Lmsw & Lsw

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TMS@1987

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what is the LMSW and the LSW? what are the differences between the two? what do they allow you to do? how do they differ from the LCSW? and lastly, can you be licensed as an LMSW or an LSW at the same time as being licensed as an LCSW?

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I must have missed this...

OK, keeping in mind that every state calls things differently... in my state, the difference is as follows:

BSW or BSSW = bachelors degree in social work
MSW or MSSW = masters degree in social work

LSW or LBSW = licensure at the bachelors level, can do generalist work
LMSW = licensure at the masters level, for generalist, administration, community, policy, etc tracks (aka, the non-clinical stuff)
LCSW = licensure at the masters level, for clinical tracks.

Here are the definitions from our state statutes:
(1) "Advanced macro social worker", the applications of social work theory, knowledge, methods, principles, values, and ethics; and the professional use of self to community and organizational systems, systemic and macrocosm issues, and other indirect nonclinical services; specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills in case management, information and referral, nonclinical assessments, counseling, outcome evaluation, mediation, nonclinical supervision, nonclinical consultation, expert testimony, education, outcome evaluation, research, advocacy, social planning and policy development, community organization, and the development, implementation and administration of policies, programs, and activities. A licensed advanced macro social worker may not treat mental or emotional disorders or provide psychotherapy without the direct supervision of a licensed clinical social worker, or diagnose a mental disorder;

(2) "Clinical social work", the application of social work theory, knowledge, values, methods, principles, and techniques of case work, group work, client-centered advocacy, administration, consultation, research, psychotherapy and counseling methods and techniques to persons, families and groups in assessment, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and amelioration of mental and emotional conditions;

[...]

(7) "Independent practice", any practice of social workers outside of an organized setting such as a social, medical, or governmental agency in which a social worker assumes responsibility and accountability for services required;

(8) "Licensed advanced macro social worker", any person who offers to render services to individuals, groups, families, couples, organizations, institutions, communities, government agencies, corporations, or the general public for a fee, monetary or otherwise, implying that the person is trained, experienced, and licensed as an advanced macro social worker, and who holds a current valid license to practice as an advanced macro social worker;

(9) "Licensed baccalaureate social worker", any person who offers to render services to individuals, groups, organizations, institutions, corporations, government agencies, or the general public for a fee, monetary or otherwise, implying that the person is trained, experienced, and licensed as a baccalaureate social worker, and who holds a current valid license to practice as a baccalaureate social worker;

(10) "Licensed clinical social worker", any person who offers to render services to individuals, groups, organizations, institutions, corporations, government agencies, or the general public for a fee, monetary or otherwise, implying that the person is trained, experienced, and licensed as a clinical social worker, and who holds a current, valid license to practice as a clinical social worker;

(11) "Licensed master social worker", any person who offers to render services to individuals, groups, families, couples, organizations, institutions, communities, government agencies, corporations, or the general public for a fee, monetary or otherwise, implying that the person is trained, experienced, and licensed as a master social worker, and who holds a current valid license to practice as a master social worker. A licensed master social worker may not treat mental or emotional disorders, provide psychotherapy without the direct supervision of a licensed clinical social worker, or diagnose a mental disorder;

(12) "Master social work", the application of social work theory, knowledge, methods, and ethics and the professional use of self to restore or enhance social, psychosocial, or biopsychosocial functioning of individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, communities, institutions, government agencies, or corporations. The practice includes the applications of specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills in the areas of assessment, treatment planning, implementation and evaluation, case management, mediation, information and referral, counseling, client education, supervision, consultation, education, research, advocacy, community organization and development, planning, evaluation, implementation and administration of policies, programs, and activities. Under supervision as provided in this section, the practice of master social work may include the practices reserved to clinical social workers or advanced macro social workers;

(13) "Practice of advanced macro social work", rendering, offering to render, or supervising those who render to individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, institutions, corporations, government agencies, communities, or the general public any service involving the application of methods, principles, and techniques of advanced practice macro social work;

(14) "Practice of baccalaureate social work", rendering, offering to render, or supervising those who render to individuals, families, groups, organizations, institutions, corporations, or the general public any service involving the application of methods, principles, and techniques of baccalaureate social work;

(15) "Practice of clinical social work", rendering, offering to render, or supervising those who render to individuals, couples, groups, organizations, institutions, corporations, or the general public any service involving the application of methods, principles, and techniques of clinical social work;

(16) "Practice of master social work", rendering, offering to render, or supervising those who render to individuals, couples, families, groups, organizations, institutions, corporations, government agencies, communities, or the general public any service involving the application of methods, principles, and techniques of master social work;

(17) "Provisional licensed clinical social worker", any person who is a graduate of an accredited school of social work and meets all requirements of a licensed clinical social worker, other than the supervised clinical social work experience prescribed by subdivision (2) of subsection 1 of section 337.615, and who is supervised by a person who is qualified to practice clinical social work, as defined by rule;

[...]

I believe that the LCSW supercedes the other licenses, so you would not have both the LMSW and the LCSW.

Each state will have different definitions and scope of practice, so check where you want to practice to see waht you can/cannot do with your degree and/or license.
 
LSW or LBSW = licensure at the bachelors level said:
In my state (CO) the LSW is a master's level license you hold after passing the LCSW exam. Once you obtain all your work and supervision hours, you would then apply for the LCSW license. So it's true that every state is different. Here there is no bachelor's level license. Hope that's helpful! 🙂
 
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