Alabama Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) Guide - 2023

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) Licensure Process

With an increased awareness in recent years on topics surrounding mental health, there has never been a better time for individuals who are struggling with these kinds of issues to get help. Those who are interesting in helping others find solutions to their mental health challenges may want to consider pursuing a Clinical Social Worker license. Not only can a professional LCSW assess mental health conditions, but this individual is also capable of creating treatment plans, finding access to resources for patients to use, offering counseling, and much more.

For the professional who aspires to work independently day in and day out, reaching the level of LCSW will fulfill that desire. There is still likely to be plenty of interaction with other professionals in the field – working together on cases, collaborating on solutions, etc. – but there is not the requirement for supervision that is seen at some of the other levels of licensure.

There is certainly a lot of pride to be taken from any work that is done in the field of social work, but it’s easy to see how Licensed Clinical Social Workers would be able to directly feel the positive impact they are having on the community. By helping people who are suffering from mental health crises, an LCSW can directly improve the quality of life both for those individuals and those around them.

Education Requirements

You will only be eligible to become a LICSW if you hold a master’s in social work for an accredited institution. Find and filter all the social work degree programs in Alabama, here.

Experience Requirements

When holding a master’s social worker license, you will need to accumulate two years of supervision under a licensed LICSW in Alabama. Included in that two years needs to be a minimum of four hours per month, and those two years need to be completed within a three-year period. Additionally, it is necessary to record a supervision contract with the state board in advance of accruing this supervised time, to be sure it counts toward your eligibility for LICSW.

Examination Requirements

The relevant examination for LICSW is the ASWB Clinical exam. This exam follows the same general format as the exams for bachelor’s and master’s level licenses but contains more advanced, complex material.

Process of Application

There is no reason to start the application process until you have built up the necessary experience to become eligible as an LICSW. Once you reach that stage, you can then send in the online application form, or the paper version, along with the fee that is required by the board. If you are approved as being eligible for a license based on that application, you can then attempt to pass the Clinical exam to complete the licensing process.