Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) is the entry level degree for individuals entering the social work profession.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is the clinical license that allows the licensee to make a clinical social work diagnosis and provide psychotherapy and related services. It requires 36 months of lawful experience, so that new applicants must first become an LMSW to complete experience and then apply for LCSW.
To apply for licensure as an LMSW or LCSW, please complete the related online form 1 below. Based on your responses to questions asked in the online form 1, you will be presented with a list of other forms and documents that will need to be submitted before you can be licensed in New York State.
Full information about the requirements and a list of licensure-qualifying programs are available: