IC 25-23.6-8.5
Chapter 8.5. Mental Health Counselors
IC 25-23.6-8.5-1 Mental health counselor application requirements
Sec. 1. An individual who applies for a license as a mental health
counselor 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 an area related
to mental health counseling from:
(i) an eligible postsecondary educational institution that
meets the requirements under section 2 of this chapter; or
(ii) a foreign school that has a program of study that meets
the requirements under section 2 of this chapter;
(B) completed the educational requirements under section 3
of this chapter; and
(C) completed the experience requirements under section 4
of this chapter.
(2) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the
individual:
(A) except as provided in section 1.7 of this chapter, holds
a mental health counselor associate, in good standing, issued
under section 7 of this chapter; or
(B) is licensed or certified to practice as a mental health
counselor in another state and is otherwise qualified under
this chapter.
(3) 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.
(4) 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 mental
health counselor without endangering the public.
(5) Pass an examination provided by the board.
(6) Pay the fee established by the board. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71. Amended by P.L.2-2007,
SEC.340; P.L.84-2010, SEC.58.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-1.5 Mental health counselor associate application requirements
Sec. 1.5. An individual who applies for a license as a mental
health counselor 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 mental health
counseling therapy or in a related area as determined by the
board from an institution of higher education that meets the
requirements under section 2 of this chapter or from a
foreign school that has a program of study that meets the
requirements under section 2(3)(A) or 2(3)(B) of this
chapter; and
(B) completed the educational requirements under section 3
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 mental
health counselor 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.84-2010, SEC.59.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-1.7 Requirements while in doctoral program
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 mental health counselor associate license under
section 1.5 of this chapter by meeting the requirements of this
chapter.
(2) Elect not to apply for a mental health counselor associate
license under section 1.5 of this chapter, accrue the clinical
experience required under section 4 of this chapter, and apply
for a mental health counselor license at the conclusion of the
doctoral program. As added by P.L.84-2010, SEC.60.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-2 Requirements for institution attended by applicant
Sec. 2. An applicant for a mental health counselor license under
section 1 of this chapter or a mental health counselor associate
license under section 1.5 of this chapter must have received a
master's or doctor's degree in an area related to mental health
counseling 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 mental health counseling or psychotherapy counseling;
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. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71. Amended by P.L.2-2007,
SEC.341; P.L.84-2010, SEC.61.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-3 Educational requirements
Sec. 3. An applicant as a mental health counselor under section 1
of this chapter or a mental health counselor associate under section
1.5 of this chapter must complete the following educational
requirements:
(1) Complete sixty (60) semester hours of graduate course work
in counseling that must include either a master's degree that
required not less than forty-eight (48) semester hours or a
doctor's degree in counseling. The graduate course work must
include the following content areas:
(A) Human growth and development.
(B) Social and cultural foundations of counseling.
(C) Helping relationship, including counseling theory and
practice.
(D) Group dynamics, processes, counseling, and
consultation.
(E) Lifestyle and career development.
(F) Assessment and appraisal of individuals.
(G) Research and program evaluation.
(H) Professional orientation and ethics.
(I) Foundations of mental health counseling.
(J) Contextual dimensions of mental health counseling.
(K) Knowledge and skills for the practice of mental health
counseling and psychotherapy.
(L) Clinical instruction.
(2) Not less than one (1) supervised clinical practicum,
internship, or field experience in a counseling setting, which
must include a minimum of one thousand (1,000) clock hours
consisting of one (1) practicum of one hundred (100) hours, one
(1) internship of six hundred (600) hours, and one (1) advanced
internship of three hundred (300) hours with at least one
hundred (100) hours of face to face supervision. This
requirement may be met by a supervised practice experience
that took place away from an eligible postsecondary educational
institution but that is certified by an official of the eligible
postsecondary educational institution as being equivalent to a
clinical mental health graduate level practicum or internship
program at an institution accredited by an accrediting agency
approved by the United States Department of Education or the
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71. Amended by P.L.2-2007,
SEC.342; P.L.84-2010, SEC.62.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-4 Clinical experience requirements
Sec. 4. (a) As used in this section, "first available examination"
means the first examination after the date of an individual's:
(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) The applicant must have at least three thousand (3,000) hours
of post-graduate clinical experience over a two (2) year period. The
clinical experience must consist of one hundred (100) hours of face
to face supervision under the supervision of a licensed mental health
counselor or an equivalent supervisor, as determined by the board.
(c) A doctoral internship may be applied toward the supervised
work experience requirement.
(d) Except as provided in subsection (e), the clinical experience
requirement may be met by work performed at or away from the
premises of the supervising mental health counselor.
(e) The clinical work requirement may not be performed away
from the supervising mental health counselor's premises if:
(1) the work is the independent private practice of mental health
counseling; and
(2) the work is not performed at a place that has the supervision
of a licensed mental health counselor or an equivalent
supervisor, as determined by the board.
(f) If an individual applies for, takes, and passes the first available
examination, the individual may not count more than one thousand
five hundred (1,500) hours of the postdegree clinical experience that
is:
(1) required under subsection (b); and
(2) accumulated before taking the examination toward licensure
as a mental health counselor.
(g) 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
mental health counselor until passing the examination.
(h) 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 mental health counselor until
the individual passes the examination. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71. Amended by P.L.84-2010,
SEC.63.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-5 Eligibility for examination
Sec. 5. An individual who satisfies the requirements of:
(1) section 1 or 1.5 of this chapter; and
(2) section 2 of this chapter;
may take the examination provided by the board. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71. Amended by P.L.84-2010,
SEC.64.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-6 Examination; times and places
Sec. 6. The board shall provide for examinations to be given at
least once each year at times and places established by the board. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-7 Issuance of license
Sec. 7. (a) The board shall issue a license to an applicant as a
mental health counselor under section 1 of this chapter or a mental
health counselor associate under section 1.5 of this chapter 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.
(b) A person issued a license under this section may engage in the
practice of mental health counseling. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71. Amended by P.L.84-2010,
SEC.65.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-8 Duration of mental health counselor license; renewal
Sec. 8. (a) A mental health counselor 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 mental health counselor license by:
(1) paying a renewal fee on or before the expiration date of the
license; and
(2) completing at least twenty (20) hours of continuing
education per licensure year.
(c) If an individual fails to pay a renewal fee on or before the
expiration date of a mental health counselor license, the license
becomes invalid. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71. Amended by P.L.84-2010,
SEC.66.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-8.5 Duration of mental health counselor associate license; renewal
Sec. 8.5. (a) A mental health counselor 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 mental health counselor 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 twenty (20) hours of continuing
education per licensure year.
(c) The board may renew a mental health counselor 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 mental health counselor associate license, the
license becomes invalid. As added by P.L.84-2010, SEC.67.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-9 Reinstatement of invalid license
Sec. 9. (a) The board may reinstate an invalid mental health
counselor license 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
mental health counselor license expired, the individual holding the
license may reinstate the invalid license by satisfying the
requirements for reinstatement established by the board and meeting
the requirements under IC 25-1-8-6.
(c) The board may reinstate an invalid mental health counselor
associate license 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. A mental health counselor 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.147-1997, SEC.71. Amended by P.L.269-2001,
SEC.23; P.L.84-2010, SEC.68.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-10 Temporary permit
Sec. 10. (a) The board may issue a temporary permit to an
individual to profess to be a mental health counselor 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 mental
health counselors, 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; or
(2) the date the board disapproves the individual's license
application.
(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.147-1997, SEC.71.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-11 Notification of retirement from practice
Sec. 11. (a) An individual who is licensed under this article 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.147-1997, SEC.71.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-12 Exemption from examination requirement
Sec. 12. An individual who applies for a license under this article
may be exempted by the board from the examination requirement
under this chapter if the individual:
(1) is licensed or certified to practice as a mental health
counselor in another state; or
(2) has engaged in the practice of mental health counseling for
not less than three (3) of the previous five (5) years;
(3) has passed a licensing examination substantially equivalent
to the licensing examination required under this article;
(4) has passed an examination pertaining to the mental health
counseling laws and rules of this state; and
(5) 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 sections 1 and 2 of this chapter and
pays an additional fee. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-13 Transition provisions for person who receives degree before July
1, 2010
Sec. 13. (a) An individual who, before July 1, 2010, receives a
master's or doctoral degree described in IC 25-23.6-8.5-1(1)(A) or
IC 25-23.6-8.5-1.5(1)(A) and who seeks licensure under
IC 25-23.6-8.5 may do either of the following:
(1) Seek a mental health counselor associate license by:
(A) applying for a mental health counselor associate license
under IC 25-23.6-8.5 if the individual meets the
requirements under IC 25-23.6-8.5; and
(B) taking the required examination.
Notwithstanding IC 25-23.6-8.5-4(f), any postdegree clinical
experience that the individual obtained before July 1, 2010,
counts toward the requirements of IC 25-23.6-8.5.
(2) Seek a mental health counselor license by applying for a
mental health counselor license under IC 25-23.6-8.5, if the
individual meets the requirements under IC 25-23.6-8.5.
(b) This SECTION expires June 30, 2015. As added by P.L.84-2010, SEC.69.
IC 25-23.6-8.5
Chapter 8.5. Mental Health Counselors
IC 25-23.6-8.5-1 Mental health counselor application requirements
Sec. 1. An individual who applies for a license as a mental health
counselor 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 an area related
to mental health counseling from:
(i) an eligible postsecondary educational institution that
meets the requirements under section 2 of this chapter; or
(ii) a foreign school that has a program of study that meets
the requirements under section 2 of this chapter;
(B) completed the educational requirements under section 3
of this chapter; and
(C) completed the experience requirements under section 4
of this chapter.
(2) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the
individual:
(A) except as provided in section 1.7 of this chapter, holds
a mental health counselor associate, in good standing, issued
under section 7 of this chapter; or
(B) is licensed or certified to practice as a mental health
counselor in another state and is otherwise qualified under
this chapter.
(3) 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.
(4) 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 mental
health counselor without endangering the public.
(5) Pass an examination provided by the board.
(6) Pay the fee established by the board. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71. Amended by P.L.2-2007,
SEC.340; P.L.84-2010, SEC.58.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-1.5 Mental health counselor associate application requirements
Sec. 1.5. An individual who applies for a license as a mental
health counselor 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 mental health
counseling therapy or in a related area as determined by the
board from an institution of higher education that meets the
requirements under section 2 of this chapter or from a
foreign school that has a program of study that meets the
requirements under section 2(3)(A) or 2(3)(B) of this
chapter; and
(B) completed the educational requirements under section 3
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 mental
health counselor 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.84-2010, SEC.59.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-1.7 Requirements while in doctoral program
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 mental health counselor associate license under
section 1.5 of this chapter by meeting the requirements of this
chapter.
(2) Elect not to apply for a mental health counselor associate
license under section 1.5 of this chapter, accrue the clinical
experience required under section 4 of this chapter, and apply
for a mental health counselor license at the conclusion of the
doctoral program. As added by P.L.84-2010, SEC.60.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-2 Requirements for institution attended by applicant
Sec. 2. An applicant for a mental health counselor license under
section 1 of this chapter or a mental health counselor associate
license under section 1.5 of this chapter must have received a
master's or doctor's degree in an area related to mental health
counseling 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 mental health counseling or psychotherapy counseling;
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. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71. Amended by P.L.2-2007,
SEC.341; P.L.84-2010, SEC.61.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-3 Educational requirements
Sec. 3. An applicant as a mental health counselor under section 1
of this chapter or a mental health counselor associate under section
1.5 of this chapter must complete the following educational
requirements:
(1) Complete sixty (60) semester hours of graduate course work
in counseling that must include either a master's degree that
required not less than forty-eight (48) semester hours or a
doctor's degree in counseling. The graduate course work must
include the following content areas:
(A) Human growth and development.
(B) Social and cultural foundations of counseling.
(C) Helping relationship, including counseling theory and
practice.
(D) Group dynamics, processes, counseling, and
consultation.
(E) Lifestyle and career development.
(F) Assessment and appraisal of individuals.
(G) Research and program evaluation.
(H) Professional orientation and ethics.
(I) Foundations of mental health counseling.
(J) Contextual dimensions of mental health counseling.
(K) Knowledge and skills for the practice of mental health
counseling and psychotherapy.
(L) Clinical instruction.
(2) Not less than one (1) supervised clinical practicum,
internship, or field experience in a counseling setting, which
must include a minimum of one thousand (1,000) clock hours
consisting of one (1) practicum of one hundred (100) hours, one
(1) internship of six hundred (600) hours, and one (1) advanced
internship of three hundred (300) hours with at least one
hundred (100) hours of face to face supervision. This
requirement may be met by a supervised practice experience
that took place away from an eligible postsecondary educational
institution but that is certified by an official of the eligible
postsecondary educational institution as being equivalent to a
clinical mental health graduate level practicum or internship
program at an institution accredited by an accrediting agency
approved by the United States Department of Education or the
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71. Amended by P.L.2-2007,
SEC.342; P.L.84-2010, SEC.62.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-4 Clinical experience requirements
Sec. 4. (a) As used in this section, "first available examination"
means the first examination after the date of an individual's:
(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) The applicant must have at least three thousand (3,000) hours
of post-graduate clinical experience over a two (2) year period. The
clinical experience must consist of one hundred (100) hours of face
to face supervision under the supervision of a licensed mental health
counselor or an equivalent supervisor, as determined by the board.
(c) A doctoral internship may be applied toward the supervised
work experience requirement.
(d) Except as provided in subsection (e), the clinical experience
requirement may be met by work performed at or away from the
premises of the supervising mental health counselor.
(e) The clinical work requirement may not be performed away
from the supervising mental health counselor's premises if:
(1) the work is the independent private practice of mental health
counseling; and
(2) the work is not performed at a place that has the supervision
of a licensed mental health counselor or an equivalent
supervisor, as determined by the board.
(f) If an individual applies for, takes, and passes the first available
examination, the individual may not count more than one thousand
five hundred (1,500) hours of the postdegree clinical experience that
is:
(1) required under subsection (b); and
(2) accumulated before taking the examination toward licensure
as a mental health counselor.
(g) 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
mental health counselor until passing the examination.
(h) 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 mental health counselor until
the individual passes the examination. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71. Amended by P.L.84-2010,
SEC.63.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-5 Eligibility for examination
Sec. 5. An individual who satisfies the requirements of:
(1) section 1 or 1.5 of this chapter; and
(2) section 2 of this chapter;
may take the examination provided by the board. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71. Amended by P.L.84-2010,
SEC.64.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-6 Examination; times and places
Sec. 6. The board shall provide for examinations to be given at
least once each year at times and places established by the board. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-7 Issuance of license
Sec. 7. (a) The board shall issue a license to an applicant as a
mental health counselor under section 1 of this chapter or a mental
health counselor associate under section 1.5 of this chapter 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.
(b) A person issued a license under this section may engage in the
practice of mental health counseling. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71. Amended by P.L.84-2010,
SEC.65.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-8 Duration of mental health counselor license; renewal
Sec. 8. (a) A mental health counselor 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 mental health counselor license by:
(1) paying a renewal fee on or before the expiration date of the
license; and
(2) completing at least twenty (20) hours of continuing
education per licensure year.
(c) If an individual fails to pay a renewal fee on or before the
expiration date of a mental health counselor license, the license
becomes invalid. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71. Amended by P.L.84-2010,
SEC.66.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-8.5 Duration of mental health counselor associate license; renewal
Sec. 8.5. (a) A mental health counselor 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 mental health counselor 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 twenty (20) hours of continuing
education per licensure year.
(c) The board may renew a mental health counselor 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 mental health counselor associate license, the
license becomes invalid. As added by P.L.84-2010, SEC.67.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-9 Reinstatement of invalid license
Sec. 9. (a) The board may reinstate an invalid mental health
counselor license 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
mental health counselor license expired, the individual holding the
license may reinstate the invalid license by satisfying the
requirements for reinstatement established by the board and meeting
the requirements under IC 25-1-8-6.
(c) The board may reinstate an invalid mental health counselor
associate license 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. A mental health counselor 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.147-1997, SEC.71. Amended by P.L.269-2001,
SEC.23; P.L.84-2010, SEC.68.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-10 Temporary permit
Sec. 10. (a) The board may issue a temporary permit to an
individual to profess to be a mental health counselor 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 mental
health counselors, 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; or
(2) the date the board disapproves the individual's license
application.
(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.147-1997, SEC.71.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-11 Notification of retirement from practice
Sec. 11. (a) An individual who is licensed under this article 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.147-1997, SEC.71.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-12 Exemption from examination requirement
Sec. 12. An individual who applies for a license under this article
may be exempted by the board from the examination requirement
under this chapter if the individual:
(1) is licensed or certified to practice as a mental health
counselor in another state; or
(2) has engaged in the practice of mental health counseling for
not less than three (3) of the previous five (5) years;
(3) has passed a licensing examination substantially equivalent
to the licensing examination required under this article;
(4) has passed an examination pertaining to the mental health
counseling laws and rules of this state; and
(5) 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 sections 1 and 2 of this chapter and
pays an additional fee. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-13 Transition provisions for person who receives degree before July
1, 2010
Sec. 13. (a) An individual who, before July 1, 2010, receives a
master's or doctoral degree described in IC 25-23.6-8.5-1(1)(A) or
IC 25-23.6-8.5-1.5(1)(A) and who seeks licensure under
IC 25-23.6-8.5 may do either of the following:
(1) Seek a mental health counselor associate license by:
(A) applying for a mental health counselor associate license
under IC 25-23.6-8.5 if the individual meets the
requirements under IC 25-23.6-8.5; and
(B) taking the required examination.
Notwithstanding IC 25-23.6-8.5-4(f), any postdegree clinical
experience that the individual obtained before July 1, 2010,
counts toward the requirements of IC 25-23.6-8.5.
(2) Seek a mental health counselor license by applying for a
mental health counselor license under IC 25-23.6-8.5, if the
individual meets the requirements under IC 25-23.6-8.5.
(b) This SECTION expires June 30, 2015. As added by P.L.84-2010, SEC.69.
IC 25-23.6-8.5
Chapter 8.5. Mental Health Counselors
IC 25-23.6-8.5-1 Mental health counselor application requirements
Sec. 1. An individual who applies for a license as a mental health
counselor 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 an area related
to mental health counseling from:
(i) an eligible postsecondary educational institution that
meets the requirements under section 2 of this chapter; or
(ii) a foreign school that has a program of study that meets
the requirements under section 2 of this chapter;
(B) completed the educational requirements under section 3
of this chapter; and
(C) completed the experience requirements under section 4
of this chapter.
(2) Furnish satisfactory evidence to the board that the
individual:
(A) except as provided in section 1.7 of this chapter, holds
a mental health counselor associate, in good standing, issued
under section 7 of this chapter; or
(B) is licensed or certified to practice as a mental health
counselor in another state and is otherwise qualified under
this chapter.
(3) 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.
(4) 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 mental
health counselor without endangering the public.
(5) Pass an examination provided by the board.
(6) Pay the fee established by the board. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71. Amended by P.L.2-2007,
SEC.340; P.L.84-2010, SEC.58.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-1.5 Mental health counselor associate application requirements
Sec. 1.5. An individual who applies for a license as a mental
health counselor 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 mental health
counseling therapy or in a related area as determined by the
board from an institution of higher education that meets the
requirements under section 2 of this chapter or from a
foreign school that has a program of study that meets the
requirements under section 2(3)(A) or 2(3)(B) of this
chapter; and
(B) completed the educational requirements under section 3
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 mental
health counselor 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.84-2010, SEC.59.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-1.7 Requirements while in doctoral program
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 mental health counselor associate license under
section 1.5 of this chapter by meeting the requirements of this
chapter.
(2) Elect not to apply for a mental health counselor associate
license under section 1.5 of this chapter, accrue the clinical
experience required under section 4 of this chapter, and apply
for a mental health counselor license at the conclusion of the
doctoral program. As added by P.L.84-2010, SEC.60.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-2 Requirements for institution attended by applicant
Sec. 2. An applicant for a mental health counselor license under
section 1 of this chapter or a mental health counselor associate
license under section 1.5 of this chapter must have received a
master's or doctor's degree in an area related to mental health
counseling 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 mental health counseling or psychotherapy counseling;
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. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71. Amended by P.L.2-2007,
SEC.341; P.L.84-2010, SEC.61.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-3 Educational requirements
Sec. 3. An applicant as a mental health counselor under section 1
of this chapter or a mental health counselor associate under section
1.5 of this chapter must complete the following educational
requirements:
(1) Complete sixty (60) semester hours of graduate course work
in counseling that must include either a master's degree that
required not less than forty-eight (48) semester hours or a
doctor's degree in counseling. The graduate course work must
include the following content areas:
(A) Human growth and development.
(B) Social and cultural foundations of counseling.
(C) Helping relationship, including counseling theory and
practice.
(D) Group dynamics, processes, counseling, and
consultation.
(E) Lifestyle and career development.
(F) Assessment and appraisal of individuals.
(G) Research and program evaluation.
(H) Professional orientation and ethics.
(I) Foundations of mental health counseling.
(J) Contextual dimensions of mental health counseling.
(K) Knowledge and skills for the practice of mental health
counseling and psychotherapy.
(L) Clinical instruction.
(2) Not less than one (1) supervised clinical practicum,
internship, or field experience in a counseling setting, which
must include a minimum of one thousand (1,000) clock hours
consisting of one (1) practicum of one hundred (100) hours, one
(1) internship of six hundred (600) hours, and one (1) advanced
internship of three hundred (300) hours with at least one
hundred (100) hours of face to face supervision. This
requirement may be met by a supervised practice experience
that took place away from an eligible postsecondary educational
institution but that is certified by an official of the eligible
postsecondary educational institution as being equivalent to a
clinical mental health graduate level practicum or internship
program at an institution accredited by an accrediting agency
approved by the United States Department of Education or the
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71. Amended by P.L.2-2007,
SEC.342; P.L.84-2010, SEC.62.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-4 Clinical experience requirements
Sec. 4. (a) As used in this section, "first available examination"
means the first examination after the date of an individual's:
(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) The applicant must have at least three thousand (3,000) hours
of post-graduate clinical experience over a two (2) year period. The
clinical experience must consist of one hundred (100) hours of face
to face supervision under the supervision of a licensed mental health
counselor or an equivalent supervisor, as determined by the board.
(c) A doctoral internship may be applied toward the supervised
work experience requirement.
(d) Except as provided in subsection (e), the clinical experience
requirement may be met by work performed at or away from the
premises of the supervising mental health counselor.
(e) The clinical work requirement may not be performed away
from the supervising mental health counselor's premises if:
(1) the work is the independent private practice of mental health
counseling; and
(2) the work is not performed at a place that has the supervision
of a licensed mental health counselor or an equivalent
supervisor, as determined by the board.
(f) If an individual applies for, takes, and passes the first available
examination, the individual may not count more than one thousand
five hundred (1,500) hours of the postdegree clinical experience that
is:
(1) required under subsection (b); and
(2) accumulated before taking the examination toward licensure
as a mental health counselor.
(g) 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
mental health counselor until passing the examination.
(h) 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 mental health counselor until
the individual passes the examination. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71. Amended by P.L.84-2010,
SEC.63.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-5 Eligibility for examination
Sec. 5. An individual who satisfies the requirements of:
(1) section 1 or 1.5 of this chapter; and
(2) section 2 of this chapter;
may take the examination provided by the board. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71. Amended by P.L.84-2010,
SEC.64.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-6 Examination; times and places
Sec. 6. The board shall provide for examinations to be given at
least once each year at times and places established by the board. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-7 Issuance of license
Sec. 7. (a) The board shall issue a license to an applicant as a
mental health counselor under section 1 of this chapter or a mental
health counselor associate under section 1.5 of this chapter 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.
(b) A person issued a license under this section may engage in the
practice of mental health counseling. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71. Amended by P.L.84-2010,
SEC.65.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-8 Duration of mental health counselor license; renewal
Sec. 8. (a) A mental health counselor 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 mental health counselor license by:
(1) paying a renewal fee on or before the expiration date of the
license; and
(2) completing at least twenty (20) hours of continuing
education per licensure year.
(c) If an individual fails to pay a renewal fee on or before the
expiration date of a mental health counselor license, the license
becomes invalid. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71. Amended by P.L.84-2010,
SEC.66.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-8.5 Duration of mental health counselor associate license; renewal
Sec. 8.5. (a) A mental health counselor 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 mental health counselor 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 twenty (20) hours of continuing
education per licensure year.
(c) The board may renew a mental health counselor 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 mental health counselor associate license, the
license becomes invalid. As added by P.L.84-2010, SEC.67.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-9 Reinstatement of invalid license
Sec. 9. (a) The board may reinstate an invalid mental health
counselor license 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
mental health counselor license expired, the individual holding the
license may reinstate the invalid license by satisfying the
requirements for reinstatement established by the board and meeting
the requirements under IC 25-1-8-6.
(c) The board may reinstate an invalid mental health counselor
associate license 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. A mental health counselor 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.147-1997, SEC.71. Amended by P.L.269-2001,
SEC.23; P.L.84-2010, SEC.68.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-10 Temporary permit
Sec. 10. (a) The board may issue a temporary permit to an
individual to profess to be a mental health counselor 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 mental
health counselors, 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; or
(2) the date the board disapproves the individual's license
application.
(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.147-1997, SEC.71.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-11 Notification of retirement from practice
Sec. 11. (a) An individual who is licensed under this article 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.147-1997, SEC.71.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-12 Exemption from examination requirement
Sec. 12. An individual who applies for a license under this article
may be exempted by the board from the examination requirement
under this chapter if the individual:
(1) is licensed or certified to practice as a mental health
counselor in another state; or
(2) has engaged in the practice of mental health counseling for
not less than three (3) of the previous five (5) years;
(3) has passed a licensing examination substantially equivalent
to the licensing examination required under this article;
(4) has passed an examination pertaining to the mental health
counseling laws and rules of this state; and
(5) 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 sections 1 and 2 of this chapter and
pays an additional fee. As added by P.L.147-1997, SEC.71.
IC 25-23.6-8.5-13 Transition provisions for person who receives degree before July
1, 2010
Sec. 13. (a) An individual who, before July 1, 2010, receives a
master's or doctoral degree described in IC 25-23.6-8.5-1(1)(A) or
IC 25-23.6-8.5-1.5(1)(A) and who seeks licensure under
IC 25-23.6-8.5 may do either of the following:
(1) Seek a mental health counselor associate license by:
(A) applying for a mental health counselor associate license
under IC 25-23.6-8.5 if the individual meets the
requirements under IC 25-23.6-8.5; and
(B) taking the required examination.
Notwithstanding IC 25-23.6-8.5-4(f), any postdegree clinical
experience that the individual obtained before July 1, 2010,
counts toward the requirements of IC 25-23.6-8.5.
(2) Seek a mental health counselor license by applying for a
mental health counselor license under IC 25-23.6-8.5, if the
individual meets the requirements under IC 25-23.6-8.5.
(b) This SECTION expires June 30, 2015. As added by P.L.84-2010, SEC.69.
