New York LCSW & MFT Licensure

Your Step-by-Step Path to Licensure and Beyond

Outline of the state of New York

This guide breaks down everything you need to know — from education to exams to continuing education.

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Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) 

How to become a Social Worker in New York

Step 1: Complete a CSWE-accredited Social Work program
Step 2: Apply for LMSW Licensure
Step 3: Qualify for LCSW & Accrue Hours    
  • Complete 2,000 client contact hours 
  • Supervision must occur over a continuous period of no less than 36 months and not exceed 6 calendar years
  • Supervised experience must be in:
  • Diagnosis
  • Psychotherapy
  • Assessment-Based Treatment Planning
Step 4: Apply for LCSW Licensure & PASS the ASWB Clinical Exam with confidence!

LCSW Continuing Education Requirements

Pre-licensure - Social workers in NY have the same CE requirements as Licensed Social workers.
License Renewal
  • Renewal Cycle: Every 3 years
  • Total Hours Required: 36 hours
  • Must include:
  • 3 hours Appropriate professional boundaries
  • 3 hours Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Maltreatment
Therapist Development Center is recognized by the New York State Education Department's (NYSED) State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers SW-0857.
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Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)

How to become a MFT in New York

Step 1: Earn Your Degree
  • Master’s in MFT or related field from COAMFTE- or Board-approved school
Step 2: Accrue Supervised Clinical Experience
  • A minimum of 1,500 client contact hours
  • Must be supervised under a board-approved supervisor
  • 1 hour per week, or 4 hours per month must be in-person individual or group supervision
  • Hours must be completed while under a limited permit
Step 3: Pass Required Exam
Step 4: Apply for Licensure
  • Submit supervised hours
  • Submit AMFTRB exam results
  • Submit official transcripts
  • Pay licensure application + registration fee $371

LMFT Continuing Education Requirements

 CE Requirements for New York MFTS
License Renewal
  • Renewal Cycle: Every 3 years
  • Total Hours Required: 36 hours
  • Must include:
  • 3 hours of acceptable course work in appropriate professional boundaries
  • 2 hours of child abuse and maltreatment reporting
  • No more than 12 hours Self-study allowed
Therapist Development Center is an approved provider through ASWB ACE

Disclaimer: Please confirm all information with your state licensing board, as requirements may change.

NY Licensing Board

New York State Office of the Professions (NYSOP)
Website: https://www.op.nysed.gov/
Phone: (518) 474-3817 
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