What is a LCSW?

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• Licensed Clinical Social Worker

• Highest level of license in profession.

• Provides 60% of mental health services in TX & US.

• Authorized to practice autonomously.

• Can assess, diagnose and treat.

• Can treat behavioral disorders, addictions, severe mental illness & serious emotional disturbances.

• Provides individual, marital/couple, family/group, mediation, counseling, direct practice, psychotherapy.

• Skills/Training in health, mental health, diversity & social issues to treat vulnerable populations.

       

 Reference: National Association of Social Work Texas (2017)

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What is a Social Worker? And what do they do?

 

According to the National Association of Social Workers, social work is “a profession devoted to helping people function the best they can in their environment” and Bureau of Labor Statistics adds “Social workers help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives.” Social work professionals are found in a wide variety of environments, from hospitals and universities to communities of all types.

 

Social workers share a commitment to:

• Promoting social welfare

• Helping people of all backgrounds overcome their unique challenges

• Advocating for social and economic justice for all members of the community

• Embodying a professional code of ethics.

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Reference: https://www.cswe.org/Students/Discover-Social-Work/What-is-social-work

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What is the difference between counseling/therapy and life coaching?

 

Life Coaching is used to clarify goals and identify obstacles or problematic behaviors in order to achieve the desired results. It takes client's starting point as acceptable neutral ground and is more action-based from that point forward. No diagnosis is needed.

 

Counseling focuses on specific issues, addresses a particular problem and usually short-term.

 

Psychotherapy is broadly focused on past traumas/issues to change self-destructive habits, repair and improve relationships and work through painful feelings. Therapy focuses on introspection and analysis with the hope of resolving past issues and creating a happier, more stable future. It is usually long-term.

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How often will I meet with a therapist?

 

How often a person meets with a therapist or coach is a decision made between the client and the provider. There is considerations made for the intensity of the symptoms and the desired change(s); insurance coverage is also considered for those who are using coverage to pay for services. 

 

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Why is there a diagnosis?

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Diagnoses are often required for reimbursement for services through managed care. Client diagnoses can also provide important conceptual information, and diagnoses can be used alongside a client conceptualization, to aid in deciding what treatment(s) will be used.

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Reference: https://counseling.education/counseling/conceptualizing/diagnosing.html