The SWDC guide on how to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is an excellent resource. Whether you are a current social worker planning your next educational steps or a new student interested in understanding your career pathway, this guide will help!
To become an LCSW, you must earn a bachelor’s degree and complete an accredited MSW program. After earning a master’s degree, you will satisfy your state’s supervised experience requirement, typically 1,000 to 3,000 hours. Then, you can apply for your license and take the ASWB licensing exam. After you pass the national exam, you can earn your LCSW.
What is a Clinical Social Worker?
Clinical social work is a specialty practice area of social work. It focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental and behavioral health conditions. Some of the mental and emotional disorders LCSWs treat include anxiety, PTSD, alcoholism, autism, and also eating disorders. Social workers who provide clinical services must have a clinical-level license in their state to practice.
LCSWs perform services in various settings, serve different populations, and focus on multiple issues. Individual, group, and family therapy are common treatment modalities. Typical employers include private practice, hospitals, community health centers, and primary care providers.
Clinical Social Work
Clinical social workers are mental health professionals. They focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental and behavioral health conditions.
Direct Practice Social Work
Also called non-clinical social work. These professionals help people locate community resources.
What are the Steps to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) includes education, training, and state licensing. These professionals must have a master’s degree and follow their state’s licensing requirements to practice.
Step 1: Find Your State Requirements for Licensing
To save yourself time and energy, we suggest you begin with the end in mind. If you want to be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, you will eventually apply for a license in the state where you want to practice. Because social work licenses are issued at the state level, there is variation from state to state. Generally, the requirements include attending a CSWE-accredited MSW program, and also you need to pass a background check.
So, you should thoroughly research the rules for licensing in your state. The Association of Social Work Boards has a list of the licensing boards for each state. On their website, you can find the specific requirements for how to become a Social Worker in the state where you live.
Step 2: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree
To become an LCSW you must have an bachelor’s degree. The fastest route to becoming an LCSW is with both an undergraduate degree in social work (BSW) and a master’s degree in social work (MSW). Prospective students who have not completed an undergraduate degree may want to fast track their education by earning a BSW and then an MSW. However, everyone is on a different path, so don’t worry, it’s not the only way to get there.
Non-BSW Path
You can study other related discipline as an undergrad and still become a social worker. Popular non BSW undergraduate majors include sociology, psychology, and human development. But you can also have a bachelor’s degree in math, for example, and then complete an MSW program to become an LCSW.
BSW Path
If you want to earn an MSW, choosing social work over another major, like psychology, for your undergraduate studies can save you time and money in graduate school. With a BSW, you can later enroll in an advanced standing MSW program instead of a traditional Master of Social Work program.
A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is an undergraduate degree and is the minimum requirement in most states to become a social worker. If you have not yet earned a degree, studying social work as an undergrad can provide you with relevant foundational knowledge.
Typical BSW coursework covers the basics of human behavior, social welfare policy, and social work. Additionally, a Council on Social Work Education accredited BSW requires at least 400 hours of supervised field experience.
Step 3: Complete a Master’s Degree Program
As previously discussed, if you hold a BSW, you can apply for an advanced standing master’s program. These programs are typically one year shorter than traditional MSW programs because there is some overlap in the course content. However, those new to social work who do not have a BSW need to take the conventional MSW path. These programs are typically two years, but you must have an undergraduate degree in any major to enter a traditional program.
| Undergraduate Degree | Graduate Program | Minimum Length |
|---|---|---|
| BSW | Advanced Standing MSW Pathway | 1 year |
| Any bachelor’s degree | Traditional MSW Pathway | 2 years |
You don’t need a doctorate in social work (DSW) to become an LCSW. However, some LCSWs pursue this degree to conduct research, develop public policy, or teach while maintaining their clinical roles. DSW programs typically last 4-6 years.
After you complete your master’s degree, you can apply for a clinical social worker license. Every state has a social work licensing board to oversee the licensing and regulating of social work educational and professional standards for their state. Aspiring direct practitioners should find more information regarding social work licensure in your state before selecting a program.
Step 4: Complete Licensing Requirements for Supervised Experience
After you earn your MSW, you must complete a certain amount of supervised clinical hours to meet state licensure requirements. Specific hour requirements for clinical social workers vary and are listed on your state’s licensing board website. However, most states require around 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, which typically takes two years to complete.
Additionally, some states want aspiring LCSWs to register or have a temporary license or permit. These are required in some states for individuals while they complete their training hours. Then after passing ASWB exam and completing the required training, you can apply for a full license.
Step 5: Obtain a State License
Clinical social worker licensure is regulated at the state level. Each state has a licensing board that determines the specific clinical social work licensure requirements. A list of the licensing boards for each state is on the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) website. Find your state, and then research the specific requirements to become a social worker for the place where you live.
Most states use the title Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) for a clinically trained licensed social worker. However, some states use Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) or Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW).
Complete a License Application
Begin the licensing process by requesting a license application from your state’s regulatory board. After you complete it and receive approval, you can register with the ASWB to take the clinical exam. Once you earn a passing score and meet any other requirements, you’ll receive your license from your state social work board.
Pass the Licensing Exam
To pursue licensure and become an LCSW, you must pass a national clinical exam from the Association of Social Work Boards. Additionally, you may need to take a law and ethics exam, which varies from state to state.
The ASWB administers the LCSW licensing exam at Pearson Professional Centers nationwide, so it’s easy to schedule at an approved test site near you. The computerized exam includes 170 multiple-choice questions and takes 4 hours to complete.
Social Work License Compact
The ASWB created an interstate compact for social work licensure. It enables licensees to quickly obtain a license to practice in another state through reciprocity. The Social Work License Compact is a new formation, so if your state has not yet joined, then check back regularly.
Step 6: Maintain Your License
Now that you have earned your license, you must maintain it. Social Workers must periodically renew their state license so it stays active. Licensure renewal periods vary by state, but most involve paying additional fees and participating in ongoing professional education. LCSWs must take Continuing Education (CE) classes to keep up-to-date on modern social work theory and practice.
The NASW recommends social workers pursue 48 hours of continued learning before each licensure renewal period. However, Continued Education for licensure renewal is different by state and level of licensure. All Social Workers must continue to learn throughout their careers to stay current on new research and best practices.
Select States: Steps to Becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) involves completing specific education, supervised experience, and examination requirements. The requirements vary by state. Below are some examples of the requirements in select states.
How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California
- State Agency: California Board of Behavioral Services (website)
- Complete an MSW from a CSWE accredited program
- Register as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW) with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) so you can accrue supervised hours while working toward LCSW licensure.
- Take and pass the California Law and Ethics Examination for LCSWs which is required for ASWs before they can accrue hours toward licensure.
- Complete 3,000 supervised hours of social work over 104 weeks.
- After completing your supervised hours, take and pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) clinical examination.
- Submit the LCSW licensure application to the BBS. Once your application is approved, you will be issued an LCSW license, allowing you to practice independently as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California.
How to Become an LCSW in New York
- State Agency: New York Office of the Professions (website)
- Complete a CSWE accredited program and earn a Master of Social Work (MSW).
- Obtain the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) certification from the New York State Education Department (NYSED). This allows you to begin accruing supervised clinical hours.
- Take and pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s Level Examination for LMSW certification.
- Complete 3,000 hours of post-MSW supervised experience, including at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact.
- Complete the mandated courses in the identification and reporting of child abuse, maltreatment, and neglect, as well as infection control.
- Submit an application for LCSW licensure to the New York State Education Department (NYSED)
- Apply for and pass the ASWB clinical examination.
- Once your application is approved and you have passed the clinical exam, you will be issued an LCSW license by the New York State Education Department’s Office of the Professions (NYSED OP).
LCSW Career Advancement
Qualified Social Workers can earn Advanced Practice Specialty credentials through the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). These NASW credentials offer LCSWs enhanced professional recognition and demonstrate a mastery of a specific area of social work. So they are a great way to set yourself apart when looking for a new job or a promotion.
Below are the NASW advanced practice specialty credentials specific to clinical social work.
- Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW)
- Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology (CSW-G)
- Certified Clinical Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Social Worker (C-CATODSW)
- Military Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families – Clinical Social Worker (MVF-CSW)
What is the Job Outlook for Clinical Social Workers?
What is the job outlook for Clinical Social Workers? Clinical social workers are in demand, and the job outlook is positive. Licensed clinical social workers fall into the mental health and substance abuse social workers category in the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) social work categories.
The BLS projects employment for mental health and substance abuse social workers will grow by eleven percent (11%) over the next decade. This job growth is attributed to the increasing need for professionals as more people seek mental health treatment and treatment for substance misuse.
How Much Do Clinical Social Workers Make?
What is the average salary for LCSWs? According to the BLS, the median annual wage for mental health and substance misuse social workers is $51,240. However, the BLS information does not differentiate between BSW and MSW-educated social workers. Several factors, including educational background, certifications, professional training, work experience, location, and industry, can impact your earning potential.
Top paying states for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers:
| State | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| New Jersey | $92,850 |
| California | $81,720 |
| New York | $79,700 |
| Connecticut | $79,080 |
| District of Columbia | $72,990 |
How much does a Licensed Clinical Social Worker make in the United States? Becoming licensed requires additional education and experience so LCSWs have higher qualifications. Therefore, Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) often earn higher salaries than non-licensed social workers.
Payscale reports that the average LCSW earns $65,171 annually (Payscale). An entry-level licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with less than one year of experience can expect to earn an average compensation of $50,713. However, a career Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with years of experience can earn as much as $86,000 per year.
Additionally, Salary.com reports the average Licensed Clinical Social Worker salary in the United States is $79,437 and ranges from $72,772 to $87,853.
Types of Licensed Clinical Social Worker Careers
After you meet the license requirements and pass the state exam, you can work as an LCSW. Congratulations! As an LCSW, you qualify for a variety of roles. Typically, counseling services are the staple of the LCSW profession. Common types of counseling are in mental health, schools, substance abuse, and family. Careers range from starting a private practice to working with government agencies, private companies, and medical providers.
LCSW Jobs in Private Practice
LCSWs often work as therapists or counselors in various private practice settings. They provide individual, group, or family therapy to address mental health issues.
LCSW Jobs in Healthcare
An LCSW can work in hospitals or other healthcare settings, collaborating with healthcare professionals and medical teams to address the psychosocial needs of patients. These Medical Social Workers assist individuals and families in coping with illness, disability, or end-of-life care.
LCSW Jobs in Child Welfare
Working with children and families, LCSWs focus on addressing issues such as child abuse, neglect, adoption, and also foster care. Child and Family Social Workers work for child welfare agencies, adoption agencies, or family service organizations. A clinical social worker may conduct a child abuse assessment and help find treatment services or support programs.
LCSW Jobs in the Military
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employs more social workers than any other organization in the US. At the VA, LCSWs may work with military personnel, veterans, and their families with mental and emotional health. A Military Social Worker addresses issues such as PTSD, deployment-related stress, and family dynamics affected by military service.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker FAQ
If you want to be a licensed clinical social worker, you likely have questions about the process. For example, how long does it take to get a clinical license? Below, you will find answers to common questions about what it takes for a career as an LCSW.
LCSW Resources and Professional Organizations
Professional organizations for Social Workers provide a networking community, educational resources, and information about career advancement. Below are some professional social work associations with helpful resources for every clinical social worker.
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
Social workers can schedule their licensing exam and access test prep resources through the ASWB’s website.
Clinical Social Work Association (CSWA)
The CSWA advocates for issues that impact clinical social work services.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
NASW offers networking opportunities and other resources for professionals and students.
Social Work License Compact (SW License Compact)
The interstate compact for social work licensure enables licensees to quickly obtain a license to practice in a different state.
Sources and References:
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211023.htm#st
- https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/licensed-clinical-social-worker-salary
- https://www.socialworkers.org/
- https://swcompact.org/
- https://www.socialwork.va.gov/VA_Employment.asp
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