The Licensed Clinical Social Worker or LCSW, is the mental health counseling branch of social worker and requires a significant degree of training after one earns their Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.

 

The LCSW is the pinnacle of social work licensure and can require a multi-year process to earn after graduating with one’s MSW. LCSW's work with clients in order to help deal with issues involving mental and emotional health.  The LCSW is an extremely specialized and trained social worker who not only has earned their Master of Social Work degree, but has also passed the necessary steps to gain licensure. This usually requires an extensive period of post-graduate supervised work experience along with passing one of a few different national tests to ensure competency.