Find Your Program

Or browse by

Browse our programs

How to Become an LCSW

Take the first step with a Master of Social Work (MSW).

Compassion, interpersonal skills, listening skills, patience, and speaking skills are some of the core competencies needed to work with individuals, couples, and families in addressing their mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being.1 If you possess these qualities, you may want to consider a career as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).

“Clinical social workers represent the largest group of behavioral health practitioners in the nation. They are often the first to diagnose and treat people with mental disorders and various emotional and behavioral disturbances,” says the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). “Clinical social workers are essential to a variety of client-centered settings, including community mental health centers, hospitals, substance use treatment and recovery programs, schools, primary health care centers, child welfare agencies, aging services, employee assistance programs, and private practice settings.”2

How to Become an LCSW

Robust job growth of 25% is projected through 2029 for behavioral, mental health, and substance abuse counselors,3 making it an especially good time to match your interests and talents with the education and training for this dynamic field.

State laws and regulations govern clinical social work, and each state has its own specific academic, licensure, and certification requirements. However, here are the three main steps you can expect to take in order to meet the requirements for becoming a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW):4

1. Earn a master's degree from a CSWE-accredited program.

Individuals seeking a school of social work have many options. An online social work degree program is an excellent choice for working professionals because the workload can be limited to one or two courses per term. Some online universities offer an advanced-standing opportunity for students who already hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program and graduated with a minimum GPA of 3.0. In this case, students can begin their MSW degree program with advanced-level courses.

When choosing an accredited university for your Master of Social Work degree, you will find programs that allow you to customize your studies on relevant focus areas such as addictions, child and family, healthcare, military, and trauma. Remember that the right area of focus lays a strong foundation for your future practice. Some programs even go a step further and offer embedded certificates in their MSW program.

2. Complete a minimum of two years or 3,000 hours of post-MSW degree experience in a supervised clinical setting.

The number of supervised hours required varies by state. Florida mandates that MSW graduates have 1,500 hours of supervised experience for LCSW accreditation, according to the National Association of Social Work Boards (NASWB) database of licensing requirements. California requires 3,000 hours and Kentucky 3,600.5 Your CSWE-accredited school of social work may provide information on state-by-state requirements for licensure but will also recommend you contact your state’s social work licensing board for details.

3. Obtain a clinical license in the state of practice.

Again, requirements vary from state to state, but “all states and the District of Columbia have licensing, certification, or registration requirements for social work practice,” the CWSE explains. Here’s a general outline from the NASWB:7

Begin the process by requesting and completing a license application from your state’s social work regulatory board. After receiving approval, you’ll register with the NASWB to take the clinical exam. With a passing score and any other requirements met, you’ll receive your license from your state social work board.

Moving Up in Your Social Work Career

Set an LCSW plan in motion by taking that first step. Earning an MSW online program can guide you toward a rewarding future as an LCSW, helping clients achieve healthier and happier lives.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program online. Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible online learning platform that fits your busy life.

1Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm#tab-4
2Source: www.socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=YOg4qdefLBE%3D&portalid=0
3Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm
4Source: www.socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=YOg4qdefLBE%3D&portalid=0
5Source: http://aswbsocialworkregulations.org/jurisdictionLevelsReportBuilder.jsp
6Source: www.socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=GBrLbl4BuwI%3D&portalid=0
7Source : www.aswb.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Candidate-Handbook.pdf

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.

Whether looking for information on programs, admissions, or financial aid, we're here to help.

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Step 1: Contact Information
  • Step 2: Academic Interests

Are you or your spouse an active or retired U.S. military service member?*

By submitting this form, I provide my signature, expressly consenting to calls, prerecorded messages, messages created by generative artificial intelligence, emails and/or texts regarding my educational options from Walden University (Walden) and its contractors using an automated dialing system to the number and email address provided. I understand my consent is not required to enroll at Walden, and that I can withdraw my consent at any time. To request information without consenting, please call 866-492-5336. For telephonic communications, message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. To opt out of communications via text messaging reply STOP or HELP for help or call 866-492-5336. For more information, visit Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.