Licensed Clinical Social Worker License in New Mexico

New Mexico licenses social workers through the Board of Social Work Examiners under the Regulation and Licensing Department, offering Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials. The LCSW requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, the ASWB Clinical exam, and at least two years of supervised clinical experience. New Mexico requires 30 hours of continuing education biennially. The state has significant social work workforce shortages, particularly in rural communities, Native American pueblos and reservations, and border communities. New Mexico's large Hispanic and Native American populations create strong demand for bilingual and culturally competent social workers. The University of New Mexico and New Mexico Highlands University produce social work graduates. New Mexico has been involved in Social Work Licensure Compact discussions and offers some military spouse licensing accommodations given the presence of military installations including Kirtland Air Force Base and White Sands Missile Range.