I want to become an LCSW, can I do that with a MSW or do I need more classes and specialized training?

I will be graduating this spring (May) with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and I was thinking that I might like to go into social work instead of spending 4-6 more years working on a Ph.D in clinical or research psychology. The school that I currently attend offers a program for the master in social work. If I get a master of social work, can I then apply for my license and become a licensed clinical social worker if I do the required hours of clinical internship as well, or do I have to take more specific courses and special training? Please help me!

I want to become an LCSW, can I do that with a MSW or do I need more classes and specialized training?
Licensure differs from state to state, though in general as long as your school's program has a clinical track (or is registered with the state as having met the clinical component, this is the only degree you will need. You will need to have a number of hours of clinical supervision (usually 2-3 thousand). You take an exam (in some states after you finish you MSW, in some after you complete your hours and in some states you can take the exam when you are in school). In some states you have to take Continuing Education while you are accruing your hours, in others you only do this after you are licensed.





Since it sounds like you are looking to do clinical work you may want to check out the licenced professional counselor option as well. While it is not as regognized in the same way that the MSW is, if you are not as concerned with social justice and macro level practice - you may not really be as interested in social work.





This information comes from 25 years of social work practice in multiple states.





DA
Reply:More training will be needed after the MSW and licensure. Good Luck.
Reply:Hi,


I can only speak for my state (NY) but here's how it goes:





You graduate with the MSW degree and take the licensing exam. If you pass it, you are licensed and become an LMSW (licensed master social worker) You can work as a therapist at that point as long as you work somewhere that you are under the supervision of a licensed psychologist or LCSW. They can bill insurance companies for your services as their employee, but you cannot bill insurance companies yourself as a direct provider as an LMSW.





After three years of clinical experience, you may take the licensing exam to become an LCSW. (Licensed clinical social worker, this shows an expertise in clinical social work.)





After three years as an LCSW, you may apply for the R designation, (LCSW-R) which means you can accept insurance reimbursement for your services in your own private practice.





So, in my state, you could work as a therapist immediately after passing the licensing test after graduation, but not have your own practice until you have six years of experience.





Check out the requirements for the state you live in by contacting the Office of Professional Licensing for your state.





Hope this helps,


Kate

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