Indiana LMHC CE Requirements Guide for 2026

The Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board requires Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) to complete continuing education for license renewal. This guide covers all CE requirements for the 2026 renewal cycle and beyond.

[!NOTE] In Indiana, the credential "Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)" is the equivalent of "Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)" used in other states.

Quick Facts

• Total CE Hours Required: 40 hours per 2-year cycle
• Minimum Annual Hours: 20 hours per year
• Next Renewal Date: March 31, 2026 (or April 1, 2026)
• Renewal Frequency: Biennially in even-numbered years
• License Type: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
• State: Indiana
• Online CE Allowed: Yes, up to 100% through Category I providers

CE Hours Breakdown

Total Requirement: 40 Hours Every 2 Years

The 40-hour requirement is divided as follows:

• Minimum per year: 20 hours each year within the two-year cycle
• Ethics requirement: 6 hours total (with at least 2 hours in Category I ethics)
• Category I minimum: 20 hours (50% of total)
• Category II maximum: 20 hours (50% of total)

[!IMPORTANT] You must complete at least 20 hours each year - you cannot complete all 40 hours in one year of the two-year cycle.

Ethics Training Requirement

6 Hours Total in Ethics

• Total ethics hours: Minimum of 6 hours
• Category I ethics: At least 2 hours must be Category I (live, interactive, or formally structured)
• Category II ethics: Up to 4 hours may be Category II
• Topics: Professional ethics, boundaries, confidentiality, informed consent, ethical decision-making

Category I vs. Category II Activities

Category I Activities (Minimum 20 Hours Required)

Category I activities include formally organized and structured learning:

• Formally organized courses - Workshops, seminars, symposia
• Live webinars - Interactive online courses
• Conference sessions - Professional development conferences
• Accredited home-study programs - From approved providers
• University courses - Graduate-level relevant coursework

[!TIP] You can complete all 40 required hours through Category I activities. There is no maximum limit for Category I hours.

Category II Activities (Maximum 20 Hours)

Category II activities are less structured learning experiences:

• Self-study - Reading professional journals
• Informal learning - Book studies, article reviews
• Clinical case reviews - Peer consultation
• Professional development reading

Important: No more than 50% (20 hours) of your total CE can come from Category II activities.

Approved CE Providers

Recognized Accrediting Organizations

The Indiana Board accepts CE from providers approved by:

• American Psychological Association (APA)
• National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
• Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
• National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC)
• Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)
• American Counseling Association (ACA)

Verifying Provider Approval

Before taking a course, verify that:

1. The provider is approved by one of the recognized organizations
2. The course is designated as Category I or Category II
3. The course content is relevant to mental health counseling practice
4. You will receive a completion certificate

New Licensees - Reduced Requirements

If you're a new LMHC in Indiana, your CE requirements may be reduced:

License Active Period	CE Hours Required
Less than 12 months	0 hours
12-24 months	20 hours
More than 24 months	40 hours

CE Format and Delivery

Online CE

• Allowed: Yes, up to 100% of required hours
• Must be: Category I accredited online courses
• Requirements: Interactive format, completion certificate
• Benefit: Flexibility to complete CE on your schedule

In-Person CE

• Workshops and seminars - Professional conferences
• University courses - Graduate-level relevant courses
• Professional development - Live training sessions

Hybrid Options

Many providers offer hybrid formats combining online self-study with live webinar components.

Record Keeping and Audits

Documentation Requirements

Maintain records for three years including:

• Completion certificates - Official proof from provider
• Course descriptions - Content outline or syllabus
• Provider information - Name and accreditation details
• Hours earned - Total CE hours and category (I or II)
• Date completed - When the course was finished
• Ethics designation - If course counts toward ethics requirement

Audit Process

• Licensees may be randomly selected for audit
• Must provide all CE documentation within specified timeframe
• Failure to provide proof may result in disciplinary action
• Keep organized records readily accessible

Planning Your CE

Year 1 (April 2024 - March 2025)

Minimum: 20 hours

• Complete 2-3 hours Category I ethics
• Complete 17-18 additional hours (mix of Category I and II)
• Ensure at least 10 hours are Category I

Year 2 (April 2025 - March 2026)

Minimum: 20 hours

• Complete remaining 3-4 ethics hours
• Complete 16-17 additional hours
• Ensure total Category I hours reach 20+ for the biennium
• Verify you have 40 total hours before March 31, 2026

Contact Information

Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board

• Phone: (317) 234-2054
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.in.gov/pla/professions/behavioral-health-and-human-services-licensing-board
• License Verification: mylicense.in.gov

Board Mailing Address: Indiana Professional Licensing Agency Attn: Behavioral Health Board 402 W. Washington Street, Room W072 Indianapolis, IN 46204

Common Questions

Can I complete all 40 hours in one year?

No. Indiana requires a minimum of 20 hours each year of the two-year renewal cycle.

Can all my hours be Category II?

No. At least 20 hours (50%) must be Category I activities.

Do I need in-person training?

No. All hours can be completed online through Category I approved providers.

What if I have both LMHC and another license?

If you hold multiple licenses in Indiana, you may be able to use the same CE hours for both licenses if the content is relevant to both professions. Check with the licensing board.

How do I know if a course counts for ethics?

The course description or title should specifically indicate it covers ethics. If unsure, contact the provider before taking the course.

Tips for Success

1. Track both categories - Keep separate tallies of Category I and Category II hours
2. Front-load ethics - Complete ethics requirements early in the cycle
3. Balance your years - Don't wait until year 2 to start earning hours
4. Choose quality over quantity - Select courses relevant to your practice
5. Save everything - Keep digital and physical copies of all certificates
6. Use online options - Take advantage of flexible online Category I courses
7. Plan ahead - Don't wait until the last few months before renewal

Stay Compliant with CE Tracker App

Managing Indiana's LMHC CE requirements is straightforward with the right tools. CE Tracker App helps you:

• Track Category I and II hours separately
• Monitor annual minimums - Ensure you meet 20 hours per year
• Track ethics hours - Know when you've met the 6-hour requirement
• Store certificates - Digital storage with unlimited capacity
• Generate reports - Create renewal reports and audit documentation
• Set reminders - Never miss important deadlines

Don't risk your professional license - stay organized and compliant with CE Tracker App.