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Unlock Your Future: How to Get Your LCSW License in California

Unlock Your Future: How to Get Your LCSW License in California

We congratulate you on your decision to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)! The path to licensure as a mental health professional in California is a rewarding journey that requires attention to many details. This guide will provide a summary of the requirements for licensure, as well as tips to help you navigate the process successfully.

About the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)

The Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) is the state entity that regulates LCSWs in California. It also oversees individuals gaining hours of supervised experience toward LCSW licensure. BBS regulates Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs), and Licensed Educational Psychologists (LEPs). However, it does not regulate students who are gaining a degree in social work.

The Board's mission is to protect and serve Californians by setting, communicating, and enforcing standards for safe and competent mental health practice. To achieve this, the Board develops and administers licensure examinations, investigates consumer complaints and criminal convictions, responds to changes and trends in the mental health profession, and creates informative publications for consumers, applicants, and licensees.

Staying Connected with BBS

Throughout your path to licensure, it is critical to remain up to date on various requirements, as laws and processes change from time to time. To stay informed, you can:

Overview of the Path to Licensure

Below is an overview of the steps to LCSW licensure. Each step will be explained in more detail throughout this guide.

Educational Requirements

Your first step toward becoming an LCSW in California is earning a master's degree in social work (MSW) from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Verify your school's accreditation on CSWE's website.

If your degree was earned out-of-state, you must complete a 12-hour course in California Law and Ethics prior to registration as an ASW.

Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW) Registration

Upon graduation, apply to become an ASW and begin gaining hours of supervised work experience. You must register as an ASW within 90 days of graduation to start accruing hours immediately.

ASWs must work under a qualified supervisor, comply with legal requirements, and renew their registration annually. To renew, you must pay a fee, meet the California Law and Ethics Exam requirement, and complete three hours of continuing education in California Law and Ethics.

Gaining Supervised Work Experience

To qualify for licensure, you need 104 weeks of supervision and 3,000 hours of supervised work experience. Here are some tips:

Applying for Licensure and the Clinical Exam

Once you have completed your supervised experience, additional coursework, and passed the California Law and Ethics Exam, submit an Application for Licensure. Upon approval, you can sign up for the Clinical Exam. If you pass, you may apply for your initial LCSW license.

Your LCSW license will expire every two years. Each renewal cycle, you must complete 36 hours of continuing education, including six hours specific to law and ethics, and pay a renewal fee.

For more information, please follow this link.

Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

Apply Today

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in online therapy apply today!

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Apply Today

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in online therapy apply today!

APPLY NOW

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Online Therapy Services

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