Board of Behavioral Health - Baccal Social Worker Candidate License in Montana

Montana licenses social workers through the Board of Social Work Examiners and Professional Counselors, offering Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor credentials. The LCSW requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, passage of the ASWB Clinical exam, and at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over two years. Continuing education is required for biennial renewal. Montana is a frontier state with vast geographic distances and limited behavioral health infrastructure, creating significant social work workforce challenges. The state's seven Native American reservations have substantial need for culturally competent social workers. The University of Montana produces social work graduates, but retention in rural and frontier communities is challenging. Montana has explored the Social Work Licensure Compact to facilitate cross-border practice with neighboring states. The state offers some military spouse licensing accommodations given the presence of Malmstrom Air Force Base. Background checks are required for all applicants.