Social Workers Trapped by Licensing Limits
130 posts across 14 communities in the last 30 days; 67% from r/socialwork.
“I work a case management job right now. I help people deal with crises many days, I help people learn to problem solve and behavior change. There’s a lot of motivational interviewing involved, and no two days are the same. But I don’t make enough money (my degrees are social…”
“transition to 3rd year has been difficult mostly in terms of how to organize my outpatient notes. I’m struggling to keep pertinent positives on my notes to copy forward so I can remember about my patient without digging in the chart but then it starts making me re copy and paste…”
“I'm currently in my first semester of a graduate program, not for social work but it's still a helping profession (speech language pathology). The problem is that the more I think about it and the more I spend time in practicum, the less confident I am that I will be satisfied…”
Social workers across various career stages express a pervasive sense of uncertainty and lack of fulfillment. This stems from issues like restrictive licensing, limited career paths beyond therapy, difficulty finding suitable placements, and questioning the initial career choice itself, often compounded by challenging work environments and personal circumstances.
SOURCES (60)
“Has anyone here made the switch from social work (specifically the LCSW route) to nursing, or seriously considered it? I recently graduated with my MSW and am currently working toward my LCSW. I work in community mental health doing intake assessments and crisis work. I…”
“Anyone who had left the behavioral health field successfully, where did you go? I only have a BS, not licenses or secondary degrees. I worked inpatient psych for several years and now work in mental health crisis/988. I'm honestly over it and need a change, but after almost 12 years in the field, where do I go with this experience? submitted by /u/livslowdiewhenever [link] [comments]”
“I will most likely be relocating to a city in south-eastern Ohio, which borders both Pennsylvania and West Virginia. I’m have an MSW and am licensed in Ohio as an LSW (not clinically licensed and not working towards it). I currently do hospice work which I would love and would really ideally like to stay in, but unfortunately as I’ve been looking at jobs in the city we’d be moving to, (Steubenville, OH) there aren’t a lot of options. Because the city so closely borders West Virginia and Pennsylv”
“I am a mental health therapist and I just want a break from the field or leave entirely - not sure . But it seems like changing careers would mean going back to school or a lot of other jobs require experience. Is there anything helping profession adjacent? I don't even know.. submitted by /u/healinghelichrysum [link] [comments]”
“I have some nonprofit development experience but I worry as I graduate grad school I won’t be able to get a job. Should I look into other career paths? submitted by /u/ghikkkll [link] [comments]”
“For those of you working in hospital social work case management, what has your experience been like? I recently started my first position in this field, and really like it. However, my training experience has been limited. One of my trainers is an RN, and the other is an LMSW. At times, I get the impression that they are either too busy or simply do not want to be bothered with training. For context, this isn’t my first professional job. I’ve been working for more than 10 years and recently dec”
“I just passed my LMSW in TX and only have 3 years of experience working with children with disabilities as a care coordinator. I feel I can make the transition to this side of social work. Please share your job duties, schedule, pay rate and or any other info I should know. I’m being a big girl and I applied to 1 job for a IRF however they require 3 years of experience 😭 I hope my experience can be considered. I am willing to learn and ready for a challenge. Thank you 😊 submitted by  ”
“Hello! I‘m a therapist with a 4 yo and 2 year old and have spend the last year and a half working to transition into private practice for more flexibility. My hours and income are so unpredictable and yet I’m still paying full time care for the 4yo and part time for the 2yo. I currently take insurance to remain accessible but have wondered if the extra administrative burden is worthwhile. I’m in relatively HCOL southeastern city. If you are also a therapist do you mind sharing what you have lear”
“Pretty much what the title says. I'm in CA looking for a clinical role to gain my house towards licensure. It has been quite the struggle so far. There are very few clinical roles available and the ones I apply to are radio silent afterwards. I had one interview due to an employee referral and it was the perfect position for me and my areas of interest. I thought I did well in the interview, but I didn't get it. They said they had over 50 applicants. I guess I'm just looking to commi”
“Hey everyone! I'm currently working on a research methods assignment for my MSW program and need to collect a few survey responses from fellow grad students. I'm looking at how well we feel our graduate coursework actually prepares us for our future careers. Looking at things like whether the assignments and feedbck we're getting feel relevant to our future professions. It's a super short survey (about 5 minutes), open to current graduate students in any field. I'll only be u”
“Hi everyone, I’m looking for some advice about a career decision. I’m currently working in a permanent community mental health position earning around $63,000 with benefits. However, I’m unhappy in my current role and want to develop my clinical skills so I can become a stronger therapist. My current role is mostly case management in a group home and there has been a very high turnover. I am not applying the skills I learned from school. I previously worked at another agency in a counselling rol”
“Looking to crowdsource some ideas from the experts. I graduated with my MSW 2025. While studying I had two children, and parenthood is my current priority. I have not held a social work role aside from the two school-based internships. I am fortunate to have the privilege of being an at-home parent, yet I would Like to find ways to gather clinical skills and stay in the field while taking care of my kids. I am eligible for my LCSW (I’m in Massachusetts) but haven’t sat for it yet. my clinical in”
“I’m a school social worker in FL, and lately I’ve been feeling so frustrated and honestly hopeless. I’m constantly seeing professionals in other disciplines who either don’t know how to do their jobs, aren’t implementing interventions with fidelity, or are doing things that go against state and DOE policies. We’re talking about CHILDREN. Vulnerable children who depend on us to advocate for them and provide appropriate services. Yet I’m seeing supports that exist on paper but aren’t actually bein”
“Anyone with this experience? Currently practice psychotherapy. Although I enjoy it idk if I want to do this for the rest of life. I enjoy finances, real estate, investing. I have my real estate license, invest myself and have helped others invest in real estate. Plan to continue to do that. Wondering what others have done, experience, feedback, thoughts? submitted by /u/Faith-future1 [link] [comments]”
“So I've been at my new job at a SNF for 2 days and I have some thoughts. Just would love to hear from some other social workers. Graduated w my MSW in May and got my LMSW in July. Last year, I did my practicum at a hospital and loved it. Tried to get a hospital job in NYC the past few months, but they all wanted more experience, so I took a job at a pretty nice SNF. Obviously hoping to reapply to hospitals in 6 months or so. ANYWAYS. Is everyone negative and miserable everywhere? The girl tr”
“Hi everyone! I’m super interested in joining the military and becoming a social worker. I’m 26 years old and have a bachelor’s degree in social work, along with prior experience working in Child Protective Services (CPS). The one thing holding me back is that I have a young child and a husband with a stable job. I’m not sure how it would all work, but I want to be able to provide for my family while still being able to spend time with them and not be stationed too far away. I have a few question”
“Hello all, I am making this post in regard to my wife, as she is not on Reddit, but she asked me to make this post for her. My wife has done a lot of soul-searching career wise in the past year and has found her passion in social work and wants to pursue it. Where she would like some advice is between clinical and school social work. She is considering clinical for the pay and job security, but she feels educational social work is her true passion, but she says the caveat to that is inferior pay”
“Hi everyone! I have a master‘s in social work and a very extensive background in a wide range of social work jobs (past 10 years), plus 11 years as a trial attorney (indigent criminal defense) before that. I am working in utilization management now and my salary just isn’t enough, plus my employer requires me to live in a high-cost large city, so I’m looking at places now and they’re steep. I need part-time work until I find a new, higher-paying job. I have worked as a therapist in the past and”
“Has anyone here worked under the BHEARD grant in nyc? I would like to hear about personal experiences, opinions, and thoughts. The good, the bad, the ugly. I am considering applying for the role, but I am concerned that the schedule may be too unpredictable and the stress level too high. submitted by /u/Few-Self-9512 [link] [comments]”
“So, I know that with an LCSW you can make more money. I have been disappointed when looking at the amount you make in CA (I may eventually move out of CA though) with a BSW in social work. Highest local position I think I saw for just a BSW in social work was $34/hr, which is not good money in California. There were also two that pay less than what I make now that I saw ($24/hr, I make more than $24/hr but less than $30/hr, and I don’t have any associates degree at all yet.) I don’t think that I”
“I’m a psychology student currently and i’m debating where to go w my masters… what salary’s are you making w/ a LCSW, LPC, or an IO route? Ik I want to stay in Wisconsin so i’m just weighing my career path. submitted by /u/Able-Event5091 [link] [comments]”
“Hi everyone! I'm currently pursuing my MSW and have been exploring different job opportunities while I'm in school. I've been considering working at a medical/recreational cannabis dispensary, but I'm wondering whether this could negatively impact my future career in social work. I'm particularly interested in working with children, adolescents, and families, with the eventual goal of becoming an LCSW and providing therapy. I live in Missouri, where recreational and medical m”
“Hey all. I'm a current MSW student, I graduate in December and my current practicum placement has me in a research-heavy setting. I've been considering my PhD for a while, and my supervisor has been recommending that I pursue a doctorate. My interests are in research, policy and consulting, which by all accounts seems to be the path that necessitates a PhD rather than a DSW, but that's where things get complicated. I have a full-time job that I plan to hold on to. While the PhD seems”
“I work a case management job right now. I help people deal with crises many days, I help people learn to problem solve and behavior change. There’s a lot of motivational interviewing involved, and no two days are the same. But I don’t make enough money (my degrees are social work adjacent and they don’t offer any opportunities for licensure). So I’ve been exploring my options. I work for local government and there may be some promotional opportunities I could apply for in the future that could g”
“Hi y’all! I’m looking for some advice from social workers who have combined clinical and macro practice in their careers. I recently graduated with my MSW, and one of my goals is to become an LCSW. However, I honestly don’t want to do therapy 24/7 or make providing therapy my full-time career. I’m open to clinical work and want to support people on the individual level, but I’m also really passionate about advocacy, public policy, community organizing, and systems-level change. I understand that”
“transition to 3rd year has been difficult mostly in terms of how to organize my outpatient notes. I’m struggling to keep pertinent positives on my notes to copy forward so I can remember about my patient without digging in the chart but then it starts making me re copy and paste into a section or summarize what I did in the previous note. how do I get better at this or set up my note template to be more efficient so I don’t have to spend time precharting and setting up my notes? I’m psych btw. &”
“Hi folks. I recently graduated with my MSW, scheduled to test for my LCSW next month. I was offered a position as an outpatient mental health therapist/clinical social worker at a small private group practice in Massachusetts. The two compensation packages, one W2 salary and one 1099 FFS, each work out to about 30% of the session fee coming to me. 70% going to the practice, which provides all the admin and billing labor, weekly group and individual supervision. The admin and supervisors are very”
“Just wondering if there’s anyone out there who got their MPA and MSW and what they do now. I’m really interested in the policy and programs side of social work, and I’m wondering if pursuing the joint MPA/MSW program at my school would be worth it. Also, if anyone just had their MSW and works in policy or programs and wants to share their path I’d appreciate that as well! submitted by /u/SuccotashDesperate81 [link] [comments]”
“Hello everyone, I am currently in the process of receiving my associates in Human Services. I’m interviewing for a position as a Care Navigator for Inpatient Psych at a hospital. I’m just looking for any experiences with working in that position or even generally working in inpatient psych. I of course would like to do something relevant to my degree and I think this would be a good career to follow through with, but I’m anxious over the possibilities of aggression or possibly being hurt by pati”
“Hello I have a question... I am applying for a Masters in Social Work (MSW) program at Cal State Fullerton, and I am very set on becoming a school social worker afterwards. For this goal, I would be focusing on obtaining a PPS credential, and doing a school-based practicum during my second year. I am curious though, if enrolling in the OCBH Stipend Program would be a good choice for obtaining relevant experience for this career post-grad? submitted by /u/5trvwb3rry [link] [comm”
“This is for my job placement. I am interested in serving low-income populations and my supervisor asked me for ideas on how to do that, but I have no idea. submitted by /u/Enough_Set591 [link] [comments]”
“hi everyone ! i’m planning to apply to ucla & a few other school for my MSW, i noticed ucla has three choices to focus on which are child & family well being, mental health, and social injustices. i’m not sure which one to choose as my focus & what else it entails. if any of you have focused on one of these options i would love to know how your experience was and what you loved & didn’t love about it (: i’m more interested in helping families & the youth such as teenagers ”
“I know this is a big ask but I was wondering if anyone at all is willing to read and give some notes on my personal statement to apply for my masters in MFT and my PsyD. I haven’t really written anything like this since applying to UCs a few years ago, so I’m pretty nervous if I’m doing this correctly or not. Any help would be appreciated :D submitted by /u/PackIcy5818 [link] [comments]”
“I've been an LCSW for 10 yrs with primarily medical social work history, have been working in case management the past two years. I've been feeling a pull to do something different and somehow cut loose from the typical 9-5 gig. I've been looking strongly into the ADHD-CCSP certification and completing the certification to become a special education advocate. This comes after spending many years in multiple settings, helping parents of or adults with newly diagnosed ADHD/Autism, navi”
“Hey all, I have worked in the social work- care management field for almost 10 years now but I am now considering switching to more of an administrative/ project management role that is not patient facing. However, I am so indecisive about this decision. There’s a part of me that loves working with patients & I know I’m good at what I do. But as we all know so well, I am getting BURNT OUT. This job can have its rewards when things are able to get solved for patients but that is not always th”
“So, at this point I am officially going to be at least starting a bachelors of social work, like those will at least be the classes I’ll be starting out with even though I’m not sure about keeping it (a girl I was talking to when I visited the campus today said that she changed her major there 3 times.) I am leaning towards doing case management, but I’m not “sure” about anything. It’s hitting me when doing more research that a BSW especially in California doesn’t pay well. I of course am planni”
“I am currently an MSW working remotely doing case management. The position is fine, but nothing overly exciting after doing it for the last 5 years. I’ve really been thinking about next steps for career growth but I’ve kind of just hit a wall as there’s really not a way to move up in my organization. I’ve considered other masters programs, but nothing seems like the right fit. I’d love to hear from others who have transitioned out of social work or obtained additional degrees that have helped th”
“I graduate in December with my MSW. I’m looking for a hospital social worker role. I’m pretty open, I currently intern at the VA but I’m not to sure if I want to stay here. I’ve already been denied from 2 hospital positions that specifically stated “MSW”, I also met all requirements experience and education wise. Any suggestions? I’m in FL btw… submitted by /u/Glass_Support8935 [link] [comments]”
“I’ve worked in Community Mental Health for over 2.5 years now ( prior I did inpatient psych). I’ve been an LCSW a little over a year. I remember hearing about my “ expectations” for billing as a therapist. It drove me insane- I felt like it wasn’t client centered and too “ business-y” I’ve been in the field long enough to understand the unfortunate side of things. We live in a capitalist society where healthcare is ran as a business venture. I completely disagree with that. However, if myself an”
“I feel like I don’t have a traditional pipeline in social work and feel so insecure. I worked as a therapist before for a bit and still haven’t gotten my independent. I was in CMH/SUD. Now I moved into program coordination after deciding clinical not for me. However I am working towards independent licensure still within this role because I still do direct practice. I feel so behind when comparing myself to peers who are also a year or two post grad. I want to start building my career and want t”
“I’m testing in the next month or so in IL for my LCSW and currently work full-time as an outpatient medical social worker and part-time at a group practice. Therapy is the side of social work I’ve been in since grad school (I graduated about 3 years ago) and I am wanting to start my solo practice after getting my LCSW. I’ve heard mixed reviews: “Don’t do it it’s naive—starting a practice right after getting your LCSW is a lot.” Or “I wish I went solo sooner!” My main motivators are that I have a”
Hi! I work full-time as a clinical director at a residential program and am an LICSW. Recently, a client from a former job reached out to me seeking therapy (I still use…
“Msw here...thinking of giving up my LCSW ( have been on leave, home with kids a couple of years) and really have little interest in anything clinical. Give me all your non clinical jobs, what you do and if you like it. Thank you!!! submitted by /u/Square_Cheerio [link] [comments]”
“hello all, I am 27F. I am late. However, i am about to graduate with my B.S in psychology next semester! I know for sure I want my Masters. However, I do not know in what. right now, I am a special needs rotational Nanny working 3 days on and off 4 days. pays really well and i will always have nannying as a fall back. I love working with autism. I entertained the idea of BCBA, Special needs teacher, speech pathologist. however, the teachers I've seen are burnout, SLP doesn't really have”
“I’m currently in college to earn my bachelors in human services w a concentration of family and children services with the ultimate goal of becoming a cps case worker. Recently I’ve been thinking about changing my degree from human services to social work and wanted to know any differences I may have missed or even from other people’s experiences! I also know that student loans have been cut back for that degree which also makes me a bit anxious. I recently am going to start working for the stat”
“I’m a social worker in Ontario, Canada with a BSW and several years of experience in social services. I’m looking into potentially moving away from traditional frontline social work and toward something more international: things like NGOs, humanitarian work, disaster management, international development, UN-type organizations, etc. I’m wondering if anyone here has actually made that transition from social work into this kind of work. Do social workers have a place in international NGOs or disa”
“Hello everyone! I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions for learning networks or institutes that regularly provide events or seminars about a variety of social work related topics. Sometimes I feel that, with the ever-evolving nature of our profession and the contexts we work in, it's easy to fall behind or miss new literature and conversations in the field. I'm hoping that we could share resources with each other to combat this, and/or what are some resources you engage with to”
“I’m an MSW student completing the program in Illinois. I’ve done one internship and started a new one recently. At the old one, I was told to report abuse for minors only if it’s current or recent (6mo). At this new internship, I’ve been told by my supervisor to report any kind of minor abuse even past abuse Is it common for agencies to have different reporting policies? I’m just now learning this and I’m worried that there could’ve been stuff at my old internship that I should’ve reported but w”
“How do you break into Macro SW? I’m in my MSW now and about to graduate in December and feel like Macro is where I want to be. I’ve done my research and seen what specific titles to look for but nothing it seems like I’d qualify for. Any advice? submitted by /u/anon4337 [link] [comments]”
“I’m a new k-12 social worker and am finding it challenging to navigate the expectations of other school staff and the niche ethics around working with youth. In one case, we have not been able to reach the parent of a student (homeless unaccompanied youth) but we have been able to reach the students uncle about his children who are also students. It’s been suggested to me that I use the uncle to reach the parent of the unaccompanied student (in a “hey, can you let ‘Joe’ know we’re looking for hi”
“I'm a social work student, I've always seen the division within a lot of professionals in whether the object of the profession is centered on helping within welfare and in line with the current economic/political order or more critical of these structures and aiming for giving the rights and conditions for people to lead their emancipation within that oppression. I'm really curious to know what other professionals around the world think about this. submitted by /u/Soledak”
“Backstory: I have a degree in social services and worked in a few non-profit agencies working with youth and families. 4 years ago I decided that I had enough and wanted to leave the field permanently and I cut my hours down to a part-time role in the non-profit agency and took on another part-time job doing labour and cleaning. I began really liking the labour job and that I had some freedom to move around and that I wasn't confined to a desk all day. The pay was lower but there's reall”
“For social workers who have worked in a jail setting, how was your experience, specifically to those providing group and individual therapy and helping with reentry into the community? Any advice, challenges, or things you wish you knew before starting? I’d love to hear your overall experiences. Anything is appreciated! submitted by /u/Vegetable_Sky5850 [link] [comments]”
“Hi- im currently a LCSW working as a dialysis social worker & I’m looking to transition into the healthcare compliance sector as it closely aligns with some of the tasks I’m already doing as a facility strategic social worker. I was wondering if anyone has had success in transitioning into the compliance sector? If so, would love to connect! submitted by /u/United_Map_6099 [link] [comments]”
“I'm currently in my first semester of a graduate program, not for social work but it's still a helping profession (speech language pathology). The problem is that the more I think about it and the more I spend time in practicum, the less confident I am that I will be satisfied and fulfilled in the field. The work I'm doing right now doesn't engage me as much as I thought it would, and the job itself seems a bit boring and isolating, which I think I'll struggle with because I”