Indiana LMHC Licensure: From Degree to Practice
A complete walkthrough of how to earn your Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) credential in Indiana, covering the Psychology and Counselor Board requirements, exams, and fees.
Becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Indiana
Indiana licenses mental health counselors through the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board (formerly the Psychology and Counselor Board), under the Professional Licensing Agency. The LMHC allows for independent clinical practice in the state.
Education Requirements
You must hold a master's or doctoral degree in mental health counseling or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution. The program must include at least 60 semester hours of graduate coursework. CACREP-accredited programs are strongly recommended. Required content areas include:
- Counseling theories and practice
- Human growth and development
- Social and cultural foundations
- Group counseling
- Assessment and appraisal
- Career development
- Research and evaluation
- Professional orientation and ethics
- Psychopathology and diagnosis
- A supervised practicum and internship
Supervised Experience Hours
Indiana requires a post-degree supervised experience period during which you practice as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA). You must complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience over a minimum of two years. The experience must include direct clinical counseling with individuals, groups, couples, or families.
Your supervisor must be a licensed mental health professional in Indiana (LMHC, LCSW, LMFT, or licensed psychologist) who has been licensed for at least five years. You must receive at least one hour of individual supervision per week.
Exam Requirements
Indiana requires passage of the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). The exam fee is approximately $275. You may take the NCMHCE after completing your degree and registering as an LMHCA. Indiana does not require a state-specific jurisprudence exam.
Application Process and Fees
Apply for LMHCA status through the Professional Licensing Agency. The application fee is approximately $50. After completing your supervised hours and passing the NCMHCE, apply for full LMHC licensure with a fee of approximately $50. Indiana has some of the lowest licensing fees in the country. Submit official transcripts, supervision verification, and exam scores.
License Renewal
LMHC licenses in Indiana renew every two years. You must complete 40 hours of continuing education per cycle, including at least 3 hours in ethics and at least 3 hours in evidence-based practices. The renewal fee is approximately $50.
Reciprocity and Endorsement
Indiana offers endorsement-based licensure for counselors licensed in other states. You must demonstrate that your qualifications meet Indiana's education and experience standards. Indiana is generally receptive to out-of-state applicants who hold an active, unrestricted license.
Practice What You Learned
Study with 2,000+ flashcards and 240 practice exams across LCSW, LMSW, NCE, and NCMHCE.