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Indiana Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements

Indiana Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements

Navigating the process of renewing your counselor or therapist license in Indiana can be complex, especially with specific deadlines and continuing education (CE) requirements to meet.

For licensed counselors and therapists in Indiana, staying updated on these requirements is crucial to maintaining your professional standing and ensuring uninterrupted practice. Whether you’re a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or another mental health professional, understanding the licensure renewal process is essential for a smooth and timely renewal.

In Indiana, the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board sets licensure renewal dates. Typically, renewals occur biennially, and professionals must meet both submission deadlines and fulfill mandatory continuing education hours to remain in compliance with state regulations. Missing these deadlines can result in late fees or, in some cases, suspension of your license until all criteria are met. Knowing your renewal date and staying on top of requirements ensures you avoid these penalties and can continue serving your clients without disruption.

Did you know? Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ NBCC-approved CE courses for one low annual fee to meet your state’s requirements for Continuing Education credits.

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1) Key Indiana Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates

In Indiana, becoming a licensed counselor or therapist involves meeting specific educational, experiential, and examination requirements. The licensure process is overseen by the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board. Below is a breakdown of the requirements and the licensure types available to counselors and therapists in the state.

A Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Indiana working with the community outdoors. The scene features Indiana’s natural and architectural elements to reflect the setting.

1. Licensure and Credentialing Requirements for Counselors and Therapists in Indiana

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

  • Education Requirements: Candidates must have at least a master’s degree in counseling or a related mental health field from a regionally accredited institution. The program must include coursework in counseling theory, human growth and development, ethics, research, and clinical instruction, among other areas.
  • Experience Requirements: After completing the educational requirements, applicants must complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. This should include at least 100 hours of face-to-face supervision.
  • Examination: After completing both the education and experience requirements, candidates must pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) or the National Counselor Examination (NCE).

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

  • Education Requirements: A master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, or a related field, from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or a similar accrediting body is required.
  • Experience Requirements: After graduation, LMFT applicants must complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience in marriage and family therapy, with a minimum of 200 hours of face-to-face supervision.
  • Examination: Applicants must pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) exam.

Temporary Permits for LMHC and LMFT

  • Indiana also offers temporary permits for those who have completed their educational requirements but are still in the process of completing the required experience hours. This permit allows them to work under supervision until fully licensed.

2. Licensure Renewal Requirements

  • Renewal Cycle: Both LMHC and LMFT licenses in Indiana must be renewed biennially. The expiration date for these licenses is April 1 of even-numbered years.
  • Continuing Education (CE) Requirements: License holders must complete 40 hours of continuing education during each two-year renewal period. This must include at least 6 hours of ethics training. CE courses must be approved by the state, and they can be completed in various formats, including online and in-person sessions.
  • Renewal Costs: The renewal fee for both LMHC and LMFT licenses is $100.
  • Late Renewal Fees: If a license is not renewed by the expiration date, a late renewal fee of $50 is charged, on top of the regular renewal fee.

3. Fees for Specific Licenses and Applications

  • Application Fee for LMHC and LMFT: $50. This fee covers the application and initial review process.
  • License Issuance Fee: Once approved, there is an additional $50 issuance fee for both LMHC and LMFT.
  • Temporary Permit Fee: $50 for those applying for a temporary LMHC or LMFT permit.
  • License Renewal Fee: $100 for each two-year cycle for both LMHC and LMFT.
  • Late Renewal Fee: $50 for renewals submitted after the deadline.

Sources:

  1. Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. “Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board – License Renewal Information.” https://www.in.gov/pla/professions/mental-health-counseling/
  2. Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. “Marriage and Family Therapists – Licensing Information.” https://www.in.gov/pla/professions/marriage-and-family-therapy/
  3. Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board. “Continuing Education Requirements.” https://www.in.gov/pla/requirements-continuing-education/

Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ NBCC-approved CE courses for one low annual fee to meet Indiana’s requirements for Counselor and Therapist Continuing Education credits.

2) Indiana Counselor and Therapist Continuing Education Requirements

In Indiana, continuing education (CE) is a crucial part of maintaining licensure for both Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT). These requirements are set by the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board to ensure that mental health professionals stay up to date with current practices, ethical standards, and professional development in their fields.

a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) working with a client in a cozy, warm office setting

1. Continuing Education Requirements for LMHC and LMFT

  • Total Hours: Counselors and therapists must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years (biennially) to renew their licenses.
  • Ethics Training: Out of the required 40 hours, 6 hours must be in ethics. These ethics hours are meant to keep professionals informed about the legal and ethical standards of practice, confidentiality, professional boundaries, and emerging ethical challenges in the field of mental health.
  • License Renewal Cycle: The CE hours must be completed within each two-year licensure period, which ends on April 1 of even-numbered years.

2. Approved Continuing Education Providers

Indiana only accepts continuing education credits from providers approved by certain recognized organizations, ensuring that the content meets professional standards. Acceptable CE providers typically include:

  • National and state-level counseling organizations, such as the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the Indiana Counseling Association (ICA)
  • National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)-approved providers
  • Accredited universities and educational institutions
  • Recognized professional organizations for marriage and family therapy, such as the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)

CE courses may be offered in a variety of formats, including:

  • Live seminars or workshops
  • Online or distance-learning courses
  • University courses related to counseling or therapy
  • Approved in-service training by professional associations

3. Types of Acceptable Continuing Education

The state allows for a diverse range of topics and formats to meet the CE requirements. While ethics is a mandatory category, professionals can tailor their CE hours to specific areas of interest or professional development needs. Acceptable topics generally include:

  • Clinical supervision
  • Counseling theories and interventions
  • Multicultural competency and diversity
  • Mental health diagnostics and assessment
  • Crisis intervention and trauma-informed care
  • Specialized therapy techniques (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy)

Additionally, a portion of the CE hours may be acquired through:

  • Teaching Continuing Education Courses: LMHCs and LMFTs who teach an approved CE course can receive credit for their teaching hours, though this is typically limited to a certain percentage of the total hours.
  • Publications or Presentations: Professionals who publish scholarly articles or present at professional conferences may also receive CE credit, again with limitations on the number of hours that can be applied toward the total.

4. CE Audit and Documentation

Professionals are responsible for maintaining their own CE records and must submit them if requested by the licensing board. Indiana conducts random audits, and licensees must keep documentation of their CE activities for at least three years after the renewal period. Acceptable documentation includes certificates of completion, official transcripts, or letters of attendance from approved CE providers.

5. CE Waivers and Exemptions

In certain circumstances, counselors and therapists may request a waiver or exemption from part of the CE requirements. Common reasons for CE waivers include:

  • Health Issues: If a serious health condition prevents a professional from completing the CE hours, they can apply for a waiver.
  • Military Service: Active-duty military personnel may be eligible for extensions or waivers if their service interferes with their ability to complete the required CE hours.

Waiver requests must be submitted in writing to the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board and are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Summary

  • Total Hours Required: 40 hours biennially
  • Ethics Hours: 6 hours
  • Approved CE Providers: Must be from state-approved or nationally recognized organizations
  • Recordkeeping: Professionals must maintain CE records for three years and may be audited

Agents of Change Continuing Education is a great way to meet Indiana’s Counselor and Therapist CE requirements and track your completed CEs, with over 150 NBCC-approved courses that meet these requirements!

Agents of Change has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7620. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Agents of Change is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

3) FAQs – Indiana Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal and CEs

Q: What happens if I don’t complete my continuing education (CE) hours by the license renewal date?

A: If you do not complete your required CE hours before your license renewal date, which is April 1 of even-numbered years in Indiana, your license may not be renewed. Failure to renew your license on time can result in penalties such as late fees, or worse, a suspension of your ability to practice.

Specifically, Indiana imposes a $50 late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. Additionally, if audited by the licensing board and you cannot provide proof of your completed CE hours, your license may be subject to further disciplinary action. It’s important to keep records of your CE activities for at least three years in case of an audit.

Q: Can I complete my continuing education (CE) hours online?

A: Yes, Indiana allows Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) to complete a portion of their CE hours online through approved providers. However, it is essential to ensure that the CE courses are offered by state-approved organizations such as the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) or recognized professional associations like the American Counseling Association (ACA) or the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

Online courses in ethics, clinical skills, or other relevant areas are all acceptable as long as they meet the board’s standards.

Q: What are the specific continuing education (CE) requirements for ethics training?

A: Indiana requires that counselors and therapists complete 6 hours of ethics training as part of their 40 required CE hours during each two-year renewal period. These ethics hours focus on maintaining a high standard of professional conduct, including understanding legal and ethical obligations, client confidentiality, informed consent, and appropriate boundaries.

Ethics courses must be taken through an approved CE provider, and they can be completed in-person or online, as long as they meet the board’s educational standards. Failure to meet this specific requirement can result in your license not being renewed, even if you’ve completed the overall 40 hours of CE.

Resources for CE: Agents of Change Continuing Education offers over 150 NBCC-approved courses that meet Indiana’s Counselor and Therapist CE requirements. 

4) Conclusion

Maintaining licensure as a counselor or therapist in Indiana requires careful attention to continuing education requirements, timely renewals, and adherence to ethical standards. By staying informed of the state’s licensure renewal process and completing the required 40 hours of continuing education, including the mandatory 6 hours of ethics training, you ensure not only compliance with the law but also the opportunity to continually enhance your professional skills. This ultimately benefits both your practice and your clients.

Failing to meet these requirements can lead to disruptions in your ability to practice, additional fees, or even disciplinary actions from the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board. However, by planning ahead and taking advantage of approved CE courses through accredited organizations, whether in-person or online, you can stay on top of your professional development and avoid any last-minute stress. Keeping proper documentation of your CE activities for at least three years also protects you in case of an audit.

Resources like Agents of Change Continuing Education provide accessible and varied learning opportunities for Counselors and Therapists to meet Continuing Education requirements. Learn more about Agents of Change Continuing Education.

We’ve helped thousands of Counselors and Therapists with their Continuing Education and want you to be next!

► Learn more about the Agents of Change Continuing Education here: Agents of Change Continuing Education

About the Instructor, Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing Continuing Education for Counselors, Therapists, and Social Workersfor more than 10 years. From all of this experience helping others pass their exams, she created Agents of Change Continuing Education to help Counselors, Therapists, and Social Workers stay up-to-date on the latest trends, research, and techniques.

#counselor #NBCC #therapist #NBCC #continuinged #continuingeducation #ce #freeCE

Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment

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