Like other mental health professionals, licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) are trained to diagnose mental health conditions and provide therapeutic services.
LCSWs focus on the ways that a person’s mental health is impacted by their environment. In addition to helping their clients process emotional concerns, they also work to connect them with resources to help them meet their immediate needs.
In providing case management services, LCSWs collaborate with other providers to ensure coordination of care and advocate for their client’s interests with the entire care team.
Ever wonder what a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) does? You're not alone!
LCSWs are trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions, just like some other types of therapists. They also offer support for life challenges like stress, relationships, and grief. Learning more about what LCSWs do can help you decide if they’re the right kind of support for you.
What is an LCSW?
Clinical social work is a type of social work focused on mental health. Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. They provide support through individual, group, or family therapy, along with other helpful approaches.
LCSWs are skilled helping professionals who work in a variety of settings. You’ll find them in:
Hospitals
Clinics
Community centers
Schools
Primary care facilities
LCSWs’ unique approach to mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being considers the ways that a person is impacted by their environment. They believe in advocating for their client’s rights and in building a strong therapeutic relationship between themselves and the people they serve.
Academic requirements to become an LCSW
To become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), a person must meet specific education and training requirements that vary by state:
First, they earn a bachelor’s degree, then a master’s degree in social work (MSW).
They complete a set number of supervised hours working with clients.
After that, they take a licensing exam. If they pass, they can apply for LCSW licensure.
To keep their license, LCSWs must continue learning through ongoing education.
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What services do LCSWs provide?
LCSWs offer therapy for individuals, couples, families, and groups. They can diagnose mental health conditions and help clients improve their emotional well-being. They also connect clients with community resources for extra support.
LCSWs take a “whole-person” approach by considering how a person’s environment, relationships, and daily life affect their mental health. In addition to helping clients work through emotional challenges, they assist with meeting basic needs.
They provide case management by assessing concerns, linking clients to helpful services, and tracking progress. They also coordinate care and advocate for their clients.
Many LCSWs provide crisis support, such as:
Creating safety plans or conducting suicide risk assessments
Offering prevention education in community settings
Leading group support after traumatic events
They may also serve on community crisis teams or advise organizations about safety and crisis planning.
Do LCSWs work with everyone?
LCSWs are trained to support clients facing a wide range of issues. However, some LCSWs choose to work with specific populations.
For example, LCSWs may specialize in working with people in certain age groups (like children, young adults, or the elderly) or they may prefer working with couples or families. Other LCSWs may choose to work with specific religious or ethnic groups, members of the LGBTQ+ community, or other populations who share experiences.
What services do LCSWs provide?
In addition to specializing in working with certain populations, LCSWs can also specialize in the types of services they provide.
For example, an LCSW who works in private practice will typically offer individual, couples, family, or group therapy therapy. However, an LCSW who works in a community health clinic, school, or agency setting may have a different focus. They might teach preventative education classes, work with clients who are legally mandated to receive therapy, or offer other services focused on case management and transition planning.
What’s the difference between LCSWs and other mental health professionals?
LCSWs share some similarities with other types of mental health professionals. Like therapists, they’re licensed to assess and diagnose their clients’ mental health concerns and facilitate different types of therapy.
However, unlike psychiatrists and psychologists, LCSWs are not required to attend medical school or seek additional degrees beyond a master’s degree in social work. In addition, LCSWs are not authorized to prescribe medications. However, they do frequently collaborate with prescribing physicians and psychiatrists.
How do LCSWs collaborate with other professionals?
A social worker is often seen as the hub within the wheel of care. When a client needs other forms of support (anything from housing or nutritional assistance to outpatient psychiatric care), an LCSW can help facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration among the client’s entire care team.
Once the appropriate paperwork has been signed by the client to allow everyone to communicate, an LCSW can keep everyone informed about the client’s progress. This collaboration helps ensure continuity of care and provides ongoing support for clients as their treatment needs evolve.
Find an LCSW with help from Rula
No matter what kind of mental health professional you’re looking for, what’s most important is that you find the right fit for you.
At Rula, we’re here to make it easier to connect with an LCSW who takes your insurance and offers the specialized care you deserve. In just a few seconds, we can help you find a provider who understands your identity and experiences and who can help you create actionable solutions to whatever challenges you’re facing — all from the comfort of home.
And, our network of over 15,000 providers means you can be seen as soon as tomorrow.
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Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Nick Frye, MS, LCPC
Nick Frye, MS, LCPC holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University Maryland and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland. With experience as a substance use disorder counselor and a private practice therapist, he has worked with diverse populations, specializing in depression, anxiety, life transitions, and grief. Passionate about mental health, Nick transitioned from direct patient care to education and mentorship to support both early-career and seasoned professionals in their growth and development as clinicians.
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