Can Social Workers Be Counselors?

A social worker can become a licensed professional counselor by obtaining the appropriate education and licensure requirements. Those with a social work degree have many opportunities and career paths to consider, including counseling for those with behavioral disorders, mental health issues, or substance abuse concerns.

Social workers typically do not provide mental health services but instead refer individuals to counseling programs. Those with mental health disorders may require clinical mental health counseling, which a social worker is unable to provide.

With the correct completed education and licensures, a social worker can become a licensed counselor.

What Is a Social Worker?

A social worker provides a wide range of social services for those in need. The social work field is vast, with many jobs focusing on human behavior and forms of wellness for people of all ages.

Social workers organize events to place focus on community advocacy and awareness. Additionally, social workers promote educational programs and treatment plans.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social workers help people prevent and cope with a wide range of problems. There are many jobs you can do with a social work degree as many social workers are employed in several settings such as child welfare agencies, schools, and human services.

Is It Possible for Social Workers To Work as Counselors?

A social worker can become a counselor; however, there may be additional requirements depending on the type of counseling role. Counselors often collaborate with social workers and those working in human services.

Social workers may be familiar with certain individual, group, or family counseling due to working closely with counselors who practice psychotherapy. However, to become a licensed counselor, an individual must meet specific education requirements and achieve licensure.

What Is the Difference Between Social Work and Counseling?

One primary difference between social workers and counselors is that social workers help those in need of therapy and counseling but do not provide counseling services. Instead, they provide guidance or refer clients to other professionals.

Additionally, professionals with only a bachelor's degree cannot engage in clinical social work. There are licensing requirements that mental health professionals must meet to help treat those suffering from mental illness or substance use disorders.

Types of Social Workers Who Provide Counseling Services

Certain social workers need master's degrees for their careers. With a master's in social work, not only can a person advance their career with a greater job outlook, but they also have the potential to open their own private practice.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) can provide therapy, diagnose behavioral disorders, and offer aftercare resources for those struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues. This type of social work requires extensive education and specific requirements before treating patients.

Before becoming an LCSW, licensures must be obtained, and education must be completed. Once a license is achieved, you may practice legally within your state. Depending on your specialization, you can provide therapy for a wide range of issues.

School Social Worker

A school social worker works directly with teachers, students, and parents. Part of their job is to focus on the well-being of students and offer counseling services and resources.

School counselors who have met the requirements to offer counseling emphasize helping students suffering from low self-esteem, bullying, or family and friend relationships. As a school counselor, you may work at an elementary school, high school, or university.

Medical Social Worker

A medical social worker helps individuals and families cope with various illnesses. Types of medical social work include case management, intake assessment, and arranging the discharge of patients.

Medical social workers may be employed at long-term care facilities or hospitals. Those in this field of social work will review new admissions and assist patients. Medical social workers must enroll in an MSW program and complete hours of training.

Additional Requirements for Social Workers To Become Counselors

Counseling careers are vast, but additional requirements may be needed. Social workers seeking to become counselors must complete the necessary education, certification, and training requirements.

Further Educational Requirements

Although a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is needed for the social work field, it's important to achieve further education requirements necessary in providing counseling services. For instance, consider a master's degree program.

With a master's program, you can take courses that allow you to receive hands-on experience. Internships and practicums may also be available. Taking part in master's-level courses helps you gain a better understanding of counseling.

A Master's in Social Work (MSW) or a doctoral degree will open doors for those seeking to become a counselor. By completing higher education, you have vast job opportunities.

Counseling Licensure and Certification

Before you can provide counseling services for individuals, groups, or families, licensures and certifications must be completed. Once you've finished the required coursework for your degree, you must pair it with counseling certifications.

For instance, after earning a master's degree in social work, those seeking to become an LCSW must successfully pass exams to achieve licensure and required certifications.

Specialized Training

Social work education programs are available for those seeking specialized training options. Whether you're interested in counseling students at school or adults at your own private practice, it may be necessary to take part in specialized training.

With specialized training, you can concentrate your education and career on a specific aspect of counseling services. While some may focus on mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or bipolar disorder, other counselors may assist those struggling with substance abuse issues.