Social Workers in Therapy & Counseling

General social workers will work with community organizations and leaders to help an individual or family get necessary resources or support. This support may come in the form of finding assistance for a client to pay a medical bill, letting a client know of local areas where they can find support to care for children in the home, or advocating on behalf of a client for educational aid.

Some social workers specialize in mental health and may provide the following mental health services:

Assessments and diagnoses for individuals
Crisis intervention for those experiencing a mental health emergency
Case management to help clients with housing or financial assistance
Therapeutic intervention
Preventions and education

What Is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)?

You may have seen these series of letters after a mental health professional’s name, but what are LCSW and LMSW? What do these acronyms stand for? And what is the difference between a social worker and a counselor?

A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) is a social worker who has been specifically trained in the ability to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. These professionals obtain a master’s degree that educates them in various mental health conditions, how to diagnose them, and the various therapeutic modalities to treat these conditions.

Another common acronym in social work mental health is a licensed social worker (LSW). The main difference between an LSW and an LCSW is in the clinical aspect of their jobs.

An LSW provides more general social work services, and if they diagnose or treat mental health disorders, they require supervision to do so since their training is not as thorough in that regard as it is for an LCSW.

LMSW vs. LCSW: Understanding the Credentials

A licensed master social worker (LMSW) and an LCSW have a few similarities as well as key differences. Both of these credentials allow a professional to provide social work services such as:

Support for individuals, families or communities facing a crisis
Advocacy for social justice
Education and resources for clients

Both an LMSW and LCSW are required to obtain a master’s degree in social work and undergo a licensing exam for their specific field.

Some of the key differences between LMSW and LCSW are:

LCSWs are trained and licensed to diagnose and treat clients through clinical therapy.
LMSWs can only provide therapy with supervision.
LCSWs typically work on a one-to-one basis with clients in a therapeutic setting.
LMSWs may focus their efforts on larger-scale support, working on changing policies for vulnerable people groups or finding support for communities.

Social Worker FAQs

What is a Clinical Social Worker, and How are They Different From Other Social Workers?

A clinical social worker is a professional who is specifically trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. A clinical social worker can provide therapy while other social workers do not.

How Do I Find a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Near Me?

You can search sites such as your state health department website. You can also utilize your insurance provider to search for LCSWs near you that are covered by your health plan.

Can a Social Worker Provide Therapy Like a Psychologist or Counselor?

A licensed clinical social worker can provide therapy just like a psychologist or counselor. Other licensed social workers may be able to provide some therapeutic intervention but only under the supervision of a clinical professional.

What’s the Main Difference Between a Social Worker and a Counselor?

The main difference is in their training and licensing. Counselors focus more on individual psychological issues, while social workers treat mental health issues within the context of the social environment and community.

Should I See an LCSW or a Counselor for Therapy?

This depends on your specific therapy needs, although either option can provide quality and professional mental health care. If you are seeking help for an in-depth, individual psychological issue, a counselor may be your best choice.

If you are looking for a broader spectrum of care that also works with the social and environmental aspects of your life, you may prefer seeing an LCSW.

Difference Between a Social Worker and a Counselor

While both LCSWs and licensed professional counselors (LPCs) can provide therapy, there are some differences between the two:

LCSWs integrate broader social systems into their therapy techniques.
LPCs focus more on the individual and in-depth analysis of their history and present.
LCSWs may also advocate for a client in a social setting outside of therapy sessions.
LPCs’ scope of practice is only within therapeutic sessions.

Both LCSWs and LPCs are required to obtain a master’s degree and must pass a state licensing exam to practice therapy.

Deciding which type of mental health professional to see for therapy may feel confusing. Both mental health social workers and licensed counselors are trained and equipped to help you with any mental health issue you face.

If you are not certain which route to take, you can ask for free consultations with most therapy providers to ask questions and explore which one is the best fit for your therapeutic needs.

Finding a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Near You

If you have searched “counselors near me” and feel unsure about making an informed decision, here are a few questions to consider in the process:

What are the credentials of the counselor?
What training and expertise does the provider have?
Do they have specific training in the area that I need help with?
Do they provide online or in-person therapy?
Does my insurance cover sessions with them?

Consult with your doctor about possible referrals for mental health professionals, and feel free to ask for free consultations with potential therapists until you find the one with whom you’d like to work.