LMSW vs MSW? Whats the difference?
Not sure if this varies state by state, but the LMSW means you have an additional license. This allows you to practice social work at a higher level, and possibly get paid more. There is a licensing test you take to be officially certified. In California, this is called an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). An LCSW is able to provide higher levels of counseling, and even open up their own practice. Getting the license isn't a requirement at all, but it does allow you to progress further in the social work field.
What is the difference between an MSW and an LMSW?
The "L" usually refers to "Licensed." A MSW can get her/his "L" after completing the state's requirements for licensure which usually include a state exam and clinical hours that are supervised by a licensed social worker. Insurance companies usually only have licensed social workers as their clinicians. The license comes after you finish your master's degree and additional training (a year or so...).
Difference between LPC and LCSW?
This is a great question. Social work programs focus on community resources. Getting people to the help they need, helping them "navigate the system" is the focus of a social worker. There is some training on counseling and direct clinical services, but these are secondary to "navigating the system". Counseling programs focus on more direct clinical work- talking to clients about psychological problems, helping them to cope better and reduce their symptoms. There is a lot less focus on "navigating the system". As far as the licensures themselves, LPCs and LCSWs can do most of the same things. In most states, LCSWs cannot diagnose, however, but LPCs can. Both can do counseling and they compete for similar jobs. LCSWs have been around longer than LPCs, however, and there is a stronger lobby for LCSWs in government, so government jobs are often easier to get for LCSWs.
What's the difference between an LCSW and a psychologist? Is one better than the other (for therapy)?
Generally the training and education differ. This is with the caveat that each school, practicum, supervisor, and state may provide different things.The two degrees and what can be done in the real world are blended. Both can provide treatment and therapy in many settings.Social work degrees generally take shorter time, and with that truncated time, they do not provide extensive training (generally) on diagnostics and assessments. I have worked with many LCSW’s and LMFT’s who have complained about not receiving enough training in diagnosing, and generally had to learn on their own.With that, generally the pay scale is different, with the time and length of each degree.As many have said, it’s not so much about what is better, but what fits better for each individual.Social work = less school, less loans, probably less pay, less training in certain aspectsPsy.D Ph.D = average 6–7 years of school, more loans, more pay, more training in diagnostics and being able to provide assessments.In major areas like LA, there are many jobs available for both degree. In others, more of one will be needed.
PHD psychologist versus LCSW social worker? What's the difference?
Most psychologists have a PhD/Doctorate in psychology,they apply psychological research, theories and techniques to "real-world" problems,questions and issues.The main method by which a psychologist approach a patients mental ailment is by psychotherapy[treatment of mental/emotional problems by psychological means],but there is no usage of medication involved in a psychologist's treatment. A social worker/Counselor also conduct therapy sessions by usage of psychological aids,most of them have Degrees related to psychology or social work[M.S.W/Sociology], But in comparison to a Psychologist the social worker's knowledge and application of psychology and related mental techniques is less wider,they also have less scope to specialize in other branches of psychology such as Neuropsychology,Social psychology,Educational psychology,Clinical psychology,Biopsychology,etc... But in practice they are almost effective equally in the profession they are doing... they both handle more common and easy to treat mental problems such as anxiety and depression. so don't worry,you'll get well soon under the help of your social worker... but if you feel you need more help than you are getting now don't hesitate to go for a psychologist....
What is the difference between a LCSW (licensed clinical social worker) and LISW (Licensed independent social?
I need to know what is the difference between a LCSW and a LISW, you have to have a masters for both anyways, I am wondering if it has to do with the area in which you can practice?