I feel like I’m overthinking this. I recently started supervision for my clinical license. How are you logging your hours? Like are we just using a word doc with date/time and a slot for signature from our supervisor? Any tips, tricks, advice would be greatly appreciated!
Hi. I recently accepted an LSW position at a facility who works with insurance. Even though I had already passed my LCSW exam upon hire, I still operated as an LSW while I waited for the state to initiate LCSW license number. My rate was 47/hr so therefore I was only making 47/client if they showed. Additionally, I am part time and have no benefits. I was informed upon my LCSW license, I would make 50/client. I felt it was low and asked to negotiate but they said it's non negotiable. Upon starting, I learned that I would not be completing my own intakes/diagnoses and that other clinicians were in charge of that. I felt it was odd but didn't question it because I was only an LSW...even though I have worked at other practices where I scheduled my own clients, completed my own intakes, did my own billing, etc. Here is where I think it gets a little interesting...
I am officially an LCSW.
I had clients follow me to this practice from a practice I previously worked at. One client in particular insurance is out of network and is subjected to a self pay fee of 250 for an intake (this intake is with me...employer agreed to that), however, I am still only subjected to 50.00 of this intake fee. Also, the self-pay session fee is 175...and again, I am only receiving 50.00 of those session fees.
These are red flags for me but before I make any decisions, I need to hear from other LCSW's and business owners if this is standard??? I find it odd that I can't conduct my own intakes/I am making barely anything from clients I brought into the practice, etc.
I’ve read and been told time and time again that the best place to get your hours was through CMH (where I am currently at) and while I think there is some truth to that, I just don’t know if I am cut out to provide therapy full time. But the 750hr min of individual/group therapy is really intimidating lol
I’ve read about hospice SW “taking too long,” but I know of others who’ve worked in hospitals as medical SWs and gotten their hours there. Any insight is appreciated. I’m just trying to plan my life for the next couple of years lol.
Hi, I'm an LCSW taking ADHD CE on PESI for more knowledge to help clients and for myself as I am a late-diagnosed adult. I see at the end of this massive course i can pay for ADHD- CCSP certification. Are there any career advantages to do that beyond taking the 30+ credits/ hours of CE on this topic?
Hello everyone, I have been a licensed clinical social worker for 5 years now. I am going through a severe depression right now where I dread waking up in the morning. I think the bulk of my anxiety and depression is rooted in the lack of job security in this field as well as the cost of living.
It recently hit me that most of my clients have been with me for 3 years and some even more. These clients are younger and have had severe trauma in their early development. The bulk of the work is play therapy and community based like going for walks on the session on local trails etc.
Im freaking out because I feel like worlds are converging especially with Republicans in charge. My clients are all medicare clients and republicans clearly hate medicare.
Im afraid of some sort of pushback from them for my having clients for so long yet the clinical need is still there and none of the clients want to discharge I even talked to them about how long its been etc.
But if the clinical need is still there after 3 years what was the point of the therapy?
The other fold is if I discharge ten clients Im screwed because of the money and how long itll take to replace them with new clients.
I hate how unfair this job is. You can’t make any money without devoting your entire life to it and its not even worth it. It would be such a great job if it wasnt attacked and under constant threat
Has anyone ever worked with Magellan as a military family life counselor?? I am so burnt out and I am looking for another job. I need a job that will offer flexibility and low stress.
Hi All!
I have a quick question. Recently, I got my LCSW and I work for a company that does PHP/IOP work, yet I'm not even at $60k. I have tried to move to other positions, but they essentially want you to show "investment" in the company and work for free before becoming promoted. I have been doing individual therapy for years, and I love it but I'm not ready to be on my own just yet. I'm recently divorced and would like to find a practice that will pay a flat rate during the transition so I can move right away and maintain my finances. I deserve so much more, and Im ready to make more money. Any suggestions? Are there specific practices that do this? How do I look for them? Def interested in working from home. Thank you!
Hi everyone, I’m 21 and never really know what I wanted to do in hs and currently trying to figure out my career path. I feel really torn between becoming a dental hygienist or going the LCSW (therapist) route, and I’d love honest insight from people in either field.
Here’s where I’m at:
LCSW:
Pros:
- I feel very drawn to this path on a deeper level
- I’m passionate about mental health and faith, and I have ideas for a future nonprofit + healing-focused work
- It feels meaningful and aligned with purpose
Cons:
- The amount of schooling + cost is intimidating
- The process seems long (grad school, supervised hours, etc.)
- I’ve heard it takes a while to make good money
- I’m worried about being stuck in a 9–5 and not having freedom to travel or live flexibly
Dental Hygiene:
Pros:
- Stable career, consistent demand
- Good pay without as many years of school
- Flexible schedule (which I really value)
- No overnight shifts, seems like better work-life balance
Cons:
- I can’t really see myself being passionate about cleaning teeth
- It feels more like I’d be doing it for money/stability, not purpose
Important to me:
- Freedom (I want to be able to travel, maybe even live abroad for periods of time)
- Financial stability
- Not feeling stuck or boxed into a rigid schedule
- Eventually building something of my own (possibly a business or nonprofit)
I’m also in the beauty industry (esthetician path), so I do have a creative side and entrepreneurial goals.
If you’re in either field:
- Do you feel fulfilled?
- What does your lifestyle actually look like?
- Do you feel “free” or tied down?
- If you could go back, would you choose the same path?
I’d really appreciate any real, honest advice. Thank you!
My supervisor just told me everyone in NYC will be required to obtain the LCSW within 1 or 2 years( she is not sure), regardless of whether they work privately or not.
I have not heard about this. Have any of you?
Hi all, I'm 40 and just went back to school for my MSW. I wanted to get input on people who are in the nyc metro region. Are any of you having difficulties finding opportunities? To be fair, my undergrad is an unranked suny, I don't know if the reputation and lack of prestige has to do with it, but I'm applying to everywhere in westchester, and nj regions, and long island and not hearing back from any of the hospitals. Each application is more frustrating when I upload my resume and have to retype the data like work history, just to get a rejection days later. And this is coming from working in hospitals doing materials management, jr accounting, patient tech, etc.
It's so hard! I've also been applying to NY HELPS and all related civil service positions that don't have residency requirements. If anyone has any suggestions I would be more than glad to hear.
I wanted to come back on here because a while ago I asked for advice/tips for passing the LMSW exam, and so many people took the time to help me. Thank you all so much, the advice genuinely helped and encouraged me throughout the process.
I passed with a 108 and needed a 98 to pass! 🥹
For anyone studying right now, here’s what helped me the most: • RayTube (especially his Code of Ethics videos — SO helpful) • Savvy Social Worker • Agents of Change • Pocket Prep premium daily • Quizlet • The ASWB practice exam • Savvy Social Worker mock/practice exams
I also completed all 3 mock exams that were available to me and tried to study consistently every day rather than cramming.
On top of that, I also graduated with my MSW last week 🎓 and just accepted a school social worker job offer making $65k. I’ll also be relocating from Florida to Maryland soon, so life has been moving FAST in the best way possible.
If you’re studying right now and feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or anxious, keep going. You know more than you think you do. The exam is definitely challenging, but it is passable.
Thank you again to everyone who shared advice and encouragement with me along the way. ❤️
Im a 46 year old BSW student looking to earn my LSCW . What advice would you give to an adult learner with children the youngest being 14 in order not to experience burnout.
Hi all,
I’m really needing some support. I’m new to working at a residential treatment house for adults. I worked in crisis before this, so it’s a step down in terms of chaos, but it’s more intense with the interpersonal stress.
Two of my clients requested new therapists, both for reasons that don’t really feel fair or grounded in reality. They were asked to stick with me, then they both asked again a couple weeks later. One of them, I am now expected to continue meeting with, but with my supervisor present. I got clarification that we will both be providing her therapy in the same room at the same time, as a team effort. I was definitely freaked out, thinking that I was just going to be watched all the time. But it seems even weirder that we’re going to be doing it together?
I would like to know if anyone has ever done this “team effort” thing or heard of this happening. I have never, and it sounds strange to me.
Even if it was just her sitting in the same room and watching me provide therapy, I don’t feel at all comfortable with that. I understand that I need to be okay with being observed, but I am coming to terms with how deeply inadequate I feel. With the level of social anxiety I experience, I just know I won’t be able to give good therapy while being directly observed. I have worked on my anxiety so much, and still, this situation will activate me enough that I won’t be able to do my job well.
I really need some perspectives, support, encouragement, ideas, etc. I’m at the point where I don’t know how to continue in this job or this field.
Hi there. I’m considering an MSW. I have a BA in Sociology and minors in stats and English. I’ve been out of college for about five or six years.
I am in Wisconsin.
My GPA was approximately 2.5 or higher.
Is there a point to considering an MSW at this stage? Am I too late?
Hello, I’m considering going back to school for my MSW/LMSW. I currently have a psych degree and former case management experience. My main issue is being unsure if I’ll be able to find a job. I know I don’t want to work in a direct therapy role, a role that requires home visits, or to be on call.
Any advice of what roles I should consider?
I recently accepted an Ambulatory Care Management SW position. Previously I have worked in Inpatient Psych and Outpatient Community Mental Health. I am excited for this shift but have never worked in a true medical setting.
Any advice or insight ?
I [30f] have been working a few case management jobs since earning my Bachelors in Psychology in 2022.
For three years I worked in a county jail (which housed prison inmates as well) as a part of their reentry program. I facilitated in-custody groups on reentry curriculum and held one-on-ones with my clients to assist them through the program. I was trained and certified to administer certain assessments related to criminogenic needs, and was responsible for assisting with resources for up to one year post release. After 3 years I transferred to the county probation department doing the same job.
I absolutely loved it. Loved working with that population, loved facilitating groups, and loved administering assessments. When it came to navigating resources however…. I won’t sugar coat it, I f-ing hated it. The lack of available resources and the hopelessness that I felt when I was not able to fulfill a requirement of my position (providing said resources) was incredibly demoralizing and stressful.
I now work in a resource-brokering case management position under cal-aim community supports. I HATE IT. For all the reasons I stated above, and more. I’ve read enough now to know that these jobs under cal aim do not have great reputations. But it’s raising questions in me about what kind of degree I want to pursue moving forward.
My ultimate goal is to work with justice involved populations and conduct psychological assessments. Translation: I would love to get a PhD in clinical psychology at some point, however I do not believe I have the ability or research oriented drive to get into a clinical psych PhD program at the moment. I am also interested in providing therapy, teaching, and facilitating treatment groups, which is something I know I can do with an LCSW in California.
After doing a lot of research and receiving personal input from lots of different mental health professionals (LCSW’s and multiple MFT’s I’ve worked with) I’ve been told an LCSW is the best and most practical route considering my interest in working with substance abusing and justice involved populations, and for the ability to go into private practice.
However as I stated before, I HATE case management and resource navigation.
If I move forward with pursuing an LCSW, how much of my career will be oriented towards resource navigation and case management? Because if it’s always going to be a major component of the career, I don’t think I can do it.
I appreciate any and all feedback and thanks for taking the time to read.
Hi y’all,
I was terminated from my job on Thursday for “leaving job site before shift complete, policy/procedure violation, and no call/no show.” Those were the three main reasons for termination according to my previous employer. However, a week ago I reported my clinical director for ethical violations to the state I’m in, and she was made aware of it. This termination happened one week after the report was made.
For full transparency, I was given a written warning in March for “disrupting the milieu” after talking to coworkers about how unethical the practice seemed to me. That’s most likely what the policy/procedure violation was regarding because I did continue to voice my frustrations.
I believe I was wrongfully terminated due to the report I made. I have asked the HR department for the formal documentation regarding these reports, and I was told that HR would be out of office until May 18th so she would not be able to give me that documentation until then.
I am unsure of what to do at this point. Any advice is welcomed, and I’m more than happy to answer any clarifying questions that y’all may have. Thank you guys.
EDIT:
Since I’ve had a few people ask, I have never no call/no showed from this job. I have called out sick before but I always let my clinical director know. The times where I’ve left work early have been to go to therapy every two weeks, which she was aware of before I started.