BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) are mental health professionals who diagnose and treat people of all ages who have emotional, behavioral, or mental health conditions that limit their ability to

communicate, form relationships, manage stress, or perform everyday activities including: coping with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship issues, substance use, chronic illness, etc.

LCSWs examine each client and create a specialized treatment plan using clinical social work methods that help people to improve mental health, reduce distress, restore functioning, and prevent further issues. In addition, LCSWs work with people to stop mental health problems before they worsen by creating wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more balanced lifestyles.

HOW DO I BECOME A LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER?

To become a professional licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), you must obtain a master’s degree (MSW) in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program and complete post-graduate supervised clinical experience. A licensed clinical social worker must complete at least 6-7 years of college/professional education: four years of bachelor’s degree/pre-social work coursework and two to three years of the professional graduate program (or one year with advanced standing if you have a BSW). In order to be accepted to an MSW program, you will need prerequisite courses in the fields of psychology, sociology, statistics, human development, and English composition. A certain grade-point average (GPA) is usually required for the prerequisite courses. Some schools will also want the applicant to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Social work study is rigorous and admission to accredited MSW programs is extremely competitive.

WHAT WILL I LEARN IN SOCIAL WORK SCHOOL?

Once accepted into a social work school, the courses will consist of classwork in social work theory, ethics, human behavior and the social environment, assessment and diagnosis, clinical practice methods, group work, multicultural social work, research methods, and psychopathology. The program also provides extensive clinical experience and education in the direct care of clients in a health care or community facility. This includes how to perform an appropriate examination and evaluation of clients with a variety of mental health and social disorders, evidence-based treatment interventions, and crisis management. Most programs include 2 years of classroom, laboratory, and field work. Social work students get supervised experience in areas such as mental health agencies, hospitals, schools, and private practice settings.

LIFE AFTER GRADUATION

Licenses and Certifications

  • After finishing education requirements, graduates must apply for Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) status through the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners, pass the ASWB Master’s exam, complete 5,760 hours of post-graduate social work experience (including 3,840 hours supervised by a Board-Approved Clinical Supervisor), pass the ASWB Clinical exam, and then apply for full LCSW licensure. A criminal background check is required. Continuing education (20 hours per year, including ethics and clinical content) is required for licensed clinical social workers to keep their license.
  • After gaining work experience, some licensed clinical social workers choose to become Board-Approved Clinical Supervisors (LCSW-BACS) or pursue national certifications through the National Association of Social Workers. Certification requires passing an exam and documented clinical hours.

o   Where do LCSWs Practice?

  • Private practice clinics
  • Community mental health agencies
  • Hospitals and inpatient facilities
  • Schools and colleges
  • Skilled nursing or extended care facilities
  • Substance abuse treatment centers
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Correctional facilities
  • Research or education centers

Most LCSWs work full time and most work during normal business hours. Some LCSWs may work evenings or weekends to accommodate client schedules.

SALARY INFORMATION*

Mean annual wage for LA: $62,520
Mean annual wage by region:
Northwest
            Shreveport/Bossier and surrounding area: $58,900
North Central
            Monroe: $59,300
Central
            Alexandria: $57,800
Southwest
            Lake Charles and surrounding area: $60,100
South Central
            Lafayette: $61,400
            Baton Rouge: $63,200
Southeast
            Houma/Thibodaux: $61,000
            New Orleans/Metairie/Kenner: $68,500
            Hammond: $59,700
Note: salary can change depending on the what area of social work a person works in such as private practice, mental health agencies, hospitals, schools, substance abuse, travelling, etc.

LOUISIANA SCHOOLS

Minimum Requirements to be Accepted
LSU – Baton Rouge:

  • Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (last 60 hours preferred)
  • Completion of prerequisite courses in psychology, sociology, statistics, and human development
  • Letters of recommendation, personal statement, and résumé

Southern University at New Orleans:

  • Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Completion of prerequisite courses in social sciences
  • Competitive admission based on GPA, personal statement, and committee review

PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION SOURCES

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
750 First Street, NE, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20002
800-742-4089
socialworkers.org
Louisiana Chapter of NASW
P.O. Box 15807
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70895
225-383-4770
naswla.org

*Salary information taken from http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_la.htm#21-1022