LCSW VS LPC

Thu, Sep 3, 2020 | HLCTN Editorial Team

LCSW VS LPC

Which is More Preferable?

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) have a few similarities in function however there are very important differences between the two of them.

These differences set them apart from each other.

However, the question of which is more preferable is left for you to decide after seeing their various features and differences.

The educational requirements for counseling and social work are different. Nevertheless, they are both interdependent and one often requires some knowledge and skills of the other, in a work setting.

For instance, you need an MSW degree to become an LCSW. An LPC also requires a master’s degree in counseling as well.

Licensed professional counselor (LPC) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

The LPC and LMHC are distinct titles for the same profession in mental health.

Both titles need substantial qualifications and training.

These titles are very well protected and have a certain prestige different form the normal counseling degree. The word counselor is the same as an advisor and includes several groups including clergy and spiritual counselors and financial advisors.

While there are a lot of people who are gifted and proficient in counseling may even have professional qualifications, without the license, the opportunities for practicing their profession is highly limited.

This can be solved by getting an LPC or LMHC depending on your location. The two qualifications provide a unique method of mental health that is focused on individuals and relies on a collective methodology.

The basic method used in LPC and LMHC involves working with the patient to establish a cordial relationship to understand the needs of the patient. Afterward, the therapist develops a series of therapies geared toward changing how the patient makes their decision.

Most times, LPCs work with the patients internally to help them see how they can change the situation in their lives.

To Learn More on How to Start & Grow Your Solo Practice, Join Our Therapist Network!

Characteristics of
LPC or LMHC

Characteristics of LPC or LMHC

  • You need a mini of a master’s degree in counseling in addition to having a few years of supervised experience.
  • LPC’s and LMHCs work collectively with their patients to help them maximize the therapy sessions and achieve the best results.
  • These titles refer only to individuals who have been licensed by a state board to provide those counseling services.
  • These licenses require higher degrees and qualifications.
  • All LPCs must abide by high ethical and confidentiality standards. Before a license is given, individuals will be asked to sign an oath. The therapists within the Honey Lake Clinic Therapist Network prides themselves on abiding by very high ethical standards.
  • They can be directly involved with their patients.
  • They can gain access to a wider field of research methodologies for mental health therapy.
LCSW VS LPC

The Licensed Clinical
Social Worker (LCSW)

The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

LCSW is a division of social work that deals with mental health therapy using counseling.

Before getting this license, you should have a master’s degree in social work from a CSWE accredited institution.

The requirements are different in all stages, but a master’s degree and postgraduate experience are needed.

For the final step, you will be asked to write and pass an ASWB approved national clinical work exam.

The LCSW uses a strength-based approach in dealing with patients. This approach requires the patient to evaluate their situation.

The method examines their internal and external factors in their lives and helps them discover their strengths and weaknesses. This is what sets social apart from other disciplines when it comes to dealing with mental health.

When these parameters have been taken, the therapist uses the patient’s strengths and uses them as a basis to deal with and improve on their weaknesses.

After this stage, the therapist and the patient collectively draft new strategies that will help to bring changes in the patient’s life.

Characteristics of LCSW

  • A minimum of a master’s degree in social work is required.
  • This title refers to licensed individuals approved by a state board to offer metal therapy suing the methodologies of social work.
  • All LCSWs must abide by all the high ethical and confidentiality standards required. Licensed individuals also have to sign an oath.
  • The LCSWs can be directly engaged with their patients in private practice. They can also be leaders in research being conducted in a university.
  • LCSWs can also evaluate and analyze the mental health of their patients.
  • They also can prescribe the best form of treatment based on the present clinical trends in the field of social work.
  • The two qualifications may be different, but they do share a few similarities and they are both geared towards helping people find solutions to the problems in their lives. If you have an interest in counselling and a background in psychology or social work, these are two licenses that will give you the freedom to practice your profession.

To Learn More on How to Start & Grow Your Solo Practice, Join Our Therapist Network!

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.