Shannon Threadgill outlines Arizona licensure pathways for social workers and counselors

The Peoria Unified Governing Board meeting held on February 13, 2025, focused on the pathways to licensure for behavioral health professionals in Arizona, presented by Shannon Threadgill. The discussion outlined the regulatory framework established by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners, which oversees the licensure of social workers, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and substance abuse counselors.

Threadgill detailed the various levels of licensure, emphasizing the requirements for social workers and mental health counselors. For social workers, the initial licensure includes the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Mental health counselors begin with the Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) and can progress to the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). To qualify for these licenses, candidates must hold a master's degree from an accredited institution and pass a national licensing exam, with associated application fees of $250.

The meeting highlighted the rigorous process for obtaining higher licensure, such as the LCSW and LPC, which requires two years of supervised work experience, totaling 1600 hours of direct client contact and 100 hours of clinical supervision. After meeting these requirements, candidates must pass additional examinations and pay further fees, including a $260 testing fee and a $325 renewal fee every two years, which includes continuing education credits.

Threadgill also addressed the timeline for licensure, noting that application reviews by the board can take between 90 to 270 days. This timeline is critical for current social workers seeking licensure, especially as the district contemplates the implications of a grant that supports licensure efforts, which is set to expire at the end of the 2025-2026 school year.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the essential questions surrounding the timeline for current social workers to achieve licensure and the future of the grant program, emphasizing the district's commitment to supporting its staff in obtaining necessary credentials. The board plans to continue these discussions in future meetings as they work towards implementing policies that align with state licensure requirements.