 

(4)  Students shall have face-to-face access to other students matriculated in the program.

 

          (d)  The following areas of study shall be included as components of this academic program:

 

(1)  Theories of personality and personality development;

 

(2)  Interpersonal relations;

 

(3)  Marriage and family dynamics;

 

(4)  Group dynamics;

 

(5)  Personality and culture;

 

(6)  Psychopathology;

 

(7)  Psychology of religious experience;

 

(8)  Theories of counseling and psychotherapy;

 

(9)  Personality assessment and statistics;

 

(10)  Theories of the pastoral office, including the history and theory of pastoral care;

 

(11)  Research methods,

 

(12)  Models of integration of psychology and spirituality; and

 

(13)  Orientation to the helping professions and ethics.

 

Source.  (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Psy 100) #5675, eff 7-22-93; EXPIRED: 7-22-99

 

New.  #7625, eff 1-10-02, EXPIRED: 1-10-10

 

New.  #9854, eff 1-25-11; ss by #10857, eff 6-24-15 (formerly Mhp 302.07); amd by #12153, eff 3-25-17

 

          Mhp 303.02  Practical Experience for Pastoral Psychotherapists.

 

          (a)  Applicants shall have completed 2 years of supervised experience in pastoral psychotherapy.

 

          (b)  A year of experience shall be not less than 1500 hours.

 

          (c)  Of the 3000 hours, at least 1375 shall be clinical counseling hours, with at least 250 hours of individual face-to-face supervision.

 

         (d)  The applicant shall give evidence of satisfactory completion of one unit of CPE accredited by the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education or a unit of training approved by the New Hampshire Pastoral Psychotherapists Association.

 

         (e)  Supervision shall be done by at least 2 different New Hampshire state approved supervisors, at least one of whom shall be a licensed pastoral psychotherapist.

 

          (f)  The supervised experience shall begin following the completion of the academic/coursework portion of the postgraduate studies in pastoral counseling.

 

          (g)  The supervised experience shall be adequately divided to assure competence in intake and referral consultation, as well as individual, group, marriage, divorce, and family therapy.

 

          (h)  Supervised experience shall not include class work, practicum experience, or other course-related experiences.

 

          (i)  Supervisors shall not have a personal relationship with the supervisee such as a spouse/civil union partner, close relative, or therapist.

 

          (j)  Independent private practice shall not be considered supervised professional experience.

 

          (k)  Additional supervision may be purchased by a supervisee in order to meet the requirements of Mhp 303.02 (e).

 

Source.  #10857, eff 6-24-15 (formerly Mhp 302.09); amd by #12153, eff 3-25-17

 

     Mhp 303.03  Written Examination Requirements for Pastoral Psychotherapists.

 

(a)  All applicants shall pass the New Hampshire Pastoral Psychotherapist Examination.

 

          (b)  Applicants needing to take the pastoral psychotherapist examination shall obtain registration information by calling the board office.

 

          (c)  Applicants who fail the exam shall be permitted to retake the exam 6 months after the date of the initial exam provided they notify the board in writing of their wish to do so.

 

Source.  #10857, eff 6-24-15 (formerly Mhp 302.11)

 

          Mhp 303.04  Oral Examination Requirements for Pastoral Psychotherapists.

 

          (a)  Once the applicant has passed the written New Hampshire Pastoral Psychotherapist Examination, he or she shall sit for the oral examination.  The time and place for the oral examination shall be arranged by mutual consent of the applicant and the examiners.  A passing grade shall be based on the applicant’s ability to clearly articulate by way of case presentation the items detailed in (c) below.

 

          (b)  Applicants shall be examined orally by the pastoral psychotherapist board member, 2 additional licensed pastoral psychotherapists, and any NH licensed mental health professional all of which have been selected by the board for the purpose and function to inquire extensively into areas of professional competency specified in (c) below.

 

          (c)  Through an oral exam an applicant shall be able to:

 

(1)  State the conceptual model from which he or she understands the dynamics of personality and interpersonal relationships and show familiarity with at least some of the other principal models, which he/she does not use;

 

(2)  Demonstrate familiarity with the major contributions to the literature in this professional field, and be able to discuss the writings of several of the leading authors in the field;

 

(3)  Describe the therapeutic methodology he/she may employ with various representative types of cases;

 

(4)  Give evidence of insight into his/her own psychological dynamics by being able to articulate how and when such dynamics are at work;

 

(5)  Give evidence of being able to articulate religious and spiritual issues as they apply to the psychotherapeutic process; and

 

(6)  Present a plan for how and when she or he will use peer relationships to gain ongoing insight into the work of pastoral psychotherapy and to insure that she or he does not practice in isolation.

 

          (d)  The examining committee shall submit a written recommendation to the full board for its determination as to whether the applicant meets the requirements of Mhp 303.06 (c) (1-6).

 

Source.  #10857, eff 6-24-15 (formerly Mhp 302.11)

 

PART Mhp 304  CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS

 

          Mhp 304.01  Educational Requirements for Clinical Social Workers.

 

        (a)  All applicants for licensure shall have a 2-year clinical graduate degree in social work from a school approved by the Council on Social Work Education.

 

          (b)  Course work for a graduate degree in social work shall be primarily related to clinical social work in content as evidenced by at least 5 of the following areas of study:

 

(1)  Theories of personality development, ego psychology, object relations, human behavior and social environment;

 

(2)  Methods of casework or clinical interventions, social work practice and direct practice;

 

(3)  Theories of cross-cultural development, and race relations;

 

(4)  Marriage and family dynamics, family systems, and therapy with children;

 

(5)  Group behavior and dynamics;

 

(6)  Theories of psychopathology, adaptive, and maladaptive functioning;

 

(7)  Chemical dependency and substance abuse;

 

(8)  Research methods, including policy practice evaluation; and

 

(9)  Internship in a clinical setting, and field placement.

 

Source.  #10857, eff 6-24-15 (formerly Mhp 302.12)

 

          Mhp 304.02  Practical Experience Requirements for Social Workers.

 

        (a)  Applicants shall have completed 2 years of post-masters supervised clinical work experience as follows:

 

(1)  A year of supervised clinical work experience shall be at least 1500 clock hours to have been completed within not less than 12 months and not more than 24 months, for a total of 3000 hours of work experience; and

 

(2)  The supervision shall have included a minimum of one hour per week of individual face-to-face supervision between the supervisor and the applicant for a total of 100 hours.

 

        (b)  Acceptable clinical supervised experience shall require direct, formal contact with a supervisor who is responsible for the clinical development and guidance of the supervisee and is familiar with the supervisee’s work and organized setting.

 

        (c)  Acceptable clinical supervised experience shall comply with the following:

 

(1)  The supervision shall be from a licensed independent clinical social worker;

 

(2)  If the supervision occurred prior to certification or licensing of clinical social workers, the supervisor shall be certified by the Academy of Clinical Social Workers;

 

(3)  The supervisor shall be licensed in the state where the supervision takes place;

 

(4)  The supervision shall occur on site where the applicant delivers services and be provided by   someone who is familiar with the applicant’s work;

 

(5)  Supervised experience shall not include class work, practicum experience, or other course-related experiences;

 

(6)  The supervisee shall not utilize his or her own independent private practice as an acceptable setting for supervised paid clinical work experience; and

 

(7)  The supervisor shall not have a dual relationship with the supervisee such as a spouse/civil union partner, close relative, and therapist.

 

Source.  #10857, eff 6-24-15 (from Mhp 302.14)

 

          Mhp 304.03  Examination for Social Workers.

 

        (a)  All applicants for licensure shall pass the clinical level exam distributed by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).

 

        (b)  The following shall be submitted as evidence of a passing score on the ASWB clinical level examination:

 

(1)  Written verification from ASWB sent to the board office; or

 

(2)  A “request for results of examination score form” completed by another jurisdiction and sent to the board office.

 

          (c)  Applicants wishing to take the clinical level exam shall complete and file a “Request To Sit For ASWB Clinical Exam Form” dated 6/10/14.

 

Source.  #10857, eff 6-24-15 (from Mhp 302.15)

 

PART Mhp 305  MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS

 

          Mhp  305.01  Educational Requirements for Mental Health Counselors.

 

           (a)  Applicants shall have a 60 semester hour master’s or doctoral degree in clinical mental health counseling from a Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredited institution pursuant to  RSA 330-A:19 unless approved otherwise in (b) below.

 

           (b)  An applicant who did not attend a CACREP accredited institution may apply for licensure if:

 

(1)  He or she has been granted a master’s degree, with a minimum of 60 credit hours, in clinical mental health counseling, or a doctoral degree in clinical mental health counseling from a school which is a regionally accredited institution of education; and

 

(2)  The degree granted in (1) above shall consist of a course of study, which encompasses a minimum of 2 academic years, 4 semesters, of full time graduate study; and

 

(3)  The master’s or doctoral program shall:

 

a.  Be described as a complete 60 or more credit hour program in clinical mental  health counseling in catalogues and brochures;

 

b.  Specify the intent to educate and train counselors in mental health counseling;

 

c.  Have clear authority and primary responsibility for the core and specialty areas;

 

d.  Have an integrated, organized, sequence of study;

 

e.  Have an identifiable body of students who are matriculated in that program for a    degree; and

 

f.  Include at least 700 hours of supervised practicum and/or internship appropriate to mental health counseling.

 

           (c)  Until December 31, 2021 an applicant who has been granted a degree in mental health counseling based upon a program consisting of at least 48 credit hours, shall not be licensed unless additional graduate credit hours of instruction are obtained to meet the 60 credit hour degree requirement of RSA 330-A:19. 

 

           (d)  These additional credits shall be:

 

(1)  Obtained from one institution, which is a regionally accredited institution of higher education;

 

(2)  From an organized program that is clearly defined as a mental health counseling program in catalogues and brochures;

 

(3)  From areas relevant to clinical mental health counseling; and

 

(4)  When combined with credits from the master’s degree as granted meets all 11 substantive areas listed in Mhp 305.02 (a).

 

Source.  #10857, eff 6-24-15 (from Mhp 302.16)

 

          Mhp 305.02  Courses Required for Mental Health Counselors.

 

           (a)  The 60 semester hour degree in mental health counseling shall include coursework consisting of at least 33 semester hours from the following 11 areas:

 

(1)  Human growth and development;

 

(2)  Abnormal psychology/psychopathology;

 

(3)  Clinical counseling theories;

 

(4)  Clinical counseling techniques;

 

(5)  Social and cultural foundations;

 

(6)  Group work;

 

(7)  Professional orientation and ethics of mental health counseling;

 

(8)  Career and lifestyle development;

 

(9)  Testing and assessment;

 

(10) Research and program evaluation; and

 

(11)  Addictive behaviors.

 

Source.  #10857, eff 6-24-15 (from Mhp 302.17)

 

          Mhp 305.03  Practical Experience for Mental Health Counselors.

 

          (a)  Applicants shall have completed at least 2 years of post-master’s or doctoral supervised clinical work experience in a mental health setting.

 

          (b)  A year of supervised clinical work experience shall not be less than 1500 clock hours, which have been completed within not less than 12 months and not more than 24 consecutive months.

 

          (c)  The supervision shall have provided for a minimum of one hour per week of individual face-to-face supervision between the supervisor and the applicant for a total of 100 hours.

 

          (d)  Acceptable clinical supervised experience shall require direct, formal contact with a supervisor who is responsible for the clinical development and guidance of the supervisee and is familiar with the supervisee’s work and organizational setting.

 

          (e)  Supervision shall be provided by a licensed clinical mental health counselor.

 

          (f)  The supervisor shall be licensed in the state where the supervision takes place.

 

          (g)  Supervision shall occur on site where the applicant delivers services and be provided by someone who is familiar with the applicant’s work.

 

          (h)  Supervised experience shall not include class work, practicum experience or other course related experiences.

 

          (i)  Supervisors shall not have a dual relationship with the supervisee such as a spouse/civil union partner, close relative, or therapist.

 

          (j)  Independent private practice shall not be considered acceptable supervised professional experience.

 

Source.  #10857, eff 6-24-15 (from Mhp 302.18)

 

          Mhp 305.04  Examination for Mental Health Counselors.

 

          (a)  All applicants for licensure shall pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam distributed by the National Board of Certified Counselors.

 

          (b)  The following shall be submitted as evidence of a passing score on the national clinical mental health counselor examination:

 

(1)  Written verification from the national board of certified counselors sent to the board office; or

 

(2)  A “Request for Results of Examinations score Form” dated 6/10/2014 completed by another jurisdiction and sent directly to the board office.

 

          (c)  Applicants wishing to take the national clinical mental health counselor exam shall obtain a test registration form by contacting the National Board for Certified Counselors.

 

Source.  #10857, eff 6-24-15 (from Mhp 302.19)

 

PART Mhp 306  MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS

 

          Mhp 306.01  Educational Requirements for Marriage and Family Therapists.

 

          (a)  Applicants for licensure shall:

 

(1)  Have a 2 year master’s degree or a doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education;

 

(2)  Have a 2 year master’s degree or a doctoral degree in a mental health field from a regionally accredited institution and have completed a post-graduate training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy education; or

 

(3)  Have a 2 year master’s degree or a doctoral degree with a concentration in marriage and family therapy from a regionally accredited institution.

 

          (b)  Applicants that have a degree with a concentration in marriage and family therapy as noted in Mhp 306.01 (a)(3) shall complete the following coursework:

 

(1)  At least 3 courses in marital and family studies, family development and family interaction patterns across the life cycle of the individual as well as the family chosen from the following subject areas:

 

a.  Family life cycle;

 

b.  Theories of family development;

 

c.  Marriage and/or family sociology of the family;

 

d.  Families under stress;

 

e.  The contemporary family;

 

f.  Family in a social context;

 

g.  The cross/cultural family;

 

h.  Youth, adult, aging and the family;

 

i.  Family subsystems; and

 

j.  Individual, interpersonal relationships, such as marital, parental, sibling;

 

(2)  The completion of at least 3 courses in marital and family therapy chosen from the following subject areas:

 

a.  Family therapy methodology;

 

b.  Family assessment;

 

c.  Treatment and intervention methods; and

 

d. Overview of major clinical theories of marital and family therapy such as communications theory, contextual theory, experiential theory, object relations theory, strategic theory, structural theory, systemic theory, and transgenerational theory;

 

(3)  The completion of one course in diagnosis;

 

(4)  The completion of at least 3 courses in human development chosen from the following subject areas:

 

a.  Human development;

 

b.  Personality theory;

 

c.  Human sexuality;

 

d.  Psychopathology; and

 

e.  Behavior-pathology;

 

(5)  The completion of at least one course in professional studies chosen from the following subject areas:

 

a.  Professional socialization and the role of the professional organization;

 

b.  Legal responsibilities and liabilities;

 

c.  Independent practice and interprofessional cooperation;

 

d.  Ethics; and

 

e.  Family law; and

 

(6)  The completion of at least one course in research chosen from the following subject areas:

 

a.  Research design;

 

b.  Methods;

 

c.  Statistics; and

 

d.  Research in marital and family studies and therapy.

 

          (c)  The applicant shall have completed at least a one-year practicum/internship supervised by an AAMFT approved supervisor prior to the completion of the master’s degree.  This experience shall total a minimum of 300 hours of face-to-face client contact hours with individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of assessment, diagnosis and treatment.  At least half of these client contact hours shall have been completed with couples and families.

 

          (d)  A minimum of one academic year of full-time academic graduate study in marriage and family therapy shall be completed in residence at the institution granting the degree.

 

          (e)  Whether graduate study was completed in residence shall be determined based on criteria which include the following:

 

(1)  Predominant modality shall be face-to-face instruction;

 

(2)  Advising and evaluation shall be done face-to-face;

 

(3)  Students shall have face-to-face access to a core of marriage and family counseling faculty whose primary time and employment responsibilities are to the institution; and

 

(4)  Students shall have face-to-face access to other students matriculated in the program.

 

Source.  #10857, eff 6-24-15 (formerly Mhp 302.20)

 

          Mhp  306.02  Post-Graduate Practical Experience for Marriage and Family Therapists.

 

          (a)  All applicants shall have completed at least 2 years of supervised experience in the practice of marriage and family therapy with a minimum of one hour per week of individual face-to-face supervision by a psychologist, clinical mental health counselor, independent clinical social worker, pastoral psychotherapist or marriage and family therapist licensed in the state where the supervision takes place.

 

          (b)  A year of experience shall not be less than 1500 hours, to have been completed within not less than 12 and not more than 24 consecutive calendar months.  The post-graduate experience shall total 3000 hours of experience.

 

          (c)  As part of the 3000 hours, all applicants shall have completed 1000 hours of supervised face-to-face clinical client contact hours with individuals, couples and families.

 

          (d)  For the 1000 hours of face-to-face contact hours required by Mhp 306.02 (c), all applicants shall have 200 hours of face-to-face supervision from an American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy approved supervisor or American Association of Marriage for Family Therapy approved alternate supervisor.

 

          (e)  Applicants who do not work under the supervision of an AAMFT approved supervisor or approved alternate supervisor may contract for outside supervision in order to meet the requirements in Mhp 306.02 (d) as follows:

 

(1)  The outside supervisor and the supervisee’s place of employment shall complete a contract stating:

 

a.  The nature of their relationship:

 

b.  The outside supervisor’s regular access to case documentation;

 

c.  Communication procedures and frequency between the outside supervisor and the on-site supervisor;

 

d.  Steps to be taken by the supervisee and each supervisor during client emergency situations;

 

e.  Decision-making authority of supervisors; and

 

f.  The approved AAMFT supervisor or approved alternate supervisor shall visit the candidate’s worksite at least twice annually;

 

(2)  This contract, in “(1)” above, shall be filed with the Supervisory Agreement; and 

 

(3)  Both individual and group supervision hours shall be acceptable as follows: 

 

a.  Individual supervision shall be face-to-face contact between one supervisor and up to 2 supervisees; and. 

 

b.  Group supervision shall be face-to-face contact between one supervisor and up to 6 supervisees.

 

          (f)  Graduates of master’s and doctoral programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) may use up to 100 hours of their pre-degree supervision towards the requirement in Mhp 306.02 (d).  Graduates of COAMFTE programs may also use up to a total of 500 face-to-face client contact hours earned during their graduate program towards the requirement in Mhp 306.02 (d).  Students in MFT doctoral programs who have a qualifying master’s degree may use practicum and internship experience and supervision in the doctoral program toward these requirements.

 

          (g)  Independent private practice shall not be considered supervised professional experience.

 

          (h)  Supervisors shall not have a dual relationship with the supervisee such as a spouse/civil union partner, close relative, or therapist.

 

          (i)  Alternative supervisors for both pre-graduation and post-graduate experience shall meet the following requirements:

 

(1)  Have a graduate degree in couple/marriage and family therapy or related mental health discipline;

 

(2)  Hold a NH license in a mental health profession;

 

(3)  Have taken 5 graduate courses or taught couple/marital and family therapy within or after the mental health professional degree used to qualify for licensure in NH as follows:

 

a.  Four of the 5 graduate courses shall be clinical couples/marriage and family therapy theory courses or courses applying family therapy to a population or problem type;

 

b.  One course in ethics; and

 

c.  A course is a 3-credit semester system or a 4-credit quarter system course or 100 continuing education units post graduate degree taken or taught in marital and family therapy workshops or seminars;

 

(4)  Two years of full-time clinical experience post-licensure; and

 

(5)  The 30-hour full AAMFT Approved Supervisor Training Course.

 

Source.  #10857, eff 6-24-15 (formerly Mhp 302.22)

 

     Mhp 306.03  Examination Procedures for Marriage and Family Therapists.

 

          (a)  Applicants for licensure shall pass the national examination in marital and family therapy distributed by the Association of Marital and Family Regulatory boards.

 

          (b)  Applicants for licensure who wish to take the exam shall contact the board in writing to indicate a desire to sit for the exam.  No form shall be required for this purpose.

 

Source.  #10857, eff 6-24-15 (formerly Mhp 302.23)

 

PART Mhp  307  FEES

 

          Mhp  307.01  Fee Schedule.  The fees required by the board under RSA 330-A shall be as follows:

 

(a)  License application review

$150.00

(b)  Approved license application fee

$135.00

(c)  Renewal fee for 2 years

$270.00

(d)  Renewal fee for dual license

$350.00

(e)  Inactive fee for one year

$  67.50

(f)  Candidate Agreement review

$  25.00

(g)  License replacement

$  10.00

(h)  Reinstatement fee

$300.00

(i)  Letter of good standing

$   25.00

(j)  Bill of Rights – additional copy

$  10.00

(k)  License verification

$  10.00

(l)  Wall license replacement

$  10.00

(m)  Electronic mailing list of licensees

$  25.00

 

Source.  #10857, eff 6-24-15 (from Mhp 303.01)

 

 

APPENDIX

 

Rule

Statute Implemented

 

 

Mhp 301.01

RSA 330-A:I

Mhp 302.01

RSA 330-A:22

Mhp 302.01 (a), (b), (c), (k), & (q)

RSA 330-A:22

Mhp 302.02-302.03

RSA 330-A:17 - 21

Mhp 302.04(e)-(g)

RSA 330-A:26

Mhp 303.01-303.04

RSA 330-A:17 I-XI

Mhp 303.01 (a)

RSA 330-A:17, III, XI

Mhp 303.02 (d)-(e)

RSA 330-A:17, V

Mhp 304.01 – 304.13

RSA 330-A:18 I-IV

Mhp 305.01 – 305.03

RSA 330-A:19 I-III