Overview:

An eligible applicant from another state must hold a master's degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited social work program, and/or a Ph.D. or DSW degree in social work from a university that is accredited by the CSW, have completed supervised practice and have passed the clinical social work exam.. 

Individuals in WV seeking test authorization upn finishing clinical supervsion,should contact the Board for an Application for Independent Clinical Social Work License

Clinical Supervision/Experience:

The applicant must verify a minimum of two years of full-time employment and/or 3,000 hours of practice in full or part time employment. An applicant should have at least 100 hours of face to face supervision; 

Examination Requirement:

The applicant must have taken and passed the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical level examination. A completed clinical application and supporting documents must be submitted for review. If the applicant is or has ever been licensed in another state, verification of license standing is required from the applicable state Social Work Board(s).

§30-30-9. Scope of practice for a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker.

 A clinical social worker may:

1. Perform all duties within the scope of practice of a licensed certified social worker, licensed graduate social worker, and licensed social worker.
2. Apply social work theory, methods, assessment, ethics and the professional use of self to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of psychological dysfunction, disability or impairment, including emotional and mental disorders and developmental disabilities.
3. Clinical social work practice is based on knowledge of one or more theories of biological, psychological and social development, normal human behavior, psychopathology, the causes and effects of physical illness and disability, unconscious motivation, interpersonal relationships, family dynamics, environmental stress, social systems and cultural diversity with particular attention to the person existing as a combination of biological, psychological and social elements in his or her environment.
4. Clinical social work includes interventions directed to interpersonal interactions, intrapsychic dynamics and life-support and management issues.
5. Clinical social work services consist of assessment, diagnosis, treatment, including psychotherapy and counseling, client-centered advocacy, consultation and evaluation. The process of clinical social work is undertaken within the objectives of the social work profession and the principles and values of its code of ethics.

To apply for a Level D - LICSW License:

Download, complete, and return the form below according to the following instructions:

Application for Independent Clinical Social Work License (LICSW)

Completed applications should NOT be faxed or emailed (as they contain personally identifiable information) - they MUST BE MAILED to the Board office:

WV Board of Social Work
PO Box 5459
Charleston, WV 25361