New YorkSocial Worker License Requirements

Social work education must come from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The MSW is required for clinical licensure (LCSW). Field placement provides supervised clinical experience integral to social work training.

Supervisor Qualifications

LCSW or equivalent; at least 100 hours of in-person individual or group clinical supervision distributed over the supervision period

Supervision Ratio

100 hours of in-person individual or group clinical supervision across the entire supervision period

Clinical social work licensure (LCSW) requires post-master's supervised experience under a qualified clinical supervisor. Supervision must include both direct client contact hours and face-to-face supervision meetings.

Mandatory CE Topics

Regulatory Board

Social worker licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering topics such as ethics, cultural competency, suicide prevention, and clinical practice updates. Some states have specific mandatory CE topics that must be completed each renewal cycle.

Additional Requirements for Transfer

• •Submit application and $294 fee
• •Verification of out-of-state license in good standing
• •Official transcripts showing CSWE-accredited MSW
• •Documentation of supervised clinical experience for LCSW

The Social Work Licensure Compact allows eligible social workers to practice across member states. States not in the compact may offer license by endorsement for out-of-state applicants with equivalent credentials and experience.

Telehealth permitted within state; New York licensure required for serving NY residents. New York is not a member of the Social Work Licensure Compact.

Licensed social workers in New York are mandatory reporters of suspected child abuse, neglect, and elder abuse. Failure to report can result in disciplinary action and criminal penalties.

Social work scope of practice includes title protection, telehealth regulations, and mandatory reporting obligations. Clinical social workers (LCSWs) can independently diagnose and treat mental health conditions in most states.