Counseling Degrees & Licenses in Indiana
Counseling Schools Search
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“One important aspect that often goes overlooked when entering the field of mental health and addiction is that these issues do not discriminate based on professional careers or financial status. Many people have preconceived notions about who is affected by mental health challenges, but the reality is that they can impact anyone.”
Kathryn Crook, LMHCA, Parkdale Center
Individuals who want to practice as counselors will find the conditions right for a rewarding and stable career. In addition to the reward of helping others become more mentally healthy, they will also experience a growing and in-demand career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), openings for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are expected to grow 19 percent nationally between 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average rate of growth. The BLS predicts an increase of 84,500 jobs over those years.
Indiana’s Professional Licensing Agency has some strict expectations for individuals who want to receive a counseling degree or license for an Indiana practice. In order to be approved, they must take and pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Taking the National Counselor Examination (NCE) doesn’t count. Applicants must complete 1,000 pre-degree hours of experience rather than requesting to use post-graduate experience or supervision towards the required 1,000 hours.
In addition, Indiana requires the completion of 3,000 post-degree hours with at least 21 months of supervision and experience to qualify for licensure. They require at least 21 months of supervision and experience, and they won’t accept 2,000 hours of experience completed in less than 21 months’ time.
Read on for some Indiana schools offering counseling degrees and licensing programs.
Meet the Expert: Kathryn Crook, LMHCA
Kathryn Crook is a dedicated mental health professional and native of Portage, Indiana, with extensive front-line experience in addiction and treatment. She holds a master of arts in forensic psychology and a master of science in psychology. She began her career in law enforcement, where she developed a profound understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in high-stress occupations. Alongside her practical experience, Crook trained in psychology and forensic psychology, broadening her expertise in mental health care.
Currently working at Parkdale Center, Crook is committed to supporting all patients but is particularly passionate about specializing in treating first responders. She is focused on helping those who battle PTSD, trauma, mood disorders, and substance use disorders. Her unique blend of law enforcement background and psychological training allows her to offer empathetic and effective care.
CounselingSchools.com: What is something most people don’t know about being a licensed mental health counselor?
Crook: One important aspect that often goes overlooked when entering the field of mental health and addiction is that these issues do not discriminate based on professional careers or financial status. Many people have preconceived notions about who is affected by mental health challenges, but the reality is that they can impact anyone. Whether you are a doctor, nurse, police officer, firefighter, judge, receptionist, mill worker, or construction worker, no one is immune to the effects of trauma or life’s challenges.
This understanding wasn’t something I fully grasped when I first started my education, but it has become very clear in my professional experience. It’s crucial to remember that mental health and addiction can affect anyone, regardless of their background or occupation.
CounselingSchools.com: What is one piece of advice you would give to someone interested in becoming a licensed mental health counselor?
Crook: My biggest piece of advice is to explore all the areas that mental health careers have to offer. While you might think you’re set on one specific area, I encourage you to use your internships to explore various fields within mental health. You may have an initial idea of what you want, but trying out different areas can help you discover your true niche, something you truly enjoy and are meant for.
Also, keep an open mind—don’t limit yourself to just one specialization, like working only with children or another specific group. Additionally, remember that it’s crucial to take care of yourself. Being a mental health professional does not exempt you from life’s stresses. Self-care is essential because you can’t effectively help others if you’re not taking care of yourself. When I emphasize the importance of self-care to my clients, I remind myself to practice it as well, ensuring I can serve them well. Many people overlook this aspect, but it’s vital for both personal and professional well-being.
Accredited Counseling Degree Programs in Indiana
Ball State University
Ball State’s master of arts (MA) in counseling program provides practicum experience for students in the school’s own practicum clinic and in clinics across east-central Indiana. The Counseling Practicum Clinic offers counseling services to people in and around the Muncie area. Mental health counseling and counseling psychology graduate students work directly with clients under the supervision of licensed counselors and psychologists.
The program offers a concentration in clinical mental health counseling and rehabilitation counseling. This concentration prepares students to be licensed mental health counselors. After completion of either program, students will be eligible for licensure as a mental health counselor or as a rehabilitation counselor. Rehabilitation program students may choose to complete additional courses to be eligible for licensing as a mental health counselor in the state of Indiana.
- Location: Muncie, Indiana
- Duration: 60 credits for clinical mental health counseling, 48 credits for rehabilitation counseling
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Butler University
Butler University is a private university in Indianapolis founded in 1855. Their master of science (MS) in school counseling is open to applicants who can start in the fall. Only 24 students are admitted each fall. GRE or MAT scores are required for admission if the student’s undergraduate GPA is below a 3.0.
The program provides an opportunity for students to easily fit in additional courses that qualify them for the Indiana Mental Health Counseling license. Classes are offered on the same night, one night a week for three years, at 4:30 and 7:15 p.m. Summer classes meet online twice a week for six weeks at either 4:00 or 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
- Duration: 48 credits
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Grace College
Grace College & Seminary is an evangelical Christian college in Winona Lake. Grace College has been offering online master’s degrees since 1995. Their master of arts in clinical mental health counseling is delivered online with an in-person seven-day residency each summer. The majority of the courses last eight weeks, with clinical courses lasting for a 16-week semester.
- Location: Winona Lake, Indiana
- Duration: 60 credits, two to three years
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Indiana State University
Indiana State University is a public university founded in 1865. Indiana State offers a master of science in clinical mental health counseling. Completion of the master of education—school counseling program qualifies the student for the Indiana K-12 School Counselor Initial Practitioner License. Both programs are offered at either the Terre Haute or South Bend campuses.
- Location: Terre Haute and South Bend, Indiana
- Duration: 60 credits for clinical mental health counseling; 48 credits minimum for school counseling
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University is a private evangelical Christian university affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. It is the largest private university in Indiana. The school offers many on-campus and online options for counseling degrees, including a master of arts in clinical addictions counseling, clinical mental health counseling, community care, marriage and family counseling, school counseling, and student development administration.
The clinical mental health counseling program is licensure track to prepare students for licensure as an Indiana counselor. The 36-credit master of arts in community care degree is a non-licensure track that prepares students to provide non-clinical counseling-related services in the community. Marriage and family counseling students can meet the requirements for licensure as marriage and family therapists in Indiana. The MA in student development administration prepares graduates to work in student affairs (i.e., student services, student life, student development). This degree can be completed online or blended (at the Marion or Indianapolis-West campuses).
All programs are taught through a Christian worldview.
- Location: Marion, Indiana
- Duration: Clinical addictions counseling and school counseling are 48 credits; clinical mental health counseling and marriage and family therapy are 60 credits
- Accreditation: The addictions program is accredited by the National Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC); the mental health counseling and school counseling programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Purdue University Fort Wayne
Purdue University Fort Wayne was a public university in Fort Wayne, Indiana, founded in 1964 as Indiana Public University Fort Wayne. Both Indiana University and Purdue University cooperatively managed it. In 2018, the campus split into Purdue University Fort Wayne and Indiana University Fort Wayne.
Today, IU Fort Wayne offers health sciences programs, while Purdue University Fort Wayne offers all other programs. The College of Professional Studies offers counselor education programs in mental health and school counseling. Students can graduate with a master of science degree in counseling specializing in either school counseling or clinical mental health counseling.
These programs are designed for working professionals, with classes held in the evenings beginning at 4:30 p.m. The third-year internship requires 15 to 20 hours a week of direct experience in a local school or agency. Students in the school counseling track must take the Indiana Licensure Exam upon graduating to obtain their license. Students in the clinical mental health track will need to take the LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) exam and/or the LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) exam to be eligible for the state associate license.
- Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Duration: Three years, part-time (typically two nights per week)
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Purdue University Northwest
Purdue University Northwest is a public university with two campuses in Northwest Indiana in Hammond and Westville. Purdue’s School of Education and Counseling offers two master of science in education degree programs: mental health counseling and school counseling.
After completing the mental health program, students will be eligible to become licensed mental health counselors. School counseling students will be eligible for K-12 school counselor licensure in Indiana. Students must provide three professional recommendations along with their application to either of these programs.
- Location: Hammond and Westville, Indiana
- Duration: 60 credits, three years
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso University is a private Lutheran university with about 3,600 students from around the world. The master of arts in clinical mental health counseling program at Valparaiso University prepares students for licensure. Twelve credits of specialty electives are required. For those who wish to become substance abuse counselors, electives include courses from the Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor (LCAC) certificate program.
- Location: Valparaiso, Indiana
- Duration: 60 credits
- Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
How Much Do Counselors Make in Indiana?
These numbers represent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2023—the latest data available as of November 2024.
Marriage and Family Therapists
| United States | Indiana | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 63,340 | 740 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $68,730 | $53,470 |
| 10th percentile | $39,090 | $30,370 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $58,510 | $53,770 |
| 90th percentile | $104,710 | $73,330 |
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
| United States | Indiana | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 397,880 | 10,230 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $60,080 | $49,750 |
| 10th percentile | $36,700 | $35,550 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $53,710 | $45,510 |
| 90th percentile | $89,920 | $73,670 |
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
| United States | Indiana | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 327,660 | 5,270 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $66,990 | $55,830 |
| 10th percentile | $40,140 | $38,420 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $61,710 | $50,670 |
| 90th percentile | $100,050 | $77,450 |
Rehabilitation Counselors
| United States | Indiana | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 84,750 | 1,900 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $48,430 | $44,610 |
| 10th percentile | $31,390 | $31,820 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $44,040 | $43,980 |
| 90th percentile | $73,710 | $58,780 |
All Other Counselors
| United States | Indiana | |
|---|---|---|
| Number employed | 35,580 | 190 |
| Average annual salary (mean) | $52,360 | $49,950 |
| 10th percentile | $33,300 | $26,920 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $46,130 | $51,650 |
| 90th percentile | $79,880 | $69,150 |
Counseling Professional Associations & Resources in Indiana
- Indiana Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC)
- Indiana Counseling Association (ICA)
- Indiana School Counselor Association (ISCA)
- National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
- Keep Indiana Learning Counselor Connect
- The Midwest Region of the American Counseling Association (ACA)
- Indiana Counselor’s Association on Alcohol and Drug Addiction (ICAADA)
- The Association for Addiction Professionals — Indiana
- Indiana Department of Education — Graduation Pathways
- Indiana Career Ready
- Indiana Department of Education Learning Connection
- Indiana Youth Institute
- Learn More Indiana
Mental Health Counseling (LMHC) Licenses in Indiana: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Behavioral Health And Human Service Licensing Board through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency |
Both Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associates (LMHCAs) and Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) are licensed in Indiana. Prospective counselors must first apply to be LMHCAs. Applicants must:
LHMC candidates must:
|
Renewals of counseling licenses happen every two years in Indiana. Counselors are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education, of which two of the hours must be in ethics. The fee to renew is $50. |
School Counseling Licenses in Indiana
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Department of Education |
The Indiana Department of Education issues School Services Licenses to School Counselors. Candidates for an initial license must:
|
Initial school services licenses are valid for two years and may be renewed by completing an application and paying a $35 renewal fee. Full practitioner licenses are valid for five years. To renew, school counselors must submit an application, pay $35 application fee, and provide proof of 90 Professional Growth Plan (PGP) points. |
Substance Abuse Counseling Licenses in Indiana
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Professional Licensing Agency Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board | There are four levels of substance abuse counselors licenses in Indiana: Licensed Addiction Counselor Associate (LACA), Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor Associate (LCACA), and Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor (LCAC). Requirements to earn a LACA license include:
Requirements to earn a LAC license include:
Requirements to earn an LCACA license include:
Requirements to earn an LCAC license include:
|
All substance abuse counselor licenses in Indiana expire on April 1st of even-numbered years. Renewals cost $50 and must be accompanied by 40 hours of continuing education, with at least 20 hours of formal courses, of which two must be ethics. |
Rehabilitation Counseling Licenses in Indiana
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
Rehabilitation counselors in Indiana must be Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associates (LMHCAs) or Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs). Prospective counselors must first apply to be LMHCAs. Applicants must:
LHMC candidates must:
|
Renewals of counseling licenses must be completed by on April 1st of even years in Indiana. Counselors are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education, of which two must be in ethics. There is a fee to renew. |
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Licenses in Indiana
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) for national certification | Currently, there are no state certification or licensing requirements for applied behavior analysts in Illinois. However, in 2021 HB1516 was signed into law by the governor, which established the behavior analyst committee with oversight by the medical licensing board of Indiana. As of May 2024, committee meetings were still taking place to determine how to implement this law. It should be noted that it is a class B misdemeanor to use the title of Certified Behavior Analyst without a BCBA certification |
To continue utilizing the title of Certified Behavior Analyst, analysts must keep their BCBA certification current. |
Marriage and Family Therapy Licenses in Indiana
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Behavioral Health And Human Service Licensing Board |
The Behavioral Health And Human Service Licensing Board licenses Marriage and Family Therapists and Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. Requirements for an Associate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist credential are:
Programs must meet specific coursework requirements. Students must complete a 500-hour practicum as part of their studies with at least 100 hours of supervision To become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a candidate must meet the above requirements, as well as:
|
Renewals of marriage and family therapist licenses happen every two years in Indiana. Counselors are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education, of which two must be in ethics. The fee to renew is $50. |
Child (Pediatric) Behavioral Therapy Licenses in Indiana
| Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Behavioral Health And Human Service Licensing Board through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency |
Child therapists in Indiana must be Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associates (LMHCAs) or Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs). Prospective counselors must first apply to be LMHCAs. Applicants must:
LHMC candidates must:
|
Renewals of counseling licenses happen every two years in Indiana. Counselors are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education, of which two of the hours must be in ethics. The fee to renew is $50. |
Rachel Drummond, MEd
WriterRachel Drummond has used her expertise in education and mindfulness to guide aspiring counselors since 2020. Her work emphasizes the importance of integrating reflective mindfulness into counseling techniques, helping readers understand how mental and physical well-being can enhance their professional practice and personal development in counseling.
Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.
Vanessa Salvia
WriterVanessa Salvia is an Oregon-based freelance writer and editor with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. As fun as rigorous studies in math and science were, Vanessa took an independent path and developed a prolific career covering lifestyle and healthcare topics for magazines and newspapers, important industries such as concrete construction and building waterproofing, and even hard science. You can get in touch at Sage Media and Marketing.