Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) Counseling
Licensed Clinical Social Workers counsel clients and help them gain access to resources while confronting issues adversely affecting their lives, such as mental illness, poverty, addiction and abuse.
There specialists are needed in many areas. Many private, public and non-profit organizations employ Licensed Clinical Social Workers. Clinical Social Work often takes place in residential facilities, hospitals, offices and the homes of clients.
How to Become a LCSW
If you plan to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), you should understand that it takes effort and time. But LCSW can give you a wide range of job possibilities. Most often, those who wish to privately practice therapy or to work in psychiatric hospitals as a therapist, obtain an LCSW first.
Requirements for obtaining the title of LCSW vary in different states. But the basic requirement is the same – you should have at least a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW). The MSW generally requires that you obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in one of the social sciences first. Research schools with:
- BSW,
- MSW/MBA and
- DSW/PhD programs,
some have combined degree programs where you can obtain both in 5 years.
It’s very important to underline that different MSW programs may have diverse approaches. If you want to become an LCSW to practice therapy, then you should find a program that emphasizes instruction in therapy.
After the MSW is obtained, many positions are open to you. In order to become an LCSW, you should work in a supervised position for 3000 hours, or about 2 years of post-graduate work. Actually the amount of hours may vary from state to state. These positions are often paid, and generally offer pay at a higher rate than those who are trying to get licensure to become a marriage and family therapist.
Once supervised practice hours are completed, you should apply to one’s State Board of Behavioral Examiners to take tests. The test consists of both a written and oral examination.
You should prepare for this test carefully. Information you need to know for the test includes the fundamentals of practicing therapy, current knowledge of state and federal laws affecting practice of therapy. Registration for testing will often give one tips on what to study. However, preparation for LCSW exams should begin long before registration.
Requirements for Getting LCSW
Some states have a minimum age requirement before an individual can sit for the LCSW exam. For instance, in Florida, one must be at least 21 to become an LCSW.
Once you have obtained an LCSW, you are licensed to practice therapy, or to take a wide range of other positions. You can work as school counselors, as part of think tanks that help influence social policy, as educator, or as part of psychiatric teams. Pay range usually varies depending upon the type of job you take and the area in which you live.
- Carrier Opportunities with Master’s Social Work Programs
- Degrees for Mental Health Social Workers
- Internships for Forensic Social Workers
- Social Work Degrees in Missouri
- Clinical Social Workers Licensing