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Clinical social worker near me, licensed LCSWs who provide therapy

Licensed clinical social workers are among the most common providers of therapy in the United States. They hold a master's degree in social work, complete supervised clinical practice and are licensed by their state to provide psychotherapy. Here you can learn what the LCSW license means, how the title differs by state and how to search for a clinical social worker near you. Searching NearbyTherapy is free for patients and no account is needed.

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What the LCSW license means

Social work as a profession looks at people within their wider circumstances: family, community, work, housing and access to services. Clinical social workers add advanced training in assessment and psychotherapy to that wider view. In practice, an LCSW in private practice often provides the same kinds of individual, couples, family and group therapy that other licensed therapists do.

Not every social worker is a clinical social worker. Many social workers work in case management, child welfare, schools or policy. The clinical license is the one that allows independent psychotherapy practice, and it is the credential to look for if therapy is what you want.

How clinical social workers train

The general path, with details set by each state, looks like this.

  • A Master of Social Work (MSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, including supervised field placements.
  • Post master's supervised clinical experience, commonly about two years and a few thousand hours, under a licensed clinical supervisor.
  • Passing the Clinical exam from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).
  • Continuing education to renew the license.

Many clinicians practice with an intermediate license while gaining hours. In New York, for example, the LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) comes before the LCSW.

Title variations by state

TitleStands forWhere you may see it
LCSWLicensed Clinical Social WorkerNew York, California, Texas, Illinois, Arizona and most states
LICSWLicensed Independent Clinical Social WorkerMassachusetts, Washington, Minnesota, the District of Columbia
LCSW-CLicensed Certified Social Worker, ClinicalMaryland
LISWLicensed Independent Social WorkerOhio and some other states

These titles describe licenses at a similar clinical level, but each state defines its own rules. The state board is the authority on what a given title allows.

Details not yet confirmed by the provider. Call to ask about insurance and fees.

What LCSWs generally can and cannot do

Licensed clinical social workers generally assess, diagnose and treat mental health conditions through psychotherapy, within the limits of their state's law. Many are also skilled at connecting clients with community resources and navigating systems such as schools, benefits or health care, which reflects their social work background.

LCSWs do not prescribe medication. Formal psychological testing is usually provided by psychologists. When medication is involved, LCSWs often coordinate with psychiatrists, primary care physicians or psychiatric nurse practitioners. Our article on LCSW vs psychologist compares the two licenses side by side.

How to check an LCSW license

  • Get the license number, title and state from the profile or the clinician.
  • Search the state board website: the Office of the Professions in New York, the Board of Behavioral Sciences in California, the Behavioral Health Executive Council in Texas, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation in Illinois or the Board of Behavioral Health Examiners in Arizona.
  • Confirm the license is active and check for any public actions.
  • Search the NPI in the NPPES NPI Registry to see the provider's name, taxonomy and practice address.

Every registry listing on NearbyTherapy shows the NPI and, when present, the license number and state. Claimed profiles carry a License verified badge.

What to ask a clinical social worker

  • Are you fully licensed as an LCSW, or practicing under supervision?
  • What kinds of concerns and age groups do you work with?
  • Which therapy approaches do you use?
  • Can you help with referrals to other services if I need them?
  • Do you offer online sessions, and are you licensed in my state?
  • Do you accept my insurance, Medicaid or a sliding scale fee?

Cost and coverage

Clinical social workers are widely in network with commercial insurers and many state Medicaid programs, and many also offer self pay rates. Read therapist near me that takes Medicaid, the therapist that takes insurance guide and therapy without insurance.

Is an LCSW a real therapist?

Yes. A licensed clinical social worker is licensed by the state to provide psychotherapy, and LCSWs make up a large share of therapists in private practice and clinics.

What is the difference between an LMSW and an LCSW?

In states such as New York, the LMSW is the license held after the MSW and a licensing exam. The LCSW comes after further supervised clinical experience and allows independent clinical practice.

Can an LCSW prescribe medication?

No. LCSWs provide therapy. Medication is prescribed by physicians or psychiatric nurse practitioners.

How do I check a social worker's license?

Use the license lookup on your state board website and search the NPI in the NPPES NPI Registry. Both are public.

When you need help right away

NearbyTherapy is not a crisis or emergency service. If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline). In an emergency, call 911. Visit our crisis page for more resources.

Search clinical social workers near you

Enter your city or ZIP code and choose LCSW to see licensed clinical social workers in your area. Free for patients, no account needed.

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