How to Get Your LCSW License in New Hampshire (2026)

How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Hampshire

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New Hampshire is issued by the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice, which also governs licensed clinical mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists. New Hampshire is a member of the Social Work Licensure Compact. The state's proximity to Boston creates both a competitive labor market and significant cross-border practice opportunities for compact-eligible clinicians.

Step 1: Complete Your MSW Degree

You must hold an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program. New Hampshire does not have a standalone public MSW program; most candidates complete degrees at Massachusetts or other New England schools (Boston University, Simmons University, University of New England, UNH-Manchester online partnership programs). CSWE-accredited online MSW programs are accepted by the Board.

Clinical concentration coursework should include assessment and diagnosis, clinical intervention models, human behavior in the social environment, multicultural practice, and supervised field practicum. The field practicum is preparatory and does not count toward post-degree supervised hours.

Step 2: Accumulate Supervised Clinical Hours

New Hampshire requires post-MSW supervised clinical experience for LCSW:

• Two years of supervised post-degree clinical experience
• A minimum of 3,000 hours, of which at least 1,500 hours must be direct client contact
• Supervision by a Board-approved LCSW or equivalent licensed mental health professional meeting the Board's supervisor criteria
• At least 100 hours of formal face-to-face supervision

Because New Hampshire borders Massachusetts, many candidates work in both states during their supervised experience period. Make sure your supervisor is licensed in New Hampshire for all hours claimed toward the NH LCSW application. Telehealth supervision is permitted.

Step 3: Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam

The ASWB Clinical exam is required for New Hampshire LCSW licensure:

• 170 questions (150 scored, 20 pretest), four-hour time limit
• Domains: Human Development, Diversity, and Behavior in the Environment; Assessment and Intervention Planning; Direct and Indirect Practice; Professional Relationships, Values, and Ethics
• Register at aswb.org; test at Pearson VUE centers in Manchester, Concord, Nashua, and Portsmouth
• Plan 60-120 hours of focused study; the ASWB Practice Test is the best readiness predictor

The Board allows the exam before all supervised hours are complete; the LCSW is not issued until all requirements are verified.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Applications are submitted to the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice at oplc.nh.gov/mental-health:

• Application fee: approximately $110-$150
• Submit official MSW transcripts, supervision verification, ASWB exam score, and two professional references
• Criminal background check required
• Processing typically takes 4-8 weeks for complete applications
• Compact privilege is available for qualifying LCSWs after licensure is issued

New Hampshire does not require a jurisprudence exam, though applicants must attest to familiarity with New Hampshire RSA Chapter 330-A and Board rules.

Continuing Education Requirements

New Hampshire LCSWs renew every two years and must complete 30 continuing education hours per cycle:

• At least 3 hours in professional ethics
• Board-approved providers; NASW-New Hampshire and New England CE conferences qualify
• Online/distance CE is accepted within Board limits
• Retain CE certificates for at least four years post-renewal

Supervision training CE is encouraged for LCSWs who supervise lower-licensed clinicians, given the regional shortage of qualified supervisors.

New Hampshire LCSW Salary Ranges

New Hampshire's proximity to Boston pushes salaries higher than most rural New England states:

• Entry-level LCSW (0-3 years): $56,000-$68,000
• Mid-career (4-10 years): $66,000-$82,000
• Senior/specialist (10+ years): $80,000-$100,000
• Southern NH (Manchester, Nashua) salaries are closest to Boston Metro rates
• Private practice in the Seacoast and Southern NH regions can generate $85,000-$120,000+
• NHSC loan repayment is available in designated shortage areas in northern and rural New Hampshire

Top Employers for Clinical Social Workers in New Hampshire

New Hampshire's behavioral health market is anchored by hospital systems, community mental health centers, and a growing private sector:

• Dartmouth Health (formerly DHMC, Lebanon), academic medical center, top behavioral health
• Catholic Medical Center (Manchester)
• Elliot Hospital (Manchester)
• Southern New Hampshire Health (Nashua)
• New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, community mental health centers statewide
• Riverbend Community Mental Health (Concord)
• Seacoast Mental Health Center (Portsmouth)
• Veterans Affairs, Manchester VA Medical Center
• Federally Qualified Health Centers, Bi-State Primary Care Association members
• Private group practices in Manchester, Nashua, Concord, and Portsmouth