Remote LCSW & LMFT Jobs in California

There is a severe shortage of social workers in California, which has left employers looking for more professionals to fill the vacancies. Whether you want to work on site or remotely, expect to find plenty of openings.

The good news is that remote master’s level therapists in California are in high demand by companies delivering teletherapy services. Two common license types at this level are Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Those with LCSW and LMFT licenses in California can expect to find a wealth of opportunities to practice virtual therapy.

Becoming an LCSW or LMFT in California

California does not require a license to practice certain social work specialties in California, but there are licenses available for LCSW and LMFT. They are issued by the California Board of Behavioral Science (BBS).

How to Become an LCSW in California

The first step to becoming a licensed clinical social worker in California is to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) from an accredited four-year college or university. Once prospective remote LCSWs in California meet the preliminary requirements, they need to pursue the following:

• Education and additional coursework: Earn a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from a program accredited by an organization recognized by the BBS and that complies with its requirements. California also requires you to complete additional coursework on complete coursework in California Law and Professional Ethics for Clinical Social Workers. Other required training includes child abuse assessment, aging and long-term care, and spousal and partner abuse.

• Experience: As a prerequisite to licensure, candidates must complete both 3,000 hours of professional experience and 104 weeks of clinical supervision under a verified LCSW license holder.

• Exams: After earning the appropriate master’s degree and meeting the California clinical experience requirements, you can submit an application for LCSW licensure to the BBS. Once approved, you can register to take the national clinical exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). You must also complete the California Law & Ethics Exam. You can find information on that course at Pearson Professionals Centers.

• Certification: Once licensed in California, you can apply for certification to become a specialized social worker in a number of specialties. These credentials can expand your teletherapy work opportunities.

• Fees: California requires you pay a $75 fee to become an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW) prior to beginning clinical training. After you complete training, you must pay a $100 fee for LCSW licensure and a $260 fee for the ASWB clinical exam.

How to Become an LMFT in California

The first step to becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in California is to earn a bachelor’s degree in a topic related to the behavioral sciences from an accredited four-year college or university. Once prospective remote LMFTs in California meet the preliminary requirements, they need to pursue the following:

• Education and additional coursework: Earn a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from a program accredited by an organization recognized by the BBS and that complies with its requirements.

• Experience: As a prerequisite to licensure, applicants must earn the status of Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. They must then complete a six-semester or nine quarter units of practicum, with a minimum of 150 hours of direct client contact.

• Exams: Applicants must also complete the California Law & Ethics Exam. You can find information on that course at Pearson Professionals Centers.

• Fees: California requires a $200 fee for LMFT licensure.

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

Once you earn your license as an LCSW or LMFT, you can decide which type of remote social work position suits you best, whether you live in San Diego, Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or anywhere else in the state.

If you want to become a remote LCSW or LMFT, there are plenty of full-time and part-time virtual work opportunities available in California.

Here’s what you should know before applying to be a remote mental health therapist:

• Work-from-home therapist: Online therapists who work from home do the same general work as therapists who work on site. The main difference is that they can live outside the area of the organization in which they work. Remote therapists connect with clients through websites, telephones, mobile applications, and other virtual media. As a remote therapist, you can only see clients where you are licensed. This means if you are licensed as an LCSW or LMFT in California, you can only see clients in California.

• Skills of successful remote therapists: Those who work remotely as therapists must have excellent communication and listening skills. They must also have the skills to effectively use digital therapy tools and testing materials. Many remote therapists work in face-to-face roles to gain experience before providing teletherapy. The more time you spend as a therapist, the more likely you are to stand out from other candidates.

• Necessary documentation: When applying for remote jobs, be sure to update your resume and provide appropriate documentation showing your education and credentials.

• Additional training: Telemedicine companies may require therapists who work remotely to perform training to learn how to use relevant technology and platforms. This may also include best practices for good webside manner.

Companies hiring remote LCSWs and LMFTs in California often post open positions on job posting sites like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn, so this is a great place to start looking for virtual therapy work opportunities.