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Member 149252 · 07-12-2007, 10:38 PM

I am an LPCintern (just recently completed my 3000 hours of internship). My experience has been that as to the job market in the Dallas/Ft Worth area and most of Texas that the LPC and LCSW are fairly neck and neck. In a hospital setting the SWs have an advantage when it comes to medicare. Medicare will not reimburse for the LPC. In an outpatient basis were more therapy is conducted vs referral and assessment I have seen that most places aim to hire the LPC. Granted take this for what it is worth, just my experience. As to LMFT you are limited in the MFT role and therefore you have a smaller share of the market place to find work.

As pingouin stated having an LPC or LCSW and then seeking further certification in MFT would be redundant. An LPC or LCSW can do the MFT stuff. My best advice is two fold. Look to the state you want to practice in and determine which has the broadest scope of practice, then look at the philosophies that are incorporated in LPC or LCSW and go with what fits to you the best. In the long run I think that you will find either LPC or LCSW will be a wonderfully difficult challenge that culminates in being able to help others and fulfillng your career aspirations.

Good Luck

Jeff

07-12-2007, 10:38 PM	#20
Member 149252 Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 140	LPC vs LCSW vs LMFT ....ad nauseum I am an LPCintern (just recently completed my 3000 hours of internship). My experience has been that as to the job market in the Dallas/Ft Worth area and most of Texas that the LPC and LCSW are fairly neck and neck. In a hospital setting the SWs have an advantage when it comes to medicare. Medicare will not reimburse for the LPC. In an outpatient basis were more therapy is conducted vs referral and assessment I have seen that most places aim to hire the LPC. Granted take this for what it is worth, just my experience. As to LMFT you are limited in the MFT role and therefore you have a smaller share of the market place to find work. As pingouin stated having an LPC or LCSW and then seeking further certification in MFT would be redundant. An LPC or LCSW can do the MFT stuff. My best advice is two fold. Look to the state you want to practice in and determine which has the broadest scope of practice, then look at the philosophies that are incorporated in LPC or LCSW and go with what fits to you the best. In the long run I think that you will find either LPC or LCSW will be a wonderfully difficult challenge that culminates in being able to help others and fulfillng your career aspirations. Good Luck Jeff