Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) are a perfect example of a training program that prepares its students to wear many different hats.
In the state of California, an LCSW must meet the following requirements:
A master's degree in social work from an accredited school of social work
In addition to their master's degree, they must also complete additional training in: Child Abuse Assessment and Reporting in California Human Sexuality Alcoholism and Chemical Substance Abuse & Dependency Aging, Long Term Care and Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse A Spousal/Partner Abuse Assessment Suicide Risk Assessment and Intervention Training
Register as an Associate Clinical Social Worker
Complete a criminal background check
Take and pass The California Law and Ethics Exam
Accrue 3000 hours of supervision
Pass the Association of Social Work Boards Clinical Exam
Obtain an LCSW license
By the time an LCSW is completely licensed, they have trained in a variety of areas, one of which is providing psychotherapy. However, LCSWs may also work in clinics and hospitals as care coordinators, or have work finding appropriate referrals for patients who need care elsewhere, or help patients enroll in appropriate social support programs. Additionally, with time and experience, they may take on purely administrative roles. I.e., not every LCSW is a psychotherapist, but it is one role they can choose to add to their career.
LCSWs have a solid, broad background in the key tenets of psychology and the foundations of several psychotherapy interventions. Similarly to LMFTs, psychotherapy with an LCSW is more frequently covered by insurance due to their lower billing rates. However, LCSWs can open cash-only practices, and so billing methods should always be verified with a provider you are considering working with.
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