How to Get Your LCSW License in Colorado (2026)

## How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Colorado Colorado's behavioral health workforce has grown substantially alongside the state's booming population, particularly in the Denver Front Range and mountain resort communities. Colorado is also a member of the **LCSW Compact**, making it a strategic home state for clinical social workers who want multistate practice flexibility — including telehealth delivery across state lines. ### Step 1: Complete Your MSW Degree An **MSW from a CSWE-accredited program** is required. Colorado's leading MSW programs include: - **University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work** — one of the top-ranked programs in the Rocky Mountain region - **Colorado State University** in Fort Collins - **Metropolitan State University of Denver** (MSW program) Many Colorado practitioners complete online CSWE-accredited programs and establish licensure in Colorado. Your MSW clinical concentration should include practicum in direct service, psychopathology, and evidence-based clinical interventions. ### Step 2: Accumulate Supervised Clinical Hours Colorado requires **3,000 post-MSW supervised clinical hours** over at least two years. Colorado uses a **Licensed Social Worker (LSW)** credential as an interim step — you can practice as an LSW while accumulating your hours toward the LCSW. Supervision requirements: - Supervisor must hold a Colorado LCSW (or equivalent approved credential) - Regular supervision sessions must occur — the board specifies minimum frequency - Hours must consist of direct clinical practice with clients Colorado's behavioral health system includes a strong community mental health center (CMHC) network, substance use disorder treatment providers, and a robust managed care behavioral health market — all offering ample supervised employment opportunities. ### Step 3: Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam Colorado requires the **ASWB Clinical Examination**: - 170 questions, 150 scored - 4-hour time limit - Fee: approximately **$260** to ASWB - Pearson VUE testing centers in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and other locations If you entered the field as an LSW (via the ASWB Bachelor or Master exam), you'll take the Clinical exam when ready to upgrade to LCSW. Candidates who went directly from MSW to LCSW track take the Clinical exam as their first ASWB examination. ### Step 4: Submit Your Application to DORA LCSW applications go to the **Colorado Division of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Mental Health Section**, which oversees licensure for social workers, counselors, and psychotherapists. **Application materials:** - Completed LCSW application form (online submission available) - Official MSW transcripts - Verification of supervised hours (on DORA-approved forms) - ASWB Clinical exam scores - Application fee: approximately **$75–$100** (one of the lowest in the country) - Background check Colorado's lower fee structure reflects a deliberate policy to reduce barriers to licensure — a recognition of the state's behavioral health workforce needs. Processing typically takes 4–8 weeks. **LCSW Compact:** Colorado is a **compact member state**. Once licensed in Colorado, you can apply for compact privileges to practice in other member states without full separate licensure applications. This is particularly valuable for telehealth providers in Colorado serving clients in neighboring compact states like Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. ### Continuing Education Requirements Colorado LCSWs complete **40 hours of CE every two years** — higher than many states: - At least 1 hour in ethics - CE must come from board-approved providers - Online CE is accepted The higher CE requirement reflects Colorado's commitment to ongoing professional development. The University of Denver and Colorado State offer CE institutes, and NASW-Colorado provides member-focused programming. ### Colorado LCSW Salary Ranges Colorado salaries are strong, particularly in Denver and the urban Front Range, with cost-of-living premium in mountain resort towns like Aspen and Vail where behavioral health services are chronically short-staffed. **Typical salary ranges by setting:** - **Community mental health centers (Mental Health Partners, Jefferson Center, etc.):** $58,000–$75,000 - **Hospital systems (UCHealth, SCL Health, HealthOne):** $65,000–$85,000 - **Private practice:** $70,000–$100,000+ - **VA Medical Centers (Denver, Grand Junction):** $68,000–$88,000 - **School-based mental health:** $55,000–$72,000 - **Mountain resort / rural critical shortage areas:** $65,000–$85,000 (sometimes with housing assistance) Denver metro commands the highest salaries; rural eastern Colorado and the San Luis Valley face shortages with NHSC loan repayment available. ### Top Employers for Clinical Social Workers in Colorado - **UCHealth** — integrated health system in Front Range with major behavioral health programs - **SCL Health (now Intermountain)** — Faith-based system with Denver and northern CO presence - **Jefferson Center for Mental Health** — largest CMHC in metro Denver area - **Mental Health Partners** — Boulder County's primary CMHC - **Colorado Department of Human Services — Office of Behavioral Health (OBH)** — state agency employer - **Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center (Denver VAMC)** — federal employment at GS-11/12 levels - **Children's Hospital Colorado** — behavioral health services for pediatric populations - **Centura Health** — large Catholic health system with behavioral health integration - **Mind Springs Health** — western Colorado CMHC serving mountain and rural communities