Where Can I Earn My LCSW Hours? A Guide to Gaining Experience and Finding Your Ideal Work Setting

When I first decided to pursue my LCSW license, one of the biggest questions swirling in my head was, "Where on earth am I going to get all these supervised clinical hours?" Trust me, if you're feeling overwhelmed about finding a placement or wondering where LCSWs actually work, you're definitely not alone. Let’s simplify this journey by breaking down exactly where you can gain your supervised hours and what your work environment could look like as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Where Do I Get My LCSW Supervised Hours?
Before you can become a fully licensed LCSW, you’ll typically need to complete around 2,000–3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice. These hours are often obtained after you've earned your master's degree in social work (MSW) and registered as an associate or provisional clinical social worker. But don't worry—there are plenty of excellent places to gain this valuable experience:

• Mental Health Clinics: These are great for hands-on experience working with diverse mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more.
• Hospitals and Medical Centers: Working in hospitals gives you exposure to crisis interventions, medical social work, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
• Private Therapy Practices: Often, established LCSWs will supervise associate social workers, providing mentorship as you gain clinical skills and build your professional network.
• Schools and Educational Institutions: Here, you might support students with emotional and behavioral challenges, gaining experience in child and adolescent counseling.
• Community Service Agencies: These agencies often address specific issues like substance abuse, homelessness, or domestic violence, offering rich and diverse clinical experience.

Quick tip: Make sure to confirm with your state’s social work licensing board to verify specific requirements, as supervised hours and accepted settings can vary slightly depending on your location.

Where Do LCSWs Typically Work After Licensure?
After completing your supervised hours and earning your LCSW license, the sky's the limit for your career! Here are some common settings where Licensed Clinical Social Workers thrive professionally:

• Private Practice: Many LCSWs open their own practices, offering therapy and counseling services independently.
• Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: Providing support to patients and families, including mental health interventions, discharge planning, and crisis counseling.
• Schools and Universities: Helping students manage emotional, behavioral, and mental health concerns to achieve academic and personal success.
• Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Centers: Guiding clients through recovery and mental wellness journeys.
• Nonprofit and Community Organizations: Addressing social justice issues, community outreach, and specialized support programs.

Conclusion:
Earning your LCSW hours might initially feel daunting, but trust me, you'll quickly realize there are plenty of wonderful opportunities to gain experience, grow your skills, and make meaningful contributions along the way. This journey isn’t just about earning hours—it’s about discovering exactly where your passion meets purpose in social work.

Stay positive, keep moving forward, and remember—you’ve absolutely got this!