What Is Required to Become an LCSW in Texas?

The path from LMSW to LCSW involves more than simply passing another licensing exam. Texas requires eligible social workers to complete supervised clinical experience and meet the licensing requirements established by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC).

In general, an LMSW pursuing LCSW licensure in Texas must:

• Hold a qualifying master's or doctoral degree in social work
• Complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised professional clinical experience
• Accrue those hours over a period of at least 24 months
• Complete at least 100 hours of supervisory sessions during the 3,000 hours of supervised experience
• Complete supervision with an appropriately qualified LCSW-S
• Maintain the required Clinical Supervision Plan and supervision documentation
• Pass the ASWB Clinical Examination
• Complete the Texas Social Workers Jurisprudence Examination within the required timeframe
• Complete the other application requirements established by BHEC, which currently include items such as a National Practitioner Data Bank self-query and fingerprint background check
   

Can I join if the group has already started?

Yes! The Bridge is designed with rolling admission, so you do not have to wait for a new group to begin.

New supervisees first complete an individual Foundation session (Build 1) with me. This gives us an opportunity to review supervision expectations, required documentation, your current employment and clinical responsibilities, your professional goals, and how The Bridge works.

After completing your Foundation session, you'll join the existing group at its current point in the curriculum.

Because The Bridge is a 24-month program with recurring clinical competencies, you will continue through the curriculum until you complete your supervision requirements and pass the ASWB exam.
 

Do I have to live near you?

No. The Bridge is a 100% virtual supervision program.

You can participate from anywhere in Texas as long as you meet the requirements for LMSW clinical supervision and your employment and supervision arrangements comply with current Texas requirements.

All supervision meetings are conducted virtually, so there is no need to travel to my office.

How many people are in each group?

Groups are intentionally limited to a maximum of six supervisees.

I want supervision to feel like supervision—not a classroom or webinar.

Keeping groups small gives everyone time to participate, ask questions, discuss cases, practice clinical skills, and receive meaningful feedback and consultation.

You'll also benefit from hearing different perspectives and learning from the experiences of other developing clinicians.

What happens before I join the group?

Before entering your regular supervision group, we'll meet individually for your Foundation session (Build 1).

During this meeting, we'll:

• Review your professional background and current clinical position
• Discuss your goals for clinical supervision
• Review supervision expectations and responsibilities
• Review required documentation
• Discuss confidentiality and appropriate case presentation
• Review how supervision hours are documented and tracked
• Introduce you to The Bridge curriculum and resources
• Answer your questions
• Develop the foundation for your Clinical Supervision Plan

Think of this as laying the first plank of your Bridge before joining the group.

Can I receive individual supervision?

Yes.

The Bridge offers both group and individual supervision options.

Some LMSWs prefer the interaction and shared learning that occurs in group supervision, while others prefer individual supervision. There may also be times when an individual consultation is appropriate for a matter that should not be addressed within the group setting.

We'll discuss the supervision format that best meets your needs while ensuring your supervision arrangement complies with Texas requirements.

What documents will I need?

Before beginning clinical supervision, you will be asked to provide documentation necessary to establish and maintain your supervision file.

This may include:

• Copy of your current LMSW license
• Proof of current professional malpractice/liability insurance
• Current job description
• Written employer approval for external clinical supervision on agency/company letterhead
• Required supervision agreements and forms
• Information necessary to establish your Clinical Supervision Plan

Your employer documentation will need to verify your clinical role and approval for external supervision.

Don't worry about figuring out all of the paperwork by yourself. You'll receive instructions and templates explaining what is needed before supervision begins.

How do I get started?

Start by submitting a Bridge supervision inquiry/application.

We'll then schedule an initial conversation to discuss:

• Where you are in your professional journey
• Your current employment and clinical responsibilities
• Your goals for supervision
• Whether The Bridge is an appropriate fit for your needs
• Available supervision options
• Fees and scheduling
• The documents you'll need to begin

If we determine that The Bridge is a good fit, we'll complete the required supervision paperwork and schedule your individual Foundation session.

Then you'll be ready to begin building your Bridge.

Texas licensing requirements can change. Information provided here is intended as a general overview and should not be considered a substitute for current BHEC rules or licensing guidance. Prospective supervisees should verify current requirements directly with the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council.