How to Become a Social Worker in the District of Columbia
:: 2026 Guide
Select the appropriate option below to learn how to become a social worker in DC.
The LSWA in the District of Columbia is intended for individuals with a BSW (find BSW programs) who want to work in entry-level, non-clinical social work roles such as case management, outreach, and client support. This license does not permit clinical practice or independent decision-making and is best suited for professionals gaining foundational experience in the field.
The LGSW is designed for MSW-prepared social workers (find MSW programs) who want to practice clinical and advanced social work under supervision, including assessment and therapeutic services. It serves as the required pathway toward independent clinical licensure, allowing practitioners to accrue supervised hours.
The LISW is intended for experienced social workers who want to practice independently in non-clinical or macro-level roles, such as administration, policy, supervision, or program leadership. While it allows independent practice, it does not authorize clinical diagnosis or psychotherapy.
The LICSW is the District of Columbia’s highest level of social work licensure, meant for MSW-level professionals (find MSW programs) who have completed extensive post-graduate supervised clinical experience and passed the clinical ASWB exam. This license permits independent clinical practice, including diagnosing mental health conditions, providing psychotherapy, and operating a private practice.
The mission of social workers is to enhance the human condition and help meet both the basic and complex needs of society, especially those who are oppressed and vulnerable. If you are the type of person who looks for meaning, diversity, action, and satisfaction in a career, social work might be for you.
What makes social work different from other professions is the focus on people and their environment. Social workers also deal with outside factors that affect the situation of a person. The job is to create an opportunity to assess and eventually intervene to make a positive change.
Not only do social workers help people deal with their feelings about a situation, but with what they could do about it as well.
The DC Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA) oversees all applicants and current license holders in the district. This government unit provides the steps on how to become a social worker. If you need to contact the office, you can call (877) 672-2174 or email doh@dc.gov. The HRLA Processing Center has its public service counter at 899 North Capitol Street, NE, Washington DC.
The application process for social workers in DC depends on the license you need. Follow the links above to find the specific requirements for each license.