What you need to know about the Counseling Compact
What is the Counseling Compact?
The Counseling Compact is a contract among states that allows licensed, professional counselors residing in a compact member state to practice in other compact member states without need for multiple licenses.
The Compact allows:
Eligible counselors have the ability to practice across state lines in Compact states.
Eligible counselors have the ability to practice telehealth within and across Compact states.
Military spouses, who are licensed counselors, can keep working when relocated to a new state.
The exchange of privilege and home state license if you move, so you don’t have to go through the process of waiting weeks to months to get a new license.
What are the benefits of the Counseling Compact?
The Compact will help counselors:
Maintain continuity and quality of care when counselors or clients relocate or travel out of state, especially for our service members.
Expand the reach of counseling into underserved communities.
Expand the reach of speciality counseling services to rural and remote communities.
The Compact will help clients:
Increase access to specialized services to rural and underserved areas (examples: trauma focused therapies, couples counseling, substance abuse counseling, autism-informed care, grief counseling, anger management, etc.).
Reduce wait times for New Mexicans needing mental health services, particularly emergency or crisis services. There is currently 1 counselor for every 1,000 residents of New Mexico.
What level of licensure do I need to participate in the Compact?
Practitioners practicing through the compact must have license to practice independently. If your role requires supervision (such as student, assistant, or other type of provisional license), you are not eligible to practice through the compact.
Is New Mexico part of the Compact?
Not yet. It unanimously passed the House this past legislative session, but died (action postponed indefinitely) on the Senate floor on 2/19/2026. For more information about HB32: COUNSELING LICENSURE COMPACT in NM, click here.
Want want to learn more about the Counseling Compact?
Watch this 10 minute video from the American Counseling Association
Your NMCA Membership Supports Advocacy for Counselors
One of the most valuable benefits of NMCA membership is your investment in advocacy for the counseling profession at both the state and national levels. Through our Executive Director, President, and Government Relations Committee, NMCA actively works on legislative and public policy issues that impact New Mexico counselors.
Our priorities include the Counseling Compact, Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) deductions, and increased funding for mental health care. These efforts require time, resources, collaboration, and a strong professional voice.
Your membership directly strengthens NMCA's capacity to advocate on behalf of counselors across New Mexico. The more we grow, the greater our ability to represent the profession, engage with policymakers, and pursue meaningful legislative change.
Learn more about NMCA's advocacy efforts.
Share your legislative priorities HERE
