IC 25-23.6-8
Chapter 8. Certification; Examinations
IC 25-23.6-8-1 Application for marriage and family therapist license;
requirements
Sec. 1. An individual who applies for a license as a marriage and
family therapist must meet the following requirements:
(1) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the individual
has:
(A) received a master's or doctor's degree in marriage and
family therapy, or in a related area as determined by the
board from an eligible postsecondary educational institution
that meets the requirements under section 2.1(a)(1) of this
chapter or from a foreign school that has a program of study
that meets the requirements under section 2.1(a)(2) or
(2.1)(a)(3) of this chapter; and
(B) completed the educational requirements under section
2.5 of this chapter.
(2) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the individual
has met the clinical experience requirements under section 2.7
of this chapter.
(3) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the
individual:
(A) except as provided in section 1.7 of this chapter, holds
a marriage and family therapist associate license, in good
standing, issued under section 5 of this chapter; or
(B) is licensed or certified to practice as a marriage and
family therapist in another state and is otherwise qualified
under this chapter.
(4) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the individual
does not have a conviction for a crime that has a direct bearing
on the individual's ability to practice competently.
(5) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the individual
has not been the subject of a disciplinary action by a licensing
or certification agency of another state or jurisdiction on the
grounds that the individual was not able to practice as a
marriage and family therapist without endangering the public.
(6) Pay the fee established by the board. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.33-1993,
SEC.42; P.L.147-1997, SEC.61; P.L.2-2007, SEC.337;
P.L.134-2008, SEC.39; P.L.177-2009, SEC.46.
IC 25-23.6-8-1.5 Application for marriage and family therapist associate license;
requirements
Sec. 1.5. An individual who applies for a license as a marriage
and family therapist associate must meet the following requirements:
(1) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the individual
has:
(A) received a master's or doctor's degree in marriage and
family therapy, or in a related area as determined by the
board from an institution of higher education that meets the
requirements under section 2.1(a)(1) of this chapter or from
a foreign school that has a program of study that meets the
requirements under section 2.1(a)(2) or 2.1(a)(3) of this
chapter; and
(B) completed the educational requirements under section
2.5 of this chapter.
(2) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the individual
does not have a conviction for a crime that has a direct bearing
on the individual's ability to practice competently.
(3) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the individual
has not been the subject of a disciplinary action by a licensing
or certification agency of another state or jurisdiction on the
grounds that the individual was not able to practice as a
marriage and family therapist associate without endangering the
public.
(4) Pay the fee established by the board.
(5) Pass an examination provided by the board. As added by P.L.134-2008, SEC.40.
IC 25-23.6-8-1.7 Doctoral program; associate license; clinical experience
Sec. 1.7. An individual who receives a master's degree and enters
a doctoral program may do either of the following:
(1) Apply for a marriage and family therapist associate license
under section 1.5 of this chapter by meeting the requirements of
this chapter.
(2) Elect not to apply for a marriage and family therapist
associate license under section 1.5 of this chapter, accrue the
clinical experience required under section 2.7(b) of this chapter,
and apply for a marriage and family therapist license at the
conclusion of the doctoral program. As added by P.L.177-2009, SEC.47.
IC 25-23.6-8-2
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.147-1997, SEC.75.)
IC 25-23.6-8-2.1 Requirements for institution attended by applicant
Sec. 2.1. (a) An applicant for a license as a marriage and family
therapist under section 1 of this chapter or an applicant for a license
as a marriage and family therapist associate under section 1.5 of this
chapter must have received a master's or doctor's degree in marriage
and family therapy, or in a related area as determined by the board,
from an eligible postsecondary educational institution that meets the
following requirements:
(1) If the institution was located in the United States or a
territory of the United States, at the time of the applicant's
graduation the institution was accredited by a regional
accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition
of Postsecondary Accreditation.
(2) If the institution was located in Canada, at the time of the
applicant's graduation the institution was a member in good
standing with the Association of Universities and Colleges of
Canada.
(3) If the institution was located in a foreign country other than
Canada, at the time of the applicant's graduation the institution:
(A) was recognized by the government of the country where
the school was located as a program to train in the practice
of marriage and family therapy or psychotherapy; and
(B) maintained a standard of training substantially
equivalent to the standards of institutions accredited by a
regional accrediting body recognized by the Commission on
Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.
(b) An applicant for a license as a marriage and family therapist
under section 1 of this chapter or an applicant for a license as a
marriage and family therapist associate under section 1.5 of this
chapter who has a master's or doctoral degree from a program that
did not emphasize marriage and family therapy may complete the
course work requirement from an institution that is:
(1) accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for
Marriage and Family Therapy Education; and
(2) recognized by the United States Department of Education. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.62. Amended by P.L.2-2007,
SEC.338; P.L.134-2008, SEC.41.
IC 25-23.6-8-2.5 Educational requirements
Sec. 2.5. (a) An applicant for a license as a marriage and family
therapist under section 1 of this chapter or an applicant for a license
as a marriage and family therapist associate under section 1.5 of this
chapter must complete the following educational requirements:
(1) Except as provided in subsection (b), complete twenty-seven
(27) semester hours or forty-one (41) quarter hours of graduate
course work that must include graduate level course credits with
material in at least the following content areas:
(A) Theoretical foundations of marriage and family therapy.
(B) Major models of marriage and family therapy.
(C) Individual development.
(D) Family development and family relationships.
(E) Clinical problems.
(F) Collaboration with other disciplines.
(G) Sexuality.
(H) Gender and sexual orientation.
(I) Issues of ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, and
culture.
(J) Therapy techniques.
(K) Behavioral research that focuses on the interpretation
and application of research data as it applies to clinical
practice.
The content areas may be combined into any one (1) graduate
level course, if the applicant can prove that the course work was
devoted to each content area.
(2) Not less than one (1) graduate level course of two (2)
semester hours or three (3) quarter hours in the following areas:
(A) Legal, ethical, and professional standards issues in the
practice of marriage and family therapy or an equivalent
course approved by the board.
(B) Appraisal and assessment for individual or interpersonal
disorder or dysfunction.
(3) At least one (1) supervised clinical practicum, internship, or
field experience in a marriage and family counseling setting that
meets the following requirements:
(A) The applicant provided five hundred (500) face to face
client contact hours of marriage and family therapy services
under the supervision of a licensed marriage and family
therapist who has at least five (5) years of experience or a
qualified supervisor approved by the board.
(B) The applicant received one hundred (100) hours of
supervision from a licensed marriage and family therapist
who has at least five (5) years experience as a qualified
supervisor.
The requirements under clauses (A) and (B) may be met by a
supervised practice experience that took place away from an
institution of higher education but that is certified by an official
of the eligible postsecondary educational institution as being
equivalent to a graduate level practicum or internship program
at an institution accredited by an accrediting agency approved
by the United States Department of Education Commission on
Recognition of Postsecondary Education, the Association of
Universities and Colleges of Canada, or the Commission on
Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education.
(b) The following graduate work may not be used to satisfy the
content area requirements under subsection (a):
(1) Thesis or dissertation work.
(2) Practicums, internships, or fieldwork. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.63. Amended by P.L.2-2007,
SEC.339; P.L.134-2008, SEC.42.
IC 25-23.6-8-2.7 Examination; clinical experience requirement
Sec. 2.7. (a) As used in this section, "first available examination"
means the first examination after the date of:
(1) graduation; or
(2) moving into Indiana;
that has an application deadline that is at least thirty (30) days after
the date of graduation or the date of moving into Indiana, unless the
individual chooses to meet a deadline that is less than thirty (30) days
after either of those events.
(b) An applicant for a license as a marriage and family therapist
under section 1 of this chapter must have at least two (2) years of
clinical experience, during which at least fifty percent (50%) of the
applicant's clients were receiving marriage and family therapy
services. The applicant's clinical experience must include one
thousand (1,000) hours of postdegree clinical experience and two
hundred (200) hours of postdegree clinical supervision, of which one
hundred (100) hours must be individual supervision, under the
supervision of a licensed marriage and family therapist who has at
least five (5) years of experience or an equivalent supervisor, as
determined by the board.
(c) If an individual applies for, takes, and passes the first available
examination, the individual may not count more than five hundred
(500) hours of the postdegree clinical experience that is:
(1) required under subsection (b); and
(2) accumulated before taking the examination toward licensure
as a marriage and family therapist.
(d) If an individual does not pass the first available examination,
the individual may:
(1) retain the hours accumulated before taking the examination;
(2) continue working; and
(3) not accumulate any additional hours toward licensure as a
marriage and family therapist until passing the examination.
(e) If an individual does not take the first available examination,
the individual may not begin accumulating any postdegree clinical
experience hours toward licensure as a marriage and family therapist
until the individual passes the examination.
(f) When obtaining the clinical experience required under
subsection (b), the applicant must provide direct individual, group,
and family therapy and counseling to the following categories of
cases:
(1) Unmarried couples.
(2) Married couples.
(3) Separating or divorcing couples.
(4) Family groups, including children.
(g) A doctoral internship may be applied toward the supervised
work experience requirement.
(h) Except as provided in subsection (i), the experience
requirement may be met by work performed at or away from the
premises of the supervising marriage and family therapist.
(i) The work requirement may not be performed away from the
supervising marriage and family therapist's premises if:
(1) the work is the independent private practice of marriage and
family therapy; and
(2) the work is not performed at a place that has the supervision
of a licensed marriage and family therapist or an equivalent
supervisor, as determined by the board. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.64. Amended by P.L.197-2007,
IC 25-23.6-8-3 Examination; minimum requirements
Sec. 3. An individual who satisfies the requirements of section
1.5(1) through 1.5(4) of this chapter may take the examination
provided by the board. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.134-2008,
SEC.44.
IC 25-23.6-8-4 Examinations; times and places
Sec. 4. The board shall provide for examinations to be given at
least once annually at times and places established by the board. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9.
IC 25-23.6-8-5 Issuance of license
Sec. 5. The board shall issue a marriage and family therapist
license or marriage and family therapist associate license, as
appropriate, to an individual who:
(1) achieves a passing score, as determined by the board, on the
examination provided under this chapter; and
(2) is otherwise qualified under this article. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.147-1997,
SEC.65; P.L.134-2008, SEC.45.
IC 25-23.6-8-6
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.33-1993, SEC.74.)
IC 25-23.6-8-7
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.33-1993, SEC.74.)
IC 25-23.6-8-8 Duration of marriage and family therapist license; renewal
Sec. 8. (a) A marriage and family therapist license issued by the
board is valid for the remainder of the renewal period in effect on the
date the license was issued.
(b) An individual may renew a marriage and family therapist
license by:
(1) paying a renewal fee on or before the expiration date of the
license; and
(2) completing not less than fifteen (15) hours of continuing
education each licensure year.
(c) If an individual fails to pay a renewal on or before the
expiration date of a license, the license becomes invalid. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.147-1997,
SEC.66; P.L.134-2008, SEC.46. IC 25-23.6-8-8.5 Duration of marriage and family therapist associate license;
renewal
Sec. 8.5. (a) A marriage and family therapist associate license
issued by the board is valid for the remainder of the renewal period
in effect on the date the license was issued.
(b) An individual may renew a marriage and family therapist
associate license two (2) times by:
(1) paying a renewal fee on or before the expiration date of the
license; and
(2) completing at least fifteen (15) hours of continuing
education each licensure year.
(c) The board may renew a marriage and family therapist
associate license for additional periods based on circumstances
determined by the board.
(d) If an individual fails to pay a renewal fee on or before the
expiration date of a license, the license becomes invalid. As added by P.L.134-2008, SEC.47.
IC 25-23.6-8-9 Reinstatement of invalid license
Sec. 9. (a) The board may reinstate an invalid marriage and family
therapist license issued under section 5 of this chapter up to three (3)
years after the expiration date of the license if the individual holding
the invalid license meets the requirements under IC 25-1-8-6.
(b) If more than three (3) years have elapsed since the date a
marriage and family therapist license expired, the individual holding
the license may renew the license by satisfying the requirements for
renewal established by the board and meeting the requirements under
IC 25-1-8-6.
(c) The board may reinstate an invalid marriage and family
therapist associate license issued under section 5 of this chapter up
to one (1) year after the expiration date of the license if the
individual holding the invalid license meets the requirements under
IC 25-1-8-6. An associate license that has been expired for more than
one (1) year may not be reinstated under IC 25-1-8-6. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.147-1997,
SEC.67; P.L.2-1998, SEC.68; P.L.269-2001, SEC.22; P.L.134-2008,
SEC.48.
IC 25-23.6-8-10 Temporary permit; requirements; expiration; renewal
Sec. 10. (a) The board may issue a temporary permit to an
individual to profess to be a marriage and family therapist if the
individual pays a fee and the individual:
(1) has a valid license or certificate to practice from another
state and the individual has applied for a license from the board;
(2) is practicing in a state that does not license or certify
marriage and family therapists, but is certified by a national
association approved by the board and the individual has
applied for a license from the board; or
(3) has been approved by the board to take the examination and
has graduated from a school or program approved by the board
and the individual has completed any experience requirement.
(b) A temporary permit expires the earlier of:
(1) the date the individual holding the permit is issued a license
under this article;
(2) the date the board disapproves the individual's license
application; or
(3) one hundred eighty (180) days after the initial permit is
issued.
(c) The board may renew a temporary permit if the individual
holding the permit was scheduled to take the next examination and
the individual:
(1) did not take the examination; and
(2) shows good cause for not taking the examination.
(d) A permit renewed under subsection (c) expires on the date the
individual holding the permit receives the results from the next
examination given after the permit was issued. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.147-1997,
SEC.68.
IC 25-23.6-8-11 Notification of retirement from practice
Sec. 11. (a) An individual who is licensed as a marriage and
family therapist under this chapter shall notify the board in writing
when the individual retires from practice.
(b) Upon receipt of the notice, the board shall:
(1) record the fact the individual is retired; and
(2) release the individual from further payment of renewal fees
and continuing education requirements. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.147-1997,
SEC.69; P.L.134-2008, SEC.49.
IC 25-23.6-8-12
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.33-1993, SEC.74.)
IC 25-23.6-8-13 Exemption from examination requirement
Sec. 13. (a) An individual who applies for a marriage and family
therapist license under section 1 of this chapter may be exempted by
the board from the examination requirement under this chapter if the
individual:
(1) complies with subsection (b); and
(2) is licensed or certified to practice as a marriage and family
therapist in another state or has engaged in the practice of
marriage and family therapy for at least three (3) of the previous
five (5) years.
(b) An individual may be exempted under subsection (a) if the
individual:
(1) has passed a licensing examination substantially equivalent
to the licensing examination required under this article;
(2) has passed an examination pertaining to the marriage and
family therapy laws and rules of this state; and
(3) has not committed any act or is not under investigation for
any act that constitutes a violation of this article;
and is otherwise qualified under section 1 of this chapter and pays an
additional fee. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.147-1997,
SEC.70; P.L.134-2008, SEC.50.
IC 25-23.6-8-14
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.33-1993, SEC.74.)
IC 25-23.6-8
Chapter 8. Certification; Examinations
IC 25-23.6-8-1 Application for marriage and family therapist license;
requirements
Sec. 1. An individual who applies for a license as a marriage and
family therapist must meet the following requirements:
(1) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the individual
has:
(A) received a master's or doctor's degree in marriage and
family therapy, or in a related area as determined by the
board from an eligible postsecondary educational institution
that meets the requirements under section 2.1(a)(1) of this
chapter or from a foreign school that has a program of study
that meets the requirements under section 2.1(a)(2) or
(2.1)(a)(3) of this chapter; and
(B) completed the educational requirements under section
2.5 of this chapter.
(2) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the individual
has met the clinical experience requirements under section 2.7
of this chapter.
(3) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the
individual:
(A) except as provided in section 1.7 of this chapter, holds
a marriage and family therapist associate license, in good
standing, issued under section 5 of this chapter; or
(B) is licensed or certified to practice as a marriage and
family therapist in another state and is otherwise qualified
under this chapter.
(4) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the individual
does not have a conviction for a crime that has a direct bearing
on the individual's ability to practice competently.
(5) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the individual
has not been the subject of a disciplinary action by a licensing
or certification agency of another state or jurisdiction on the
grounds that the individual was not able to practice as a
marriage and family therapist without endangering the public.
(6) Pay the fee established by the board. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.33-1993,
SEC.42; P.L.147-1997, SEC.61; P.L.2-2007, SEC.337;
P.L.134-2008, SEC.39; P.L.177-2009, SEC.46.
IC 25-23.6-8-1.5 Application for marriage and family therapist associate license;
requirements
Sec. 1.5. An individual who applies for a license as a marriage
and family therapist associate must meet the following requirements:
(1) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the individual
has:
(A) received a master's or doctor's degree in marriage and
family therapy, or in a related area as determined by the
board from an institution of higher education that meets the
requirements under section 2.1(a)(1) of this chapter or from
a foreign school that has a program of study that meets the
requirements under section 2.1(a)(2) or 2.1(a)(3) of this
chapter; and
(B) completed the educational requirements under section
2.5 of this chapter.
(2) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the individual
does not have a conviction for a crime that has a direct bearing
on the individual's ability to practice competently.
(3) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the individual
has not been the subject of a disciplinary action by a licensing
or certification agency of another state or jurisdiction on the
grounds that the individual was not able to practice as a
marriage and family therapist associate without endangering the
public.
(4) Pay the fee established by the board.
(5) Pass an examination provided by the board. As added by P.L.134-2008, SEC.40.
IC 25-23.6-8-1.7 Doctoral program; associate license; clinical experience
Sec. 1.7. An individual who receives a master's degree and enters
a doctoral program may do either of the following:
(1) Apply for a marriage and family therapist associate license
under section 1.5 of this chapter by meeting the requirements of
this chapter.
(2) Elect not to apply for a marriage and family therapist
associate license under section 1.5 of this chapter, accrue the
clinical experience required under section 2.7(b) of this chapter,
and apply for a marriage and family therapist license at the
conclusion of the doctoral program. As added by P.L.177-2009, SEC.47.
IC 25-23.6-8-2
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.147-1997, SEC.75.)
IC 25-23.6-8-2.1 Requirements for institution attended by applicant
Sec. 2.1. (a) An applicant for a license as a marriage and family
therapist under section 1 of this chapter or an applicant for a license
as a marriage and family therapist associate under section 1.5 of this
chapter must have received a master's or doctor's degree in marriage
and family therapy, or in a related area as determined by the board,
from an eligible postsecondary educational institution that meets the
following requirements:
(1) If the institution was located in the United States or a
territory of the United States, at the time of the applicant's
graduation the institution was accredited by a regional
accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition
of Postsecondary Accreditation.
(2) If the institution was located in Canada, at the time of the
applicant's graduation the institution was a member in good
standing with the Association of Universities and Colleges of
Canada.
(3) If the institution was located in a foreign country other than
Canada, at the time of the applicant's graduation the institution:
(A) was recognized by the government of the country where
the school was located as a program to train in the practice
of marriage and family therapy or psychotherapy; and
(B) maintained a standard of training substantially
equivalent to the standards of institutions accredited by a
regional accrediting body recognized by the Commission on
Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.
(b) An applicant for a license as a marriage and family therapist
under section 1 of this chapter or an applicant for a license as a
marriage and family therapist associate under section 1.5 of this
chapter who has a master's or doctoral degree from a program that
did not emphasize marriage and family therapy may complete the
course work requirement from an institution that is:
(1) accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for
Marriage and Family Therapy Education; and
(2) recognized by the United States Department of Education. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.62. Amended by P.L.2-2007,
SEC.338; P.L.134-2008, SEC.41.
IC 25-23.6-8-2.5 Educational requirements
Sec. 2.5. (a) An applicant for a license as a marriage and family
therapist under section 1 of this chapter or an applicant for a license
as a marriage and family therapist associate under section 1.5 of this
chapter must complete the following educational requirements:
(1) Except as provided in subsection (b), complete twenty-seven
(27) semester hours or forty-one (41) quarter hours of graduate
course work that must include graduate level course credits with
material in at least the following content areas:
(A) Theoretical foundations of marriage and family therapy.
(B) Major models of marriage and family therapy.
(C) Individual development.
(D) Family development and family relationships.
(E) Clinical problems.
(F) Collaboration with other disciplines.
(G) Sexuality.
(H) Gender and sexual orientation.
(I) Issues of ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, and
culture.
(J) Therapy techniques.
(K) Behavioral research that focuses on the interpretation
and application of research data as it applies to clinical
practice.
The content areas may be combined into any one (1) graduate
level course, if the applicant can prove that the course work was
devoted to each content area.
(2) Not less than one (1) graduate level course of two (2)
semester hours or three (3) quarter hours in the following areas:
(A) Legal, ethical, and professional standards issues in the
practice of marriage and family therapy or an equivalent
course approved by the board.
(B) Appraisal and assessment for individual or interpersonal
disorder or dysfunction.
(3) At least one (1) supervised clinical practicum, internship, or
field experience in a marriage and family counseling setting that
meets the following requirements:
(A) The applicant provided five hundred (500) face to face
client contact hours of marriage and family therapy services
under the supervision of a licensed marriage and family
therapist who has at least five (5) years of experience or a
qualified supervisor approved by the board.
(B) The applicant received one hundred (100) hours of
supervision from a licensed marriage and family therapist
who has at least five (5) years experience as a qualified
supervisor.
The requirements under clauses (A) and (B) may be met by a
supervised practice experience that took place away from an
institution of higher education but that is certified by an official
of the eligible postsecondary educational institution as being
equivalent to a graduate level practicum or internship program
at an institution accredited by an accrediting agency approved
by the United States Department of Education Commission on
Recognition of Postsecondary Education, the Association of
Universities and Colleges of Canada, or the Commission on
Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education.
(b) The following graduate work may not be used to satisfy the
content area requirements under subsection (a):
(1) Thesis or dissertation work.
(2) Practicums, internships, or fieldwork. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.63. Amended by P.L.2-2007,
SEC.339; P.L.134-2008, SEC.42.
IC 25-23.6-8-2.7 Examination; clinical experience requirement
Sec. 2.7. (a) As used in this section, "first available examination"
means the first examination after the date of:
(1) graduation; or
(2) moving into Indiana;
that has an application deadline that is at least thirty (30) days after
the date of graduation or the date of moving into Indiana, unless the
individual chooses to meet a deadline that is less than thirty (30) days
after either of those events.
(b) An applicant for a license as a marriage and family therapist
under section 1 of this chapter must have at least two (2) years of
clinical experience, during which at least fifty percent (50%) of the
applicant's clients were receiving marriage and family therapy
services. The applicant's clinical experience must include one
thousand (1,000) hours of postdegree clinical experience and two
hundred (200) hours of postdegree clinical supervision, of which one
hundred (100) hours must be individual supervision, under the
supervision of a licensed marriage and family therapist who has at
least five (5) years of experience or an equivalent supervisor, as
determined by the board.
(c) If an individual applies for, takes, and passes the first available
examination, the individual may not count more than five hundred
(500) hours of the postdegree clinical experience that is:
(1) required under subsection (b); and
(2) accumulated before taking the examination toward licensure
as a marriage and family therapist.
(d) If an individual does not pass the first available examination,
the individual may:
(1) retain the hours accumulated before taking the examination;
(2) continue working; and
(3) not accumulate any additional hours toward licensure as a
marriage and family therapist until passing the examination.
(e) If an individual does not take the first available examination,
the individual may not begin accumulating any postdegree clinical
experience hours toward licensure as a marriage and family therapist
until the individual passes the examination.
(f) When obtaining the clinical experience required under
subsection (b), the applicant must provide direct individual, group,
and family therapy and counseling to the following categories of
cases:
(1) Unmarried couples.
(2) Married couples.
(3) Separating or divorcing couples.
(4) Family groups, including children.
(g) A doctoral internship may be applied toward the supervised
work experience requirement.
(h) Except as provided in subsection (i), the experience
requirement may be met by work performed at or away from the
premises of the supervising marriage and family therapist.
(i) The work requirement may not be performed away from the
supervising marriage and family therapist's premises if:
(1) the work is the independent private practice of marriage and
family therapy; and
(2) the work is not performed at a place that has the supervision
of a licensed marriage and family therapist or an equivalent
supervisor, as determined by the board. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.64. Amended by P.L.197-2007,
IC 25-23.6-8-3 Examination; minimum requirements
Sec. 3. An individual who satisfies the requirements of section
1.5(1) through 1.5(4) of this chapter may take the examination
provided by the board. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.134-2008,
SEC.44.
IC 25-23.6-8-4 Examinations; times and places
Sec. 4. The board shall provide for examinations to be given at
least once annually at times and places established by the board. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9.
IC 25-23.6-8-5 Issuance of license
Sec. 5. The board shall issue a marriage and family therapist
license or marriage and family therapist associate license, as
appropriate, to an individual who:
(1) achieves a passing score, as determined by the board, on the
examination provided under this chapter; and
(2) is otherwise qualified under this article. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.147-1997,
SEC.65; P.L.134-2008, SEC.45.
IC 25-23.6-8-6
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.33-1993, SEC.74.)
IC 25-23.6-8-7
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.33-1993, SEC.74.)
IC 25-23.6-8-8 Duration of marriage and family therapist license; renewal
Sec. 8. (a) A marriage and family therapist license issued by the
board is valid for the remainder of the renewal period in effect on the
date the license was issued.
(b) An individual may renew a marriage and family therapist
license by:
(1) paying a renewal fee on or before the expiration date of the
license; and
(2) completing not less than fifteen (15) hours of continuing
education each licensure year.
(c) If an individual fails to pay a renewal on or before the
expiration date of a license, the license becomes invalid. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.147-1997,
SEC.66; P.L.134-2008, SEC.46. IC 25-23.6-8-8.5 Duration of marriage and family therapist associate license;
renewal
Sec. 8.5. (a) A marriage and family therapist associate license
issued by the board is valid for the remainder of the renewal period
in effect on the date the license was issued.
(b) An individual may renew a marriage and family therapist
associate license two (2) times by:
(1) paying a renewal fee on or before the expiration date of the
license; and
(2) completing at least fifteen (15) hours of continuing
education each licensure year.
(c) The board may renew a marriage and family therapist
associate license for additional periods based on circumstances
determined by the board.
(d) If an individual fails to pay a renewal fee on or before the
expiration date of a license, the license becomes invalid. As added by P.L.134-2008, SEC.47.
IC 25-23.6-8-9 Reinstatement of invalid license
Sec. 9. (a) The board may reinstate an invalid marriage and family
therapist license issued under section 5 of this chapter up to three (3)
years after the expiration date of the license if the individual holding
the invalid license meets the requirements under IC 25-1-8-6.
(b) If more than three (3) years have elapsed since the date a
marriage and family therapist license expired, the individual holding
the license may renew the license by satisfying the requirements for
renewal established by the board and meeting the requirements under
IC 25-1-8-6.
(c) The board may reinstate an invalid marriage and family
therapist associate license issued under section 5 of this chapter up
to one (1) year after the expiration date of the license if the
individual holding the invalid license meets the requirements under
IC 25-1-8-6. An associate license that has been expired for more than
one (1) year may not be reinstated under IC 25-1-8-6. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.147-1997,
SEC.67; P.L.2-1998, SEC.68; P.L.269-2001, SEC.22; P.L.134-2008,
SEC.48.
IC 25-23.6-8-10 Temporary permit; requirements; expiration; renewal
Sec. 10. (a) The board may issue a temporary permit to an
individual to profess to be a marriage and family therapist if the
individual pays a fee and the individual:
(1) has a valid license or certificate to practice from another
state and the individual has applied for a license from the board;
(2) is practicing in a state that does not license or certify
marriage and family therapists, but is certified by a national
association approved by the board and the individual has
applied for a license from the board; or
(3) has been approved by the board to take the examination and
has graduated from a school or program approved by the board
and the individual has completed any experience requirement.
(b) A temporary permit expires the earlier of:
(1) the date the individual holding the permit is issued a license
under this article;
(2) the date the board disapproves the individual's license
application; or
(3) one hundred eighty (180) days after the initial permit is
issued.
(c) The board may renew a temporary permit if the individual
holding the permit was scheduled to take the next examination and
the individual:
(1) did not take the examination; and
(2) shows good cause for not taking the examination.
(d) A permit renewed under subsection (c) expires on the date the
individual holding the permit receives the results from the next
examination given after the permit was issued. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.147-1997,
SEC.68.
IC 25-23.6-8-11 Notification of retirement from practice
Sec. 11. (a) An individual who is licensed as a marriage and
family therapist under this chapter shall notify the board in writing
when the individual retires from practice.
(b) Upon receipt of the notice, the board shall:
(1) record the fact the individual is retired; and
(2) release the individual from further payment of renewal fees
and continuing education requirements. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.147-1997,
SEC.69; P.L.134-2008, SEC.49.
IC 25-23.6-8-12
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.33-1993, SEC.74.)
IC 25-23.6-8-13 Exemption from examination requirement
Sec. 13. (a) An individual who applies for a marriage and family
therapist license under section 1 of this chapter may be exempted by
the board from the examination requirement under this chapter if the
individual:
(1) complies with subsection (b); and
(2) is licensed or certified to practice as a marriage and family
therapist in another state or has engaged in the practice of
marriage and family therapy for at least three (3) of the previous
five (5) years.
(b) An individual may be exempted under subsection (a) if the
individual:
(1) has passed a licensing examination substantially equivalent
to the licensing examination required under this article;
(2) has passed an examination pertaining to the marriage and
family therapy laws and rules of this state; and
(3) has not committed any act or is not under investigation for
any act that constitutes a violation of this article;
and is otherwise qualified under section 1 of this chapter and pays an
additional fee. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.147-1997,
SEC.70; P.L.134-2008, SEC.50.
IC 25-23.6-8-14
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.33-1993, SEC.74.)
IC 25-23.6-8
Chapter 8. Certification; Examinations
IC 25-23.6-8-1 Application for marriage and family therapist license;
requirements
Sec. 1. An individual who applies for a license as a marriage and
family therapist must meet the following requirements:
(1) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the individual
has:
(A) received a master's or doctor's degree in marriage and
family therapy, or in a related area as determined by the
board from an eligible postsecondary educational institution
that meets the requirements under section 2.1(a)(1) of this
chapter or from a foreign school that has a program of study
that meets the requirements under section 2.1(a)(2) or
(2.1)(a)(3) of this chapter; and
(B) completed the educational requirements under section
2.5 of this chapter.
(2) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the individual
has met the clinical experience requirements under section 2.7
of this chapter.
(3) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the
individual:
(A) except as provided in section 1.7 of this chapter, holds
a marriage and family therapist associate license, in good
standing, issued under section 5 of this chapter; or
(B) is licensed or certified to practice as a marriage and
family therapist in another state and is otherwise qualified
under this chapter.
(4) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the individual
does not have a conviction for a crime that has a direct bearing
on the individual's ability to practice competently.
(5) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the individual
has not been the subject of a disciplinary action by a licensing
or certification agency of another state or jurisdiction on the
grounds that the individual was not able to practice as a
marriage and family therapist without endangering the public.
(6) Pay the fee established by the board. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.33-1993,
SEC.42; P.L.147-1997, SEC.61; P.L.2-2007, SEC.337;
P.L.134-2008, SEC.39; P.L.177-2009, SEC.46.
IC 25-23.6-8-1.5 Application for marriage and family therapist associate license;
requirements
Sec. 1.5. An individual who applies for a license as a marriage
and family therapist associate must meet the following requirements:
(1) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the individual
has:
(A) received a master's or doctor's degree in marriage and
family therapy, or in a related area as determined by the
board from an institution of higher education that meets the
requirements under section 2.1(a)(1) of this chapter or from
a foreign school that has a program of study that meets the
requirements under section 2.1(a)(2) or 2.1(a)(3) of this
chapter; and
(B) completed the educational requirements under section
2.5 of this chapter.
(2) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the individual
does not have a conviction for a crime that has a direct bearing
on the individual's ability to practice competently.
(3) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the individual
has not been the subject of a disciplinary action by a licensing
or certification agency of another state or jurisdiction on the
grounds that the individual was not able to practice as a
marriage and family therapist associate without endangering the
public.
(4) Pay the fee established by the board.
(5) Pass an examination provided by the board. As added by P.L.134-2008, SEC.40.
IC 25-23.6-8-1.7 Doctoral program; associate license; clinical experience
Sec. 1.7. An individual who receives a master's degree and enters
a doctoral program may do either of the following:
(1) Apply for a marriage and family therapist associate license
under section 1.5 of this chapter by meeting the requirements of
this chapter.
(2) Elect not to apply for a marriage and family therapist
associate license under section 1.5 of this chapter, accrue the
clinical experience required under section 2.7(b) of this chapter,
and apply for a marriage and family therapist license at the
conclusion of the doctoral program. As added by P.L.177-2009, SEC.47.
IC 25-23.6-8-2
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.147-1997, SEC.75.)
IC 25-23.6-8-2.1 Requirements for institution attended by applicant
Sec. 2.1. (a) An applicant for a license as a marriage and family
therapist under section 1 of this chapter or an applicant for a license
as a marriage and family therapist associate under section 1.5 of this
chapter must have received a master's or doctor's degree in marriage
and family therapy, or in a related area as determined by the board,
from an eligible postsecondary educational institution that meets the
following requirements:
(1) If the institution was located in the United States or a
territory of the United States, at the time of the applicant's
graduation the institution was accredited by a regional
accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition
of Postsecondary Accreditation.
(2) If the institution was located in Canada, at the time of the
applicant's graduation the institution was a member in good
standing with the Association of Universities and Colleges of
Canada.
(3) If the institution was located in a foreign country other than
Canada, at the time of the applicant's graduation the institution:
(A) was recognized by the government of the country where
the school was located as a program to train in the practice
of marriage and family therapy or psychotherapy; and
(B) maintained a standard of training substantially
equivalent to the standards of institutions accredited by a
regional accrediting body recognized by the Commission on
Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.
(b) An applicant for a license as a marriage and family therapist
under section 1 of this chapter or an applicant for a license as a
marriage and family therapist associate under section 1.5 of this
chapter who has a master's or doctoral degree from a program that
did not emphasize marriage and family therapy may complete the
course work requirement from an institution that is:
(1) accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for
Marriage and Family Therapy Education; and
(2) recognized by the United States Department of Education. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.62. Amended by P.L.2-2007,
SEC.338; P.L.134-2008, SEC.41.
IC 25-23.6-8-2.5 Educational requirements
Sec. 2.5. (a) An applicant for a license as a marriage and family
therapist under section 1 of this chapter or an applicant for a license
as a marriage and family therapist associate under section 1.5 of this
chapter must complete the following educational requirements:
(1) Except as provided in subsection (b), complete twenty-seven
(27) semester hours or forty-one (41) quarter hours of graduate
course work that must include graduate level course credits with
material in at least the following content areas:
(A) Theoretical foundations of marriage and family therapy.
(B) Major models of marriage and family therapy.
(C) Individual development.
(D) Family development and family relationships.
(E) Clinical problems.
(F) Collaboration with other disciplines.
(G) Sexuality.
(H) Gender and sexual orientation.
(I) Issues of ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, and
culture.
(J) Therapy techniques.
(K) Behavioral research that focuses on the interpretation
and application of research data as it applies to clinical
practice.
The content areas may be combined into any one (1) graduate
level course, if the applicant can prove that the course work was
devoted to each content area.
(2) Not less than one (1) graduate level course of two (2)
semester hours or three (3) quarter hours in the following areas:
(A) Legal, ethical, and professional standards issues in the
practice of marriage and family therapy or an equivalent
course approved by the board.
(B) Appraisal and assessment for individual or interpersonal
disorder or dysfunction.
(3) At least one (1) supervised clinical practicum, internship, or
field experience in a marriage and family counseling setting that
meets the following requirements:
(A) The applicant provided five hundred (500) face to face
client contact hours of marriage and family therapy services
under the supervision of a licensed marriage and family
therapist who has at least five (5) years of experience or a
qualified supervisor approved by the board.
(B) The applicant received one hundred (100) hours of
supervision from a licensed marriage and family therapist
who has at least five (5) years experience as a qualified
supervisor.
The requirements under clauses (A) and (B) may be met by a
supervised practice experience that took place away from an
institution of higher education but that is certified by an official
of the eligible postsecondary educational institution as being
equivalent to a graduate level practicum or internship program
at an institution accredited by an accrediting agency approved
by the United States Department of Education Commission on
Recognition of Postsecondary Education, the Association of
Universities and Colleges of Canada, or the Commission on
Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education.
(b) The following graduate work may not be used to satisfy the
content area requirements under subsection (a):
(1) Thesis or dissertation work.
(2) Practicums, internships, or fieldwork. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.63. Amended by P.L.2-2007,
SEC.339; P.L.134-2008, SEC.42.
IC 25-23.6-8-2.7 Examination; clinical experience requirement
Sec. 2.7. (a) As used in this section, "first available examination"
means the first examination after the date of:
(1) graduation; or
(2) moving into Indiana;
that has an application deadline that is at least thirty (30) days after
the date of graduation or the date of moving into Indiana, unless the
individual chooses to meet a deadline that is less than thirty (30) days
after either of those events.
(b) An applicant for a license as a marriage and family therapist
under section 1 of this chapter must have at least two (2) years of
clinical experience, during which at least fifty percent (50%) of the
applicant's clients were receiving marriage and family therapy
services. The applicant's clinical experience must include one
thousand (1,000) hours of postdegree clinical experience and two
hundred (200) hours of postdegree clinical supervision, of which one
hundred (100) hours must be individual supervision, under the
supervision of a licensed marriage and family therapist who has at
least five (5) years of experience or an equivalent supervisor, as
determined by the board.
(c) If an individual applies for, takes, and passes the first available
examination, the individual may not count more than five hundred
(500) hours of the postdegree clinical experience that is:
(1) required under subsection (b); and
(2) accumulated before taking the examination toward licensure
as a marriage and family therapist.
(d) If an individual does not pass the first available examination,
the individual may:
(1) retain the hours accumulated before taking the examination;
(2) continue working; and
(3) not accumulate any additional hours toward licensure as a
marriage and family therapist until passing the examination.
(e) If an individual does not take the first available examination,
the individual may not begin accumulating any postdegree clinical
experience hours toward licensure as a marriage and family therapist
until the individual passes the examination.
(f) When obtaining the clinical experience required under
subsection (b), the applicant must provide direct individual, group,
and family therapy and counseling to the following categories of
cases:
(1) Unmarried couples.
(2) Married couples.
(3) Separating or divorcing couples.
(4) Family groups, including children.
(g) A doctoral internship may be applied toward the supervised
work experience requirement.
(h) Except as provided in subsection (i), the experience
requirement may be met by work performed at or away from the
premises of the supervising marriage and family therapist.
(i) The work requirement may not be performed away from the
supervising marriage and family therapist's premises if:
(1) the work is the independent private practice of marriage and
family therapy; and
(2) the work is not performed at a place that has the supervision
of a licensed marriage and family therapist or an equivalent
supervisor, as determined by the board. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.64. Amended by P.L.197-2007,
IC 25-23.6-8-3 Examination; minimum requirements
Sec. 3. An individual who satisfies the requirements of section
1.5(1) through 1.5(4) of this chapter may take the examination
provided by the board. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.134-2008,
SEC.44.
IC 25-23.6-8-4 Examinations; times and places
Sec. 4. The board shall provide for examinations to be given at
least once annually at times and places established by the board. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9.
IC 25-23.6-8-5 Issuance of license
Sec. 5. The board shall issue a marriage and family therapist
license or marriage and family therapist associate license, as
appropriate, to an individual who:
(1) achieves a passing score, as determined by the board, on the
examination provided under this chapter; and
(2) is otherwise qualified under this article. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.147-1997,
SEC.65; P.L.134-2008, SEC.45.
IC 25-23.6-8-6
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.33-1993, SEC.74.)
IC 25-23.6-8-7
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.33-1993, SEC.74.)
IC 25-23.6-8-8 Duration of marriage and family therapist license; renewal
Sec. 8. (a) A marriage and family therapist license issued by the
board is valid for the remainder of the renewal period in effect on the
date the license was issued.
(b) An individual may renew a marriage and family therapist
license by:
(1) paying a renewal fee on or before the expiration date of the
license; and
(2) completing not less than fifteen (15) hours of continuing
education each licensure year.
(c) If an individual fails to pay a renewal on or before the
expiration date of a license, the license becomes invalid. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.147-1997,
SEC.66; P.L.134-2008, SEC.46. IC 25-23.6-8-8.5 Duration of marriage and family therapist associate license;
renewal
Sec. 8.5. (a) A marriage and family therapist associate license
issued by the board is valid for the remainder of the renewal period
in effect on the date the license was issued.
(b) An individual may renew a marriage and family therapist
associate license two (2) times by:
(1) paying a renewal fee on or before the expiration date of the
license; and
(2) completing at least fifteen (15) hours of continuing
education each licensure year.
(c) The board may renew a marriage and family therapist
associate license for additional periods based on circumstances
determined by the board.
(d) If an individual fails to pay a renewal fee on or before the
expiration date of a license, the license becomes invalid. As added by P.L.134-2008, SEC.47.
IC 25-23.6-8-9 Reinstatement of invalid license
Sec. 9. (a) The board may reinstate an invalid marriage and family
therapist license issued under section 5 of this chapter up to three (3)
years after the expiration date of the license if the individual holding
the invalid license meets the requirements under IC 25-1-8-6.
(b) If more than three (3) years have elapsed since the date a
marriage and family therapist license expired, the individual holding
the license may renew the license by satisfying the requirements for
renewal established by the board and meeting the requirements under
IC 25-1-8-6.
(c) The board may reinstate an invalid marriage and family
therapist associate license issued under section 5 of this chapter up
to one (1) year after the expiration date of the license if the
individual holding the invalid license meets the requirements under
IC 25-1-8-6. An associate license that has been expired for more than
one (1) year may not be reinstated under IC 25-1-8-6. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.147-1997,
SEC.67; P.L.2-1998, SEC.68; P.L.269-2001, SEC.22; P.L.134-2008,
SEC.48.
IC 25-23.6-8-10 Temporary permit; requirements; expiration; renewal
Sec. 10. (a) The board may issue a temporary permit to an
individual to profess to be a marriage and family therapist if the
individual pays a fee and the individual:
(1) has a valid license or certificate to practice from another
state and the individual has applied for a license from the board;
(2) is practicing in a state that does not license or certify
marriage and family therapists, but is certified by a national
association approved by the board and the individual has
applied for a license from the board; or
(3) has been approved by the board to take the examination and
has graduated from a school or program approved by the board
and the individual has completed any experience requirement.
(b) A temporary permit expires the earlier of:
(1) the date the individual holding the permit is issued a license
under this article;
(2) the date the board disapproves the individual's license
application; or
(3) one hundred eighty (180) days after the initial permit is
issued.
(c) The board may renew a temporary permit if the individual
holding the permit was scheduled to take the next examination and
the individual:
(1) did not take the examination; and
(2) shows good cause for not taking the examination.
(d) A permit renewed under subsection (c) expires on the date the
individual holding the permit receives the results from the next
examination given after the permit was issued. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.147-1997,
SEC.68.
IC 25-23.6-8-11 Notification of retirement from practice
Sec. 11. (a) An individual who is licensed as a marriage and
family therapist under this chapter shall notify the board in writing
when the individual retires from practice.
(b) Upon receipt of the notice, the board shall:
(1) record the fact the individual is retired; and
(2) release the individual from further payment of renewal fees
and continuing education requirements. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.147-1997,
SEC.69; P.L.134-2008, SEC.49.
IC 25-23.6-8-12
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.33-1993, SEC.74.)
IC 25-23.6-8-13 Exemption from examination requirement
Sec. 13. (a) An individual who applies for a marriage and family
therapist license under section 1 of this chapter may be exempted by
the board from the examination requirement under this chapter if the
individual:
(1) complies with subsection (b); and
(2) is licensed or certified to practice as a marriage and family
therapist in another state or has engaged in the practice of
marriage and family therapy for at least three (3) of the previous
five (5) years.
(b) An individual may be exempted under subsection (a) if the
individual:
(1) has passed a licensing examination substantially equivalent
to the licensing examination required under this article;
(2) has passed an examination pertaining to the marriage and
family therapy laws and rules of this state; and
(3) has not committed any act or is not under investigation for
any act that constitutes a violation of this article;
and is otherwise qualified under section 1 of this chapter and pays an
additional fee. As added by P.L.186-1990, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.147-1997,
SEC.70; P.L.134-2008, SEC.50.
IC 25-23.6-8-14
Repealed
(Repealed by P.L.33-1993, SEC.74.)
