MSW vs MFT

[mel_1984]

Hello Everyone!

Ok, so I'm in a bind between two programs. I'm undecided whether I should go for my Master's in Social Work or Master's in Marriage, Family, Therapy. I currently work for Child Welfare for a County in California and my department hires both MFT, MSW, Counseling, Psychology majors as Social Workers so it wouldn't matter if I want to stay here and retire. However, I desire to move on and eventually teach at a community college or University and/or work in a Hospital. I've heard that MSW's are very flexible so I can go into any field but I also heard that I can teach with and MFT and not an MSW. Can anyone that has experience is MFT's and MSW's please give me insight as how their programs have worked for you and if you have seen any difference in salary as well? Thank you!

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[wesleysmith]

You can absolutely teach as an MSW. They are some the (personal opinion) best instructors for practice oriented courses for obvious reasons.

 

[deleted343839]

However, I desire to move on and eventually teach at a community college or University and/or work in a Hospital.

If you have any real desire to work in a hospital or healthcare system then you will have more options with an MSW, particularly if you become an LCSW.

 

[tjackslucky7]

I actually have a Masters in Psychology and working towards my LMHC and have been in the field over 15 years and gave seen and been offered more options/jobs as a Therapist and Social Worker with this credential.

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[deleted343839]

I actually have a Masters in Psychology and working towards my LMHC and have been in the field over 15 years and gave seen and been offered more options/jobs as a Therapist and Social Worker with this credential.

You have a master's in psychology and you've been offered a social work position?

 

[tjackslucky7]

You have a master's in psychology and you've been offered a social work position?

Yes...probably because of all my extensive work experience in the field.


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[Goobernut]

You have a master's in psychology and you've been offered a social work position?

I was thinking in some states "social worker" was a protected term, but theoretically any correctly licensed mid-level can fill a mid-level therapist position. I was unable to read between the lines as you did 🙂

 

[tjackslucky7]

Exactly...to be honest with you...both professions have many of the same interests and responsibilities, depending on which area or field you are interested in. Specifically, I provided evidence based mental health therapy (CBT or TFCBT, etc.) for children and families. Its almost inevitable to not provide social work skills simultaneously.

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[tjackslucky7]

As long as your licensed or working towards your license...(LMHC/LCSW/LMFT, etc.) the state of Indiana will most likely hire. Has to do mostly with billing, money, medicaid and medicare...

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[MSSTRONG]

I am now doing research for graduate degree of MSW,and notice that MSW seems to be much wilder in range and span as i have noticed that there are several colleges that have division of marrige orientation which is listed under MSW.In this way,and only in this way can i make such haste conclusion that MSW seems better.