I just wanted to ask you guys a few questions: everyone has been talking about how LCSW's and clinical psychologists scope of practice is so different, how so? in what ways do they overlap? also, what are the responsibilities of a military social worker (LCSW)? do they provide therapy/counseling? how do their responsibilities differ from a military psychologists?
A Few Questions @ Military Psych & LCSW Scope
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In general, LCSW's in the Army (can't speak for "the military") are in the Department of Social Work. Duh, right?
What is important about that is what the DSW's mission is. They primarily administer a program called FAP or Family Advocacy Program. That program is a domestic violence prevention program (groups, support for victims, individual therapy) and it also is used to track offenders through their career in the military. If you get a "Substantiated FAP case" (meaning you did it) and you are ordered to attend batterer's intervention and then you change duty stations accross the country, it follows you and you must continue your treatment. It is actuallly a model that the civilian world should try. As of right now, most states do not participate in anything similar so if you move, you are not monitored.
There is another program called ASAP, or Army Substance Abuse Program, that is administered by LCSW's, however, they appear to phasing out military LCSW's for civilian ones to run that program.
LCSW's also do therapy in the Army, under the DSW. If a soldier or family member wants supportive counseling or couples therapy, it is perfectly appropriate for them to contact DSW for that, and they will get an appointment. LCSW's are perfectly qualified to assess, diagnose, and perform therapy. In this way, there is overlap. But they way the Army sees it, they would rather you get help from a licensed provider somewhere rather than nowhere. If you are comfortable with an LCSW you met at DSW, and you need help--GO!
Clnical psychologists on the other hand do all the same things they do in the civilian world. The Army is like it's own country, so we have teaching, research and practice, just like the real world. It appears that the Army is shifting to using clinical psychologist as managers, specialists (like PTSD) consultants (assessment, etc) and clinical supervisors in the Depatrments of Behavioral Health. Much of the "garden variety" therapy is provided by paraprofessional enlisted counselors, with supervision of course. There are only about 100 licensed clinical psychologists on Active Duty in the Army right now. To use them as therapists primarily is not using that resource wisely. (I know a whole bunch of therapy-oriented psychologists and students are going to take that last statement wrong, so go ahead, shoot away).
D
deleted176373
I think that the Navy is similar in many regards but we have a little more opportunity to engage in Therapy. Much like the civilian world, there are a wide range of opportunities... some of which are hospital clinics, others are ship board on aircraft carriers, and some are very unique like the staff psychologist for the marines who are part of the presidential honor guard or psychologists working with special forces assessment and training teams.
Navy has less than 100 clinical psychologists from the last count I had.
Mark
Navy has less than 100 clinical psychologists from the last count I had.
Mark
