Individuals interested in pursuing careers in rehabilitation counseling in Indiana should carefully review licensure guidelines before beginning their career paths. Prospective students must satisfy degree requirements and prerequisite coursework prior to licensing. Candidates for licensing must also complete supervised work experience requirements through internships and practicums.
Review this guide for details on becoming a licensed rehabilitation counselor in Indiana. Pay close attention to the requirements before submitting applications since applicants incur fees for applications and exams.
Counseling License and Career Requirements in Indiana
Explore more pathways to becoming a counselor in Indiana hereEducation and Experience Requirements
In the following section, prospective students can review the experience and education requirements needed when applying for the rehabilitation counselor licensing exam. This section covers specific coursework required in Indiana, including information on supervised work hours.
Education and Coursework
Individuals interested in pursuing careers in rehabilitation counseling in Indiana can earn a licensed mental health counselor (LHMC) or a certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) credential. Many individuals opt to pursue both certifications since both require candidates to hold a master's degree. CRC candidates can hold a master's or doctoral degree in the field, and all candidates must provide evidence of completed coursework, including medical and psychosocial aspects of disabilities.
Candidates who do not hold a qualifying counseling master's degree can enroll in a 21-credit degree or certificate program to satisfy the preliminary educational requirements for licensure. LMHC candidates must hold a master's degree and meet more stringent requirements than CRC candidates, including 49-60 credits of approved coursework.
Coursework must encompass the following subjects:
- Clinical Instruction
- Research and Program Evaluation
- Professional Orientation and Ethics
- Psychotherapy
- Mental Health Counseling Foundations
- Lifestyle and Career Development
- Assessment and Appraisal
- Group Processes and Dynamics
- Social and Cultural Foundations
- Human Growth and Development
- Helping Relationships
Students can review the specific educational requirements for rehabilitation counselors in Indiana online.
Interested in pursuing an education in school counseling? Check out the following pages to explore available academic programs by level:
Practicum and Internship
Rehabilitation counselor hopefuls in Indiana must satisfy supervised work experience requirements before they can obtain licensure. CRC candidates must complete a supervised internship as part of a doctoral-level program or a Council on Rehabilitation Education-accredited master's program. These individuals must complete a minimum of one year of work experience, with up to three years required depending on circumstances. LMHC candidates need to complete 1,000 hours of internship, practicum, or supervised fieldwork experience in approved focus areas.
Application and Exam Requirements for Indiana Rehabilitation Counselors
To become a rehabilitation counselor in Indiana, candidates must first complete a licensing application available through the professional licensing agency website. Candidates should arrange for any third party documents, such as exam verifications and transcripts, to arrive at the licensing agency directly from the source. Applicants must pay the $50 application fee when they submit their materials.
Counselors in Indiana must complete two counseling exams at the LMHC level, including the National Counselor Examination and the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination
All applicants must complete mandatory background checks, complete with fingerprinting. Once their application processes, candidates can register through an approved vendor to complete their exam. Out-of-state candidates should get their fingerprints scanned locally through Morphotrust. Indiana applicants may generate digital fingerprints. All in-state applicants must also complete Indiana's jurisprudence exam and provide verification for any current or past healthcare certifications and licenses.
Counselors in Indiana must complete two counseling exams at the LMHC level, including the National Counselor Examination and the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination. The CRC examination features computer-based delivery and three potential assessment times.
Out-of-State Rehabilitation Counselor Candidates
Out-of-state candidates for rehabilitation counseling roles in Indiana can pursue reciprocity if their completed licensing requirements align with Indiana standards. Counselors must provide a valid current license and provide proof of completion of the required coursework. Candidates should remit any necessary fees before obtaining their new license.
Rehabilitation Counselor License Maintenance and Renewal Requirements
Rehabilitation counselors in Indiana must renew their license every two years. Renewal requirements include the completion of specific continuing education coursework covering key competencies in the profession, such as ethics, diagnosis, and treatment. Counselors complete their renewal requirements in even-numbered years based on their initial certification date.
Rehabilitation counselors in Indiana must renew their license every two years
Resources and Organizations for Rehabilitation Counselors in Indiana
Aspiring rehabilitation counselors in Indiana can explore a variety of useful resources by joining professional organizations both during their studies and after graduation. Consider pursuing membership in professional organizations to expand your skills and knowledge. Benefits for members include professional development, continuing education, networking opportunities, and access to pertinent online resources for specialists.
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs CACREP provides accreditation for master's and doctoral programs in the counseling disciplines.
- American Association of State Counseling Boards Through the AASCB, individuals can review the government agencies that regulate counselor licensing in the United States.
- American Counseling Association Functioning as the largest nonprofit association dedicated to the counseling field, ACA represents professional counselors across a variety of settings.
- American Rehabilitation Counseling Association The ARCA consists of students, educators, and practitioners in the field who share a commitment to providing quality services to disabled individuals.
- International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals At IARP, individuals can pursue membership pertinent to specialties of rehabilitation counseling, including managed care, life care planning, and long-term disability management.
- National Rehabilitation Association Members of the NRA focus on ethical practices in the rehabilitation field to promote economic and personal independence for disabled individuals.
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention CDC provides students and professionals in the rehabilitation counseling field with information about various health conditions and the prevention of disease outbreaks.
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Since rehabilitation counselors serve as advocates for disabled individuals, they often reference information provided by the EEOC to ensure equality of service for all clients.
- National Council on Disability NCD provides individuals with information about fair treatment and opportunities for disabled populations from a variety of backgrounds.
- Rehabilitation Services Administration Students and professionals can explore RSA to learn about employment opportunities and independent support services for disabled individuals.