Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (clinical social worker) · West Virginia · regulated by West Virginia Board of Social Work · medium confidence
| Pre-license credential | LGSW or LCSW (Licensed Graduate / Licensed Certified Social Worker) during LICSW candidacy |
|---|---|
| Supervised experience | at least two years in full-time employment, or three thousand hours under the supervision of an independent clinical social worker |
| Supervision | 100 hours face-to-face clinical supervision; ≥50% individual |
| Minimum time | No less than two years of full-time employment or 3,000 hours full/part time |
| Exams | ASWB Clinical (authorized after supervised practice complete) |
Supervision
- How much: 100 hours face-to-face clinical supervision; ≥50% individual
- How often: At least 1 hour supervision per 30 hours of supervised practice
- Group supervision: No more than 50% in a group setting
- Who may supervise: Pre-approved WV LICSW (or clinical licensee from another jurisdiction) with ≥2 yrs clinical practice since clinical license and 6 hrs Board-approved supervision training
When hours count and what to keep
- Before your degree: Not counted (post-master's practice); graduate clinical field placement is an eligibility prerequisite
- Paperwork: Board-approved Clinical Supervision Agreement Contract before starting; session records initialed by both parties; final Application for Independent Clinical Social Work
Can you be supervised remotely in West Virginia?
Yes by video, but the supervisor needs a state-specific supervisor credential and the board must approve the arrangement first. What shapes this: state-only supervisor credential, prior board approval.
- Video supervision: LICSW candidacy supervision is logged as 'face-to-face' sessions, but face-to-face supervision using HIPAA-compliant technology is acceptable (25CSR1 §3.6.1.e; Board manual p. 14).
- In-person minimum: None set by the state
- Supervisor licensed in West Virginia? not required: a West Virginia LICSW or a licensed clinical social worker from another jurisdiction who shows a current, valid clinical license in good standing
- Supervisor credential: The Board must approve the clinical supervisor. Requirements: 2 years of clinical practice since the clinical license, an application to supervise, and 6 hours of Board-approved clinical supervision training. The approval is open to out-of-state LCSWs.
- Supervisee cap: None set by the state
- Board approval first: Yes. The clinical supervision contract must be approved by the Board in writing before supervision begins, and the supervisor must be Board-approved.
- If you live outside West Virginia: None set by the state
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
25CSR1 current version effective 7/1/2022 (filed 4/28/2022); sunsets 8/1/2030.
Where the rules are unclear
West Virginia’s own documents disagree or are silent on these points. Ask the board if they affect you:
- W. Va. Code §30-30-8(6) and 25CSR1 §3.6.1.e state two years full-time OR 3,000 hours; the board manual (Oct 2022, p.14) says the board expects 3,000 hours regardless and applicants apply after 'no less than two years full time employment and the requisite 3000 hours'. Is the two-year minimum span required in addition to 3,000 hours?
In the board’s own words
“Have practiced clinical social work for at least two years in full-time employment, or three thousand hours under the supervision of an independent clinical social worker” — W. Va. Code §30-30-8(6)✓ matched in the source
“each face-to-face session, for 100 hours, over the course of no less than two years of full-time employment or 3,000 hours” — 25CSR1 Qualifications for the Profession of Social Work §3.6.1.e✓ matched in the source
“An applicant should have at least one hour of supervision for each thirty (30) hours of supervised practice.” — 25CSR1 Qualifications for the Profession of Social Work §3.6.1.e✓ matched in the source
“Effective Date. -- July 1, 2022.” — 25CSR1 Qualifications for the Profession of Social Work §1.3✓ checked by hand
“When one has completed no less than two years full time employment and the requisite 3000 hours or practice and 100 hours of supervision” — WV Board of Social Work, Manual for Licensed Social Workers (Oct 2022) p.14✓ matched in the source
“Face to face supervision conducted with technology compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is acceptable.” — 25CSR1 §3.6.1.e✓ checked by hand
“a West Virginia licensed independent clinical social worker, or a licensed clinical social worker from another jurisdiction, shall” — 25CSR1 §3.6.1✓ checked by hand
“Have completed a minimum of 6 hours of Board approved clinical supervision training on supervisory practices and methods for clinical social workers” — 25CSR1 §3.6.1.c✓ checked by hand
“Clinical supervision shall not be initiated until the contract has been approved by the Board.” — 25CSR1 §3.6.1.d✓ matched in the source
“sets forth the respective duties of employment” — 25CSR1 §3.6.1.d✓ matched in the source
“Clinical social work services provided by individuals outside of the state may only be provided by a practitioner licensed at the clinical level.” — WV Board of Social Work Manual, p. 13✓ matched in the source
Other licenses in West Virginia
- LPC (professional counselor)
- LMFT (marriage and family therapist)
- Psychologist
- All West Virginia licenses · every state
Sources
- W. Va. Code §30-30-8(6)
- 25CSR1 Qualifications for the Profession of Social Work, §§1.3, 3.6.1.a–e — official WV Secretary of State final file (eff. 7/1/2022; Active)
- WV SOS Code of State Rules, rule 25-01 version list (7/1/2022 version Active)
- W. Va. C.S.R. §25-1-3.6.1.a–e (LII mirror; superseded as citation by official SOS copy below)
- WV Board of Social Work, Manual for Licensed Social Workers (Oct 2022) pp. 4, 12–14
- W. Va. Code §30-30A-1 Social Work Licensure Compact (2026 SB 703)
Checked against West Virginia Board of Social Work’s rules, statutes and publications on September 25, 2026. The board decides; if your situation is unusual, confirm with them.