Psychology in New Mexico: Learn About Becoming a Psychologist in NM
Want to become a licensed psychologist in New Mexico? Discover the education, experience, and exam requirements, including for prescribing psychologists.
Psychologists in New Mexico provide critical mental health services for the state’s 2.13 million residents. New Mexico also allows psychologists who meet additional requirements to prescribe medication. Our guide covers the requirements for New Mexico psychology licensure.
New Mexico Psychology Licensure Requirements
In New Mexico, the Board of Psychologist Examiners issues licenses to psychologists. In addition to a psychologist license, the state licenses psychologist associates. These master’s-trained psychology professionals can treat patients under the supervision of a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist.
New Mexico is also one of the few states that extends prescribing authority to licensed psychologists who complete additional training.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Psychologist in New Mexico?
Prospective psychologists typically spend a minimum of 5-9 years meeting the educational and experience requirements for a psychology license after earning a bachelor’s degree.
To meet educational requirements, candidates must hold a Psy.D. or Ph.D. in psychology. Completing a doctorate in psychology requires four to eight years, depending on the program and enrollment status. Prospective psychologists must also complete two years of supervised experience, including at least one year of postdoctoral experience.
Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in New Mexico
Psychologists licensed in other states can apply for a New Mexico psychology license. Candidates must hold a valid license in a state that meets or exceeds New Mexico’s licensure requirements. The state only offers reciprocity to psychologists who have held a valid license in another state for at least two years.
In addition to providing verification of an out-of-state license, applicants submit three letters of reference and undergo a background check to receive a New Mexico psychology license. Applicants also pay a $125 application fee.
How to Renew a Psychology License in New Mexico
New Mexico psychologists must renew their license every two years by July 1. All licensed psychologists must meet continuing education requirements, which vary depending on the license. Psychologists and psychologist associates complete 40 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every two years. Prescribing psychologists complete 60 CPE hours every two years.
All psychologists must meet these minimums:
- 2 hours in cultural diversity
- 4 hours in equity and inclusion
- 4 hours in ethics
Prescribing psychologists need 40 hours in psychopharmacology or psychopharmacotherapy.
Salary Expectations for Psychologists in New Mexico
Clinical psychologists and counseling psychologists report an average salary of $87,710, while school psychologists earn an average of $103,850. Compared to national salaries, clinical and counseling psychologists in New Mexico earn less, while school psychologists earn more.
New Mexico has a low cost of living and an average salary of $60,290 for all occupations. As a result, psychologists in the state earn strong salaries.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $87,710 | $42.17 |
| School Psychologists | $103,850 | $49.93 |
Professional Organizations for Psychologists in New Mexico
- New Mexico Psychological Association: An association of licensed psychologists, NMPA promotes research, offers continuing education opportunities, and hosts meetings with networking opportunities. This state-wide association also publishes reports and organizes member groups to help psychologists connect.
- New Mexico’s Prescribing Psychologists: This professional association for prescribing psychologists advocates for expanding prescribing authority to psychologists while serving the state’s prescribing psychologists. The association offers resources and continuing education events throughout the state.
- New Mexico Association of School Psychologists: An association for the state’s school psychologists, NMASP provides licensing resources, hosts events, and connects the state’s psychologists who work in the education field. The association also updates school psychologists about news and changes in the profession.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico Psychology Licensure
You can become a licensed psychologist in New Mexico by completing an APA-accredited doctoral program in psychology. The state also requires 3,000 hours of supervised experience and passing scores on two exams.
