Counseling License Requirements in Indiana
Considering a career in counseling in Indiana? Explore this guide to learn about the different Indiana counseling licenses, educational and experience requirements, and salary expectations.
Indiana is facing a shortage of licensed counselors. If you are interested in a counseling career in the state, it is important to become familiar with the different licenses available. Check out this guide to Indiana’s counseling licensing requirements to learn what it takes to enter the field, salary prospects, and more.
Indiana Counselor Licensure Requirements
Before you can work as a counselor in Indiana, you must meet specific state licensure requirements. The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) administers the licensing process for licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) and for licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs). The Indiana
Department of Education oversees licensure for all school service employees, including school counselors.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Counselor in Indiana?
The length of time needed to become a counselor in Indiana depends on the license type. A master’s degree typically takes two years to complete, followed by two or more years to obtain full licensure.
LMHC and LMFT licenses both require two years of postgraduate experience after obtaining your master’s and associate-level credentials. Becoming a proficient or accomplished practitioner in school counseling in Indiana, requires working as a school counselor for two to seven years after earning your master’s degree.
Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in Indiana
The Indiana legislature has approved membership in the Counseling Compact, which will streamline the process of transferring licenses between states when fully enacted. Currently, it is possible for out-of-state counselors to apply for licensure by endorsement in Indiana.
Applicants for LMHC and LMFT licenses must provide the PLA with documentation that they hold a valid license with equivalent requirements, and a passing score on the NCMHCE or AMFTRB exam. Out-of-state school counselors pursuing licensure in Indiana must submit documentation to the Indiana Department of Education License Verification and Information System for review.
How to Renew a Counseling License in Indiana
Renewal requirements for counselors differ by license type. LMHC and LMFT licenses, which are renewable every two years, require 20 hours of continuing education credits each year. Associate-level licenses may only be renewed twice while you complete your postgraduate supervised experience.
For school counselors, the two-year initial practitioner license may only be renewed twice. To renew either the five-year practitioner license or ten-year accomplished practitioner license, you must complete a professional growth plan consisting of 90 continuing education hours.
Salary Expectations for Counselors in Indiana
Your salary potential as a counselor in Indiana depends on several factors, including your specialization, employer, and years of experience. School counselors and marriage and family therapists are among the state’s top-earning counselors.
Overall, average annual counselor salaries in Indiana range from $46,730 to $59,040, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is considerably less than the national average, which ranges from $58,070 to $72,720. However, Indiana’s cost of living ranks as the 11th lowest in the country, making living expenses more affordable.
| Occupation | Average Hourly Salary | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | $28.39 | $59,040 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | $28.09 | $58,430 |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | $22.47 | $46,730 |
| Substance Use, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $26.27 | $54,630 |
| Counselors, All Other | $24.36 | $50,680 |
Professional Organizations for Counselors in Indiana
- Indiana Counseling Association: As a state branch of the American Counseling Association, ICA provides continuing education, professional development and networking opportunities, and mental health education and advocacy. Membership benefits include webinars, newsletters, national exam preparation for licensure, and discounted professional liability insurance.
- Indiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy: IAMFT is the primary professional association for Indiana’s licensed professionals and students in the field of marriage and family therapy. The association provides professional development opportunities in the form of webinars, training, speaker series, and annual conferences, and information on Indiana licensure regulations.
- Indiana School Counselor Association: Since its establishment in 1965, ICSCA has provided resources to help school counselors guide students toward academic achievement, personal and social development, and career planning. The association supports its members through workshops, job listings, and recognition programs, including school counselor of the year awards.
- Indiana Counselors Association on Alcohol and Drug Addiction: ICAADA, a subsidiary of Mental Health America of Indiana, provides educational and credentialing resources for professionals engaged in the prevention, treatment, and recovery of behavioral health concerns. Members receive discounts on credentialing-related fees and training at the MHAI Stanley W. DeKemper Training Institute.
Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Licensure in Indiana
No. To practice therapy in Indiana, you must hold a valid state-issued LMHC or LMFT license from the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.
