How to Become an LCSW: Licensure and More
If you've spent any time researching career fields in counseling, you've probably noticed a lot of talk about licensure and accreditation requirements. Social work can have a heavy influence on the people being served, making it necessary for providers to abide by certain standards and regulations. Those who've completed all of the components required to obtain an official LCSW license are certified to offer licensed clinical social work services.
Obtaining licensure is an important step in becoming a clinical social worker. It can help ensure that practitioners have met all of the requirements set by the state and are aware of the skills that they need before entering the field. If you're interested in working one-on-one with clients as a social worker, you should review LCSW online programs that could result in licensure in the future.
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| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon University
Degrees in Social Work
Bachelors and Masters |
✔ Online
No GRE Required |
Grand Canyon University now offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that are suited to a future career in social work. You can apply to the Bachelor of Social Work degree program or several graduate programs such as the Master of Social Work program to further your education. Currently in Candidacy status with the Council on Social Work Education. Learn More |
| Liberty University
MSW: Social Work
SACSCOC |
✔ Online
100% online, 8-week courses |
This program offers a general cognate and an individual and family clinical cognate. No matter which option you choose, you’ll receive advanced generalist training in social policy, research, and practice — as well as the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in your field. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
| University of Denver
Master of Social Work
CSWE accredited. |
✔ Campus, Online
No GRE Required Minimum GPA 2.5 |
Earn your CSWE-accredited MSW online from Denver's GSSW, a top-15 school of social work. Gain a strong foundation for social work practice with a concentration in Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness. GRE scores are not required. Students with a BSW can earn their MSW in as few as 12 months in the online advanced-standing track; students without a BSW can earn an MSW in as few as 21 months. Learn More |
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Earn a Bachelor's Degree
The first step toward becoming an LCSW is earning a bachelor's degree in a related field. Most students hoping to pursue this particular career path enroll in a bachelor's of social work program, but it is possible to be accepted to one of the well-rated master's degree online LCSW programs with a different undergraduate major.
Earn a Master's Degree in Social Work
Although there are jobs available for graduates with bachelor's degrees in social work, if you want to become an LCSW, you will need to take a step further and complete a master's degree as well. When you choose your degree program, it's important to consider factors like the format and accreditation status.
Format
As you research LCSW online programs, you will likely come across many options. For example, some programs are fully online, while others require that you complete a week or two of classes face-to-face over the academic year. You may also come across programs that are primarily asynchronous, meaning that you complete the work at the time that works best for you, and others that are synchronous and require you to attend virtual class meetings on certain days and times.
Accreditation
Choosing an accredited, licensed clinical social work degree program is an excellent way to prepare for the licensing requirements in your field. Institutions that set licensure regulations do not recognize programs that aren't accredited. In practical terms, if you earn a degree from a program that lacks accreditation status, you will not be able to meet the requirements for licensure. Different professional fields may require specific types of accreditation, so you should always research what type of accreditation to look for when comparing LCSW online programs.
The minimum degree you will need to earn to become an LCSW is a master's in social work (MSW). When you're exploring possible master's programs, consider those that have achieved the right type of accreditation for your future licensure. While the specific requirements for licensure vary by state, program accreditation is generally required to earn an LCSW license.
The starting point for accredited programs is the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This association regularly reviews educational programs to ensure that the curriculum includes all of the required aspects needed for licensed professionals and is modified as the field changes. While there are other associations offering accreditation, CSWE is the leading national association, offering accreditation for over 750 programs.
CSWE accreditation means that a degree program has been reviewed by an outside agency. Accreditation isn't required for an MSW program, but it does give prospective students peace of mind knowing that the coursework and assessments meet rigorous external standards. It may also be required in your state to earn an LCSW license
Program Length
Another point to consider is the program length. If you are attending full-time, most online LCSW programs can be completed within two years. However, if you earned a bachelor's degree in social work, you may be able to enroll in an advanced standing program, which can be completed in as little as one year. Part-time students typically take three or more years to complete an MSW degree program.
Complete Supervised Clinical Experience
After earning your master's degree from one of the leading LCSW online programs, you will need to complete a set number of clinical hours, which differs from state to state. Most licensure prospects engage in this requirement for about two years, but it's important to research the specific number in the state where you plan to work. Some of the experiences you may be required to complete include:
*Assessments and treatments
*Individual and group therapy
*Consultations
*Diagnoses
*Evaluations
The practical components of these requirements were put into place to help you gain the hands-on experience you need while being observed and led by licensed LCSWs in the field.
Take the Association of Social Work Boards Exam
One of the final steps toward achieving your license is the completion of the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) examination. This test is completed after you've finished your degree program and supervised field experiences. The examination consists of topics and scenarios that could arise in the field and requires you to think critically and use skills developed during your prior education and experience. Depending on your state, you may be required to take an advanced generalist or clinical exam.
Apply for State Licensure
Once you have passed your exam and met all of your state's requirements, you can officially apply for an LCSW licensure. You may need to periodically complete additional requirements to renew your license.
How Long Does It Take to Become an LCSW?
With all of that said, how long it takes to become a licensed clinical social worker ultimately depends on how quickly you can amass the needed number of supervised practice hours and how quickly you can complete the licensing exam. For most people in this field, after completing your LCSW online programs, becoming licensed takes a minimum of two years and no more than six years.
Counseling Careers
What’s the Difference Between an MSW and an LCSW Degree?
An MSW is a master’s in social work, which can serve as the foundation for a career as a licensed master social worker (LMSW) or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). The specific requirements for these licenses differ by state, but an LMSW typically works in a case management role, while an LCSW has more extensive clinical experience and expertise. As a result, LCSWs are often more involved in working with clients in a therapeutic setting.
Clinical Social Work Degree Programs
Social work can lead to many fields responsible for providing well-rounded services to the general public. At the master’s level and beyond, social work professionals can blend skills from both social work and counseling to provide optimum services to clients with extensive needs. To meet the requirements of the LCSW in your state, you should begin by choosing one of the LCSW online programs in the area that most interests you.
The CSWE currently accredits degree programs with a wide variety of specializations. Your choice of specialization could lead you to more specific career options in the future, making this an important step toward your overall success. Most social work professionals interested in including counseling on their resumes choose to pursue an online clinical social work degree before seeking certification. You may also want to choose other specializations that help you learn more about the groups that need the most care in your area.
Online Master of Social Work – Clinical Social Work
The online MSW in Clinical Social Work can be an excellent choice for upcoming professionals interested in pursuing their license as an LCSW. This degree program includes components relevant to observing, diagnosing, and treating common mental health issues presented by clients, as well as some of the practical and ethical concerns present in the field of social work. It can provide you with a variety of skills that can be applied when working with diverse groups in your geographical area. For counseling, consider a clinical mental health counseling degree.
Online Master of Social Work – Child and Family Social Work
The desire to work with children and families encourages many different people to pursue MSW programs. If you’re interested in working with children and families going through difficult circumstances in their personal lives, an online MSW in Child and Family Social Work may be the right choice for you. The skills learned in this program could be exceptionally helpful to you as you transition into an LCSW in the future.
Online Master of Social Work – School Social Work
One way to take control over your future career is by choosing a degree program that focuses on the skills social workers need in your chosen field. If you have the desire to work in school systems with children in need, an online MSW in School Social Work could be a great choice for you to consider. Blending your knowledge of social work with the requirements of U.S. school systems can help you qualify for open positions in your area. You may also read the guide for school counseling degrees, a similar area but in counseling.
Top Social Work Programs
Choosing the right social work program is a deeply personal decision that depends on a variety of factors unique to each individual. The programs listed below are recognized for their excellence, but it’s important to remember that what qualifies as the “top” or “best” program can vary significantly from one prospective student to another. When selecting a program, consider not only its reputation but also how well it aligns with your own educational needs and career goals. Factors such as specialization options, cost, location, accreditation, and program size should all play a crucial role in your decision-making process.
The following list aims to highlight some outstanding master’s-level social work programs to consider as you explore your options in the field of social work. Chosen based on their outstanding reputations and graduation rates, all are accredited by the CSWE.
- University of Chicago
- University of Pennsylvania
- Columbia University
- University of California-Berkeley
- Washington University in St Louis
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- University of California-Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- Boston College
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
LCSW Certification Options
Since social work is a diverse field, you can choose to add on many different certifications during your career. If you’re interested in the counseling component of the LCSW distinction, you should look into certification programs that can further your skills in the practice of counseling in your area. Mental health and related specialization options can provide you with more insight into some of the common ailments and issues in the field; this can lead to more informed decision-making and treatment options in the field.
If you’d like to keep your options open as a social work professional, choose certification options that are relevant to social work agencies in your community. Having an educationally diverse background alongside your license can help you achieve positions that many social work professionals in your area have sought out. Some certifications you can pursue include:
- Mental Health
- Clinical Social Work
- Psychiatric Social Work
- Youth Social Work
- Geriatric Social Work
- Family Social Work
- Substance Abuse Social Work
- Healthcare Social Work
Licensure Requirements
Every state has its own set of requirements for licensure as an LCSW. In most cases, the licensure requirements include:
- A master’s or doctoral degree in social work
- A minimum of two years of experience in postgraduate clinical experience, which often ranges between 3,000 and 4,000 hours of supervised work
- A passing score on the required licensing test
- Completing renewal requirements, which are often a set number of continuing education hours every two years
Taking into account the time to complete your degree, clinical experience, and licensing exam, it typically takes between six and eight years to become an LCSW. A key point to remember is that this licensure applies only to the state in which you originally applied. Because licensure requirements are location-specific, if you, at some point decide to move and take on a position in a different state, you may need to complete additional requirements to obtain new licensure.
Available Careers for an LCSW
One of the most popular reasons to choose social work is the variety of professional fields that are available. Because there are so many people in need of the assistance of social workers, there is a wide range of employers and concentrations that you can pursue.
Career Settings
Obtaining your license as an LCSW can help you get the job of your dreams in state agencies, mental health facilities, or even in the field of education. Your role in these organizations can vary depending on your expertise and certifications. There are several possible work environments for social work professionals who have earned an LCSW degree online.
Mental Health Facilities/Offices
In these settings, LCSWs can work with individual clients to assist them with working through common stressors in their lives or even with complex mental health disorders. While working in mental health organizations, LCSWs can be providers of regular therapy or specialized mental health interventions designed for a number of emotional needs.
Child/Adult Welfare Agencies
State agencies such as the Department of Children’s Services or Adult Protective Services often employ LCSWs who work with their clients on a daily basis. Social workers can help children or adults who have experienced trauma from neglect or abuse by providing support during their initial move into state custody or during the healing process. LCSWs can also work in conjunction with foster care agencies to ensure that children receive regular and thorough mental health treatment during their experience.
Healthcare
LCSWs in the healthcare field can provide support to individuals in the midst of invasive health-related procedures or when needed for generalized patient care. Some professionals in this field may work on staff in psychiatric departments of hospitals, healthcare clinics, and even retirement facilities to help patients manage daily issues or symptoms of their disorders. If you have an interest in working in a fast-paced environment with new clients, this could be a field for you to consider pursuing after receiving your license.
Education
Children in school systems all over the U.S. can benefit from having LCSWs on staff. Some school systems employ professionals in this field in an effort to promote positive mental health for enrolled students and preventive assistance relating to self-esteem, bullying, and drug abuse. LCSWs interested in this type of work should seek out requirements for professionals in the field of education before enrolling in a degree program.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker vs. Therapist
In considering career paths, it’s helpful to note the distinctions between licensed clinical social workers and therapists.
The term “therapist” is broad and may encompass licensed social workers as well as psychologists and psychiatric care providers. Not all therapists are LCSWs, but those who wish to become therapists may benefit from the advanced training and licensure required to become an LCSW.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2022, the median salary for a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) is $55,350 annually. Note that the annual clinical social worker salary may vary based on a number of factors, including:
- Type of facility/workplace
- Years of experience
- Geographic area
- Level of education
- Specialization
For example, according to the BLS, the median salary for a healthcare social worker is $60,280, while the median salary for a child, family, and school social worker is $50,820. Social workers in states with a higher cost of living can expect to earn more than those working in states with a lower cost of living. Selecting a social work specialization can affect your salary, as well as years of experience in a social work setting.
The BLS projects job growth of 7% for social workers between 2022 and 2033, which is faster than the projected average for all occupations. This means approximately 63,800 jobs are projected to be available each year across the decade. Reasons for these job openings include additional needs, current social workers retiring, and social workers moving to different roles.
NASW Standards and Guidelines
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) provides a series of guidelines that describe best practices for social workers. Their guidance ensures that social workers and employers are fully aware of what services they should be providing. The NASW standards cover topics like:
- Technology
- Cultural competence
- Clients with substance abuse disorders
- Supervision
- School social work services
- Family caregivers of older adults
- Palliative and end-of-life care
- Continuing education
- Social work in healthcare settings
- Child welfare
- Case management
- Safety in the workplace
- Social work with adolescents
- Services in long-term care facilities
The NASW strongly recommends that both experienced social workers and those who are new to the field review the standards and guidelines to ensure that they are offering the best possible services to clients.
Become an LCSW With a Clinical Social Work Degree
If you want to help people through difficult life circumstances and make a positive impact on your community, becoming an LCSW may be a good choice for you. You can look through a variety of LCSW degree online programs based on specialization and what type of career you want. Take a look at different LCSW online programs, specific courses, and schools that offer that program. Explore some available resources, and start your career in social work today.
LCSW FAQs
What is clinical social work?
Clinical social work is a specialty practice area of social work that focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness, emotional, and other behavioral disturbances. Clinical social workers provide therapy, counseling, and intervention services to individuals, families, and groups, addressing psychological and emotional health issues.
How is an LCSW different from a social worker?
An LCSW, or Licensed Clinical Social Worker, is a credential that allows social workers to practice independently in the field of clinical social work. While all LCSWs are social workers, not all social workers are LCSWs. LCSWs have met specific educational and training requirements, including earning a Master’s degree in Social Work, completing thousands of hours of supervised clinical experience, and passing a clinical exam. This qualifies them to provide more specialized services such as psychotherapy and mental health treatment, whereas general social workers might engage in case management, advocacy, and connecting clients with resources without providing therapeutic counseling.
What can you do as a licensed clinical social worker?
Licensed clinical social workers work closely with patients to provide care. Typical duties include assessing, diagnosing, treating, and preventing emotional and behavioral disturbances, as well as mental health challenges. Licensed clinical social workers can work in a variety of professional settings, including healthcare facilities, hospitals, and private practice offices.
What’s the difference between an LPC and an LCSW?
Both a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) work with individuals and communicate to provide mental health services. A primary duty of an LPC is to provide counseling services to individuals and groups.
- Learn More: LCSW vs LPC
An LCSW not only provides counseling services but also explores mental health and emotional challenges in a broader context. By looking at the wider social system, LCSWs are able to provide greater context and offer more varied services to individuals and groups in a social work setting.
LCSW vs. MSW – What’s the difference?
An LCSW is a professional position that offers clinical services in the greater social system context. The term also describes the license required to work as a licensed clinical social worker. MSW, on the other hand, is an advanced degree that can be earned as a step toward becoming an LCSW. You don’t necessarily need to earn a Master of Social Work degree to become an LCSW, but you do need to earn a master’s degree in either social work or related LCSW online programs.
Do I need a CSWE-accredited master’s degree to become a licensed social worker?
The licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) licensure process requires you to have completed a master’s degree in social work or a related field. While the specific process varies by state, you generally need to have earned a degree from a CSWE-accredited degree program. Review the specific requirements of your state for more information about the specific degree requirements to become a licensed clinical social worker.
Do licensed clinical social workers earn higher salaries than other social workers?
Yes, licensed clinical social workers tend to earn higher salaries than other types of social workers. According to Payscale, the median salary of an LCSW in October 2023 was approximately $65,100 per year. The median annual salary for all social workers was about $53,500 in October 2023. Of course, there are many factors that affect salaries, such as location and years of experience, so specific salary expectations can vary.
List of Programs
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
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University of Denver 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
