How to become a Counselor in Indiana

Below are basic guidelines for those wishing to earn their counseling certification in Indiana. Most of these requirements, such as earning your Master’s degree, completing 3200 hours of supervised experience and passing the NCE examination, are likely to continue to be mandatory in the Indiana counseling licensure process. However, it is wise to contact the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency at (317) 234-2064 to make sure you are on the right track.

I’m a High School Graduate

The next step for a high school graduate looking to earn their Indiana Counseling Certification is to learn how and where to enroll in an associate degree program or a bachelor degree program. Indiana counseling licensure requires candidates possess a master’s degree at minimum.

However, you are in a fantastic position to learn more about the field of counseling and career options open to you after you complete your required education.

Click on the links below to browse schools offering programs in psychology or counseling.

Once you have enrolled in a program, take advantage of your school’s career services department and learn how you can find employment or volunteer opportunities that are related to the counseling career path.

Already Received Bachelor’s Degree

Once you have your bachelor’s degree, you can begin looking for schools that are offering a master’s or doctoral degree program in counseling. Request information from additional schools offering counseling programs in Indiana.

Step One:

While earning your masters degree, 100 hours of practicum, 240 hours of internship and 300 doctoral level internship hours must be completed. All logged experience hours need to be under qualified supervision and in a counseling setting.

You may refer to the Statutes and Rules from the following Indiana Board webpage for more information regarding supervised experience requirements for Indiana Counseling Certification.

Step Two:

Next, acquire 3000 hours of post-graduate clinical experience. This should be completed in 2 years by a qualified supervisor.

More information about hourly requirements and supervision can be found in the Statutes and Rules, as well from the following Indiana Board webpage.

Step Three:

Download and submit the Indiana counseling licensure application along with all necessary forms to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency for review.

You can download the application from the following Indiana Professional Licensing website.

Step Four:

Once the Indiana Board has notified you of their approval of your application, you have one year to take the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (NCMHCE).

Find more information about the exam on the NBCC website.

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