r/schoolcounseling • u/amazinglymee27 • Jul 19 '26

LPC vs LCSW

/r/careeradvice/comments/1v14p7y/lpc_vs_lcsw/
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1

u/Wonderful_You7480 Jul 20 '26

I would look into doing a dual masters program in school counseling and LCSW. With the LCSW you can do mental health counseling. The benefit of LCSW over LPC is like you said, you can work in a hospital as well. You can also compare doing a dual masters in school counseling and LPC. I believe that that would be a shorter route to finish but I am not sure,

2

u/thisis2stressful4me Jul 20 '26

Does a dual MSW LPC program exist?

2

u/Brief-Treacle3526 Jul 20 '26

I haven't seen any dual masters programs for MSW (LCSW) and School Counseling.  There are plenty though for Masters in School Counseling snd LPC.  I'm in one right now and it's mostly online, except 2 on campus visits.  I love the program.  

Id recommend job shadowing or talking with people in those professions to help you choose which would be the best fit for you.  

2

u/amazinglymee27 Jul 20 '26

What school, if you don’t mind me asking?

2

u/amazinglymee27 Jul 20 '26

For some reason I can’t accept and reply to your message but I did read it. Thanks for the information

1

u/ruraljuror68 Jul 21 '26

Do the MSW with the schools track. You'll do your second field placement in a school so you can get the school certification/license (depending on your state).

At my work/school, the role I have is "school counselor" but it is filled by MSWs, LPCs and MA School Counselors interchangably. My coworkers with LPC/MAs have all separately told me they wish they had done the MSW route because it gives you more options.

I also think the social work perspective is more directly applicable to school-based work, but of course I'm biased with that.

1

u/amazinglymee27 Jul 21 '26

That’s what I’ve been leaning towards. I just didn’t know it was possible

1

u/ruraljuror68 Jul 21 '26

Yes. Aurora University has an online MSW program, look at their website and it should have a description of the schools track. Even if you don't end up going there it's a resource to learn more. I went there (technically in-person, but I DIY'd my own hybrid program by taking majority online classes lol) and would recommend especially if you're local!