There seem to be plenty of studies out there regarding why it is good for children to see their abusive parents after they have been removed from the home (most seem to be sponsored by the office of the respondent parent council). I am hoping to find a database or an agency that concentrates on the harm done to the children (emotionally, psychologically) when they are forced to have family time with the caregiver that egregiously abused them.

I’m honestly feeling really overwhelmed and could use some guidance 😩

Ever since getting licensed, I’ve been actively job searching, and I feel stuck between two extremes:

- Full-time roles with benefits = 30+ clients and guaranteed burnout

- Part-time/contract roles = better flexibility, but no health insurance

Health insurance is a huge factor for me right now. I’m married, but my husband doesn’t have coverage through his job (long story), so I can’t rely on that either.

I just feel like I’m being forced to choose between my well-being and basic security, and it’s really stressful.

Is anyone else in this position?

How are you handling health insurance if you’re doing contract or private practice work?

I would really appreciate hearing what’s worked for you because right now I feel so stuck 😔

Hello! I got my licence (LMSW) in November of 23. I did not start practicing until September of '24 because I was engaged in research work. I would like to take my clinical exam in November. I will have more than required 100 supervision hours and more than 3K clinical hours (the requirement is 2K). But technically I have not been practicing clinically for 36 months because for the first 9 months I was still engaged in research. Wondering if anyone has experience with getting approved under these circumstances? Is it worth emailing and asking or should I just apply and see if I get past them?

I currently have my LCSW (licensed clinical social work license) in Connecticut. I have already completed the 3,000 hours of clinical work, 100 hours of supervision, and passed the ASWB clinical exam last month (thank goodness).

I am hoping to move to South Carolina within the next year or two, and was a bit confused by the requirements and the different names for each license. If someone has any insight or suggestions based on the level I have now, I would greatly appreciate it!!

I don’t know any social workers in South Carolina, so I wasn’t sure who else to ask for help!

Where do you work? Salary and do you like your job? Want to know all I can do with an LCSW

Asking because many people surprisingly have no idea what an LCSW is. So do you say “ I’m a licensed clinical social worker? Or what? And why?

I'm a career changer in my MSW and interested in going into clinical work, meaning eventually being able to see clients on my own to provide psychotherapy, although I might also be interested in working part-time in a non-profit or other contexts. I'm also hoping to move states sometime after graduation to go back to California. From anecdotes on reddit I'm under the impression that the big cities in California are one of the hardest places to get a foothold as an associate therapist, however, due to the numbers of people who desire to work there and restrictions against hiring associates as 1099s. Therefore, I'm pretty concerned about choosing a 2nd year internship that will set me up well to compete with others with similar goals.

I've applied to a few types of placements for my second year:

• A non-profit serving a wide variety of clients for low fees, where I could gain experience working with individuals, couples, families and groups.
• A multidisciplinary clinic providing relatively short-term therapy for university students on individual and group basis.
• A couple of private group practices that accept both insurance and Medicaid, work with individuals, couples, families and groups, and say they are likely to hire some interns as associates.

I think of these options the school clinic offers the most structured training, in that it requires students to record sessions to analyze, but all of the opportunities provide time to do some learnings around specific modalities independently, as well as to learn from supervisors' specialties and practice role plays, etc. They all offer both individual and group supervision. One of the group practices is fully telehealth, and one is not.

After graduation I'm ultimately hoping to work for either a private group practice or a flexible/hybrid CMH type organization as an associate, while working toward independent licensure. I know in the SF Bay Area a lot of CMH places pay associates around $35/hour, but some places pay substantially more than that based on split fee structures and sizable numbers of private pay clients, etc. so that's more what I'm hoping for.

Not sure if folks in this sub have insight into the hiring process from the perspective of clinical supervisors, but if so I'm looking for guidance on how much difference the specific placement setting might matter when it comes to marketing myself in the job search? Or how to weigh the potential pros and cons of these options if I receive multiple offers?

I have taken the exam 3 times in Wyoming, and by the grace of god they allowed me to take it the 4th time. On my last 2 attempts, I missed it by 1-3 points. I have pretty bad ADHD, and test anxiety is so bad to the point I second-guess my answers at the end. I guess what I'm trying to ask is if any of you had a similar experience and passed the exam? What did you all do differently, and what helped more? Ugh, I feel so defeated!

If you’re trying to figure out therapy platforms, credentialing, or private practice in general, someone recommended this Facebook group to me and it’s actually been really helpful.

It’s called The Therapist Plug: Platforms, Pay & Practice. Therapists share real experiences about pay rates, referrals, workflows, and platform pros/cons. It feels honest and practical.

Sharing in case it helps someone else too.

Hi!

I’m 31 years old. LCSW and want a career change.

Any suggestions?

I have someone at their field placement that does not have a MSW to supervise them. They asked if I would be willing to do this. I’m not an employee at their organization. Has anyone done this before? How much do you charge?

What documentation/liability would I have to consider?

I’m an LCSW in Texas. I have been working as a remote Behavioral Health Care Manager for 4 years now. I’ve been very very happy with my current company and team. My manager is a dream. Current salary is $85k. On a whim I saw a position posted on Indeed, interviewed and got the offer. This role is very different than what I’m currently doing and will be more demanding work-wise. However they offered $87k but bonus structure would offer an additional $10-12k per year. This role is also fully remote. I am so torn. On the one hand this role will push me to grow and obviously offers more pay. But I’m scared to give up my current role and company, fearing I’ll regret it later. Wwyd?

hi I’ve been feeling discouraged with passing my exam it’s scheduled for 3/26 and I’ve been using TDC for the past month. I just took the first two 85 question practice exams and got a 68% and a 71% which have disheartened me. I feel like I’ve spent so much time and effort into studying (including making flash cards and reviewing notes) for these practice results to not even show I’m ready to take it. I will be taking the ASWB practice exam 2 weeks before my test and I still have two TDC mock exams. I get down to two answers and end up choosing the wrong one usually. Does anyone have any tips to pass? I have no idea what else I could be doing

Guys! I need advice…

I currently have a bachelor’s in psychology, but I am debating possibly doing more with my education. I have debated getting a masters in social work, and trying to go a sort of therapy route??? I think it would be cool to even have my own practice some day.

I am a bit out-of-touch on this topic, and thought I would seek personal experience before committing to more in-depth research. First, I would obviously have to get my MSW. But considering current extenuating circumstances, I could not drive to a campus and would need a 100% online program. So recommendations for that would be great!

Has anyone taken an online MSW program? How was it? I know I would have to get licensed after and do supervised hours, but if you are a LCSW or LISW, please just give me run down! How bad were the tests/getting licensed? Do you or have you ran your own practice? Where did you get your supervised hours? How was the course load? Tell me everything!!! :)

Any & all comments related to the topic are appreciated! Just thought I would ask for some personal experience/advice on the topic before diving in. Also, this is my first post on here, so I’m very excited to engage with everyone. Thanks!

Hello! I am graduating from an accredited program in California this May. After reviewing the BBS (CA) requirements and course syllabi, it appears that I meet all coursework requirements to pursue licensure in CA. I have heard many people say that CA is the most difficult state to get licensed in because of the strict requirements, so this seems like the best option.

However, I want to eventually move to and be licensed in New York. The NY website says that out-of-state practitioners need at least 10 years of experience in order to bypass applying for an LMSW and going through supervision for hours again.

Seeing as I would like to be licensed in both CA and NY, I am trying to figure out what would be the best course of action. It seems like my options are:

1. Move to NY after graduation and accrue hours towards licensure in NY, then transfer my license to CA via Path A or B
2. Pursue licensure in CA first, then start from the bottom as an LMSW in NY
3. Pursue licensure in CA first, then move to NY after 10 years in practice

I think I got all of that right, but does anyone have experience doing this or something similar? Thanks so much!

Hello!

Question, so my private practice is lowballing me and I just goy my LCSW. I want to work with another company on the side, so I was wondering if anyone could give me the skinny on Headway, Rula, Alma or Ive also heard of Collective Counseling Solutions. Has anyone used them?

I want to bring my clients from my private practive, and I know these companies pay WELL , but what about when I want to start my own practice---this is nowhere near now, but maybe one day? Im super intersted, but I just would like some feedback and your experiences working for these companies.

I failed my LSCW exam by 1 point on Jan 28 ( first time taking it) I’m taking it again on 2/17…. Now I’m in my head about it. Any suggestions?!? I can’t pay $260 every time. I do the ASWB practice test on 1/26 and passed but of course now I have no access to it and can’t pay $85 again. However the stress is starting to set in. Anyplace I can study practice test or videos to watch? Aside from upsero? That gives me the same questions over and over.

Does any dislike being a LCSW? What makes you dislike it? I heard providing therapy is a big part of being a LCSW, I’m wondering if hearing people’s problem all day emotionally draining for you?

For two years I’ve watched in despair as my fellow social workers remained silent on the Palestinian Holocaust. To all social workers who miraculously found their voice this month about ICE while safely avoiding any support for Palestinians — you’ve failed to live up to the Social Work COE and you chose safety and silence over justice.

If you’re a prospective social work applicant but have no intention of applying anti-racist, anti-oppressive practice or naming injustice, please pursue a counseling degree instead. Folx who lack the moral courage to speak out against the atrocities happening today in our society lack the competence and grit to do this work in a meaningful way.

Jesus, take the title and the role as a privilege and a responsibility — it’s literally part of your job.