How to Become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Indiana
To become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Indiana, you'll need to complete a 60-credit master's degree in counseling with supervised clinical hours, pass the NCMHCE and state jurisprudence exams, and complete 3,000 supervised hours over at least two years. The full process typically takes 6-8 years, including education and supervised experience, and counselors earn an average of $60,000-$65,000 annually.
Whether your career plans in counseling include a focus on substance abuse, grief counseling, couples counseling, pediatric counseling, or one of the many other subspecialties, you'll need to earn a state license through the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board to practice as a licensed mental health counselor in Indiana.
Table of Contents
Learning how to become a licensed mental health counselor in the Hoosier State starts with meeting state licensure requirements, including earning a graduate degree, passing national exams, and completing supervised experience requirements. This comprehensive guide walks you through each step of the licensure process.
Necessary: Always confirm current requirements with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, as licensing rules and regulations may change.
Step 1: Education Requirements for Indiana Counselors
The first step to becoming a counselor in Indiana is completing a master's degree or higher in mental health counseling from an eligible educational institution approved by the Board. This isn't just any graduate program; the Board has specific requirements your program must meet.
Required Degree Specifications
Your counseling program must have a minimum of 60 semester hours in counseling or a closely related field. Acceptable areas of study include human development, psychology, human services, family relations, or clinical social work. The program must consist of coursework in these 12 core areas:
- Human Growth and Development - Understanding developmental stages across the lifespan
- Social and Cultural Counseling Foundation - Multicultural counseling competencies
- Helping Relationships - Core counseling skills and therapeutic techniques
- Group Counseling - Group dynamics and group therapy methods
- Professional Orientation - Ethics, professional identity, and standards
- Lifestyle and Career Development - Career counseling theories and practices
- Individual Appraisal and Assessment - Testing and assessment methods
- Mental Health Counseling - Diagnosis and treatment planning
- Program Evaluation - Research methods and outcome assessment
- Psychotherapy and Mental Health Counseling - Evidence-based treatment approaches
- Clinical Instructions - Supervised clinical practice
- Contextual Dimensions - Systems theory and environmental factors
Clinical Experience Requirements
The program must include extensive supervised clinical practicum and internship hours in a counseling setting. Many Indiana-approved programs require approximately 700 total clinical hours, typically consisting of a practicum component and an extended internship. You'll gain hands-on experience working with clients under supervision while still in graduate school. Check with your specific program for the exact hour requirements, as they may vary by institution.
Online and Hybrid Program Options
Many online master's programs in counseling are now offered in hybrid and fully online formats. These programs combine the rigor and quality of an on-campus program with the convenience and flexibility of online study. An online master's degree in counseling is often ideal if you need to continue working while earning your degree.
Step 2: Examination Requirements for Indiana Licensure
After completing your graduate degree, you'll need to pass two exams before you can begin practicing as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) in Indiana.
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)
Indiana requires the NCMHCE, administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). This examination assesses your clinical knowledge and decision-making abilities in mental health counseling scenarios.
The NCMHCE uses a unique simulation format with 10 clinical case studies. Each case presents a client scenario, and you'll make clinical decisions about assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. You'll have three hours to complete the exam. The exam uses a scaled scoring system, with passing scores determined through a standard-setting process.
Indiana State Jurisprudence Exam
In addition to the NCMHCE, you must pass a state-specific jurisprudence exam that tests your knowledge of Indiana laws, rules, and regulations governing the practice of mental health counseling in the state. This exam ensures you understand the legal and ethical requirements specific to practicing in Indiana.
LMHCA Status
Once you pass both required exams and the Board approves your application, you'll receive your LMHCA (Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate) license. This associate-level license allows you to begin accruing the supervised experience necessary for full licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Indiana.
Step 3: Supervised Experience Requirements
As an LMHCA, you'll need to complete a minimum of 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised experience under the direction of a licensed mental health professional. This is where you'll develop your clinical skills and gain real-world counseling experience.
Qualifying Supervisors
The following professionals may serve as your supervisor during this time:
- Licensed Psychologist
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Psychiatrist
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Experience Timeline and Requirements
The 3,000 supervised hours must be completed over at least two years, as specified by Indiana statute. This minimum duration ensures you have adequate time to develop competency across various clinical situations and client populations, even if you're working full-time in a counseling position.
Once you've fulfilled the experience requirements, you can apply to become an Indiana Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and pay the $50 application fee for full licensure.
| License Type | Education Required | Supervised Hours | Minimum Duration | Exams Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LMHCA (Associate) | 60-credit master's degree minimum | Clinical hours in the program | 2-3 years | NCMHCE + State Jurisprudence |
| LMHC (Full License) | 60-credit master's degree minimum | 3,000 hours post-degree | 2 years minimum | Completed as LMHCA |
Timeline and Costs to Become Licensed in Indiana
Complete Timeline Overview
Here's what you can expect in terms of time commitment:
- Bachelor's Degree: 4 years (if not already completed)
- Master's Degree Program: 2-3 years, including extensive supervised clinical hours
- Exam Preparation and Testing: 2-4 months
- Supervised Experience as LMHCA: 24-36 months (3,000 hours over a minimum of 2 years)
- Total Time to Full LMHC Licensure: 6-8 years from bachelor's degree
Associated Costs
While costs vary depending on your educational choices and circumstances, here are typical expenses you'll encounter:
- Master's Program Tuition: Varies widely by institution ($20,000-$60,000+ total)
- NCMHCE Exam Fee: $335 (as of 2025)
- State Jurisprudence Exam: Varies by administration
- LMHCA Application Fee: $50
- LMHC Application Fee: $50
- License Renewal Fees: Biennial renewal required
Counselor Career Outlook and Salary in Indiana
The outlook for counselor careers in Indiana is strong in the coming years, with excellent growth projections and competitive salaries for mental health professionals.
Job Growth Projections
Between 2020 and 2030, the number of jobs among Indiana's substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors is projected to increase by 21%, closely following the national projected growth rate of 22% for the profession. Over the next 10 years ending in 2030, the state expects about 860 annual job openings for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, driven by new job growth, retirements, and natural turnover.
Indiana Mental Health Counselor Salaries (2025)
Mental health counselors in Indiana earn competitive salaries with room for significant growth as you gain experience. Current salary data shows that counselors in Indiana earn approximately $60,000- $65,000 annually, with experienced practitioners earning considerably more.
According to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Indiana:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $36,650 | Entry-level positions |
| 25th Percentile | $41,860 | Early career counselors |
| Median (50th) | $49,280 | Mid-career professionals |
| 75th Percentile | $62,780 | Experienced counselors |
| 90th Percentile | $78,920 | Top earners, specialized practice |
Salary can vary significantly based on factors including your practice setting (private practice, hospital, community mental health center), geographic location within Indiana, specialization, years of experience, and additional certifications. Counselors in private practice or with specialized expertise in high-demand areas often earn above the median.
Indiana employs over 10,400 mental health counselors statewide, indicating robust demand for qualified professionals across urban and rural areas.
Continuing Education and License Renewal
Maintaining your Indiana counseling license requires ongoing professional development. You'll need to complete continuing education credits during each renewal period to keep your license active and stay current with best practices in the field.
Renewal Requirements
Indiana counseling licenses must be renewed biennially (every two years). During each renewal period, you'll need to complete the continuing education hours required by the Board. Check the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board website for current CE requirements and approved providers.
Specialization Opportunities
As you advance in your counseling career, you may choose to specialize in areas such as:
- Substance abuse and addiction counseling
- Marriage and family therapy
- Trauma and crisis counseling
- Child and adolescent counseling
- Career counseling
- Grief and bereavement counseling
- School counseling
Each specialization may require additional training or certification beyond your LMHC license.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana Counselor Licensing
How long does it take to become a licensed counselor in Indiana?
The complete process typically takes 6-8 years from the start of your bachelor's degree, including 2-3 years for your master's program and at least 2 years for supervised experience as an LMHCA. If you already have a bachelor's degree, you're looking at about 4-5 years to full LMHC licensure.
What's the difference between LMHCA and LMHC in Indiana?
An LMHCA (Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate) is an entry-level license you receive after completing your master's degree and passing the required exams. It allows you to practice under supervision while accumulating the 3,000 hours needed for full licensure. An LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) is the full, independent practice license you receive after completing all supervised hours over at least two years.
Can I practice as a counselor before getting my full LMHC license?
Yes, once you receive your LMHCA license, you can practice counseling under the supervision of a qualified licensed professional. You cannot practice independently until you complete all 3,000 supervised hours over the required two-year minimum period and receive your full LMHC license.
Does Indiana accept counseling licenses from other states?
Indiana may accept licenses from other states through reciprocity or endorsement, but you'll need to meet Indiana's specific requirements and apply through the Board. Contact the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board to determine if your out-of-state license qualifies for endorsement.
What exam do I need to take for Indiana counselor licensure?
Indiana requires the NCMHCE (National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination) plus a state-specific jurisprudence exam covering Indiana laws and regulations. The NCMHCE costs $335 as of 2025. If you don't pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam after paying the fee again.
Can I complete my supervision hours online or remotely?
The Board may allow some remote supervision depending on current regulations and your specific practice setting. You'll need to check with the Board for current guidelines on telehealth supervision, as requirements have evolved in recent years.
Which settings qualify for supervised experience hours?
Qualifying settings include mental health clinics, hospitals, private practices, community mental health centers, substance abuse treatment facilities, schools, and other approved counseling environments. Your supervisor must be actively involved in your clinical work at the facility where you're gaining hours.
Are there any online master's programs that meet Indiana's requirements?
Yes, many CACREP-accredited online and hybrid programs meet Indiana's 60-credit-hour minimum and clinical experience requirements. Make sure the Indiana Board approves any program you're considering and includes the required supervised clinical practicum and internship hours.
Key Takeaways
- Education Requirement: Complete a minimum 60-credit master's degree in counseling or a closely related field from a Board-approved program with extensive supervised clinical hours
- Examination Requirements: Pass the NCMHCE (National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination) and the Indiana state jurisprudence exam to become an LMHCA
- Supervised Experience: Complete 3,000 supervised clinical hours over a minimum two-year period under a qualified licensed professional
- Timeline: Total process takes 6-8 years from bachelor's degree to full LMHC licensure
- Career Outlook: Strong 21% job growth projected through 2030, with average salaries of $60,000-$65,000 in Indiana
- License Levels: Start as LMHCA (Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate) and advance to LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor for independent practice)
- Continuing Education: Biennial license renewal with continuing education requirements to maintain active status
- Always Verify: Confirm current requirements with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, as rules may change.
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2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
