Communities throughout California will need an influx of social workers specializing in mental health services. The state’s Employment Development Department estimates a 10% increase in positions for this social work specialization by 2030. For those who want to meet this demand, a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and state licensure are necessary. This level of education and training is necessary for licensed clinical social workers, a subset of MSW graduates who provide mental health services.

You may be asking yourself what a licensed clinical social worker is and what they do. As an aspiring clinical social worker, you’ll want to know more about social work in California, the education you’ll need to become a licensed clinical social worker, the licensure process and more. Let’s begin by exploring the field of social work in California and what that entails today.

What does a licensed clinical social worker do?

Social work is a profession fulfilled by specialists who dedicate their lives to helping families, individuals and communities enhance their well-being and improve their quality of life. In California, social workers play an essential role in helping to address the needs of the state’s population. 

But what is a licensed clinical social worker? Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) provide support through several modalities, including mental health services, individual support for those in crises and further efforts to advocate for social justice. 

For Californians, the impact of licensed clinical social workers cannot be understated. Social workers understand and respect cultural differences and support culturally competent care for vulnerable populations all over the state. By working in several different settings—from hospitals to community clinics to schools to private practices—licensed clinical social workers promote the mental health and well-being of the state's diverse communities. 

LCSW educational requirements

Educational requirements must be completed before entering the workforce for those who desire to become LCSWs. Those who best fit for the role will dedicate themselves to their education and training, starting with an MSW degree. These degrees typically take about two years to complete, including coursework and supervised work in the field to gain experience. MSW programs sometimes offer traditional pathways for students with bachelor’s degrees in disciplines outside of social work and advanced standing pathways for Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) holders.

Regardless of your chosen MSW program, you should look for the following if you want to start an LCSW career:

• CSWE accreditation: Your MSW program must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Accreditation from CSWE ensures that your chosen program is rigorous academically, meets professional standards and is recognized by the California Board of Behavioral Services (BBS), which is a must for those interested in becoming LCSWs. 
• Specialized training: With every MSW program, there are generally opportunities to participate in specialized training, such as trauma care or substance abuse, in clinical social work. No matter what specialized training you complete, each experience will allow you to gain the expertise necessary to prepare for roles in mental health, health care and other critical settings. 
• Field education: In addition to the accreditation and specialized training, your chosen MSW program will offer field placements in community centers, schools or hospitals, which will give you a hands-on approach to applying your educational insights. Each experience is under the supervision of a licensed social worker, giving you the chance to learn and glean knowledge from those already respected in the field. 

Obtaining your MSW is the first step on your pathway to becoming an LCSW.  

LCSW licensure in California

After obtaining your MSW, individuals seeking LCSW licensure must begin to work on the specific clinical licensure requirements which vary by state. Like other states, California requires licensure for clinical social workers. The process is regulated by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) and involves several steps. Here’s a look at what to expect if you’re preparing to become an LCSW:

1. Complete your education: The first step before you even begin to prepare for your licensure exam is to complete your degree. This means fulfilling and passing all required courses at an accredited MSW program.
2. Register as an Associate Clinical Social Worker: Once you have obtained your MSW, you must register as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW). This is also the same time you’ll need to get fingerprinting, a background check and pass the California Law and Ethics Exam. After your initial first exam, you’ll need to take the exam every single-year as part of your renewal process. 
3. Supervised experience: Once you have obtained your MSW and registered as an ASW, it’s time to gain at least 3,000 hours of supervised work experience over 104 weeks. That includes the required 2,000 hours in clinical settings and 1,000 hours in non-clinical tasks, including supervision, training and case management.
4. Pass the final exam: Now that you have your education and work experience, you’ll need to pass the Clinical Social Work Exam, the final test, before becoming an LCSW. You cannot gain access to this exam if you fail any other part of the licensure process, so it is essential to take it step by step to ensure you pass in the right amount of time and get your license. 

Job outlook for LCSWs in California

California’s job outlook for those pursuing LCSWs is strong. Nationally, the field of social work is expected to see job growth as high as 7% between 2023 and 2033. Additionally, studies show that there was a 28% increase in depressive disorders due to the pandemic. With an average of 350 patients per social worker in the United States, there is no doubting the importance of social workers and the growth of this field.

Compared to other parts of the country, California offers not only higher average salaries but also more job openings. In the general field of social work, as of May 2023, more than 7,400 social workers were earning roughly $34.77 per hour on average, or around $72,320 per year on average. 

California employs over 48,000 professionals in specialty areas of social work, such as child, family and school social workers, who make an average of $69,340 annually. Health care social workers comprise a large portion of the working population in California, totaling over 19,000, with an average salary of $93,200 per year. On the other hand, mental health and substance abuse social workers in California total over 17,500 and make an average of $81,330 annually. 

Some of the main areas of growth in social work within the state include mental health services, health care support in clinical settings and services related to child welfare, particularly for foster care and adoption services. Because of California’s growing and diverse population, social workers are seeing a surge in growth that aspiring LCSWs can take advantage of. 

Top places to work as an LCSW in California

There are so many places available for LCSWs in California to work and it all depends on your preferences, desired areas of focus and what is available when you enter the job market. LCSWs are commonly employed in academic, social services, or health care settings or areas of practice, such as the following:

• Schools: LCSWs in California schools provide counseling, support services and crisis intervention to help students navigate academic and personal challenges within diverse and multicultural environments.
• Hospitals and health care facilities: In California's health care settings, LCSWs offer emotional support, counseling and resources to patients and families coping with illness, trauma and medical treatments, often within the state's extensive network of hospitals.
• Community clinics: LCSWs work in California's community clinics to provide mental health services, including therapy, support groups and case management, frequently serving underserved and diverse populations across the state.
• Military settings: LCSWs support active-duty members, veterans and their families in California through counseling, crisis intervention and assistance with issues such as PTSD and reintegration, particularly given the state's numerous military bases and large veteran population.
• Child welfare: In California's child welfare system, LCSWs help protect children, support families and work on cases involving abuse, neglect and family reunification within the state's complex and extensive child protection programs.
• Aging: LCSWs working with older adults in California provide counseling, support and resources to address the unique challenges of aging, such as loss, health issues and caregiver stress, in a state with a significant aging population.
• Intellectual disabilities: LCSWs assist individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families in California by providing support, advocacy and resources to enhance the quality of life and integration into the community, working with the state's various regional centers.
• Justice and corrections: LCSWs in California's justice and correctional settings provide mental health services, support rehabilitation and assist with reintegrating individuals involved in the criminal justice system across the state's numerous correctional facilities.
• Research: LCSWs in California contribute to the field by conducting studies, analyzing data and disseminating findings to advance social work practice and inform evidence-based interventions, leveraging the state's strong academic and research institutions.
• Non-Profit organizations: LCSWs in California non-profits provide a range of services, including direct client support, program development and advocacy to address social issues and support community well-being in a state known for its robust non-profit sector.
• Private practices: LCSWs in private practice in California offer therapeutic services such as individual, family and group therapy tailored to the client’s specific needs.

Skills and qualities for a successful LCSW

To achieve success as an LCSW in California, much like others across the country, you’ll need a few essential skills or qualities that will help you stand out:

• Empathy: The ability to understand and share clients' feelings is crucial for building trust and effectively addressing their needs.
• Resilience: Social workers often deal with challenging and emotionally charged situations. Resilience helps them cope with stress and continue providing high-quality care.
• Adaptability: Social workers must be flexible and resourceful, able to adapt to various situations and client needs.
• Cultural competency: Understanding and respecting cultural, racial and socioeconomic differences is vital in providing effective and ethical services.
• Communication skills: Clear and effective communication, both verbal and written, is essential for interacting with clients, colleagues and other professionals.

You need an innovative and accredited program to develop these skills. University of the Pacific’s MSW degree options emphasize these skills through courses and training focused on cultural competency and ethical practice. Experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and fieldwork, further enhance these skills, allowing you to gain confidence before pursuing licensure. 

Training for LCSW careers at University of the Pacific

University of the Pacific offers four options for an MSW degree depending on your background and location. The table below compares the four degree options at Pacific:

MSW students work with field placement staff to identify meaningful field experiences for their career goals. Every course and field experience advances the university’s goals of fostering respect for human rights and improving communities. Pacific graduates also benefit from the school’s strong reputation as shown by its place in the National Universities rankings by U.S. News & World Report.

Find out how University of the Pacific’s MSW options can open doors to LCSW careers.