How To Become A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Claiming the well-deserved title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker is no small feat!

The internal prestige and heart that drives your passion for this line of work are commonly met with external trials and tribulations. When you’re in the final stages of completing your MSW program, distracting questions start to live rent-free in your mind like:

• When do I need to complete the next benchmark?
• What are the best preparation methods for the ASWB clinical exam?
• How do I overcome emotions of apprehension and anxiety?

We’ve all been there! Experiencing an influx of insecurities and uncertainties during this time is common but curable. All you need is support from the right expert who can be your guiding light to achieving success.

So, what are your next steps to becoming a licensed clinical social worker?

Let’s dive in!

Clinical Social Work: The Road To Full Licensure

Whether you’re about to finish up your MSW program or you’re seeking the right supervision connection, this path can be perplexing.

To help you gain some confidence and clarity on your journey, follow the steps outlined below!

1. Obtain Your MSW

Receiving a master’s degree in social work (MSW) is the first step. To ensure you receive a qualifying MSW, attend a high-level CSWE-accredited program.

2. Apply For Official Supervision Approval

After earning your degree, you must gain the required amount of supervised clinical experience. The supervisor you choose and the setting in which you would like to gain your experience must be approved by the board. Submit your easy online application to register with your supervisor!

3. Gain At Least 3,000 Hours of Supervised Social Work Experience

Once your supervisor and setting are approved, at least 3,000 hours have to be accrued. No less than 1,380 of these hours must involve you providing in-person clinical services to your clients. For a minimum of two years and a maximum of four, you will gain supervised clinical social work experience. All of your hard-earned hours will be recorded with your supervisor!

4. Submit Your Online LCSW application

After all of your hours are completed, you will submit your LCSW application to the board. The verification of the clinical supervision form will be filled out by your supervisor as proof that a minimum of 3,000 hours were successfully completed.

5. Pass The ASWB Clinical Exam and Earn Your LCSW License

Your final obstacle will be the ASWB Clinical Exam! Many new clinicians experience different struggles when preparing for this exam. From general test anxiety to underdeveloped study habits, this is a step where you will find true value in the support of your supervisor.

They’ve taken this test before and know exactly what resources you need to efficiently prepare. Once you pass this exam, the LCSW license is yours!

Overall, the journey to full licensure can be a complex process that invites confusion and self-doubt. Fortunately, professional supervision from a licensed clinical social worker will help you walk your path with confidence!

Intentional Supervision Holds Priceless Value

Supervised clinical field hours are an amazing way for you to gain experience in your passion!

When you work with an expert that strives to truly understand your learning style, this joint effort becomes a spark for change. This change will be seen through the strong professional development you achieve and the life transformations your future clients will experience.

While they deserve a professional who has incredible knowledge of their situation, you deserve supervision that won’t put you in a financial bind.

At STRIVE Clinical Supervision, both of these scenarios are possible!

Shake Off the Self-Doubt And Strive For Success

STRIVE Clinical Supervision is designed to help you obtain full licensure through resourceful supervision. Additionally, we believe that when professional clinicians deliver effective treatments, lives can truly be transformed.

We help you conquer the insecurities, uncertainty, and anxiety that often come with this honorable profession. STRIVE’s successfully proven supervision will help you gain confidence in your ability to serve others through evidence-based and client-centered approaches.

Our virtual services allow you to pursue personal and professional passions from the comfort of your home! Moreover, STRIVE equips you with the proper tools and intervention modalities during every stage of your rewarding full licensure journey.

Contact us today to become a prosperous new clinician with the skills clients deserve!