Delaware Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Guide - 2024

Delaware Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Licensing Process

You can assess, diagnose, and treat patients with mental illnesses as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Additionally, your role will allow you to run individual, group, and family therapy sessions to help your clients. This is a very important role in the state’s mental health care system, so you need to make sure you’re up for the task. Thus, you have various requirements you must meet before obtaining your LCSW.

Education Requirements

You must meet the education requirements before becoming an LCSW. At a minimum, the state requires that you earn a master’s in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program or a program accredited by its successor. You can find all schools offering accredited social work degree programs in Delaware, here.

If you would like to further your education, you can also become an LCSW by earning a doctoral degree from a board-approved program.

Experience Requirements

Because of the rigorous demands and responsibilities that come with working as an LCSW, you must also gain experience in the field before receiving a license. After earning your degree, you have to complete two years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker. If you cannot work under a licensed clinical social worker, you can meet the requirement under the supervision of another professional, as long as the board approves. That means you can work under a:

• Master’s social worker
• Licensed psychologist
• Licensed psychiatrist

Examination Requirements

You have to pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) clinical-level exams to become an LCSW. Begin the process by creating an account through the Delaware Professional Regulation Online Service’s (DELPROS) portal.

After registering your account, apply for your license so you can get approval to take the exam. Once approved to take the exam, you can register via ASWB’s website. You will need to pay $260 when registering for it.

The ASWB also has study materials available for purchase, or you can take a free practice test online so you’ll be ready to earn a passing score.

Background Check Requirements

The state of Delaware requires that all applicants pass a criminal background check before receiving social worker licenses. First, you must complete the Authorization for Release of Information form. Once completed, drop it and the $65 fee off at a local office.

You can take the form to one of the following:

Call (302) 739-5871 before dropping off your application. This office only accepts walk-ins during certain hours, and they are subject to change. Thus, you can save time and stress by calling ahead of time.

First, call (302) 739-2528 to set up an appointment. Then, you can drop off the paperwork and background check fee.

This location is also by appointment only. Thus, call (302) 739-2528 to schedule an appointment.

Child Protection Consent Requirements

All social worker applicants must complete and submit the Delaware Child Protection Registry Consent form before getting licensed. This is to ensure you don’t have any charges of child abuse or neglect against you.

Once you fill out the form, you can submit it via fax or email. If you want to fax it, send it to (302) 739-2711. Otherwise, email it to CustomerService@DPR@Delaware.gov.

Process of Licensure

After you have gained your clinical experience and met the other requirements, you can submit your application for licensure via the DELPROS portal. You can attach the required documents in the portal and acknowledge the documents sent by third parties. For instance, you’ll need to acknowledge your school and work experience documents.

You will need to pay an application fee of $195. Then, the board will review your application and approve you to sit for the exam. After passing the exam, you will receive your license.