Embarking on a journey to become a Clinical Social Worker (CSW) or Clinical Addiction Counselor (LAC) in Indiana can be an exciting yet daunting task, with an array of paperwork and administrative requirements to consider. This guide aims to streamline the process for you, helping you navigate through the intricate steps to ensure that you secure your Indiana Clinical Social Worker or Addiction Counselor License (CCW) with ease and confidence. Here’s how:
Understanding the Licensing Requirements
In Indiana, obtaining a CCW license as a CSW or LAC requires adhering to stringent criteria set by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) and the Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board. Here’s an overview:
- A Master’s degree in Social Work for CSW or counseling for LAC from an accredited institution.
- Required supervised practice hours (2000 for CSW, 1000 for LAC).
- Passing a National Examination.
- A clean criminal background check.
- Payment of application fees.
📢 Note: Please ensure all educational institutions are accredited by CSWE for CSW or CACREP for LAC.
Educational Requirements
A foundational step to licensure is education. Here’s what you need:
- CSW: A Master’s Degree in Social Work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- LAC: A Master’s degree in Addiction Counseling or related field, accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Supervised Practice Hours
Once you’ve completed your education, you’ll need to accumulate supervised practice hours:
- CSW: 2000 hours must be completed post-graduate and should include direct client contact and supervision.
- LAC: 1000 hours of supervised clinical experience in addiction counseling.
License Total Hours Direct Client Contact Supervision Hours CSW 2000 100 150 LAC 1000 300 100 
🛑 Note: Documentation of your supervision hours is critical. Ensure you keep all records and get them signed by your supervisor.
National Examination
Prepare for and pass the following exams:
- CSW: The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Examination.
- LAC: The National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
Background Check
The IPLA requires a criminal background check, which can be facilitated through:
- An online request on the IPLA website.
- Providing fingerprints at an approved location.
Filing Your Application
With your educational, experiential, and examination criteria met, here’s how to proceed with your application:
- Visit the IPLA website to access the application form.
- Complete the form, attaching all necessary documents, including official transcripts, supervision verification, exam results, and background check results.
- Submit the application fee via check or online payment.
- Wait for application processing and any requests for additional information.
Staying Licensed and CEU
To maintain your license, Indiana requires:
- 20 hours of continuing education units (CEU) every two years for CSW.
- 40 hours of continuing education every two years for LAC.
As you embark on this path, remember that obtaining your Indiana CCW License is not just a rite of passage, but a commitment to uphold the highest standards of care in your practice. The journey is thorough, designed to ensure that you are well-equipped to serve and transform lives in your community. By following this guide meticulously, you can navigate the licensure landscape with confidence, avoiding common pitfalls, and ensuring a seamless transition into your professional role. Now, equipped with the knowledge of Indiana's licensing requirements, let this be the start of a fulfilling journey in Clinical Social Work or Addiction Counseling in Indiana.
How long does it take to process a CSW or LAC license application in Indiana?
+The processing time for a CSW or LAC license application can vary, but typically it takes several weeks to a few months, especially if there are requests for additional information or if there is a backlog at IPLA.
Can I apply for the CSW or LAC license before finishing my supervised practice hours?
+No, you must complete your supervised practice hours and pass the required examinations before applying for licensure.
What happens if my license application is denied in Indiana?
+If your application is denied, you will receive written notification with the reasons. You have the right to appeal the decision through the administrative hearing process.
