Indiana Psychologist License Requirements: Complete 2025 Guide
To become a licensed psychologist in Indiana, you need a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology from an accredited program, complete a total of 3,000 hours of supervised experience (including pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral hours), and pass the national EPPP exam with a score of 500 or higher. The complete process takes 9-12 years after a bachelor's degree, with licensed psychologists in Indiana earning a median salary of $80,770 annually (2024 BLS data).
Becoming a licensed psychologist in Indiana is a significant commitment that requires extensive education, supervised training, and professional examination. Whether you're drawn to clinical practice, research, or specialized areas like school or industrial-organizational psychology, Indiana offers strong career opportunities with competitive salaries and growing demand for mental health professionals.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the licensure process in Indiana, from choosing between PhD and PsyD programs to understanding the 3,000-hour supervision requirement and preparing for the licensing exam. You'll also find current salary data, realistic timeline expectations (9-12 years), and practical advice for successfully navigating the path to becoming a licensed psychologist in the Hoosier State.
Table of Contents
- Education Requirements
- Supervised Experience Requirements
- Examination Requirements
- Step-by-Step Timeline to Licensure
- Salary and Career Outlook
- PhD vs PsyD: Choosing Your Path
- Specialization Options
- License Reciprocity and Portability
- Common Challenges and Solutions
- Professional Development Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions
Education Requirements for Indiana Psychologist Licensure
Indiana requires all psychologists to hold a doctoral degree in psychology or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution. The Indiana State Psychology Board recognizes both PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) and PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) degrees as meeting the educational requirements for licensure.
Your doctoral program must be either APA-accredited or meet the ASPPB/National Register designation criteria. These accreditation standards ensure your education meets rigorous national requirements and facilitates license reciprocity with other states if you relocate later in your career. APA accreditation and National Register designation are distinct credentialing processes, both recognized by Indiana's licensing board.
Doctoral Degree Requirements
The doctoral program must include specific coursework and training components:
- Scientific and professional foundations: Research methods, statistics, psychometrics, and professional ethics
- Core content areas: Biological bases of behavior, cognitive-affective bases, social bases, individual differences, and developmental psychology
- Clinical training: Assessment, intervention, consultation, and supervision practicum experiences
- Dissertation or doctoral project: Original research demonstrating scholarly competence
Master's degrees alone don't qualify you for psychologist licensure in Indiana. While earning a master's degree in psychology or counseling can lead to other mental health careers, becoming a licensed psychologist requires explicit doctoral-level training.
Choosing an Accredited Program
When selecting a doctoral program, prioritize APA-accredited programs. These programs have been rigorously evaluated and meet the highest standards for psychology education. You can search for accredited programs through the American Psychological Association's website or explore Indiana psychology schools and programs that prepare students for licensure.
Supervised Experience Requirements
Indiana requires a total of 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience for psychologist licensure. This experience is typically divided between pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral supervised practice, though Indiana's regulations allow some flexibility in how these hours accumulate.
Understanding the 3,000-HouRequirementnt
The 3,000 total hours of supervised experience must include:
- Minimum 1,500 hours: Pre-doctoral internship completed as part of your doctoral program
- Remaining hours (typically 1,500): Post-doctoral supervised experience under a licensed psychologist
Necessary flexibility: Indiana allows up to 1,600 hours from your pre-doctoral internship to count toward the 3,000-hour total. This means if you complete a robust 2,000-hour APA-accredited internship, you may need fewer post-doctoral hours. The key is reaching 3,000 total supervised hours combined from both pre-doctoral and post-doctoral experience.
Pre-Doctoral Internship (Minimum 1,500 Hours)
Your pre-doctoral internship typically occurs during the final year or two of your doctoral studies. Most APA-accredited internships are 2,000 hours (full-time, one year), which would count significantly toward your 3,000-hour total requirement.
The internship should provide:
- Direct patient/client contact and intervention experience
- Supervision from a licensed psychologist
- Experience across diverse populations and settings
- Training in psychological assessment and treatment planning
APA-accredited internships are strongly preferred as they provide the strongest preparation for professional practice and are more readily recognized by licensing boards.
Post-Doctoral Supervised Experience
After completing your doctorate, you must complete any remaining hours needed to reach the 3,000-hour total. If you completed a 2,000-hour internship, you'd need approximately 1,000 additional post-doctoral hours. If you completed only the 1,500-hour minimum internship, you'd need 1,500 post-doctoral hours.
Post-doctoral supervision requirements include:
- At least one hour of face-to-face supervision per week
- Direct clinical service delivery
- Professional consultation and case management
- Documentation of all supervised activities
- Completion within two years of finishing your doctoral degree
Your supervisor must hold an active, unrestricted psychology license in Indiana or a state with substantially equivalent requirements, and must have at least two years of post-licensure experience. They'll evaluate your competencies and sign off on your readiness for independent practice.
Finding Qualified Supervisors
Many new doctoral graduates find post-doctoral positions at hospitals, university counseling centers, community mental health agencies, or private practices. The Indiana Psychological Association maintains resources for connecting with potential supervisors and post-doctoral opportunities throughout the state.
Pro tip: Track your hours carefully from the beginning of your internship. Detailed documentation of your supervised activities makes the licensure application process much smoother.
Examination Requirements
Once you've completed your education and supervised experience, you must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) to become licensed in Indiana.
The EPPP Exam
The EPPP is a national standardized examination developed by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). Indiana requires a scaled score of 500 or higher to pass.
The exam covers eight content areas:
- Biological bases of behavior
- Cognitive-affective bases of behavior
- Social and cultural bases of behavior
- Growth and lifespan development
- Assessment and diagnosis
- Treatment, intervention, and prevention
- Research methods and statistics
- Ethical and legal issues
The national pass rate for the EPPP hovers around 72%, though first-time takers from APA-accredited programs typically score higher. Most candidates spend 3-6 months preparing for the exam using commercial study materials and practice tests.
Indiana Jurisprudence Requirements
As of 2025, Indiana does not require a separate jurisprudence examination. However, you are responsible for understanding and complying with the Indiana Psychology Licensing Act and the Board's administrative rules governing professional practice.
The Board may periodically update its requirements, so it's essential to verify current regulations directly with the Indiana State Psychology Board as you approach your application date. Some states do require jurisprudence exams, so if you're planning to practice in multiple states, familiarize yourself with each jurisdiction's specific requirements.
Even without a formal exam, demonstrating knowledge of Indiana's laws, ethical standards, and scope of practice expectations is essential for competent professional practice in the state.
Application Process
After passing the EPPP, you'll submit your licensure application to the Indiana State Psychology Board. The application includes:
- Official transcripts from all graduate programs
- Verification of supervised experience hours (3,000 total)
- EPPP score report
- Professional references
- Background check and fingerprinting
- Application fee
The Board typically reviews applications within 4-6 weeks of receiving complete documentation. You can track the application process and access all necessary forms through the Indiana Board of Psychology website.
Step-by-Step Timeline to Licensure
Understanding the timeline helps you plan your educational journey and career progression. Here's what the typical path looks like from a bachelor's degree to a licensed psychologist in Indiana. Note that individual timelines vary based on program type, full-time vs. part-time enrollment, and how quickly you complete post-doctoral requirements.
Years 1-4: Bachelor's Degree
Earn your bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. Focus on maintaining a strong GPA (3.5+), gaining research or clinical experience, and developing relationships with faculty who can write strong recommendation letters for graduate school.
Years 5-6: Master's Degree (Optional but Common)
Many students pursue a master's degree before applying to doctoral programs or complete one as part of their doctoral training. While not always required, this step strengthens applications and provides additional research or clinical experience. This can add 2-3 years to the total timeline if completed separately from doctoral work.
Years 5-10 (or 7-12 with master's): Doctoral Program
PhD programs typically take 5-7 years to complete, while PsyD programs usually take 4-6 years. This includes coursework, comprehensive exams, clinical practica, and your dissertation or doctoral project. The longer timeline often applies to PhD programs due to extensive research requirements.
Year 9-10 (or 11-12): Pre-Doctoral Internship
Complete your pre-doctoral internship during the final year(s) of your doctoral program. Most APA-accredited internships are 2,000 hours completed over 12 months of full-time work. Remember that up to 1,600 of these hours can count toward your 3,000-hour supervised experience total.
Year 10-11 (or 12-13): Post-Doctoral Supervised Experience
Complete any remaining hours needed to reach 3,000 total supervised hours. If you completed a 2,000-hour internship, you'll need approximately 1,000 additional post-doctoral hours. This typically takes 6-12 months of full-time supervised work. All post-doctoral hours must be completed within two years of finishing your doctorate.
Year 11-12 (or 13-14): EPPP and Licensure
Prepare for and pass the EPPP exam (minimum score of 500), then submit your complete application to the Indiana Board. Once approved, you'll receive your psychology license and can practice independently.
Realistic Total Timeline: 9-12 years post-bachelor's degree
PhD routes with extensive research requirements typically take 10-12 years total, while PsyD programs focusing primarily on clinical training may be completed in 9-10 years. Part-time enrollment, thesis/dissertation delays, or extended job searches for post-doctoral positions can add additional time.
Indiana Psychologist Salary and Career Outlook
Indiana offers competitive salaries for licensed psychologists, with compensation varying by specialty, experience level, and geographic location within the state.
Current Salary Data (2025)
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024 data, clinical and counseling psychologists in Indiana earn the following annual salaries:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $56,980 | Entry-level or part-time positions |
| 25th Percentile | $72,440 | Early career psychologists |
| Median (50th) | $80,770 | Mid-career professionals |
| 75th Percentile | $102,430 | Experienced practitioners |
| 90th Percentile | $134,770 | Top earners, specialists, or private practice owners |
The mean annual salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Indiana is $91,840. With 1,630 psychologists employed across the state, Indiana maintains a steady demand for mental health professionals.
Salary Variations by Location
Salaries tend to be higher in urban areas like Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Evansville compared to rural regions. Indianapolis, as the state capital and largest metropolitan area, typically offers the highest compensation along with more diverse career opportunities in hospitals, research institutions, and specialized practices.
Job Growth and Outlook
The psychology field is projected to grow as awareness of mental health increases and more people seek professional support. Factors driving demand in Indiana include:
- Increased mental health awareness and reduced stigma
- Growing recognition of the mind-body health connection
- Expansion of telehealth services reaching rural populations
- An aging population requiring geriatric psychology services
- School-based mental health initiatives
Psychologists who specialize in high-demand areas like child and adolescent psychology, neuropsychology, or health psychology often find more opportunities and higher earning potential.
PhD vs PsyD: Choosing Your Doctoral Path
Both PhD and PsyD degrees qualify you for licensure in Indiana, but they emphasize different aspects of psychology training. Understanding these differences helps you choose the path that aligns with your career goals.
| Factor | PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) | PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Research and academia | Clinical practice |
| Dissertation | Original research required; significant contribution to the field | Clinical project or shorter research study |
| Duration | 5-7 years typically | 4-6 years typically |
| Coursework Balance | Heavy research methods, statistics, and theory | Emphasis on clinical skills and applied practice |
| Clinical Training | Significant but balanced with research | Extensive clinical hours throughout the program |
| Funding | Often funded through assistantships and fellowships | Typically self-funded; limited assistantships |
| Career Paths | Research, academia, clinical practice, or a combination | Primarily clinical practice in various settings |
| Indiana Licensure | ✓ Fully qualifies | ✓ Fully qualifies |
Making Your Decision
Choose a PhD if you're passionate about research, interested in academic careers, or want flexibility to pursue both clinical and research opportunities. Better funding opportunities and preparation for diverse career paths offset the longer timeline.
Choose a PsyD if you're sure about focusing on clinical practice, prefer applied training over research, and want to enter the workforce sooner. Be prepared for higher education costs but more intensive clinical preparation.
Both paths lead to the same Indiana psychology license and allow you to practice independently. Your choice should reflect your interests, career goals, and preferred learning style rather than concerns about licensure eligibility.
Specialization Options in Psychology
Licensed psychologists in Indiana can pursue various specializations based on their training and interests. Your specialization often determines your work environment, client populations, and specific responsibilities.
Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders across diverse populations. They work in hospitals, mental health clinics, private practices, and integrated healthcare settings. This is the largest specialty area in psychology, offering broad career opportunities. Learn more about clinical psychologist careers and requirements.
Counseling Psychology
Counseling psychologists focus on everyday developmental issues, adjustment challenges, and helping people optimize their functioning. They often work with individuals dealing with life transitions, relationship issues, or career concerns rather than severe mental illness.
School Psychology
School psychologists work in educational settings, supporting students' academic achievement, social-emotional development, and mental health. They conduct assessments, design interventions, consult with teachers and parents, and contribute to school-wide mental health initiatives.
Industrial-Organizational Psychology
I-O psychologists apply psychological principles to workplace issues, including employee selection, training, performance evaluation, and organizational development. They typically work in corporate settings, consulting firms, or academic institutions.
Neuropsychology
Neuropsychologists specialize in brain-behavior relationships, assessing and treating individuals with neurological conditions, brain injuries, or cognitive disorders. This specialty often requires additional post-doctoral fellowship training beyond standard licensure requirements.
Health Psychology
Health psychologists work in medical settings, helping patients manage chronic illness, prepare for medical procedures, adhere to treatment plans, and cope with health-related stress. They're integral members of interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
License Reciprocity and Portability
If you're already licensed in another state or plan to relocate in the future, understanding license reciprocity is essential for career flexibility.
Moving to Indiana from Another State
Indiana participates in the ASPPB's Certificate of Professional Qualification in Psychology (CPQ) program, which facilitates license mobility. If you hold a CPQ, Indiana's reciprocity process is streamlined, though you'll still need to:
- Apply to the Indiana Board
- Verify your CPQ
- Pass a background check
- Pay application fees
- Demonstrate familiarity with Indiana laws and regulations
Even without a CPQ, Indiana may grant licensure by endorsement if your original state had substantially equivalent requirements. The Board reviews each case individually.
Moving from Indiana to Another State
Your Indiana license provides a strong foundation for licensure in other states, especially if you completed an APA-accredited program and passed the EPPP. Requirements vary by state, so research your target state's specific requirements well in advance of any planned move.
Obtaining the CPQ while licensed in Indiana is strategic if you anticipate relocating. It simplifies the process of obtaining licenses in CPQ-participating jurisdictions.
Maintaining Multiple State Licenses
Some psychologists maintain licenses in multiple states, particularly if they practice telehealth or split time between locations. Each state requires separate applications, fees, and continuing education compliance. The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) may expand mobility options in the future as more states join.
Common Challenges and Solutions
The path to becoming a licensed psychologist is rigorous, and many candidates encounter obstacles along the way. Being aware of common challenges helps you prepare and develop strategies to overcome them.
Challenge: Doctoral Program Admission
Psychology doctoral programs are highly competitive, with acceptance rates often below 10% at top programs.
Solutions:
- Gain relevant research or clinical experience before applying
- Maintain a strong GPA (3.5+ in psychology courses)
- Develop relationships with faculty for strong recommendation letters
- Apply to 8-12 programs with varying competitiveness
- Consider master's programs to strengthen your application
Challenge: Funding Doctoral Education
Doctoral programs require significant time and financial investment, especially PsyD programs.
Solutions:
- Prioritize PhD programs that offer assistantships and tuition waivers
- Apply for external fellowships and scholarships
- Consider federal student loans with income-driven repayment options
- Explore loan forgiveness programs for psychologists working in underserved areas
Challenge: Balancing Work and Supervision Requirements
Finding positions that provide the proper supervision while paying living wages can be difficult.
Solutions:
- Network with faculty and alums to identify quality post-doctoral positions
- Join the Indiana Psychological Association for job listings and connections.
- Be willing to start in less competitive positions to gain hours
- Communicate clearly with supervisors about your licensure timeline and goals
Challenge: EPPP Preparation
The EPPP covers vast amounts of material accumulated over years of graduate training.
Solutions:
- Begin studying 3-6 months before your planned exam date
- Use commercial study materials explicitly designed for the EPPP
- Join study groups with other candidates
- Take practice exams under timed conditions
- Focus on weak content areas identified through practice tests
Challenge: Career Direction Uncertainty
Many students struggle to identify their ideal specialization or career path.
Solutions:
- Seek diverse practicum experiences during doctoral training
- Conduct informational interviews with psychologists in different specialties
- Attend professional conferences to explore subspecialties
- Remember that career paths can evolve over time
Professional Development and Resources
Your professional growth doesn't end with licensure. Indiana psychologists engage in ongoing development to maintain competence and advance their careers.
Continuing Education Requirements
Indiana requires licensed psychologists to complete continuing education (CE) to maintain their licenses. Stay current with the Indiana Board's requirements regarding CE hours, acceptable providers, and reporting procedures. Continuing education keeps you updated on new research, treatment modalities, and ethical standards.
Indiana Psychological Association
The Indiana Psychological Association (IPA) is the state's primary professional organization for psychologists. Membership benefits include:
- Advocacy for the profession at the state level
- Continuing education opportunities and conferences
- Networking with colleagues across specialties
- Access to consultation and mentorship
- Job listings and career resources
- Professional liability insurance options
National Organizations
Consider joining national organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) for additional resources, research access, and connections with psychologists nationwide. Many APA divisions focus on specific specialties or interests within psychology.
Building Your Career
As you establish your practice, consider:
- Developing a specialty niche to differentiate yourself
- Building relationships with referral sources
- Staying current with insurance credentialing if you accept insurance
- Exploring telehealth options to expand your reach
- Contributing to the field through supervision, teaching, or research
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I practice psychology in Indiana with just a master's degree?
No, you cannot practice as a licensed psychologist in Indiana with only a master's degree. Indiana requires a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) for psychologist licensure. However, master's-level graduates can work as mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, or in related roles under different licenses. Explore Indiana counselor licensing requirements if you're interested in master's-level practice.
How long does it really take to become a licensed psychologist in Indiana?
Realistically, plan for 9-12 years after earning your bachelor's degree. PhD routes typically take 10-12 years due to extensive research and dissertation requirements, while PsyD programs focusing on clinical practice may be completed in 9-10 years. This includes 4 years for your bachelor's, 5-7 years for doctoral work (including internship), and 6-12 months for post-doctoral supervised experience. Individual timelines vary based on program structure, full-time vs. part-time enrollment, funding availability, and how quickly you complete each phase.
How long does the Indiana Board take to process license applications?
The Indiana State Psychology Board typically reviews complete applications within 4-6 weeks. However, processing times can vary based on application volume and whether your materials are complete when submitted. Incomplete applications or those requiring additional documentation will take longer. Submit your application early and ensure all the necessary materials are included to avoid delays.
What's the difference between a clinical psychologist and a counseling psychologist?
While both can be licensed as psychologists in Indiana, clinical psychologists traditionally focus on assessing and treating mental disorders and severe psychopathology. In contrast, counseling psychologists emphasize everyday developmental issues, wellness, and helping people optimize their functioning. In practice, these boundaries have blurred considerably, and both can do similar work depending on their training and setting.
Can I transfer my psychology license from another state to Indiana?
Indiana offers licensure by endorsement for psychologists licensed in other states, particularly if you hold an ASPPB Certificate of Professional Qualification in Psychology (CPQ). The Board evaluates whether your original state had substantially equivalent requirements. Even without a CPQ, you may qualify for endorsement if your education, supervision, and examination meet Indiana's standards.
What's the EPPP pass rate, and how should I prepare?
The national EPPP pass rate is approximately 72%, though rates vary by program and preparation level. Indiana requires a minimum scaled score of 500 to pass. Most successful candidates study for 3-6 months using commercial study materials specifically designed for the EPPP. Focus on your weaker content areas identified through practice exams, join study groups if possible, and take practice tests under timed conditions to build confidence and stamina.
Do I need professional liability insurance as a licensed psychologist?
While Indiana doesn't legally require professional liability insurance, carrying malpractice insurance is strongly recommended and often required by employers. Insurance protects you against claims of professional negligence and covers legal defense costs. Most psychologists maintain coverage throughout their careers, with premiums varying by specialty, practice setting, and coverage limits.
Can I provide telehealth services as an Indiana-licensed psychologist?
Yes, Indiana-licensed psychologists can provide telehealth services to clients located in Indiana. To provide services to clients in other states, you typically need to be licensed in those states as well, though some exceptions exist through the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT). Always verify current telehealth regulations as they continue to evolve.
Key Takeaways
- Doctoral degree required: Indiana mandates either a PhD or PsyD in psychology from an APA-accredited program or one meeting ASPPB/National Register designation criteria
- 3,000 total supervised hours: Complete a combination of pre-doctoral internship (minimum 1,500 hours) and post-doctoral supervised experience, with up to 1,600 internship hours counting toward the total
- EPPP exam required: Pass the national licensing examination with a scaled score of 500 or higher
- 9-12 year timeline: The complete journey from bachelor's degree to independent licensure typically takes 9-12 years, with PhD routes often taking longer than PsyD programs
- Competitive salaries: Indiana psychologists earn a median salary of $80,770 annually, with top earners exceeding $134,000 (2024 BLS data)
- Multiple specializations available: Choose from clinical, counseling, school, industrial-organizational, neuropsychology, and other specialty paths based on your interests and training
Schools with Degree Programs Accepting Students in Indiana
Ready to Start Your Psychology Career in Indiana?
Becoming a licensed psychologist requires dedication, but the career offers meaningful work, strong earning potential, and the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives. Whether you're drawn to clinical practice, research, or specialized applications of psychology, Indiana provides excellent training programs and professional opportunities.
Additional Psychology Resources Indiana
- Indiana Counselor Licensing
- Indiana Social Work Licensing
- Indiana Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing
- Explore Additional Psychologist Careers
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, School Psychologists, and Psychologists-All Other are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
