How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) are compassionate and caring individuals who are dedicated to making a positive difference in people's lives. By becoming an LCSW, you can fulfill your purpose to serve others while building a personally rewarding career.

Clinical social work is a specialized area of social work. LCSWs assess, diagnose, treat and prevent mental illness and emotional and other behavioral disturbances. There are more LCSWs in the U.S. than any other type of behavioral health practitioner.

If you want to pursue a career as an LCSW, keep reading to learn about the vast job opportunities and how to become a licensed clinical social worker, including why earning a Master of Social Work (MSW) is a crucial first step.

 

What is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker?

Clinical social workers support the mental, emotional and behavioral health of individuals, couples, families and groups. They must hold a state license to practice, which is why they are also known as LCSWs.

LCSWs help clients navigate issues in their everyday lives and relationships. They also diagnose and treat mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. Psychotherapy is central to the role of an LCSW, focusing on the relationship between the client and their environment. LCSWs work in a variety of settings, both public and private, from community mental health centers to hospitals.

By providing essential mental health services and support, LCSWs help people overcome challenges and improve their well-being and quality of life.

 

Why is Social Work a Growing Profession in the U.S.?

The demand for social workers is rising. Social workers are part of the fourth fastest-growing occupational group in the nation, the community and social service group. Between 2022 and 2032, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the employment of social workers to grow by 7%, more than twice as fast as average.

Two factors contributing to the demand for LCSWs are the increased need for mental health and substance abuse treatment services. Mental health care has become increasingly destigmatized, resulting in more people seeking these services. At the same time, elevated death rates from drug addiction and overdoses demand more treatment options.

LCSWs are distinctly prepared to address these needs. They have comprehensive training in clinical practice, the many factors affecting mental health, therapy and case management. If you want to make a far-reaching impact, becoming an LCSW can help you achieve precisely that.

 

How to Become an LCSW in 5 Steps

The specific requirements for becoming an LCSW vary by state. Typically, LCSWs must have an MSW, supervised clinical experience, a passing score on the board examination and a state license. Completing these steps can take four to five years. After becoming an LCSW, individuals must maintain their licensure.

 

Step 1: Earn an MSW

The first step in becoming a licensed clinical social worker is to earn an MSW. Nearly every state requires LCSWs to have a master’s degree from an accredited social work program. By earning an MSW, you will have achieved the minimum level of education for state licensure.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) grants accreditation to social work programs at colleges and universities in the U.S. Currently, the nation is home to over 100 accredited in-person and online LCSW programs. You can browse them using the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs.

Clinical MSW programs take about two years to complete, depending on your previous educational background.

 

Step 2: Obtain Supervised Clinical Experience

Gaining supervised clinical experience is the next step in becoming a licensed clinical social worker. LCSWs need at least two years or 3,000 hours (hours could change depending the state you intend to practice) of practice experience in a supervised clinical setting, which candidates can obtain through entry-level clinical social work employment.

Supervised clinical social work ensures LCSW candidates are prepared for independent practice. They gain hands-on clinical training with the direction and support of an LCSW or other state-approved mental health care provider. Candidates provide clinical social work services, including assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning, and meet regularly with their supervisor to discuss cases, receive performance feedback and develop their clinical skills.

 

Step 3: Apply for State Licensure

After meeting the state requirement for supervised clinical experience, LCSW candidates should apply for state licensure. In the U.S., all clinical social workers need a state license to practice.

States have varying licensure requirements. Generally, the process includes submitting an application and a licensing fee. Candidates who meet the licensure requirements receive approval to take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) examination.

 

Step 4: Pass the Board Examination

In most states, candidates must pass the ASWB Clinical examination to obtain licensure. The ASWB exams assess whether candidates have the minimum competencies to practice social work safely, competently and ethically.

You will use the ASWB website to register and pay for the Clinical exam. Then, you will receive an Authorization to Test email from ASWB, which allows you to schedule your testing appointment. The Authorization to Test is valid for a timeframe determined by each state, up to one year.

When you take the ASWB Clinical exam, you will answer questions across four sections of content:

• Human Development, Diversity and Behavior in the Environment
• Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
• Psychotherapy, Clinical Interventions and Case Management
• Professional Values and Ethics

You will receive a pass or fail score within 14 days of taking the exam. Candidates with a passing score are eligible for state licensure and can become LCSWs.

 

Step 5: Maintain State Licensure

LCSWs must maintain state licensure throughout their careers. The requirements differ by state but usually include continuing education. During the licensure renewal period, LCSWs complete a specific number of continuing education hours, typically 20 to 40. They must also submit a license renewal application, usually every two years.

 

What Jobs Are Available to LCSWs?

Because of the demand for clinical social work, LCSWs have many job opportunities in mental health care, generalist social work and social services leadership. These roles enable LCSWs to make a tremendous impact and tailor their careers to their interests.

 

Mental Health Care Jobs

LCSWs can provide mental health care services working as substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors. They help clients recover from addiction, adjust problematic behaviors and improve mental health. Typical work settings include outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers, individual and family services and offices of other health practitioners. Some LCSWs also provide services via telehealth.

The job market has a bright outlook for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors. Employment is expected to grow six times faster than average between 2022 and 2032. Half of these counselors earn more than $53,710 annually, and the top 10% make more than $89,920.

Because of the positive employment outlook and work/life balance, mental health care jobs are among the highest ranked in social services. U.S. News & World Report ranked substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselor and clinical social worker as the #3 and #9 Best Social Services Jobs, respectively.

 

Generalist Social Work Jobs

LCSWs are qualified for jobs across the full spectrum of social work, including those that provide mental health services. Social workers work with individuals, families and groups to prevent and navigate problems affecting their everyday lives. Their specific responsibilities vary by work setting and client population, from helping students to hospital patients.

 

Child, Family and School Social Workers 

Social workers who serve children, families and students contribute to stronger, healthier communities.

Child and family social workers support vulnerable children and families, helping them access resources to overcome challenges such as poverty, domestic violence and neglect. School social workers collaborate with teachers, parents and administrators to address issues affecting students' academic performance and social development.

Child, family and school social workers have solid job prospects. Their employment is projected to grow slightly faster than the average. They earn a median salary of $53,940.

 

Health Care Social Workers

LCSWs who work as health care social workers help improve patient outcomes by addressing the social and emotional aspects of illness and disease.

The role involves helping patients navigate health systems, coordinating care with other health care professionals and connecting patients with emergency resources. LCSWs in this role can also provide counseling and emotional support.

The employment outlook for health care social workers is incredibly bright. Their growth rate is more than three times faster than the average. The median salary is $62,940.

 

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers 

Mental health and substance abuse social workers strengthen community health by supporting people with mental illnesses and addictions.

LCSWs in these roles can provide therapy and counseling services and connect clients to resources for maintaining sobriety and improving quality of life.

Mental health and substance abuse social workers have a projected employment growth rate of 11%, the highest of all social workers, and earn a median salary of $55,960.

 

Social Services Leadership Jobs

LCSWs can also pursue leadership roles in social services. These roles often require postgraduate education, which LCSWs with an MSW have attained.

Pursuing leadership roles allows LCSWs to achieve a more significant impact within their organizations and communities. They can drive systematic change, organizational effectiveness and policies that benefit vulnerable populations.

Social services leaders enable organizations to better serve their communities by directing programs and professionals that support public well-being. Depending on the size of the organization, their responsibilities may include:

• Identifying services that meet community needs
• Overseeing service implementation
• Measuring service effectiveness
• Public speaking
• Administration, such as budgeting

The demand for social services leaders is high. Employment is expected to grow by 9%, three times faster than average. Social services leaders also benefit from high earning potential. The median salary is $77,030, and the highest 10% earn more than $127,550.

 

Fulfill Your Purpose as a Clinical Social Worker with Marymount University's Online MSW Program

If you are ready to make an impact on individuals and the nation, consider earning your MSW with Marymount University. Marymount's Online MSW program prepares aspiring LCSWs to live their purpose as ethical practitioners and catalysts for positive change.

As a student in Marymount's Online MSW program, you will learn through expert guidance and a curriculum that blends counseling modalities with essential policy knowledge. Complete all coursework entirely online and an in-person practicum with placement services in your community.

The program will help you:

• Be a Catalyst for Social Change: Become an ethical practitioner advocating for others.
• Ignite Your Curiosity: Learn from faculty who are passionate, experienced licensed social workers and dedicated to your personal growth.
• Build a National Network: Build connections with peers, faculty and a global alum network to get unique insights into the profession.

Now that you know how to become a licensed clinical social worker, earn your Online MSW at Marymount and set yourself up for success.