what degree do you need to be a clinical social worker
How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
What Is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker?
Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) is one of several social work licenses granted by states nationwide, although the actual title may vary past state. An LCSW is a practitioner who has been approved by a state licensing board to provide comprehensive mental health services and assume greater responsibilities than a social worker who is not licensed.
The requirements for how to become an LCSW differ by state, simply in full general, all aspiring LCSWs must earn a Master of Social Piece of work (MSW) degree, complete additional coursework and clinical training, and laissez passer licensure exams.
Contact yourland'due south social piece of work licensing board to learn the requirements to become an LCSW.
Why Become an LCSW?
LCSWs may have the opportunity to:
- Offer full general counseling, bereavement counseling and crisis intervention for individuals, couples, families and groups.
- Supervise other social workers at their place of employment.
- Manage agency programs (eastward.grand., mental wellness).
- Provide consulting for health plans, schools or businesses.
- Serve every bit expert witnesses during court cases.
- Practice independently (e.g., private practice).
Steps To Become an LCSW
Although the LCSW requirements differ past state, hither is a general outline of the licensure procedure.
1. Earn a Master of Social Work, and Complete Additional Coursework
Individuals looking to become an LCSW must earn a principal's degree in social work from an accredited school of social piece of work.
After earning a master's caste, students who want to go an LCSW must consummate additional coursework. As with all LCSW requirements, these clinical hours and courses vary by land.
The National Clan of Social Workers (NASW) and other organizations offer the required coursework in person or online. Some employers may besides provide or embrace the cost of courses you need to get an LCSW in your state.
The USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work offers an advanced standing program, enabling applicants with a Bachelor of Social Work to earn their MSW in three semesters full time or v semesters role time.
Learn more about the online MSW plan from USC.
2. Complete Boosted Supervised Clinical Experience
Aspiring LCSWs must complete additional hours of post-MSW supervised experience, such as clinical psychosocial diagnosis, assessment and treatment; face-to-face individual or group psychotherapy/counseling; client-centered advocacy, consultation and evaluation; and research. As with all LCSW requirements, these clinical hours vary by land.
3. Pass the Required Licensing Exams
States have different requirements to get an LCSW, so it'south important to verify which examinations you must laissez passer to earn your license.
After earning their chief's degree, students who want to become an LCSW may take to complete pre-licensure coursework on a variety of topics that may include aging and long-term care, child corruption assessment and spousal and partner abuse. Often, this coursework is delivered in the class of brief classes; all the same, this may vary co-ordinate to each state'southward requirements. Please check with your state licensing board for more information.
Many states require those interested in becoming an LCSW to employ for, take and pass the following exams:
- Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) national clinical exam
- A law and ethics examination (varies from state to state)
4. Renew Your License
One time you lot become an LCSW, you must renew your license within the registration period for your country by completing continuing educational activity units (CEUs). This ongoing educational activity ensures that you are continually meeting the loftier standards represented by your license.
Boosted Online Licensing Resources
When researching how to become a licensed clinical social worker in your country, we recommend that you consult the following websites for information.
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB): The ASWB is a nonprofit organization that comprises social work regulatory boards inside the United States and Canada. LCSW examinations are owned and maintained by this organization.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW): The NASW has more members than any other professional social piece of work membership system in the Currently used past most social work licensing boards, the NASW Code of Ethics sets forth the values, principles and standards that guide social workers' conduct in all exercise areas.
How To Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Your State
Because each land has its own regulations and requirements that are ever evolving, it is vital tocontact your state'due south licensing lath for current information on how to go an LCSW.
Below, we have compiled links to LCSW requirements in states where many MSW@USC students reside.
- California
- Georgia
- New York
- North Carolina
- Texas
- Virginia
- Washington
How To Become an LCSW in Other States
Afterwards becoming an LCSW, you may decide to practice in a different land than where you lot earned your license. The new state will require you to provide exam scores, transcripts and other documentation that you used to become your current license. It is possible that your ASWB examination scores can be transferred to your new area; joining the ASWB Social Work Registry may simplify the process.
Cheque with thelicensing board in your new state or province to verify what you need to do before you tin can practice equally an LCSW.
Take the Side by side Step
The USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work offers a traditional and advanced standing Master of Social Work online. To accept the next step toward your career in social work, asking information today.
Source: https://msw.usc.edu/lcsw/
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