British Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy
Social workers pursue a master’s degree in social work (MSW) or a licensure as a clinical social worker (LCSW) after completing their undergraduate studies. Training normally consists of two years of classroom instruction and hands-on experience working in community-based organizations.
1 Licensed Clinical Social Worker with specialized training (LCSW) Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with two years of experience (LICSW) 3 Clinical Social Worker with a Licensed Certified Social Worker certification (LCSW-C)
Furthermore, in certain areas, LCSW is really an abbreviation for Licensed Certified Social Worker, which means that an LCSW in that state may not be permitted to provide clinical counseling. Unless they go on to get an LCSW-C, which stands for Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical, they will be considered unqualified.
What is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)?1 LGSW – Licensed Graduate Social Worker (licensed graduate social worker).2 LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker) – Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker.3 LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) – Licensed Master Social Worker.4 LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker) – Licensed Independent Social Worker.
5 LSCSW – Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker).
An LCSW is an acronym that stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. LCSWs are Master’s level social workers who have had considerable professional training and have specialized knowledge in the field of mental health. LCSWs are required to meet the standards of their state of practice in order to get license, and they must also pass a nationwide test in order to practice.