Remote LCSW & LMFT Jobs in Arkansas

How To Become a LCSW or LMFT in Arkansas

How to Become an LCSW in Arkansas

A bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited four-year college or university is the first step to becoming an LCSW in Arkansas. After that, you need to pursue the following:

• Education and additional coursework: You must obtain a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
  Experience: Candidates must have at least 4,000 hours of supervised experience completed during two years.

• Exams: To become an LCSW in Arkansas, you must pass the examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). The exam tests applicants on a range of topics including assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and interventions, as well as ethics and values. You will also need to apply for a criminal background check.

• Fees: Candidates in Arkansas must pay a $100 LCSW licensure application fee. Additionally, the fee for the ASWB clinical exam is $260.

How to Become an LMFT in Arkansas

LMFT candidates must first earn a bachelor’s degree before beginning the journey toward licensure. Once you meet this requirement, you will need to address the following:

• Education: At a minimum, you must obtain a master’s degree in marriage & family therapy or a related topic of equivalent course work.

• Experience: To obtain LMFT licensure in Arkansas, candidates must complete at least 3,000 supervised client contact hours in the practice of Marriage and Family Therapy. This experience must include at minimum 1,500 hours of direct client contact with families, couples, or groups.

• Exams: LMFT candidates must pass the "Examination in Marital and Family Therapy," developed by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).

• Fees: Arkansas requires a $300 fee for LMFT licensure and a $200 application fee. There is also a $365 fee for the AMFTRB exam.

Requirements for Remote Mental Health Workers (LCSWs & LMFTs) in Arkansas

If you are an LCSW or LMFT in Arkansas, you can find a position that suits you whether you live in Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, or another town or city. And if you’re interested in working as a remote mental health therapist, you’ll find an array of full-time and part-time virtual work opportunities available in the state for virtual LMFTs and LCSWs.

Here’s what you should know before embarking on a career in remote social work:

• Work-from-home therapist: Virtual mental health therapy works just like in-person therapy, except you’ll use websites, phones, web platforms, and other technology to connect with clients. Remote LCSWs and remote LMFTs must provide the same standard of care as their counterparts who work at a brick-and-mortar facility. Note that when offering teletherapy, you can only treat clients in the state where you are licensed.

• Skills of successful remote therapists: Excellent communication skills are essential for all therapists, and this is especially true for those who offer virtual therapy. Many therapists choose to begin their practices with in-person sessions to perfect their one-on-one skills before they start to offer teletherapy.
  Necessary documentation: When applying for remote social work jobs, keep your resume updated and provide appropriate documentation showing your education and credentials.

• Additional training: Telemedicine companies often offer training to educate clinicians on the latest technology and platforms, as well as best practices for good webside manner. Note that this training may require you to be on-site for various periods.
  

Remote LCSWs and LMFTs job openings in Arkansas will often be posted on job posting sites like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn, so this is a great place to start looking for virtual mental health therapy work opportunities.