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Social Worker Licensing Guide for the state of Louisiana
The practice of social work encompasses a lot of roles, ranging from clinical social work to policy and administration research and a lot more. All of these are carried out with the single aim of enhancing the lives of the people served. Every state in the US benefits greatly from the services provided by social workers.
Louisiana Social Work License Options
The role a social worker plays in society can be sensitive and if done carelessly, can be detrimental to mental and/or physical health of the public. Therefore, to protect the public from unwholesome services from social workers, issuing licenses is mandated in every state. This is to ensure that social workers possess the proper education and training required to provide competent services. The regulatory licensing board in each state grants social workers their licenses. Hence, criteria for licensure and levels of licensure differ by location.
Social workers in Louisiana work with communities, individuals, and families to provide important and necessary social services. They can be found at all areas of social services and are an integral part of any community.
If you are interested in entering the social work profession, having a social work license issued by the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners is an important prerequisite.
The Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners offers three social work credentials:
- The Registered Social Worker (RSW)
- The Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Licensed Registered Social Worker (RSW)
The registered social worker is the most basic of the three license credentials. With this license, you can engage in the practice of social work at an introductory generalist level.
The role of a Registered Social Worker is to provide general social work services such as case management and supportive counseling. They don’t undergo supervision after becoming registered but must work within the confines of an agency or organization.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
A Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) license is a relatively more advanced license that allows you to perform the roles of a Licensed Registered Social Worker(LRSW) and some advanced non-clinical social work services, with the goal of improving or restoring the psychosocial and biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, families, couples, and groups.
Nevertheless, you would not be able to contract directly with clients. However, you can practice social clinical work under supervision.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
This is a more advanced license from the state which is proof of your commitment to training and supervision in the field and shows your readiness to proceed at a higher level.
If your desire is to practice clinical social work in Louisiana, then applying for a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license is required.
Clinical social work practice includes assessment and diagnosis of behavioral disorders, treatment planning, case management, and making referrals to physicians for the treatment of behavioral disorders. LCSWs can either choose to practice independently or with an agency.
Process of Licensure
To obtain any Louisiana social work license, you must meet peculiar requirements. By following the links above, we highlight the processes for applying for the three social work licenses.