[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Clinical social workers provide invaluable services to their communities, offering support to people in their homes, at nonprofit agencies, in medical and private practice settings, and through advocacy and public policy.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical social work can change individual lives and entire communities through treatment services and support programs. As our understanding of the importance of mental health and social services increases, the need for licensed clinical social workers has also grown.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] (BLS) projects a 13% growth in employment for social workers from 2019-2029. This guide examines the social work profession in detail, highlighting the steps to become a clinical social worker and additional considerations for choosing a program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”what-do”]What Do Clinical Social Workers Do?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical social workers diagnose and treat all behavioral health concerns, offering different levels of guidance and support for individuals, couples, families, and groups. They meet with clients to identify their needs and determine the best treatment methods while observing and following [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/social-work/”]social work values[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Among the many social work jobs and environments, licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) specialize in working with specific age groups, settings, demographics, and conditions. They can focus on micro-level, mezzo-level, or macro-level social work, which refer to direct one-on-one approaches, direct community or organizational approaches, and indirect systemic approaches, respectively.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following information details the differences between direct practice and clinical social workers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”job-types”]Types of Clinical Social Workers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical social workers can choose specializations that align with their interests and career goals. Below are the 16 specialization areas of social work, according to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.socialworkers.org/News/Facts/Types-of-Social-Work/”]National Association of Social Workers[/hen-ui-link] (NASW).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”where”]Where Do Clinical Social Workers Work?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schedules and settings vary considerably in clinical social work, as professionals may work in hospitals, nonprofit agencies, schools, or private practices. Others travel around and meet with clients in different settings. Clinical social workers typically work traditional full-time hours, though some client sessions and meetings may occur during evenings and weekends.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.socialworkers.org/Practice/Infectious-Diseases/Coronavirus/Social-Work-Safety/”]COVID-19 pandemic[/hen-ui-link] increased the prevalence of distance counseling and teletherapy, essential clinical social workers still work in treatment centers. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm/”]According to the BLS[/hen-ui-link], 18% of these professionals work in individual and family services, 14% in local government, 14% in ambulatory healthcare, and 13% in state government.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”skills”]Skills Needed for Clinical Social Work[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The clinical social work field welcomes professionals with diverse different backgrounds and skills. Most social workers possess emotional, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, coupled with a strong foundation in clinical theory.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These professionals also typically possess strong cultural sensitivity and perceptiveness, along with communication and observational skills. Throughout their training, aspiring social workers also acquire knowledge in assessment, research, organization, and clinical skills.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Every state maintains specific requirements for clinical social worker licensure, but most share similarities. The following sections look at the typical steps to earn and maintain licensure, though specific details may differ by location. Prospective students should check with their local licensing boards to see what their state requires.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]1. Earn Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All social workers need a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-masters-social-work/”]master of social work[/hen-ui-link] (MSW) degree to qualify for licensure. Not all programs require a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-bachelors-social-work/”]bachelor of social work[/hen-ui-link] (BSW) for admission, but these degrees can provide advanced standing in some cases. Most professionals complete four years of undergraduate studies and two years of graduate training, though an [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-social-work/”]online BSW[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-social-work/”]online MSW[/hen-ui-link] may offer reduced study times.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/social-work/”]social work degrees[/hen-ui-link] offer specializations, such as medical social work, forensic social work, and children and families. The following list includes common social work courses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]2. Complete Supervised Clinical Hours[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical social workers complete thousands of clinical hours at various stages throughout their educational and professional careers. All accredited social work programs require clinical hours — 400 hours for bachelor’s programs and [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cswe.org/Students/Prepare-for-Your-Career/Social-Work-At-A-Glance/”]900 hours of field instruction[/hen-ui-link] for master’s programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After graduation, licensure candidates need to complete supervised clinical hours in settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, mental health institutions, and counseling clinics. Most states require a minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience to qualify for licensure. Some states also require 2-3 years of work experience requirements and set time limits to accrue hours.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]3. Pass the National Licensing Exam[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical social workers must pass the national [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aswb.org/exam/”]Association of Social Work Boards[/hen-ui-link] (ASWB) licensing exam. To take the exam, a candidate needs to meet their state requirements, including completing an MSW and the required supervised clinical hours.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The test features up to 150 questions. Passing with at least 80% of correct answers will qualify applicants for state licensure and the LCSW or licensed independent social worker (LISW) credential, depending on your state.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]4. Earn Social Work State Licensure[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Every state features distinct prerequisites and requirements for licensure, but they typically include possessing an MSW degree, accruing over 3,000 supervised clinical hours, and passing the national ASWB exam. Some states may require aspiring social workers to pass a law and ethics examination or complete additional or specialized clinical hours.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certain states also require prospective social workers to possess a national credential, such as [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.socialworkers.org/Careers/Credentials-Certifications/Apply-for-NASW-Social-Work-Credentials/The-Qualified-Clinical-Social-Worker/”]one awarded by the NASW[/hen-ui-link]. Licensure usually lasts for 2-3 years and can be renewed by completing continuing education credits.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]5. Pursue Continuing Education[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To renew their licenses, clinical social workers need to complete continuing education credits at approved and accredited providers. Requirements vary by state, but most ask professionals to complete 30-48 credits every 2-3 years.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical social workers can also use continuing education to advance their careers. Professionals can find training opportunities through state licensing boards, colleges and universities, and professional organizations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Look for in a Social Work Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Choosing the right social work program starts with proper [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]regional and programmatic accreditation[/hen-ui-link]. Prospective students should also ensure their programs satisfy their state licensure requirements and offer the right courses, specializations, and clinical opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other considerations may include tuition, faculty, facilities, and school services. Individuals attending [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]online colleges[/hen-ui-link] should research program delivery methods and residency requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]BSW and MSW Accreditation[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All BSW and MSW programs must hold accreditation from [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cswe.org/”]the Council on Social Work Education[/hen-ui-link] (CSWE). CSWE accreditation assures students, employers, and state licensing organizations that the candidate completed an approved program that meets rigorous standards.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Attending schools that lack accreditation can lead to challenges with financial aid, licensing, and employment.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Essential Career Information for Clinical Social Work[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Clinical Social Work Salaries[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The median annual salary for social workers in 2020 was $51,760, according to the BLS. However, social work salaries can range from $33,000 to $86,000, depending on location, employer, experience, and licensure.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Social Worker Career Outlook[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The projected employment growth rates for social work is 13% from 2019-2029, according to the BLS.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Similar Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Therapist[/hen-ui-heading] Therapists support individuals, families, and groups by helping them manage various challenges. While [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/therapy/”]becoming a therapist[/hen-ui-link] typically requires a master’s degree, these professionals differ from clinical social workers in that they do not diagnose or treat their clients’ disorders.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Psychiatrist[/hen-ui-heading] Psychiatrists are physicians that specialize in the field of behavioral health. . They [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/psychology-degree-jobs/”]differ from therapists[/hen-ui-link] because they must possess medical doctoral degrees. Unlike clinical social workers, psychiatrists can prescribe medication and/or higher-level interventions to their patients.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Psychologist[/hen-ui-heading] A psychologist typically holds a doctorate in psychology, though requirements vary in some states. These professionals tend to engage in detailed testing with the clients they work with. [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/psychology-degree-jobs/”]Unlike psychiatrists[/hen-ui-link], psychologists can only prescribe medication in some states.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Mental Health Counselor[/hen-ui-heading] Mental health counselors may possess bachelor’s or [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-counseling/”]online master’s degrees in counseling[/hen-ui-link]. They typically offer guidance and support to clients, as opposed to clinical social workers, who provide clinical therapy and treatment.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Helpful Career Resources[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Social Worker Testimonies” href=”/magazine/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Social Work Values & Code of Ethics” href=”/degrees/social-work/ethics/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Social Worker” href=”/degrees/social-work/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”professional-orgs”]Clinical Social Worker Professional Organizations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.socialworkers.org/” target=”_blank”]National Association of Social Workers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] NASW brings professional social workers together to develop solid standards and policies. They provide members with access to industry resources, career support, events, and advocacy.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nabsw.org/” target=”_blank”]National Association of Black Social Workers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] NABSW helps empower and advance the careers of Black social workers. Members can access a supportive professional network, industry events, and career and training opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ifsw.org/” target=”_blank”]International Federation of Social Workers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] This global organization works toward achieving social justice, sustainability, inclusivity, and human rights policy goals. The organization runs international advocacy efforts, local events, and national conferences, along with various social work programs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.naprhsw.com/” target=”_blank”]National Association of Puerto Rican Hispanic Social Workers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] NAPRHSW improves access to resources and services in Puerto Rican and Hispanic communities. The association provides advocacy efforts, community programs, and information.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Common Questions About Clinical Social Work[/hen-ui-heading]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Is Clinical Social Work vs. Social Work?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical social workers require additional clinical experience and state licensure. These professionals can also treat mental health issues, while social work focuses on connecting clients to the appropriate services.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is a Clinical Social Worker a Therapist?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]No. Clinical social workers may provide therapy-type support, but the scope of their work extends beyond therapy alone. They also diagnose and treat mental health disorders and help clients access community resources.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Is the Difference Between a Master’s-Level Social Worker and a Clinical Social Worker?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s level social worker possesses the same training as a clinical social worker. They may not have the supervised clinical experience or state licensure, however.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Do You Need a Ph.D. to Be a Clinical Social Worker?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]No. The minimum requirement to become a clinical social worker is an MSW, though Ph.D. graduates certainly qualify.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Can an LCSW Diagnose Mental Illness?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. LCSWs can assess, diagnose, and treat mental illness. Unlike a psychiatrist, however, they cannot prescribe medication.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Doug Wintemute” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto:eco/v1618859893/TheBestSchools.org/hero-images/Experts/doug-wintemute.jpg” img-alt=”Doug Wintemute” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”][hen-ui-link href=”/about/#writers/”]Doug Wintemute[/hen-ui-link] is a Toronto-based freelance writer with professional writing interests in higher learning and entertainment. He completed his BA and MA in English at York University, graduating summa cum laude and earning academic merit, research, and writing awards at both levels. Since 2014, he has contributed content and editorial work for award-winning digital trade publications, global SEO copywriting projects, and hugely popular online brands. He can be contacted through [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougwintemute/”]LinkedIn[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Reviewed by: Melissa Russiano, LCSW, LISW” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/v1603822144/experts/Melissa_Russiano.png” img-alt=”Reviewed by: Melissa Russiano, LCSW, LISW” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”]Melissa Russiano is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice who has organically developed a specialty working with helping professionals. Russiano has a proven track record helping professionals avoid burnout by holding clinicians accountable through laughter, tears, blunt (yet very supportive) feedback, and quirky analogies that are grounded in solid theoretical research. Russiano practices solely in a virtual setting in the states of California, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. In addition, Russiano is a professor, teaching in a graduate program through Simmons University online.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Header Image Credit: PeopleImages | Getty Images[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”8603,7988,8619″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]