Online MSW Programs in New Hampshire

Becoming a Social Worker in New Hampshire

In order to become a New Hampshire social worker, candidates must apply through the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice. This Board governs multiple types of licenses in mental health; these include pastoral psychotherapists, clinical mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists and clinical social workers.

There is only one social work license available in the state of New Hampshire: an Independent Clinical Social Worker license. It requires a master’s degree in social work and is similar to an LMSW. Students in a social work master’s degree program can choose from the following specialties while pursuing their degree: disabilities, health and mental health, addictions and substance abuse and children, youth and families. Students earning an MSW will further enhance their studies by completing two local field internships while in the program. Potential career paths for MSW program graduates include a child welfare caseworker, community health worker, medical social worker, mental health social worker, public health administrator, public policy analyst and substance abuse counselor. Earning an MSW is also the first major step toward earning an ICSW license in New Hampshire.

Independent Clinical Social Worker

Social workers interested in pursuing an ICSW license in the state of New Hampshire will need to have a graduate degree in social work, pass the ASWB Clinical exam, and meet specific qualifications. They will need a minimum of two years of post-master’s experience, including 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. Qualified candidates will then need to submit an application to the Board, which includes a summary of supervised clinical experience, a supervisor’s confirmation of experience, professional references, undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and proof of a passing score on the ASWB Clinical exam. They will also be required to submit to a background check and pay a $150 application fee. Once the Board verifies the information and approves the application, they will send a letter of notification and a request for the license fee ($135) to the applicant. The applicant will then need to submit their payment, and the ICSW license will be issued.

Social Work License Reciprocity in New Hampshire

If a social worker earned a clinical license in another state, they are able to apply for a license to practice social work in the state of New Hampshire. They will be required to submit an application to the Board, which includes a Licensure Verification form completed and sealed by the issuing jurisdiction, test scores from the ASWB, a summary of supervised experience, references, and undergraduate and graduate transcripts. They will also need to pay a $150 application fee. Once the Board has reviewed and verified the information, the applicant will be issued a license to practice social work in New Hampshire.

Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education Information

New Hampshire social work licenses must be renewed every two years for a fee of $270. During that period, social workers must earn 40 continuing education credits. At least 30 of these credits should be earned through preparing and/or participating in seminars or workshops, home study (maximum of 20 hours), graduate level studies, or publication of an article or professional book. At least six units should be completed in ethics. Once they have fulfilled the continuing education requirements, social workers will be able to have their licenses extended for two years.