Section 416-13-5 - Licensed Clinical Social Worker1.Initial IssuanceA. Documented proof of a doctoral or master's degree in social work or social welfare from an accredited program;B. An active master social worker - conditional (clinical) license issued by the board;C. Proof of a passing score on the ASWB Clinical examination;D. Evidence of successful completion of clinical social work experience while licensed as a licensed master social worker conditional (clinical) through consultation with a licensed clinical social worker, certified social worker - independent practice, licensed clinical professional counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed psychologist, licensed psychiatrist, or similarly-credentialed licensee in any of the aforementioned professions from any state or country who served as consultant. The clinical social work experience consists of. The clinical social work experience consists of: (1) Clinical social work practice which encompasses interventions directed to interpersonal interactions, intrapsychic dynamics and life-support and management issues, including but not limited to individual, couples, family and group psychotherapy;(2) For applicants whose master's degrees in social work are in clinical concentrations, 96 hours of consultation concurrent with 3,200 hours of social work employment occurring within a period of not less than 2 years. Consultation may be completed in-person, or via live, synchronous video technology, or any combination thereof. Audio-only technology is not permitted. 72 hours must be completed through individual consultation, and the remaining 24 hours may be completed in a group of not more than eight (8) members;(3) For applicants whose master's degrees in social work are in nonclinical concentrations, 192 hours of consultation while licensed and concurrent with 6,400 hours of social work employment occurring within a period of not less than 4 years. Consultation may be completed in person, or via live, synchronous video technology, or any combination thereof. Audio-only technology is not permitted. 144 hours must be completed through individual consultation, and the remaining 48 hours may be completed in a group of not more than eight (8) members. (4) As part of the foregoing consultation, regular, systematic discussion and evaluation of cases, focusing on data, goals, ethics, and objectives of specific social work practice; and(5) Documentation of the clinical supervision provided. No less than 50% of the hours of consultation and social work employment described in this paragraph must have been completed within the 4 years immediately preceding application for licensure as a licensed clinical social worker.
Credit for consultation experience will only be given to practice in clinical settings such as organized public or private agencies, schools, institutions or other organizations which provide opportunities for contact with other professional disciplines and work experience with broad ranges of clients. Credit will not be given for private or self-employed practice.
For purposes of this level of licensure, "social work employment" consists entirely of work that is compensated financially.
E. Completion of 25 continuing professional education contact hours as required by Chapter 14 of the board's rules.2.Partial Waiver of Clinical Experience and Consultation in Connection with Initial LicensureThe board may waive up to 1 year of the clinical experience and consultation required for initial licensure pursuant to section 5(1)(D) of this chapter for a candidate who demonstrates to the satisfaction of the board lawful equivalent clinical experience and consultation that occurred prior to the applicant's receipt of the master's degree in social work.
3.Waiver of Clinical Experience and Consultation Completed in Another StateFor purposes of this section, the board may recognize clinical experience and consultation completed in another state following a candidate's receipt of the master's degree in social work or social welfare that is substantially equivalent to the clinical experience and consultation required by section 5(1)(D) of this chapter.
4.RenewalCompletion of 25 continuing professional education contact hours as required by Chapter 14 of the board's rules.
02-416 C.M.R. ch. 13, § 5