The Next Step
We’re hoping that the path to become a LCSW is now clear to you. If you’re ready to explore your options for a MSW program, what better than choosing a program with a clinical social work concentration?
Online MSW Programs / Guide to Careers in Social Work / How to Become a LCSW
Becoming a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) is a process comprising several important steps, including completing a master’s-level degree program in social work and acquiring the correct licensing in your state of practice. Below is an overview of some common steps you can take if you are interested in pursuing a career in clinical social work.
Becoming a licensed clinical social worker requires you to:
University and Program Name | Study Length | Enrollment Type | Field Placement Support |
---|---|---|---|
University of Denver
Master of Social Work (MSW) info SPONSORED | As few as 12 months | Full-Time and Part-Time | Support Available |
University of Southern California
Master of Social Work (MSW) info SPONSORED | As few as 16 months | Full-Time and Part-Time | Support Available |
Fordham University
Master of Social Work (MSW) info SPONSORED | As few as 16 months | Full-Time and Part-Time | Support Available |
Simmons University
Master of Social Work (MSW) info SPONSORED | As few as 9 months | Accelerated Full-Time Part-Time | Support Available |
Howard University
Master of Social Work (MSW) info SPONSORED | As few as 12 months | Full-Time and Part-Time | Support Available |
Syracuse University
Master of Social Work (MSW) info SPONSORED | As few as 24 months | Full-Time and Part-Time | Support Available |
Case Western Reserve University
Master of Social Work (MSW) info SPONSORED | As few as a year and a half | Full-Time and Part-Time | Support Available |
info SPONSORED
Many social workers earn a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related discipline before entering the field, however, it is not necessary. Learn more about your options:
Obtaining a Master of Social Work (MSW) is necessary for licensure as a social worker. Like the BSW, there are two pathways to earning this degree. Both depend on whether you majored in social work as an undergraduate.
Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.
info SPONSORED
Clinical social work licensure is regulated at the state level. Each state has its own licensing board that determines the specific requirements for clinical social work licensure. It’s important for students interested in becoming LCSWs to make sure the graduate social work program and concentration that they choose meet the licensing requirements for their state of residence or the one they wish to practice in. In general, a Master of Social Work (MSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education is required to become an LCSW in all 50 states.
Future LCSWs should note that earning this designation typically requires a passing score on a state-determined licensure exam and hours of professional experience, in addition to completion of a CSWE-accredited MSW program.
Current LCSWs who move to a different state may have to complete additional requirements in order to transfer their licenses. It is important to check state requirements before making a move.
As previously stated, licensure depends on your state of residence and the board-specific licensing requirements. The entire process to become an LCSW requires a considerable commitment post-graduation—completing an MSW program is just one part of the process.
Below is an overview of LCSW licensing requirements in six states. These states have been included on this page simply to demonstrate how licensing requirements vary based on an aspiring LCSW’s geographical location.
Disclosure: Make sure to double-check licensing requirements with the state board for the most up-to-date information, along with the program you are currently enrolled in or wish to enroll in.
How to Become an LCSW in California – Board of Behavioral Services
How to Become an LCSW in New York – Office of the Professions
How to Become an LCSW in Texas – Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners
How to Become a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Ohio – Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist Board (CSWMFT)
How to Become an LCSW in – Colorado – State Board of Social Work Examiners
How to Become an LCSW in – Massachusetts – Board of Registration of Social Workers
While becoming a LCSW is not required to practice clinical social work within some organizations, earning an LCSW credential may open up professional doors, boost your marketability and provide a higher sense of autonomy in your work with the community. If you want to pursue a private social work practice, earning your LCSW is a requirement.
Note: The designation for social workers who have their clinical social work license varies by state. While some states grant the title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to social workers with their license, other states use different titles, including but not limited to Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) or Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW).
As an LCSW, it’s important to complete continuing education requirements and to renew your license based on your state licensing board’s renewal requirements. If you fail to do so, you will not be able to continue to practice. License renewal terms vary by state. In California for example, the LCSW license must be renewed every two years and it cannot be renewed earlier than 90 days before it expires.
For some states, such as Maryland, the continuing education requirement is 40 credit units of continuing education in programs and categories approved by the board for each two-year period of social work licensure. And in Colorado, you may have to complete a Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) reinstatement form (PDF, 98 KB) to renew a lapsed license. Because each state differs and varies by requirement, you should check with your state’s licensing board.
According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), social workers should pursue48 hours of continued learning before each licensure renewal period. However, continued learning for licensure renewal is different by state and level of licensure.It’s imperative that social workers continue to learn throughout their career to stay up to date on new research and best practices. You can find the standards in a 2003 NASW publication on continuing professional education (PDF, 115 KB).
The Next Step
We’re hoping that the path to become a LCSW is now clear to you. If you’re ready to explore your options for a MSW program, what better than choosing a program with a clinical social work concentration?
An LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. These professionals work in a wide variety of settings to provide emotional support, mental health evaluations, therapy and case management services to people experiencing psychological, emotional, medical, social and/or familial challenges. LCSWs are required to have a CSWE-accredited MSW, a minimum of two years or 3,000 hours of post-MSW experience in a supervised clinical setting and a clinical license in the state of practice, according to the NASW Standards for Clinical Social Work in Social Work Practice [PDF, 139 KB].
An LCSW helps individuals, families and communities affected by mental disorders, behavioral disturbances and other life changes or challenges. They work in private practices, hospitals, primary care facilities and community mental health centers, often collaborating with other medical and mental health professionals.
Clinical social workers provide assessment, diagnoses, treatment and preventive care for mental, behavioral and emotional concerns. They may use individual or group therapy to do so. LCSWs must obtain an MSW and take an ASWB exam.
On the other hand, not all non-clinical social workers have an MSW. They tend to deal with more public issues, such as housing. They focus on how these issues impact their clients and help them adjust to changes or cope with challenges in their lives.
Although the U.S. Bureau Labor Statistics (BLS) does not document pay for the LCSW occupation, it does collect pay data for health care social workers. The median annual salary for social workers in health care was $57,630 as of February 2022. The median annual wages for all social workers that year was $51,760.
Last updated: February 2022