Introduction:
LCSW stands for licensed clinical social worker. These workers are expert in various fields and can work professional in every field, but only after meeting some particular requirements. LCSW is basically a license or certification for becoming a well reputed social worker but this may not always be the case. Some states do not allow every worker to have a license of being called themselves a social worker at the place where they are employed.
Explanation:
The reason behind this restriction is that LCSW actually refers to that person who has gained a master’s degree in the field of social work. In order to get licensed, the person Is required to meet some eligibility criteria after which he can become a licensed social worker. So if a person wants to be licensed, it is obligatory for him to complete some specific number of hours of practical work. Moreover, a board exam is also required. The working hours to be completed depend upon the authorities, for example in California, it is necessary to complete 3000 hours of practical work under some supervision to get licensed. Along with some rules and regulations of such certifications, com misconceptions also exist in the mind of people which make them confuse. A misconception about LCSW is that the only entity where LCSW can works is some sort of social agency such as child protective services. But this is not true. A licensed worker can work in any field where social work is required. This includes all the agencies that are socially oriented; it also includes hospitals and clinics, also for the treatment of people who are mentally ill. Having some additional degree, an LCSW can also chose the field of teaching social work in universities. Private therapy sessions are also offered by some workers, but it is only legal in the case when the worker is licensed.