Deborah C Fox MRS.

What they do

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) in Florida diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral conditions while also addressing the social determinants of health that shape a patient's wellbeing — housing, employment, family dynamics, immigration status, financial stress, and access to care. They provide individual, family, and group psychotherapy, crisis intervention, case management, and clinical supervision. LCSWs often integrate trauma-informed care, systemic family therapy, and evidence-based treatments for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders.

In Florida, LCSWs work in community mental health agencies, hospitals (including medical, psychiatric, and oncology units), hospice and palliative care programs, child welfare and adoption agencies, schools, courts, military and veterans' programs, and private practice. They are unique among mental health professionals in their explicit training to consider the person-in-environment perspective, making them effective at navigating complex care coordination and advocating for vulnerable patients. Many Florida LCSWs supervise pre-licensure social work interns and contribute to interdisciplinary teams.

Licensing in Florida

To become licensed, candidates earn an MSW with clinical content from a CSWE-accredited program, complete two years of post-master's supervised clinical experience (Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern status), pass the ASWB Clinical Examination, and complete the Florida Laws and Rules examination. Applicants submit fingerprints and pay licensing fees. Renewal is every two years with mandated continuing education. The Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling regulates the profession.

How to verify or report

Verify an LCSW license through the Florida MQA license search. To report ethical concerns, boundary violations, or unprofessional conduct, file through the Florida Department of Health complaint form or by phone at 850-488-0796.