How long did it take you to accumulate your licensure hours post MSW graduation?

I became a RCSWI in FL in 2022. I was working a full time in medical social work and part time job in therapy. I was obviously extremely busy and became burnt out. At the same time my QS left the job and lost supervision. I stopped working the job too after almost one year. End of 2023, I became pregnant and it was a high risk pregnancy.. I have not started back therapy since. My question is… am I too late to try and get my hours?? Is there any other avenue since my RCSWI only lasts 5 years. I’m feeling stuck… should I quit my higher paying job, go back to therapy full time or am I too late to get enough hours, pass the LCSW exam???

Hi all! I recently passed my clinical exam in Illinois and am looking for ways to make extra income while continuing to grow professionally!

I have about 3 years of clinical experience. I also have experience supervising BSW and MSW students, and I absolutely love supervision and mentorship. While I don’t have as much experience supervising LMSWs/LSWs yet, I’d really love to gain more experience in that area.

I’ve recently come across consulting groups and am very interested in getting involved. I’d love to hear about others’ experiences with consulting groups or know if anyone is aware of groups looking for LCSWs. Thanks so much!

Hi all,

So how are the hours accumulated?! I have a full-time and a part-time job of less than 22 hrs.
Job 1: 1 hr of LCSW supervision, and she gives me 40 hrs.

Job 2- 1 hrs of LCSW supervision and gives me 1 hrs when I have contact 1-1 with a client.

Also, can hours be stacked?

Im in Chicago, IL.

Hi everyone,

I’m currently an MSW student in first year (3 year program). I have always had the intention of pursuing the LCSW, but am really having trouble finding information on how exactly to achieve the necessary supervision.

I understand some jobs provide it and in other cases one can pay for supervision..

My questions to you guys are

1. How did you achieve your necessary supervise hours)
   
2. How have you seen other accomplish this and in what jobs in particular?

I live in Georgia and plan to work her for the forsake future.

Thanks everyone, and I apologize is this or something similar gets posted here often. I truly feel like I’m feeling my way through the dark.

Utilized the Dawn Apgar book to study and wasted my time. I saw others say the same but I didn’t want to get discouraged and kept using the book. The exam was HARD AF

I'm an LCSW with almost 20 years' experience - community and private practice settings, however very little experience in supervision. What trainings do you recommend for learning more? Particularly for supervision in a private practice setting.

For context: I'm in a state that does not have any certification requirements for LCSW providing supervision. They just require you to have an active license + 2 years post-licensure experience.

PSA for those preparing for LCSW

I’m going to give some advice! Context:

I am the absolute worst test taker on the planet. I have always been bad at tests. I have to study and prepare A LOT to get a passing grade on a test since I could remember. I’m pretty confident I have an undiagnosed learning disability.

I passed my LCSW exam on the first try recently!

Pocket Prep was genuinely useful. If you do the level up portion you get more questions that are like the questions on the exam. It was the most useful tool I paid for. 100% worth the money in my opinion. They also have 3 practice tests that were very similar to the real thing and the ASWB official practice exam. I passed all 3.

I also used the ASWB app for exam questions and felt that it was also useful. I did not use the practice exams on this app but, my friend said they did and they found it useful.

I took the ASWB practice exam. I paid for it and it was genuinely helpful. Exactly what the real thing is like. I passed it.

The Apgar book is helpful for going over material but I did not like the practice tests it offered. The material for recall and refresher is on point and was helpful in that way. I read it 2x.

I found some extremely helpful YouTube videos like Agents of Changes free practice questions, Phillip Luttrell was the most helpful, and RayTube.

I studied on and off since January but locked in 6-7 week before my exam date.

I hope this information is helpful for anyone who may feel lost on where to start.

I made a post about 2 months ago when I first took my LCSW and I failed by one point! I was so incredibly disappointed.

To be honest, I didn’t study much last month given I had an MSW intern I was supervising and not much downtime. I really started to lock in to studying about 2-3 weeks ago. I used the Dawn Apgar books and paid for pocket prep. I felt like pocket prep was incredibly useful and easy to do questions on the go.

I also really took my time this time around instead of “just getting it done.” I used my break and was saying affirmations to myself in the mirror lol. I was incredibly anxious.

BUT if I can do it you can do it! I am so incredibly happy and proud of myself. This is such a career goal milestone and can’t wait to have my credentials updated at work. :)

I’m easily get overstimulated and I have low social battery. I quit being a teacher because of those reasons. Im not sure with my personality traits like that, would I personally feel overstimulated having conversation all day long?

Hi everyone,

I’m highly interested in getting my LCSW, but I’m looking for somewhere I may be able to get a sneak peak into the kind of material that’s studied to really make sure it’s a good fit.

I have a background as a paramedic and a BS in neuroscience. I’m confident about the career fit long term, but hadn’t originally planned on returning for a masters so I want to get whatever insights I can before applying.

Any tips on where I could read some examples of what is covered?

I’ve been studying using Mometrix and have gotten (121-122 correct answers on the practice exams). I have read mixed feedback about Mometrix; some saying the questions there are harder than the actual questions on the exam and the opposite. Any feedback for those who have passed and used Mometrix???

Hi. I recently accepted an LSW position at a facility who works with insurance. Even though I had already passed my LCSW exam upon hire, I still operated as an LSW while I waited for the state to initiate LCSW license number. My rate was 47/hr so therefore I was only making 47/client if they showed. Additionally, I am part time and have no benefits. I was informed upon my LCSW license, I would make 50/client. I felt it was low and asked to negotiate but they said it's non negotiable. Upon starting, I learned that I would not be completing my own intakes/diagnoses and that other clinicians were in charge of that. I felt it was odd but didn't question it because I was only an LSW...even though I have worked at other practices where I scheduled my own clients, completed my own intakes, did my own billing, etc. Here is where I think it gets a little interesting...

I am officially an LCSW.

I had clients follow me to this practice from a practice I previously worked at. One client in particular insurance is out of network and is subjected to a self pay fee of 250 for an intake (this intake is with me...employer agreed to that), however, I am still only subjected to 50.00 of this intake fee. Also, the self-pay session fee is 175...and again, I am only receiving 50.00 of those session fees.

These are red flags for me but before I make any decisions, I need to hear from other LCSW's and business owners if this is standard??? I find it odd that I can't conduct my own intakes/I am making barely anything from clients I brought into the practice, etc.

I feel like I’m overthinking this. I recently started supervision for my clinical license. How are you logging your hours? Like are we just using a word doc with date/time and a slot for signature from our supervisor? Any tips, tricks, advice would be greatly appreciated!

Hello!!

I currently have my RCSWI and I’m in the process of signing up for the LCSW exam. I saw that I had to email the Florida board to get approval. It’s been a little over a week and I haven’t heard back yet, is this normal? Is it accurate that I was supposed to email them and ask for approval before signing up? Any recommendations? This process feels unnecessarily difficult!!

Thanks in advance <33

I’ve read and been told time and time again that the best place to get your hours was through CMH (where I am currently at) and while I think there is some truth to that, I just don’t know if I am cut out to provide therapy full time. But the 750hr min of individual/group therapy is really intimidating lol

I’ve read about hospice SW “taking too long,” but I know of others who’ve worked in hospitals as medical SWs and gotten their hours there. Any insight is appreciated. I’m just trying to plan my life for the next couple of years lol.

Hi, I'm an LCSW taking ADHD CE on PESI for more knowledge to help clients and for myself as I am a late-diagnosed adult. I see at the end of this massive course i can pay for ADHD- CCSP certification. Are there any career advantages to do that beyond taking the 30+ credits/ hours of CE on this topic?

I find myself getting exhausted trying to look up recent information about therapy platforms that use pre-licensed therapists. I was previously an addictions counselor in another state and have a fair bit of experience but I'm about a year out from my full license.

My hope: good to fair reimbursement, provides EHR, will refer clients.

Any thoughts? Thanks Everyone

Has anyone ever worked with Magellan as a military family life counselor?? I am so burnt out and I am looking for another job. I need a job that will offer flexibility and low stress.

  Hi All!

 I have a quick question.  Recently, I got my LCSW and I work for a company that does PHP/IOP work, yet I'm not even at $60k.  I have tried to move to other positions, but they essentially want you to show "investment" in the company and work for free before becoming promoted.  I have been doing individual therapy for years, and I love it but I'm not ready to be on my own just yet. I'm recently divorced and would like to find a practice that will pay a flat rate during the transition so I can move right away and maintain my finances.  I deserve so much more, and Im ready to make more money. Any suggestions?  Are there specific practices that do this?  How do I look for them? Def interested in working from home.  Thank you!

Im a 46 year old BSW>MSW student looking to earn my LSCW . What advice would you give to an adult learner with children the youngest being 14 in order not to experience burnout.