LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Is an LCSW the same as a psychologist?

LCSWs and psychologists are both mental health professionals and require a license issued by a state regulatory agency. They are advanced practitioner roles that require a graduate-level of education, supervised clinical work experience, and the passage of a national licensing exam. LCSWs are qualified to treat and diagnose behavioral, emotional, and mental health issues. Ethics and ethical practices are central to each profession. 

The main difference is in our initial education. An education in psychology may focus less on how your community, society and environmental forces have shaped you and more on pathology and diagnosis while LCSWs start out learning about societal forces and then specialize in mental health. LCSWs take a holistic approach, helping our clients focus on every aspect of their lives, not just their minds or their psyches.