Temporary mental health counselor licenses (LMHC) and associate marriage and family therapist licenses (LAMFT) shall be granted as follows:

1. A. Will be granted to individuals meeting all educational requirements for the license sought. The temporary license is intended to permit the licensee time to meet examination requirements for the license. The temporary license shall not be valid for more than one year and cannot be renewed. Individuals practicing under a temporary license shall not provide supervision.
2. B. A temporary license will be granted for a period not to exceed one year or for a period of time necessary for the board to ensure that the applicant has met licensure requirements as set out in that act.

3. C. The board will grant a temporary license and exam approval letter if the applicant has met the educational requirements for licensure in the given field being sought. If the applicant fails the required exam, the board shall re-issue another exam approval letter. The temporary license may be extended upon the following conditions:

   1. (1) After one year, the license may be extended upon the receipt of an extension request and a letter from the licensee’s supervisor detailing the plans to prepare the temporary license holder for the exam.
   2. (2) After two years, the license may be extended upon the receipt of an extension request, proof of enrollment in an exam preparation class specific to the requisite exam, and a letter from the licensee’s supervisor detailing the plans to prepare the temporary license holder for the exam.
4. D. The licensee may not practice when the temporary license expires. Should the applicant not pass the required exam within the three year temporary license period, the board office shall not issue another temporary license for that license type. The board office may however, issue further exam approval letters if the applicant pays the requisite fee.

5. E. Upon passing the requisite examination, the applicant holding the temporary LMHC or LAMFT shall be issued the LMHC or LAMFT license so that the applicant may continue to practice under supervision and acquire the requisite clinical hours and supervision for the independent license (LPCC, LMFT, LPAT, or LADAC).

   HISTORY OF 16.27.14 NMAC:

   Pre-NMAC History: The material in this part was derived from that previously filed with the State Records Center and Archives under:

   Rule 15, Temporary license, 3/20/1995

   HISTORY OF REPEALED MATERIAL:

   16 NMAC 27.15, Temporary License- Repealed 6/15/2001

[16.27.14.8 NMAC – Rp, 16 NMAC 27.15.8, 6/15/2001; A, 7/1/2004; A, 2/10/2006; A, 1/15/2007; A, 11/30/2021; A, 11/18/2025]