Social Work Licensure

“The practice of licensed master social work and the use of the title “Licensed Master Social Worker” and the designation of “LMSW” or derivatives thereof in New York State requires licensure as a licensed master social worker, unless otherwise exempt under the law.”

To be licensed as a licensed master social worker (LMSW) in New York State you must:

• be of good moral character as determined by the Department;
• be at least 21 years of age;
• meet education requirements;
• meet examination requirements; and
• complete coursework or training in the identification and reporting of child abuse offered by a New York State approved provider.”

Click Here for complete information including application, fees, education, examinations, etc.

LCSW-Licensed Clinical Social Worker

General Requirements

“The practice of licensed clinical social work and the use of the title “Licensed Clinical Social Worker” and the designation of “LCSW” or derivatives thereof in New York State requires licensure as a licensed clinical social worker, unless otherwise exempt under the law.”

To be licensed as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in New York State you must:

• be of good moral character;
• be at least 21 years of age;
• have an education that includes a masters degree in social work (M.S.W.) with at least 12 semester hours of clinical coursework acceptable to the Department;
• have at least 3 years of post M.S.W. supervised experience in diagnosis, psychotherapy and assessment-based treatment planning acceptable to the Department;
• meet clinical examination requirements; and
• complete coursework or training in the identification and reporting of child abuse offered by a New York State approved provider.

Note: In most cases you must be licensed and currently registered to practice as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in New York to complete the supervised experience for licensure as an LCSW. Effective September 1, 2004, the practice of licensed clinical social work is restricted to those licensed or authorized under New York law.”

Click Here for complete information including application, fees, education, examinations, etc.

Questions about LCSW Supervision for School Social Workers?

LCSW “R” Psychotherapy Privilege

THIS PROVISION HAS BEEN REMOVED by NYSED. NYSSSWA is in the process of advocating for retaining this level of Licensure.

“New York State Insurance Law authorizes a privilege to the LCSW license. This privilege requires the LCSW license and three years of supervised experience in psychotherapy obtained after receiving the LCSW. A separate application and fee are required for this privilege.”

“To secure a licensed clinical social worker psychotherapy “R” privilege in New York State you must:

• be a licensed and currently registered New York State licensed clinical social worker;
• meet professional work experience for the privilege; and
• file an application for the privilege and the other forms indicated, along with the appropriate fee, to the Office of the
• Professions at the address specified on each form.”

“Psychotherapy “R” Privilege: An LCSW who fulfills the requirements of the insurance law for supervised experience providing psychotherapy, is recognized in New York State as a reimbursable psychotherapist. The “R” privilege requires insurance carriers to provide reimbursement for psychotherapy services whenever a health insurance contract includes reimbursement of qualified psychologists and psychiatrists. The “R” statute has been called “mandatory legislation.” This designation is added to one’s license number (e.g., LCSW R123456) and the practitioner’s clients must receive reimbursement for mental health services under the regulation and limitations of the insurance law. Information on LCSWs who have the “R” privilege is available here, listed by name of Licensed Clinical Social Worker.”

Click Here for complete information including application, fees, education, examinations, etc.

Questions?

How Do I Contact Contact the Office of the Professions, Division of Professional Licensing Services?

Email: opunit5@nysed.gov Please provide your name, the last 4 digits of your social security number, date of birth, and the name of the profession in any correspondence.

Try calling:

518-474-3817, Press 1 then ext. 570. or 518-474-3901

Keep documentation of all of your attempts to reach them. If NYSED is not responsive, you may want to consider contacting your state legislator for assistance.

License Verification

Click Here if you need to verify your license status and information.