Licensed clinical social workers help people who have domestic, health, social services, and child-protective issues. They focus on making life better and improving the quality of life for the most vulnerable populations.
Anyone becoming a licensed social worker needs to earn their master’s degree in social work (MSW.) They also need to get their certification as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). After they pass their clinical exam and complete their supervised field experience, they have completed the process. Social workers also sometimes choose a specialty after expertise in the field, based on the subcategory they are most interested in.
Many licensed clinical social workers are employed at healthcare and non-profit organizations. They are also often employed by government agencies, or they work at a private practice. Some of the places licensed social workers provide services are:
Psychological Assessments
Social workers are often called into situations to evaluate what their clients continue to require, such as:
Group and Individual Therapy
Social workers provide treatment for both outpatient and inpatient settings. They work with people who have substance abuse issues and mental health issues. They also work with those who have disabilities and physical infirmities. Those who typically need the help of a social worker are those who have an onerous financial burden. It is always the social workers’ goal to assist clients with becoming integrated into the social network for the first time or again, to live productive lives pleasantly.
Discharge Planning
Social workers help clients make the arrangements they need for their well-being when they are discharged from:
Living Situation Evaluations
Non-profit agencies or government offices often hire social workers to investigate if the client is suspicious of spousal, elder, or child abuse.
Navigating Government Agencies to Receive the Assistance they Require
Social workers assist clients with the sometimes complicated process of finding supportive or inexpensive living accommodations. These situations often come up when finding appropriate treatment programs for clients who require a clinical setting for substance abuse or mental health issues and finding long-term facilities for clients with chronic illness.
Licensing requirements vary depending on what state the social worker is in, but most states require:
In case of a medical or mental health emergancy, call 911 or go to your local ER.
The following resources provide free and confidential 24/7 support
Cuicide Prevention Lifeline Call 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741
Trevor Lifeline Call 1-866-488-7386