What's a licensed clinical social worker

[Prototypian]

I was able to Google the term and read about what they do but I'm a bit nervous.   My company rolled out a concierge service of mental health and it included evaluations and matching with doctors.   I took advantage for my meds since my psychiatry doctor charges quite a bit off network.  The new doc went through the list of things I was feeling and doing including the discussion of my spouse being uOCPD and the family being afraid of her outbursts and she said I needed to restart counseling for my own mental health.   That's all fine with me but the match up came with a list of licensed clinical social workers.  Is the concern that I need more than counseling?   I realize none of you know what Im talking about besides this post on a forum but I've been fighting depression, self harm ideation and a fight or flight mode from my spouse for years.  I'm just worried about the licensed clinical social worker being less of a therapist and more of someone with social work power over me and my home.   

I'm a senior leader at a couple of companies and have a lot of people who depend on me so I didn't want a court style case to come out of this.

[Poison Ivy]

Licensed clinical social workers can work in a variety of roles and for a variety of employers.

Here is a definition of "social worker" from my (U.S.) state's laws: "Social worker" means an individual who is certified or licensed as a social worker, advanced practice social worker, independent social worker, or clinical social worker under ch. 457 or an individual reasonably believed by the patient to be a social worker, advanced practice social worker, independent social worker, or clinical social worker.

The statute in which this definition appears deals with confidentiality of communications, and it states the following: A patient has a privilege to refuse to disclose and to prevent any other person from disclosing confidential communications made or information obtained or disseminated for purposes of diagnosis or treatment of the patient's physical, mental or emotional condition, among the patient, the patient's physician, the patient's podiatrist, the patient's registered nurse, the patient's chiropractor, the patient's psychologist, the patient's social worker, the patient's marriage and family therapist, the patient's professional counselor or persons, including members of the patient's family, who are participating in the diagnosis or treatment under the direction of the physician, podiatrist, registered nurse, chiropractor, psychologist, social worker, marriage and family therapist or professional counselor."

I think licensed clinical social workers can provide very competent therapy. You can ask any therapist to confirm that all communication will be confidential.

[hhaw]

Good mental health professionals come in many forms.

LCSW can be just as helpful as any other IF they're trustworthy and you respond well to their style, etc.

I believe you'd benefit most from a Trauma Informed T, no matter what the education, and one particularly with Buddhist leanings so their ego isn't involved.

It's difficult to find a T who's doing their own work and able to keep judgments out of the client therapist relationship, IME, but imperative as I understand that relationship, so ask about their background, if they're informed about new trauma therapies and practicing Buddhism.  Can't hurt if it makes sense to you.

You deserve to have a compassionate witness walking with you through your difficult situation.  You deserve 3d support you can count on and access regularly.  Choosing the right T isn't always easy, so make appointments to interview many and like I said..... trauma informed is important, IME.

[JustKeepTrying]

I asked my best friend and son in law to clarify what a LCSW can do in situation where they are provided by a corporation for mental health.  This is a move many companies put in place in light of the current worker shortage and pandemic stresses. 

I was told that yes they do provide therapy but probably not at the level the people on this forum would need.  They provide light therapy for work stress, pandemic depression, change of life stress, etc.  Some trauma but most is related to the pandemic.

What they can do is point you in a direction though.  If they can't provide it, they will have access to lists and supports and agencies that perhaps can provide you with services you weren't aware of and could make your life easier.

Or not.  It's your choice.

[Kat54]

I work for a Psych Hospital, and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker provides therapy to patients. We use LCSW's, LMHC's (licensed mental health counselors) as therapists. But what hhaw said you should maybe look for a therapist that has experience with trauma. Many have varying degrees of specialty or are broad in the type of care but you have to look around.   
Good luck!

[1footouttadefog]

I was under the impresssion they were sort of interchangeable regarding therapy.

You either find a match or you don't.  It's also possible that a LCSW could have more experience with trauma and PDs if they worked in helping families and such with the fallout from PD abuse.

Just look until you find a match for you.  You hBe been helped In the past so there can be optimism that you will find a counselor that can help again.

I hope you find your to a better situation soon. 

[athene1399]

I think it may vary by state, so I can only speak for sure about NY. An LCSW gets licensed after three years of clinical experience under an LCSW who supervises them. They have to track their supervisor and clinical hours to apply for the state licensing exam. The LCSW exam focuses on behavioral theories, personality development theories, child development theories, treatment techniques and diagnosing. They can have a trauma background. It really depends on the individual. They also have a tendency to take a holistic approach, focusing on social and family background and how that shapes the individual ( that may depend on their school program though). After they have their license for I think three years there is a certain amount of trainings they have to take each year to keep the license.

I have my LMSW which means I have my Masters degree in social work and have passed the LMSW licensing exam for the state.  I am working on getting the LCSW license. I currently do mental health and substance use counseling and am learning as much as I can about treating trauma. But anyone can choose the area they want to focus on or learn more about.

I hope this is helpful.