Steps to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Social workers are in every corner of your community – from schools and hospitals to social service agencies and the military. While there are many different careers paths a social worker can take, here we will focus on clinical social workers in behavioral health: providing therapy, counseling and crisis intervention.

A few key experiences influenced my decision to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). During my undergraduate studies, I was drawn to psychology and wanted to support children and adolescents. I majored in psychology and explored various advanced degrees, but it was the advice of a mentor – to gain real-world experience first – that turned out to be pivotal.

I began working at a therapeutic day school for adolescents with severe mental health challenges as well as a group home for adult women with serious mental illness. At the group home, my supervisor, an LCSW, opened my eyes to the diverse ways social workers serve, support and advocate in behavioral health, and this mentorship helped solidify my path.

I went on to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW), and was soon providing therapy, emergency housing, education and crisis services for youth and families. After completing my LCSW licensure, I began training and supporting MSW students pursuing similar careers.

This is just one example of the many rewarding pathways available to future social workers. As you consider a career as an LCSW, it will help to understand:

• What is clinical social work
• Where do LCSWs work
• How to achieve an LCSW license

What is clinical social work?

According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), clinical social work focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illness, emotional difficulties and other behavioral challenges. This often involves providing individual, family and/or group therapy.

To practice independently, social workers must hold an LCSW license. Their work often overlaps with that of a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). LCSWs collaborate with clients to assess mental health challenges, set treatment goals and work towards achieving those goals in therapy. They maintain detailed documentation through assessments, treatment plans, session notes and other required paperwork. They may also collaborate with medical professionals, school staff, family members, case managers and others to ensure coordinated care.

Key skills for clinical social workers include:

• Building trust and relationships
• Active listening and empathy
• Strong communication (written and oral)
• Time management, organization and attention to detail
• Willingness to seek and apply feedback
• Self-reflection and ethical decision-making
• A solid self-care plan to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue

Managing stress and practicing self-care are essential for maintaining a long, fulfilling career in behavioral health.

Where do LCSWs work?

Clinical social workers are part of interdisciplinary teams that may include counselors, nurses, physicians and other professionals. Common workplaces include:

• Hospitals
• Community mental health centers
• Private practices
• Schools
• Child welfare agencies
• Specialty clinics

Many LCSWs specialize by population (such as children, adults or older adults) or by focus area (such as trauma, addiction or chronic illness). Others serve a wide range of client populations.

How do I become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker?

Becoming an LCSW requires advanced education, supervised experience and licensure. While it can feel daunting, each step builds valuable skills and professional confidence.

Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree.

• The most direct route is earning a Bachelor's of Social Work (BSW). Find accredited BSW programs in Illinois here.
• Related majors like psychology, human development or rehabilitation sciences can also prepare you for graduate study.
• Take required coursework (such as statistics and social science credits) to qualify for MSW programs.

Step 2: Earn a Master’s in Social Work (MSW)

• Most MSW programs take two years as a full-time student.
• Students with a BSW may qualify for advanced standing, allowing them to complete an MSW in one year.
• Attend a CSWE-accredited program (unaccredited degrees may prevent licensure). Find accredited MSW programs in Illinois here.
• After graduation, apply to become a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Illinois.

Step 3: Complete 3,000 hours of supervised work

Complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical work, typically over two years full-time, under the guidance of an LCSW.

Step 4: Apply for the LCSW licensing exam

• Apply through the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulations (IDFPR). The National Association of Social Workers of Illinois (NASW-IL) has step-by-step guidance on this process.

Step 5: Maintaining your license

• LCSWs in Illinois renew every two years (odd-numbered years, expiring Nov. 30).
• At least 30 hours of continuing education units (CEUs) must be completed each year.
  • Some CEUs must cover specific topics, including ethics, clinical supervision and implicit bias.
  • Requirements can change, so check the IDFPR and NASW-IL websites regularly.

Becoming an LCSW opens doors to a fulfilling and impactful career where you can help individuals, families and communities thrive. With the right education, mentorship, and self-care, social workers can build long-term, sustainable careers in this vital field.

To explore other social work career paths, visit the National Association of Social Workers.

Further reading:

• National Association of Social Workers: About Social Workers
• National Association of Social Workers Illinois: Licensure Overview
• Indeed: 16 types of social workers and how they make an impact

Written by Catherine Melka-Kaffer, LCSW
Catherine Melka-Kaffer earned her MSW at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her passion for improving mental health services arose from other past roles as a social worker in a youth agency, community mental health center and group home. Catherine is committed to supporting behavioral health providers and improving the quality and availability of services for all those in-need. She serves as an Initiative Coordinator for the Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center at UIC, focusing on the needs of Community Mental Health providers across the state, as well as the Training Director of the Integrated Behavioral Health Care Training Program at the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois Chicago.