Licensed Clinical Social Worker (clinical social worker) · Louisiana · regulated by Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners · high confidence
| Pre-license credential | LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) |
|---|---|
| Supervised experience | At least 3,000 hours of postgraduate social work practice over 2 to 4 years under a board-approved clinical supervisor (BACS) (for supervision begun on/after 1-1-2022) |
| Supervision | 96 hours of face-to-face supervision |
| Minimum time | 2 years |
| Time limit | 4 years (board shall consider circumstances warranting more) |
| Exams | ASWB examination approved by the board (clinical level for LCSW implied; pass score 70); LMSWs may test in final 6 months with ≥75 supervision hours |
Supervision
- How much: 96 hours of face-to-face supervision
- How often: Sessions 30 minutes to 2 hours; no more than 80 hours of practice without a supervisory meeting
- Group supervision: Up to 48 hours (half); groups ≤5 supervisees, ≤2 hours per session; up to 72 hours with board approval
- Who may supervise: BACS: LCSW with ≥3 years full-time LCSW-level experience, 2 references, board orientation + supervision workshop; 3 CE hours supervision every 2 years
When hours count and what to keep
- Before your degree: Not counted: postgraduate practice; supervision begins after LMSW is obtained
- Paperwork: Supervision contract + employment verification within 60 days of first session; Record of Supervision; Evaluation of Supervision; Professional Experience Verification Record
Can you be supervised remotely in Louisiana?
Mostly, with some limits. What shapes this: state-only supervisor credential.
- Video supervision: Telesupervision (real-time synchronous audio-video) allowed for BACS supervision toward the LCSW; both parties complete a one-time 1.5-hour telesupervision CE; the contract must state the delivery format. Rule does not cap the telesupervision share.
- Phone only: not allowed for LCSW-track supervision (telesupervision requires electronic, visual and audio means)
- Supervisor licensed in Louisiana? required for telesupervision ('The supervisor shall be a Louisiana licensed supervisor'); supervision received outside Louisiana is accepted from a supervisor licensed at a level equivalent to LCSW-BACS in that state who completes LA forms
- Supervisor credential: Board-Approved Clinical Supervisor (BACS) designation: LCSW ≥3 years, 2 references, board orientation + supervision workshop; 3 CE hours supervision every 2 years
- Supervisee cap: Group supervision ≤5 supervisees; no cap on total supervisees found
- Board approval first: Not strictly prior: supervision contract + employment verification filed within 60 days of the first session (otherwise credit starts 60 days before receipt)
- If you live outside Louisiana: The supervisee must be licensed in Louisiana and actively practising social work in Louisiana to receive telesupervision; social workers serving clients in Louisiana electronically must hold a Louisiana license
The client’s location decides which state’s rules apply. This is not legal advice; confirm with the board before building a program. Compare every state on the remote-supervision map.
Recent and pending changes
Chapters 3 and 5 amended LR 51:1590-1595 (October 2025), including new §509 Telesupervision. Applicants who began supervision before 1-1-2022 follow the prior rule (previously 3,840 hours).
Where the rules are unclear
Louisiana’s own documents disagree or are silent on these points. Ask the board if they affect you:
- Does 'actively engaged in the practice of social work in Louisiana' require the LMSW to be physically in Louisiana, or only to serve Louisiana clients?
In the board’s own words
“at least three thousand hours of postgraduate social work practice over a minimum of two years and a maximum of four years” — La. R.S. 37:2708(A)(3)✓ matched in the source
“During the 3,000 hours of supervised practice, 96 hours of face-to-face supervision must occur between the supervisor and supervisee.” — LAC 46:XXV §503.E✓ checked by hand
“In no case should more than 80 hours of practice occur without a supervisory meeting.” — LAC 46:XXV §503.E✓ checked by hand
“clinical supervision conducted through the use of real time, face-to-face synchronous interactive conferencing between the supervisee and supervisor through electronic, visual, and audio means.” — LAC 46:XXV §509.A.2✓ checked by hand
“Complete 1.5 hours of continuing education in telesupervision. This is a one-time requirement.” — LAC 46:XXV §509.D.1✓ checked by hand
“The supervisor shall be a Louisiana licensed supervisor.” — LAC 46:XXV §509.B✓ checked by hand
“To qualify for the Board-Approved Clinical Supervisor (BACS) designation, a social worker must: 1.hold the LCSW license” — LAC 46:XXV §507.A✓ checked by hand
“No more than five supervisees may participate in a supervision group.” — LAC 46:XXV §503.F✓ checked by hand
“A BACS may provide telesupervision from outside of Louisiana, when located outside of Louisiana.” — LAC 46:XXV §509.C✓ checked by hand
“A LMSW must be a salaried employee of an agency, organization, or facility that delivers social work services” — LAC 46:XXV §501.A✓ checked by hand
“Social workers shall be actively engaged in the practice of social work in Louisiana to receive telesupervision.” — LAC 46:XXV §509.B✓ checked by hand
“shall be submitted to the Board office by the supervisee within 60 days of the first supervision session.” — LAC 46:XXV §503.C✓ checked by hand
Other licenses in Louisiana
- LPC (professional counselor)
- LMFT (marriage and family therapist)
- Psychologist
- All Louisiana licenses · every state
Sources
Checked against Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners’s rules, statutes and publications on September 25, 2026. The board decides; if your situation is unusual, confirm with them.