How to Become a Social Worker License in Arizona
:: 2025 Guide
Explore the options below and select the certification that best suits you.
Arizona Social Work License Options
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Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)
Ideal for those with a BSW degree, the LBSW license allows for generalist social work under supervision. LBSWs often assist with case management, advocacy, and client support in community or healthcare settings.
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Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
Designed for MSW graduates, the LMSW license supports advanced social work in non-clinical and clinical settings (with supervision). LMSWs commonly work in hospitals, schools, or public agencies providing assessments, planning, and support services.
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Intended for MSW holders with supervised clinical hours, the LCSW license authorizes independent clinical practice. LCSWs provide therapy, diagnose mental health conditions, and often work in private practice or leadership roles in behavioral health.
Social workers are there for people at their lowest points and help to create a plan to pull them back into a functional and hopefully thriving life. Social work happens for all stages and life situations including those related to childhood, family, school, public health, and addiction. The type of setting social workers gravitate toward include schools, hospitals, nursing homes, government, nonprofits, and private practices.
People who are in the midst of crisis are very fragile and it is imperative to receive proper training on how to delicately and effectively bring someone out of their despair. To practice this life-changing work in the Grand Canyon State, you must obtain a professional license that verifies that you have been adequately equipped to handle these difficult situations.
An LBSW, or licensed baccalaureate social worker, requires a bachelor’s degree which is the minimum amount of education allowed to become licensed as a social worker in the state. The role of the LBSW is non-clinical, meaning you cannot treat patients in a clinic setting.
Your job duties as an LBSW can include broader macro social work; this means you work with larger population groups rather than the individual. LBSWs are responsible for both the design and improvement of programs, services, and policies. You’ll work as an advocate for individuals and families. Other roles you can fill as an LBSW include:
- Activity Director
- Mental Health Assistant
- Habilitation Specialist
As an LBSW, you can expect the following on a day to day basis:
- Identifying community needs
- Assessing needs
- Developing support networks
- Helping people during difficult situations
- Advocate for community resources
- Maintain patient records
Additional responsibilities come with the more advanced social work licenses. Those include:
- Provide care during mental health emergencies
- Respond to crises
- Provide psychotherapy services
A master’s degree in social work is required for the other two license types: LMSW, or Licensed Master of Social Worker, and LCSW, or Licensed Clinical Social Worker. The difference between the LMSW and the LCSW is that the latter can diagnose and treat mental conditions independently.