This post is for those of you who do not already have a clinical license in another state. If you’ve already got your license but want to be able to work in the state of Washington now, I wrote about that here.

I got my WA independent clinical license (LICSW) in the last year (received my Oregon LCSW several years ago), and it took me awhile to understand the process. I spoke to different colleagues and received conflicting advice, and I continue to field questions from many people who also find it confusing.

The good news: it’s simpler than it seems. I promise.

Start by checking out the Washington Department of Health website to learn about the first step, which is becoming a social work associate. In order to practice any graduate-level services, or do any social work in Washington, you must be a state-approved social work associate. An associate is simply someone who has completed their graduate school education but is still getting their supervision hours towards receiving a full license.

Becoming an associate requires:  

1. The online or paper application

2. Your college transcripts

3. An attestation confirming you have done 4 hours of AIDS training, either through self-study, direct patient care, formal courses or training (this is built into the application)

4. A fee (between $35-51)

5. If you have a clinical supervisor in place, a form filled out regarding their information.

You’ll need to give the department a 2-4 weeks, give or take, to approve your application, before you can begin working. However, before you even apply to become an associate, you’ll need to decide which kind of license you want to have in the end: Licensed Advanced Social Worker or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. And that basically comes down to: do I want to work in a agency/medical setting, or is my ultimate goal to practice independently?

Part 2 here.