Counselor vs Clinical Social Worker
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- Опубліковано 11 січ 2025
- This video outlines the similarities between a counselor and a clinical social worker.
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Great video! Super useful for anyone starting out in this field or thinking about it
Thorough content
Thank you for this. I’m debating going back to school as a non-traditional student but know how grandiose of a decision it is to really know what degree you want. I really want to be an Elementary School Counselor, but I’m not fully sure that degree is “diverse” enough to work in other fields if I decide it’s something I don’t want to do. Though I still don’t know/need to do more research, this was a great starting point. Thanks!
Happy it was helpful!
Your comment concerning being a "bit biased" is, IMO, an understatement. My grad program was dual PCC & MFT. (I don't remember reference to MFT's). Related to your comments about internships, please specify that evidently different states and schools in those states have different requirements and criteria. I graduated from a California State University and the requirement was 4 semesters of internship. Two semesters. per year at two different sites where I interned with MSW, MFT, PCC, and PsyD candidates. I don't remember the weekly hours offhand, but it was comparable to what you mentioned, (I vaguely remember 12-16 hours first year 20-24 hours, second year). I spent 3 years in grad school, because I didn't have an internship the first year. My counselors and professors highly recommend that course of action. I was so glad that I took their advice because I would have been exhausted and lost. Also, per California Board of Behavioral Sciences, LCSW, LMFT, and LPCC have a similar scope of practice, and with the additional requirements, can supervise each profession. (See AB 462 CA).
In my case, I specifically chose MFT/PCC program because (perhaps erroneously or ill-informed) I did not want to do case management, etc., at the expense of direct psychotherapy. However, in my current role, what am I doing? Individual, couple, and family therapy, case management, community, legal, and governmental "referrals" and "coordination", etc.
IMO, your characterization of "broader" comes across as better. I disagree. Some agencies prefer social workers, due in large part, to the social worker lobbying efforts over the years, Also, in my opinion, I don't think there should be a competition. We are all dedicated to serving our clients, their families, communities and helping them navigate the barriers caused by racism (institutional, internalized, and mediated), inadequate housing, education, medical care, etc. In the words of Rodney King "can't we all just get along".
Hi can you clarify regarding not having an internship the first year? Your counselors and professors agree to not have an internship the first year? Thank you!
Thank you, me being from another country that doesn't have your professional structure, is great to know.
What's the different between clinical psychologist and a counselor?
Partial answer to your question. I am in California and there are social worker designations of LMSW and LCSW; LMFT (marriage and family therapist), and LPCC (licensed professional clinical counselor). Other states use LPC, LCPC, LMHC. All three categories require a masters' degree. Clinical psychologists requires a doctorate degree (PsyD; PhD) and can be referred to as Dr.
Counselors have a master's degree and master's level license (LPC, LPCC, LMHC, and maybe other titles). This license allows them to practice therapy as well as diagnose mental health disorders. Psychologists have a PhD or PsyD (sometimes an Ed.D.) in Clinical, Counseling, or School Psychology and receive training in research and advanced psychological testing and assessment that, most of the time, master's level clinicians aren't able or allowed to do. These assessments might include forensic evaluations, neuropsychological testing, or sometimes testing for diagnostic clarity.
While both are capable of being therapists, psychologists go to school longer and receive additional training in areas that counselors do not. That being said, for the majority of people who only want to do therapy a master's degree is sufficient. PhD programs are insanely competitive too and typically aren't worth it unless someone is interested in conducting research, teaching, and/or advanced assessment/testing in addition to possible therapy practice. The vast majority of psychologists end up in clinical careers though, as academia is incredibly competitive. While many psychologists do engage in therapy, many psychologist specific roles can be testing/assessment focused (or at least include it) as it is something unique to them that other professionals can't do and there is a great need for it.