Question about MSW Program Terminology/Jargon

[Goobernut]

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Greetings everyone!

I have a question about MSW program terminology. My goal is to be a therapist and work with the military/military family population so I've pretty much settled on eventually going for the LCSW (for now).

I was looking at the MSW program in my home state (ahhh it'd be nice to go back for a little while 😳 ) but I'm not so suuuuure that the MSW program there has much of a clinical foundation. They have two tracks. One is the "Direct Practice" which focuses on the micro and mezzo levels, and the "Community Practice" that focuses on the (you guessed it) macro level. There is no mention of a clinically focused track. I have reasearched many other universities that have specific "clinical tracks" or clinical concentrations.

My question is what exactly does direct practice mean? I've looked up direct practice on several websites, and a lot of them seem to contradict each other. I looked up an MSW program at another university that had "direct practice" track listed on their website with no clinical track. The description reads exactly as if it were a clinical program. I'm hoping direct practice is social work code speak for therapy to individuals, but I'm tired of researching (and was really hoping to return back to my home state some day) so I could be biased lol. Also, what exactly is "generalist practice"? I think it means geared toward advocacy and community issues etc. instead of the clinical, or micro level. But again, not reallly 100% sure.

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

 

[Slugathor]

Yea, ya gotta be careful with the wording and basically look at the courses and course descriptions. Look for any classes that would be in a psychology and psychiatric nurse np program (here is an example: http://www.nyu.edu/socialwork/our.programs/msw.course.html). Generalist practice is just a term to describe a program that introduces you to a little bit of everything, with a bit of a macro emphasis (mine is an "advanced generalist" which is pretty much the same thing, although my school is trying to shift emphasis now).

Also, keep in mind that faculty, practicum sites, and availability matter a great deal. You can get into a awesome program, but if there is fierce competition for good sites and you get stuck with two "human services" sites, you are three ways up fail creek (will be very hard to find anyone willing to supervise you without any prerequisite experience unless you have networked like crazy). Talk to the program director, teachers, students, and anyone else related to the program; gotta get all social worky now 🙂

From what I am reading, it seems like your terminal goal is to work one on one with clients. The MSW/LCSW is the right way to go. Our all powerful lobby is working on getting most one on one/group psychotherapy work to master level clinicians (with LCSWs being preferred, the others are having a hard time getting recognized in many states)

Also, since you want to work with the military, call the VAs near all the schools you wish to apply to. Make sure that they have practicum spots for your future school (see if you can find out about preference as well). Consider US Vets and Red Cross as well (make sure the Red Cross is physically on the base).

Hopefully this gives you a base to start on. I am only halfway through a "advanced generalist" program here in Hawaii, so hopefully those that have finished a clinical based program can help you more.

 

[Goobernut]

Thanks for your reply! You are correct, my terminal goal is to work one on one.

I'm glad you specifically mentioned the bit about practicum. I was hesitant to write the school and ask "Hey, you think your program will prepare me for a clinical license?" LOL But asking about how many clinical sites they work with, and what are the requirements etc seems like a much better place to start.