What is an LCSW?

L.C.S.W. stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker, one of the professional disciplines that can provide psychotherapy and counseling.

In order to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California one must:
• Possess a Masters or Doctorate degree from an accredited graduate school for social work
• Have worked at least 3,200 hours (after completing graduate school) as a social worker under the direct supervision of another qualified, licensed mental health professional
• Pass two state licensure exams

What is a BCD?
BCD stands for Board Certified Diplomate, a certificate given by the American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work (ABECSW) to Advanced Clinical Social Work practitioners.

 

In order to become a Board Certified Diplomate, a practitioner must:
• Maintain the highest level of licensure in one’s state of practice
• Have worked at least five years in the field after graduation
• Successfully complete a peer-evaluation review process
• Take at least 40 hours of continuing education courses every two years
• Spend at least 70% of their work time providing Clinical Social Work services
• Adhere to the ABECSW Code of Ethics
• Contribute to the development of other Clinical Social Workers by providing consultation, supervision,
• education; writing professional literature, or conducting research