License Finder

Pastoral Psychotherapists are clergy persons with graduate training enabling them to provide psychotherapy, marital, and family therapy. Some also offer group therapy and sex therapy.

Legislation: NH RSA 330-A:17; Administrative Rules Chapter Mhp 100-500

Licensure Requirements:

• Hold the following educational degrees:
• A Baccalaureate from an accredited college or university;
• A Master of Divinity degree, or an equivalent, from a school of theology accredited by the Association of Theological Schools; and
• A Doctorate in pastoral psychotherapy
• Have attained the level of Fellow in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors or an equivalent organization
• Have been authorized by a denomination or faith group to exercise specific leadership and service on its behalf
• Have completed one unit of full-time clinical pastoral education or its equivalent
• Give evidence of serving at least three years as a clergy person, demonstrating growing maturity in one's identity and role as a professional religious leader
• Complete two years of not less than 1,500 hours per year of supervised experience in pastoral psychotherapy
• Of the of 3,000 hours specified above, have performed at least 1,375 hours of clinical pastoral counseling while receiving at least 250 hours of interdisciplinary supervision
• Give evidence of having undergone sufficient theological and psychotherapeutic investigation of one's own intrapsychic and interpersonal processes
• Give evidence of:
• an understanding of the counseling or psychotherapeutic process;
• an ability to develop the counseling or psychotherapeutic relationship;
• an ability to perform a leadership role in the context of the religious community; and
• an ability to integrate one's professional role and personal identity
• Pass a satisfactory examination in pastoral counseling as set and defined by the Board
• New Hampshire residency is not required, but must be principally employed in New Hampshire

Examination:  Written and oral examinations required

Continuing Education: 40 hours of continuing education credits are required every two years, plus 20 hours of collaboration per year

Fees:

• Application review: $150
• Second year license fee (submitted with application review fee): $135
• Biennial renewal: $270
• Inactive license (one year): $67.50
• License reinstatement: $300

Reciprocity: Permitted, according to the standards of other states. Must exceed or equal the New Hampshire Board's requirements.

revised Jan 2018