A social worker is a broad term that encompasses professionals who work in a variety of settings to help individuals, families, and communities overcome challenges. A social worker typically holds a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work (BSW) or a related field, such as psychology or sociology. With this degree, they can work in various settings such as schools, healthcare, or community organizations, providing support and connecting clients with resources. However, social workers with only a BSW are not trained or licensed to diagnose or treat mental health conditions.
A clinical social worker usually holds a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) and has completed additional specialized training in therapy and mental health diagnosis. They are licensed to provide mental health services, such as counseling and psychotherapy, and are trained to assess and treat emotional, behavioral, and psychological disorders. Clinical social workers must complete supervised clinical experience after earning their MSW and pass a licensing exam to practice independently.
In short, while both social workers and clinical social workers offer support, clinical social workers have higher educational requirements and are licensed to diagnose and treat mental health conditions.
