How to Get Your LCSW License in Arkansas (2026)

## How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Arkansas Arkansas has a significant behavioral health workforce shortage, particularly in rural areas. Licensed Clinical Social Workers are among the most in-demand mental health professionals in the state, working in CMHCs, hospitals, schools, and private practice settings across Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, and beyond. ### Step 1: Complete Your MSW Degree An **MSW from a CSWE-accredited institution** is required for LCSW licensure in Arkansas. In-state options include: - University of Arkansas at Fayetteville — School of Social Work - Arkansas State University in Jonesboro - University of Arkansas at Little Rock Many Arkansas candidates also complete online MSW programs through nationally accredited schools. Confirm CSWE accreditation before enrolling — the board will not accept degrees from unaccredited programs. Your MSW clinical concentration should include field practicum in direct practice settings, coursework in psychopathology, and exposure to evidence-based treatments. Field hours during the MSW program are separate from the post-degree supervised hours requirement. ### Step 2: Accumulate Supervised Clinical Hours Arkansas requires **3,000 post-MSW supervised clinical hours** over a minimum of two years. Requirements include: - Supervision must be provided by an active Arkansas LCSW with at least two years of post-licensure experience - Supervision must include regular individual or group supervision sessions - Hours must involve direct clinical services — assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, psychotherapy Arkansas behavioral health settings where supervised experience is commonly obtained include the Arkansas Division of Behavioral Health Services (DBHS) community mental health centers, substance use treatment providers, and hospital psychiatric units. Some Arkansas LCSWs work under the Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) credential path directly, with the supervised hours period representing a provisional licensure window. Verify current board requirements to confirm the exact pathway for your situation. ### Step 3: Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam Arkansas requires the **ASWB Clinical Examination**: - 170 questions (150 scored, 20 pilot) - 4 hours - Fee: approximately **$260** paid directly to ASWB at aswb.org - Testing at Pearson VUE centers in Little Rock and Fayetteville Content areas include human development, assessment and diagnosis, treatment interventions, and ethics. Given Arkansas's rural practice context, content on case management, community resources, and telehealth ethics is practically relevant preparation. ### Step 4: Submit Your Application Social work licensure in Arkansas is handled by the **Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board**. Note: Some sources reference the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling — confirm the current administering board on the state's official licensing website, as administrative arrangements can change. **Application requirements:** - Completed LCSW application form - Official MSW transcripts sent directly from institution - Verification of supervised hours (signed by supervising LCSW on board forms) - ASWB exam score documentation - Application fee: approximately **$150** - Criminal background check Processing typically takes 4–8 weeks for complete applications. Arkansas is **not a member of the LCSW Compact**, so multistate licensure portability does not apply. For applicants licensed in other states, Arkansas reviews endorsement applications and may grant licensure by reciprocity if requirements are substantially equivalent. ### Continuing Education Requirements Arkansas LCSWs complete **30 hours of CE every two years**: - Ethics hours are required — verify the specific number with the current board rules - CE providers must be approved (NASW, state universities, approved online providers) - Online CE is accepted and commonly used given Arkansas's geography NASW-Arkansas and the Arkansas chapter of the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) offer relevant CE programming. ### Arkansas LCSW Salary Ranges Arkansas has a lower cost of living than the national average, and LCSW salaries reflect that — though rural shortage areas often include loan repayment incentives that substantially boost total compensation. **Typical salary ranges by setting:** - **Community mental health centers (CMHCs):** $48,000–$64,000 - **Hospital behavioral health units:** $55,000–$72,000 - **School-based mental health:** $46,000–$60,000 - **VA Medical Centers (Little Rock, Fayetteville):** $62,000–$80,000 - **Private practice:** $55,000–$80,000+ - **Rural NHSC loan repayment positions:** Total compensation can reach $75,000–$100,000+ with federal loan repayment Little Rock commands the highest salaries, with Fayetteville and Fort Smith offering competitive wages as growing metro areas. ### Top Employers for Clinical Social Workers in Arkansas - **Arkansas Division of Behavioral Health Services (DBHS)** — oversees the state CMHC network; major employer statewide - **UAMS (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences)** — academic medical center in Little Rock with behavioral health services - **Baptist Health** — largest not-for-profit health system in Arkansas; multiple campuses - **Mercy Health** — NW Arkansas regional health system with behavioral health programs - **Preferred Family Healthcare** — substance use and mental health treatment organization with multiple Arkansas sites - **Ozark Guidance** — community behavioral health in NW Arkansas - **Arkansas Children's Hospital** — pediatric behavioral health in Little Rock - **Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS)** — Little Rock VAMC and North Little Rock campus - **Fayetteville VA Medical Center** — Northwest Arkansas veterans services