Hawaii Social Worker License
:: 2026 Guide
Select the appropriate option below to learn how to become a social worker in Hawaii.
This credential is for individuals who have completed a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW – find BSW programs) from an accredited program and want to practice social work in non-clinical settings in Hawaii. LBSWs typically work under supervision in roles such as case management, community outreach, and program coordination, and do not provide independent clinical or therapeutic services.
The LSW is intended for individuals who have completed a Master of Social Work (MSW – find MSW programs) and are working in professional social work roles that are non-clinical in nature. In Hawaii, LSWs may engage in policy work, administration, advocacy, supervision, and advanced case management, but they may not diagnose mental health conditions or provide independent psychotherapy.
This license is for individuals who have earned an MSW (find MSW programs) and completed the required postgraduate supervised clinical experience in Hawaii. LCSWs are authorized to practice independently and provide clinical services such as mental health assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, and treatment planning in private practice, healthcare, and behavioral health settings.
Hawaii social workers are making a big difference in the lives of everyday people. Apart from the broad scope of responsibility of social work, many Hawaii social workers are passionate about what they do. These responsibilities include emergency intervention, substance abuse treatments, research, advocacy, policy formulation, and activism.
You can become one of the thousands of proud social workers in the Aloha State. So many social workers in Hawaii have a strong desire to make the world a better place. If you do, the only thing that may stand in your way is a license.
Like other sensitive professions such as medicine and nursing, social workers in Hawaii require a license to operate. The gravity of responsibility of social work requires the best of hands. Licenses are the only way to ensure that every Hawaii social worker has what it takes in knowledge and character to perform their roles effectively.
The Hawaii Social Work Licensing Board approves licenses for social workers asides from its other regulatory roles.
There are several social work licenses in Hawaii. Each of these licenses represents a specific scope of practice and responsibility.
To obtain any Hawaii social work license, you must meet peculiar requirements. Select from above to learn about the processes for applying for the three social work licenses.