How to Become a Licensed Social Worker in Indiana: LCSW Requirements Guide 2025

Social workers in Indiana can earn up to $73,000 annually, and healthcare social workers make an average of $63,540. Your salary could go a lot further here than other states since Indiana ranks as the 10th-lowest state for cost of living in the United States.

The future looks bright for social workers. Jobs in healthcare and mental health social work will grow by more than 11% between 2022 and 2032. The state requires specific qualifications to practice as a licensed social worker. You can choose from three licensing levels: Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Social Worker (LSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

The path to becoming an LCSW in Indiana needs a Master’s degree in social work. You’ll also need 3,000 hours of post-degree clinical experience and must pass the ASWB exam. This piece walks you through each step to meet Indiana’s LCSW requirements, from education basics to supervision needs and everything else you should know.

Understanding Indiana Social Work License Types

The Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board (BHHSLB) of Indiana’s Professional Licensing Agency manages three distinct social work licenses. Each license comes with specific requirements and defines what a social worker can do.

LBSW vs LSW vs LCSW

A Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) serves as the entry-level credential that needs a bachelor’s degree in social work. The Licensed Social Worker (LSW) designation takes it up a notch and just needs a master’s degree in social work. The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) sits at the top tier, requiring both a master’s degree and significant post-graduate experience.

These licenses assure the public that social workers maintain good standing in their practice. The credentials also protect professional titles – Indiana law requires appropriate licensure to use the title of social worker.

Scope of Practice for Each Level

LBSWs can perform generalist social work activities. Their role includes administration, planning, and research. Many work in public and private agencies, such as advocacy programs, youth services, criminal justice agencies, and public health facilities.

LSW holders can do more specialized work. They have the ability to:

• Create emotional responses and behavioral changes in individuals, families, and communities
• Handle advanced administration and planning
• Provide social work services based on unconscious motivations and social systems knowledge

LCSWs have the widest scope of practice. They can do everything LSWs do, plus:

• Perform psychosocial evaluations
• Use counseling and psychotherapeutic techniques
• Work on social work advocacy cases
• Use appraisal instruments to plan treatments

The licensing board watches over these credentials by setting rules, regulations, and continuing education requirements. The board also lets the public raise concerns about care standards.

Candidates must graduate from programs with Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation. They must also pass the corresponding Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam and complete a criminal background check.

This tiered system creates a clear path for career growth while ensuring proper oversight of social work practice. Each level builds on previous experience, letting practitioners expand their service scope as they gain more education and experience.

Education Requirements for LCSW

A master’s degree from a CSWE-accredited program is a basic requirement to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Indiana. The state enforces strict educational standards that ensure high-quality social work practice.

Accredited BSW programs in Indiana

Accredited MSW Programs in Indiana

Ball State University

Ball State University offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) program with two tracks:

1. a) Advanced Standing Program (36 credit hours): For students with a Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
2. b) Traditional Standing Program (57 credit hours): For students with an undergraduate degree in a field other than social work.

The program focuses on advanced generalist practice, preparing students for both clinical and administrative roles. It has a special emphasis on services in rural communities, clinical addictions, gerontology, and health.

Indiana State University

Indiana State University’s MSW program prepares students for advanced social work practice with a special focus on rural populations. The curriculum emphasizes:

• Clinical competencies in serving individuals, families, groups, and communities
• Evaluating, developing, and implementing programs and policies in diverse settings
• Inter-professional education in conjunction with the Rural Health Innovation Collaborative (RHIC)

The program can be completed in 2 calendar years of full-time study or a maximum of 4 calendar years part-time.

Indiana University

Indiana University offers a highly flexible MSW program with multiple options:

• Available on 7 campuses and online
• Full-time and part-time options
• Advanced standing option for BSW graduates
• Focus areas include: Children, Youth & Families; Community & Organizational Leadership; Health; Mental Health & Addictions; and School Social Work

IU also offers joint degree options:

• MSW/JD (Master of Social Work / Doctor of Jurisprudence)
• MSW/MPH (Master of Social Work / Master of Public Health)

Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University offers an MSW program with two tracks:

1. a) Advanced Standing (36 credit hours): For students with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program.
2. b) Standard Track (60 credit hours): For students with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than social work.

The program focuses on advanced generalist practice with an emphasis on clinical skills. It uniquely integrates faith experiences into social work service and prepares students for dual licensure in clinical social work (LCSW) and clinical addiction counseling (LCAC).

University of Indianapolis

The University of Indianapolis offers a hybrid MSW program offered virtually, on-campus and off-campus. Students can specialize in Health and Behavioral Health; Children, Family and Community; or Mental Health and Addictions. The program takes one or two years to complete depending on your bachelor’s degree.

University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana offers an MSW program with the following features:

• Full-time and part-time options
• Advanced standing option for BSW graduates
• Clinical concentration
• Optional School Social Work Specialization
• Fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

The program prepares students for competency-based practice using the systems model for planned change through generalist and advanced social work practice.

Starting Fall 2024, USI began to offer a fully online MSW program, providing flexibility for working professionals.

Each of these programs offers unique features and specializations, catering to different needs and career goals within the field of social work. Prospective students should carefully review each program’s curriculum, admission requirements, and focus areas to determine which best aligns with their professional aspirations.

Students can choose flexible learning formats. Indiana University and Indiana Wesleyan University offer fully online MSW options. The cost varies significantly between programs, with tuition rates from $257 to $664 per credit hour.

Specialization Options

Indiana University’s MSW program features these focus areas:

• Children, Youth and Families
• Community and Organizational Leadership
• Health
• Mental Health & Addictions
• School Social Work
• Special Practice Areas in Social Work

Students can also pursue dual degree options such as MSW/Master of Public Health and MSW/Juris Doctor combinations.

Field Placement Requirements

Field education plays a key part in MSW programs throughout Indiana. Students must complete specific supervised practice hours:

Regular standing MSW students complete 930 clock hours at assigned agencies. Advanced standing students with a BSW degree need 620 clock hours. These placements happen in settings of all types where students apply theoretical knowledge in real-life situations.

Students go through these steps in the field placement process:

• Attending practicum orientation meetings
• Individual consultations with field directors
• Pre-placement interviews with potential agencies
• Development of learning contracts

Some programs allow workplace-based practica for students hired in social services if the assignments line up with CSWE competencies. These arrangements need separate approval and must have clear educational goals different from regular work duties.

Clinical Experience Requirements

Getting an LCSW license in Indiana needs significant clinical experience with qualified supervision. A clear understanding of these requirements will help you plan your path to licensure.

Required Practice Hours

Your journey starts after you get your MSW degree. You’ll need to complete 3,000 hours of post-graduate clinical social work experience. Most people take about two years to finish these hours. Part-time practitioners can spread their hours over a longer period. The timeframe for part-time workers should be between 21 and 48 months.

Your doctoral internship can count as part of your clinical experience. The supervised clinical hours you collect never expire and stay valid when you apply for licensure later.

Types of Qualifying Experience

Your clinical experience should focus on direct client services. Half of your work hours must involve direct client interaction and assessment services. Qualifying activities include:

• Counseling and psychotherapy services
• Mental health diagnosis
• Psychosocial evaluations
• Individual, couple, and family therapy
• Group counseling
• Community-based interventions

Your experience must be post-baccalaureate, paid, and supervised. You can complete up to 100% of your required hours through HIPAA-compliant virtual supervision.

Documentation Process

You’ll need several key components to document your clinical experience properly:

1. Employment Verification: Your employer needs to complete Form II – Verification of Employment/Experience. They must have it notarized and send it directly to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.
2. Supervision Records: Your records must show you’ve completed at least 80 hours of face-to-face supervision. You need one hour of supervision for every 25 hours of clinical experience.
3. Supervisor Qualifications: Since November 2003, only licensed clinical social workers (LCSW) can provide supervision. Before that date, supervision from licensed physicians with psychiatric training, licensed psychologists, licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), or licensed mental health counselors (LMHC) was acceptable.
4. Multiple Employer Documentation: Each employer must submit separate verification forms if you completed your hours with different employers. The same applies to supervisors – each one must complete Form I – Verification of Supervision.

LCSW Supervision Requirements Indiana

Professional supervision is the life-blood of getting your LCSW license in Indiana. Starting July 1, 2024, candidates can complete 100% of their supervision virtually through HIPAA-compliant platforms.

Finding a Qualified Supervisor

Indiana supervisors must meet these qualifications:

• Hold a valid Indiana LCSW license
• You must be in good standing with the Indiana State Board of Social Work

Mental health facilities, private practitioners, and consulting agencies are great places to look for supervisors. Many supervisors specialize in areas like trauma treatment, OCD management, or play therapy.

Supervision Hour Requirements

These strict requirements guide the supervision process:

• Four hours of face-to-face supervision per month during the clinical experience period
• You can complete up to 50% of supervision virtually before July 2024
• Virtual supervision needs synchronous visual and audio platforms
• Phone calls, emails, or text messages don’t count as supervision

Documentation Requirements:

• Supervisors must complete Form I – Verification of Supervision
• The licensing agency needs notarized forms

Cost and Time Management

Your employment setting and arrangements determine supervision costs. Agency-hired social workers often get free supervision through their employer. Independent practitioners usually need private supervision, which can be expensive:

• Individual sessions cost around $100 per hour
• Group supervision provides an economical solution
• Up to five people can share costs in supervision groups

Here’s how to make the most of your time and money:

• Keep detailed records of supervision hours
• Join or create supervision groups
• Look into employer-sponsored supervision options
• Full-time status requires about 75 weeks to complete required hours

Supervision goes beyond just meeting license requirements. It helps you grow professionally and gives you space to discuss client cases, learn new techniques, and tackle ethical dilemmas. Your supervisor’s legal and ethical responsibility means they must be available 24/7 for urgent consultations.

Social Work Salaries in Indiana

Social workers in Indiana earn different salaries based on their specialty and where they work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that healthcare social workers earn the most among all specialties, with an average annual salary of $63,540.

BLS data on Indiana Social Workers

Social work specialties in Indiana offer various salary ranges:

• Child, Family, and School Social Workers make $53,690 annually
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers earn $56,310 per year
• Healthcare Social Workers receive $63,540 annually
• Other specialized social work roles can earn up to $73,800 yearly

Your location in Indiana plays a big role in how much you can earn. Here’s what metropolitan areas pay:

The Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson region leads with healthcare social workers earning $66,590 annually. Fort Wayne’s healthcare social workers earn $62,200 per year. Michigan City-La Porte area offers solid pay at $61,830 annually.

Rural areas show these salary ranges:

• Northern Indiana: Healthcare social workers make $55,770 annually
• Central Indiana: Pay averages $57,420 per year
• Southern Indiana: Yearly earnings reach $58,440

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) in Indiana earn between $68,500 and $106,600 yearly. Top performers in the 90th percentile can make up to $137,025. Starting salaries begin around $41,869.

Government jobs pay well, with LCSWs earning a median total pay of $85,749. Healthcare settings come next with median total compensation of $78,042.

Your experience level shapes your earning potential. Social workers with advanced degrees and special certifications usually earn more. Job opportunities are strongest in urban areas, and the Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson region employs the most social workers in the state.

Social Work Scholarships Indiana

Scholarships can reduce the cost of your social work education in Indiana by a lot. Many institutions and organizations provide funding specifically for social work students.

Indiana University School of Social Work stands as one of the state’s leading institutions. The school gave out more than $150,000 in scholarship funds during 2021. Students can apply starting September 1st, and the school announces awards in early December.

The IU School of Social Work Tuition Assistance Program helps out-of-state students by capping tuition at 150% of in-state rates. Students need to keep a 3.25 GPA in their baccalaureate program and must attend an in-person MSW program at Indianapolis, Bloomington, Fort Wayne, Southeast, or South Bend campuses.

Ball State University’s Department of Social Work provides these notable scholarships:

• The Dobrow Scholarship: Students need a 3.0 GPA and must show their commitment to social work through community service
• The Rehfeld Scholarship: Full-time undergraduates with a 3.0 GPA can get merit-based awards, while those with 2.5 GPA qualify for need-based assistance
• The Harry J. and Delpha S. Macy Scholarship: Senior-level students who excel academically and show leadership potential can apply

The Indiana Child Services Education Program is a chance to get full tuition coverage, fees, and a $2,000 stipend each semester during senior year. Students must work in child protective services for 24 months after graduation.

The Indiana School Social Work Association (INSSWA) helps with conference scholarships for both Midwest and SSWAA conferences. Students should submit applications two months before conference dates. The funding covers registration, hotel stays, and travel costs at 30 cents per mile.

More state-specific options include:

• Granger Business Association College Scholarship: Graduate students can receive $1,000
• Community Involvement Scholarship: Students who show strong community engagement can earn $500

Social Work Organizations in Indiana

Professional organizations in Indiana help social workers build networks, advocate for their rights, and grow professionally. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Indiana Chapter leads as the biggest member organization that promotes professional social work and protects human rights.

The NASW Indiana Chapter runs major events throughout the year. Their upcoming NASW-Indiana & NASW-Kentucky 2024 Joint Virtual Annual Conference will take place on September 30 and October 1. “Empowering Social Workers: Inspiring Action, Leading Change” serves as the conference theme, featuring compelling keynote talks and panel discussions about vital topics like culture wars and advocacy.

Healthcare social workers unite under the Indiana Network of Healthcare Social Workers (INNHSW). This group brings together professionals from hospitals and healthcare facilities all over Indiana to promote positive community change through networking, resources, and mentorship. INNHSW members work on:

• Case management initiatives
• Public policy development
• Community engagement programs
• Healthcare advocacy efforts

School-based practitioners get specialized support from the Indiana School Social Workers Association (INSSWA). Members benefit from:

• Professional development programs
• Legislative advocacy resources
• Networking opportunities
• Committee participation options

These groups keep their members involved through workshops, training sessions, and continuing education programs. The NASW Indiana Chapter runs online continuing education sessions and workshops that meet Indiana’s licensing requirements regularly.

INNHSW gives healthcare social workers a platform to connect with peers from hospitals and healthcare organizations across the state. This network helps members share best practices, discuss case management strategies, and tackle new challenges in healthcare social work.

These organizations do more than support individuals. They shape social work policies, fight for professional interests, and make sure all Indiana residents can access services easily. Indiana’s social work organizations help advance the profession and support practitioners at every stage of their careers through their combined efforts.

Become a Licensed Social Worker in Indiana: Start Today

Licensed social workers in Indiana can earn up to $63,540 annually in healthcare settings. The state’s lower living costs make this career financially rewarding while you create positive change in your community.

Getting licensed requires careful planning and commitment. The process begins with selecting an educational program, completing supervised clinical hours and keeping detailed records. Each license type – LBSW, LSW, and LCSW – creates opportunities for advanced practice and higher earnings.

Organizations like NASW Indiana Chapter and INNHSW provide valuable support through networking, advocacy and educational resources. Available scholarships can help you manage educational costs as you work toward your career goals.

Your success as a social worker comes from meeting state requirements and staying updated with industry changes. The new virtual supervision options begin July 2024. This complete guide helps you confidently pursue your social work license in Indiana and join other dedicated professionals who transform people’s lives.

FAQs

Q1. What are the key steps to becoming an LCSW in Indiana? To become an LCSW in Indiana, you need to earn a master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program, complete 3,000 hours of post-graduate clinical experience under qualified supervision, and pass the ASWB clinical exam. The process typically takes about two years of full-time work after obtaining your MSW.

Q2. How does the salary for social workers in Indiana compare to other states? Social work salaries in Indiana are competitive, especially considering the state’s lower cost of living. Healthcare social workers earn an average of $63,540 annually, while those in specialized roles can earn up to $73,800 per year. The highest salaries are typically found in metropolitan areas like Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson.

Q3. Can I complete my supervision hours virtually for LCSW licensure in Indiana? Yes, starting July 1, 2024, candidates can complete 100% of their supervision virtually through HIPAA-compliant platforms. Before this date, up to 50% of supervision can occur virtually. However, all virtual supervision must be conducted through synchronous visual and audio platforms.

Q4. Are there any scholarships available for social work students in Indiana? Yes, there are several scholarship opportunities for social work students in Indiana. For example, Indiana University School of Social Work distributes over $150,000 in scholarship funds annually. Other options include the Dobrow Scholarship at Ball State University and the Indiana Child Services Education Program, which covers full tuition and provides a stipend for qualifying students.

Q5. What professional organizations support social workers in Indiana? Indiana has several professional organizations for social workers, including the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Indiana Chapter, the Indiana Network of Healthcare Social Workers (INNHSW), and the Indiana School Social Workers Association (INSSWA). These organizations offer networking opportunities, professional development resources, and advocacy support for social workers across the state.