How To Become A Certified Recovery Coach In New Hampshire
A recovery coach must overcome their own struggles before they can provide recovery support services to those battling substance misuse and similar difficulties.
Peer recovery coaches draw on their own experiences to help clients but must also have certification to work in the industry.
In this article, we will cover information on recovery coach certification in New Hampshire, as well as job opportunities for certified coaches in the state.
State & Educational Requirements
If you wish to become a certified recovery coach, you must undergo training and take an exam before submitting your certification application.
There are certain requirements that will have to be met to sign up for peer recovery coach training and eventual certification.
Training requirements
You will have to undergo 46 hours of training in the four domains of recovery support:
- Advocacy
- Ethics
- Mentoring and education
- Recovery and wellness support
To qualify for recovery coach training, you must have a high school diploma and be 18 years or older. You must also have lived experience of a mental health or substance use disorder.
Peer recovery coach training will teach key skills and competencies, including suicide prevention, how to mentor and support a client with HIV/AIDS, and dealing with confidentiality.
Certification requirements
In order to become a certified peer recovery support specialist, you need to complete the following:
- 500 hours of paid work or volunteer experience.
- 25 of the 500 hours must be under the supervision of a qualified recovery coach.
- 46 hours of recovery training as stipulated above.
- Pass the IC&RC Peer Recovery Examination.
Certain factors can disqualify you from becoming a certified peer recovery coach:
- Felony conviction
- Failure to maintain confidentiality of clients
- Mental issues or current substance use disorder
- Fraud
- Sexual relations, solicitation, or abuse of a previous or current client
- Any disciplinary action against a substance use license
Recovery Coach Certification New Hampshire Options
The state certification board is the New Hampshire Board of Licensing for Alcohol and Other Drug Use Professionals.
This board offers certification to those who want to work in the recovery coaching industry.
Recovery coaches in New Hampshire must have lived experience of addiction, disorders, and recovery and aspire to assist their peers in overcoming their own disorders and struggles.
To work as a recovery coach, you must become a Certified Recovery Support Worker (CRSW) and complete a training course that has been approved by the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services.
Below is all the information you will need on what it takes to become a CRSW in New Hampshire.
Training providers
The following training providers offer training that is approved by the NH Board of Licensing for Alcohol and Other Drug Use Professionals:
- The Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)
- New Hampshire Training Institute on Addictive Disorders
- New Hampshire Center of Excellence
- New England Institute of Addiction Studies
- NH Recovery Coach Academy (NHRCA)
- New Hampshire Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselors Association (NHADACA)
Certification costs
The cost of training will depend on the training program you opt for. The institute should be contacted for more information.
The IC&RC Peer Recovery Examination costs $110.
Recertification and continuing education requirements
Recertification occurs every two years. In order to be recertified, you need to complete 12 hours of continuing education, two of which must be under supervision. You must also pay the renewal fee, and sign the Code of Ethics.
Earnings Potential & Job Prospects in New Hampshire
Here are some potential employment prospects for a peer recovery coach in NH:
- Recovery community organizations
- Hospitals and emergency units
- Recovery housing
- Mental health facilities
- Recovery centers
- Religious communities
- Rehab facilities
- Substance use counseling and treatment programs
- Social services
- Criminal justice programs
- Transitional living
- Employee assistance programs
The average salary for a recovery coach in New Hampshire is $32,403 – $40,678 per year.
FAQs
Can a family member or friend become a certified recovery coach?
Yes, family members and friends can become certified recovery coaches; however, they will have to meet the necessary requirements, including having lived experience with mental health or substance use disorders.
If they do not have lived experience, they can still apply to become an ICAADA Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC).
What personal skills do you need to be a recovery coach?
- Motivational
- Strong listener
- Confident
- Communication
- Ethics
Final Thoughts
Becoming a certified recovery coach in New Hampshire requires you to undergo training approved by the New Hampshire state board. This will allow you to work in a variety of institutions, all focused on supporting people and guiding them towards a happier and healthier life.