Knowing the differences between these types of social workers can help you determine which designation is right for your career goals. In this article, we explore the differences between LMSWs and LCSWs, including what they do, how much they make and the required qualifications to help you make an informed decision. Related: What Is a Social Worker? A licensed master social worker LMSW is a type of social worker who is qualified to provide counseling and case management services regarding situations like domestic abuse, mental health conditions, addiction disorders, terminal illness or disabilities.
A licensed clinical social worker LCSW is a social worker who's qualified to assess and diagnose clients with mental health conditions and emotional disorders as well as provide counseling services and other resources that promote healthy coping strategies and improve overall well-being.
Here are the similarities and differences between these roles:. An LCSW can provide clinical social work services to clients without supervision, though they may work alongside psychiatrists, psychologists and other mental health professionals.
LMSWs must complete clinical social work responsibilities, including plan design and consultations, under the supervision of an LCSW, psychologist, psychiatrist or other licensed mental health practitioner. LMSWs can provide non-clinical counseling and other services without supervision. Earning potential for both LMSWs and LCSWs can depend on geographical location, employment type, level of education, years of experience and relevant certification.
According to the U. Both professionals typically start their careers by earning a bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology or a related field. There are a few common steps to become an LMSW. While these steps will vary from state to state, you can use this outline as a guide when beginning your career:. To pursue a career in social work, you will first need to earn your bachelor's degree.
Many social workers earn a bachelor's in social work BSW , a degree which prepares students directly for social work positions and provides internship opportunities. Despite this, though, you can take a more unconventional route and earn your bachelor's degree in related disciplines like sociology, psychology or public health.
In fact, many social workers possess unrelated educational backgrounds in liberal arts disciplines as well. Nearly all careers in social work require a master's degree. There are a variety of MSW programs available from colleges and universities across the country, including online MSW programs, which provide greater flexibility for students. Those who hold BSW degrees often apply to advanced standing programs, which offer a quicker pipeline to licensure due to the credentials and expertise BSW's earn in their undergraduate education.
Most MSW programs require degree candidates to complete an internship in order to graduate. These internships help candidates gain vital experience working directly with the public in real-world settings.
Many MSW program internships will require approximately hours of field work prior to graduation. These internships can take place in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, community service agencies, correctional facilities and clinics.
Even further, after graduation from an MSW program, some states require LMSW licensure candidates to complete additional supervised clinical hours. After completing the required educational programs and internships, the last step to becoming an LMSW is passing a formal licensing exam. Different states and cities have divergent licensing requirements, laws, regulations and fees. The ASWB, mentioned above, administers most licensing exams across the country. Find jobs. Social Work. Image by Clark Tibbs from Unsplash.
Nedda Gilbert July 29, Scroll to continue reading. Social Work Programs Advertisement. Learn More. Article continues here. What is a licensed master social worker? What is a licensed clinical social worker? Licensed social workers pass exams that qualify them to help individuals who are: In emotional distress Experiencing marital conflict Struggling with PTSD Confronting substance abuse disorder Facing terminal illness Their practice might take the form of counseling, therapy, education, or connecting people with public and private resources.
Guide to social work licensure Social work is a regulated profession, meaning professional standards, competency and a code of ethics that protects both clients and practitioners. What Is a licensed master social worker? What Is a licensed clinical social worker? They might work as: Community developer Community organizers Policy analysts Policy director or manager Public health official Clinical social workers are focused on helping individuals, families, and communities identify and address their problems, access resources, and get the support they need to thrive.
These workers might specialize in a number of areas, including: Child and family work Trauma intervention Mental health Addiction Health Aging To work in the clinical side of the field, you must be licensed and have a minimum of an MSW. Latest Articles. The National Association of Social Workers NASW , the leading professional organization for those in social work, has a code of ethics and standards of conduct that are widely recognized by social workers of all levels and in all practice settings.
The NASW ethical values include:. These values emphasize that social workers serve to protect the people they work with, empower those who face adversity, and always act with care and compassion toward clients. As mentioned, becoming a licensed clinical social worker or licensed master social worker comes with some major differences that determine what services social workers are allowed to provide. An LCSW can independently provide these services. State LCSW requirements range from 1, to nearly 6, clinical hours under supervision, so a candidate would first need to become an LMSW to gain that experience.
Individuals with an LMSW license may work on a macro or big-picture level to help people, groups and societies push for reform, champion human rights, and support vulnerable populations. Rather than working in a clinical setting, LMSWs will commonly work for local, state or national government or nonprofits to assist communities or shape public policy. LMSWs do work in clinical settings. In this type of role, LMSWs might hold more administrative and support responsibilities on a daily basis, including:.
An LCSW may take on a leadership role and spend more time providing direct care. Responsibilities might include:. This credential equips social workers to practice non-clinical or clinical social work, although many social workers with an LMSW work in nonclinical roles. A licensed master social worker LMSW is a professional license that enables you to practice social work in most states. An LMSW may work in a variety of care or agency settings to deliver therapy, counseling and life-betterment services to people who need them.
Some states require supervised experience hours following the completion of your degree to become licensed. LMSW salaries will vary depending on a host of factors, such as geographical location, specialty, and more.
The BLS projects social worker employment will increase 12 percent from to The LMSW license may provide social workers the chance to practice in a number of areas. If you choose to go the public health route, you could work in a school as a public health educator or policy analyst, or as a community organizer.
For these roles, there may be additional education requirements. On the clinical side, you can pursue more therapeutic roles at private practices, clinics and hospitals. In nearly any of these roles, you could be working with children, adults or the elderly. This license may enable LCSWs to diagnose clients and provide therapies or treatments independently. LCSWs may help clients accomplish goals like living with mental health disorders, working through trauma or overcoming substance abuse.
LCSW stands for licensed clinical social worker.
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