How to Get Your LCSW License in Mississippi (2026)

## How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Mississippi The **Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)** is Mississippi's highest clinical social work credential, authorizing independent clinical practice, psychotherapy, and third-party billing. Licenses are issued by the **Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage & Family Therapists**. Mississippi is **not a member** of the Social Work Licensure Compact, meaning out-of-state practitioners must complete a full reciprocal or endorsement application. Mississippi faces significant behavioral health workforce shortages, particularly in rural and Delta regions, creating strong demand for licensed clinicians willing to practice in underserved areas. ### Step 1: Complete Your MSW Degree You must hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program. Clinical concentration programs are strongly preferred by Mississippi employers. Accredited programs in Mississippi include the University of Southern Mississippi and Jackson State University, both of which offer in-state options with clinical tracks. Out-of-state or online CSWE-accredited programs are accepted by the Board. Your MSW program should include assessment and diagnosis, clinical intervention methods, human behavior in the social environment, and supervised field practicum. The practicum provides foundational experience but does not satisfy the post-degree supervised hours requirement. ### Step 2: Accumulate Supervised Clinical Hours After earning the MSW, you must complete post-degree supervised clinical experience: - Mississippi requires **3,000 hours** of supervised clinical experience - At least **1,500 hours** must be direct client contact - Supervision must be provided by a board-approved LCSW supervisor - A minimum of **100 hours** of formal supervision is required over the period - Experience must be completed within **six years** of beginning post-degree work All supervision must be documented using Board-approved forms. If your supervisor changes or you leave employment, notify the Board and ensure continuity of supervision documentation. Rural practitioners should be aware that telehealth supervision is permitted under current Board rules, expanding access to qualified supervisors statewide. ### Step 3: Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam The ASWB Clinical examination is required for LCSW licensure in Mississippi: - **170 questions** (150 scored, 20 pretest), four-hour time limit - Content areas: Human Development, Diversity, and Behavior in the Environment; Assessment and Intervention Planning; Direct and Indirect Practice; Professional Relationships, Values, and Ethics - Registration at **aswb.org**; testing at Pearson VUE centers in Jackson, Hattiesburg, Tupelo, and other Mississippi cities - Candidates are advised to dedicate 60–120 hours of structured study; the ASWB Practice Test is the strongest predictor of exam readiness Mississippi allows the exam to be taken after completing the MSW degree but prior to finishing all supervised hours. The LCSW license will not be issued until all requirements are verified. ### Step 4: Submit Your Application Applications go to the **Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage & Family Therapists** (msboe.state.ms.us): - Application fee: approximately **$100–$150** - Submit official MSW transcripts, supervision verification, ASWB exam score, and professional references - A criminal background check is required - Processing typically takes 4–8 weeks for complete, accurate applications - Mississippi does not issue a temporary practice permit pending licensure; do not hold yourself out as an LCSW until the license is issued Because Mississippi is not a compact member, clinicians licensed in other states must apply via endorsement, submit verification of out-of-state licensure, and may be required to submit supervision records. ### Continuing Education Requirements Mississippi LCSWs renew every **two years** and must complete **40 continuing education hours** per cycle: - At least **3 hours** must cover ethics - CE must be from Board-approved providers; NASW-Mississippi offerings qualify - Online/home study formats are accepted up to Board-specified limits - Retain CE certificates for a minimum of four years post-renewal Clinicians working in rural or underserved areas should note that some Board-approved CE programs are specifically designed for rural mental health contexts, including trauma-informed care and substance use disorder comorbidities. ### Mississippi LCSW Salary Ranges Mississippi has a lower cost of living than most states, and salaries reflect that, though demand in underserved areas is creating upward pressure: - **Entry-level LCSW** (0–3 years): $42,000–$54,000 - **Mid-career** (4–10 years): $52,000–$66,000 - **Senior/specialist** (10+ years, supervisory, or FQHC roles): $64,000–$78,000 - **Jackson metro** typically offers the highest wages in-state - **Rural mental health shortage area** positions often include NHSC loan repayment, which can add $25,000–$50,000 in effective annual compensation Federal loan repayment programs (NHSC, NURSE Corps) are widely available in Mississippi given the number of Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) designated across the state. ### Top Employers for Clinical Social Workers in Mississippi Mississippi's social work job market is driven by healthcare systems, state agencies, and federally funded programs: - **University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC)** — largest health system in the state, significant behavioral health department - **Merit Health** (multiple locations statewide) - **Mississippi State Department of Mental Health** — one of the largest LCSW employers in the state - **Federally Qualified Health Centers** across the Delta and Gulf Coast regions - **Department of Veterans Affairs** — G.V. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson - **Children's of Mississippi** — pediatric behavioral health opportunities - **Private practice** in Jackson, Hattiesburg, Gulfport, and Oxford - Rural Community Health Centers — strong NHSC loan repayment eligibility