A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) is a clinically trained social worker who provides therapeutic services for persons dealing with mental health or behavioral disorders. In some states, LCSWs are called Licensed Independent Social Workers. LCSWs are employed in a variety of locations, including primary care offices, hospitals, mental health facilities, and community agencies. Social workers with clinical expertise often work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental-health professionals, and treat their clients in individual, group, or community settings.

LCSWs have earned a master’s degree in social work by completing a two-year graduate program with a focus on specialized therapeutic services. As part of this program, students undertake a field practicum, which provides them with real-world experience in assessing and treating clients. LCSWs must also be licensed in the state where they practice.

What Does a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Do?

Licensed clinical social workers offer a wide range of therapeutic services for the individuals in their care. These include:

• Assessment and diagnosis of psychological, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
• Development and documentation of treatment plans for clients.
• Delivery of counseling services in individual or group environments.
• Coordination of resources from private and public sources.
• Arrangement of collaborative services and referrals.

LCSWs are also trained crisis management, assisting clients and other members of the clinical team in handling mental-health emergencies.

What Types of Licensed Clinical Social Workers Are There?

There are two primary types of licensed clinical social work. The foundation for LCSW practice is a master’s degree in social work with a clinical concentration. The second, called advanced general practice, supplements clinical education with a broader base of skills, including administrative expertise, community organization, and public-policy analysis and advocacy. In most states, the licensing requirements for the two types of clinical social work are the same.

When Should You See a Licensed Clinical Social Worker?

A licensed clinical social worker has the professional expertise to assist persons confronted by the following emotional or behavioral challenges:

• Alcohol or drug addiction
• Anxiety
• Behavioral issues
• Depression
• Difficulties related to personal conditions (for example, joblessness or homelessness)
• Family disputes
• Psychological trauma
• Relationship issues
• Stress

Some LCSWs assist their clients with a particular form of clinical analysis (for example, cognitive behavioral therapy).

What Can I Expect at My Visit to the Licensed Clinical Social Worker?

The focus of a visit to a licensed clinical social worker is on two-way conversation. The client will discuss the difficulties that he or she is facing, sometimes in response to the social worker’s questions. The LCSW will listen carefully and offer emotional support when called for. This conversation, and future ones, will form the basis for clinical analysis, documentation, and a treatment plan. The LCSW will address near-term issues with coping mechanisms, while identifying resources for dealing with the longer-term implications of the client’s problems. The latter will include collaborative efforts with other mental-health and medical professionals, where appropriate.

If you’re experiencing emotional or behavioral issues that would benefit from a clinical approach, the mental-health professionals at Baptist Health are ready to serve.