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Lexie
Student
Schenectady, New York
1
Question
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What is the most difficult part about being a clinical social worker?
Following grad school, I hope to become a clinical social worker and play therapist. I want to know tips about the licensure, and how to be successful!
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Dr H
Dr. H's Research
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Australia
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Dr’s Answer
Hey Lexie,
First off, major props for choosing the social work path! It's an incredibly rewarding field, but let’s keep it real — it’s definitely not all sunshine and rainbows.
The most difficult part of being a clinical social worker is dealing with the emotional toll. You’ll be exposed to some heavy stuff, and it can be draining to carry that emotional load, especially when you’re working with vulnerable populations. Play therapy, while amazing, can be emotionally taxing too, as you're dealing with kids who might have experienced trauma or challenging circumstances.
As for licensure, the process varies by state, but you’ll generally need to complete your hours of supervised clinical work, pass exams, and keep up with continuing education.
Now from your location if you are in Schenectady, New York, then that's a really great opportunity region. That’s in the heart of the Capital Region. If you’re aiming for licensure in there as a clinical social worker, here’s what I can just tell.
So firstly for the Educational Requirements, You’ll need a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program. After that, you’ll need to complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over at least 2 years before applying for licensure.
Once you've got the experience, you’ll need to pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Exam. It’s not an easy one, but it's totally manageable because every exam needs a little prep.
After passing the exam and completing your hours, you can apply for your LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) title in New York. Even after you’re licensed, New York requires that you complete 36 hours of continuing education every three years to keep your license active.
And, For play therapy specifically, you may also want to look into getting specialized certifications like the Registered Play Therapist (RPT), which requires additional training and supervision in the play therapy realm, though it's not required for general clinical social work.
It’s a lot of work, but the impact you’ll have is so worth it. Plus, the capital region has a ton of opportunities as I said for clinical social workers, from hospitals to community programs, and yea there will be even working with kids. So I can just say stay dedicated, and you’ll definitely get there!
Now ofcourse I know that It can feel like a mountain of requirements when you’re just trying to get to the work you actually want to do, right? But unfortunately, a lot of this is necessary if you want to be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), especially in New York.
The reason for all these steps (degree, hours, exams, continuing education) needed, is because they want to make sure you have the right tools to handle the heavy stuff you’ll deal with, people’s lives and mental health. I know, I know, it sounds like a lot, but think of it this way: once you push through all the hoops, you’ll have the license and skills to seriously change lives. 💪
Also, don’t worry, it’s totally doable. Sure, the road is long, but it’s not like you’re alone in this. Tons of people have done it, and if you're passionate about social work and therapy, it's absolutely worth it. Keep your eyes on the prize you know that play therapy dream will be so much sweeter once you get through this Lexie! With passion and determination, you'll absolutely make an incredible impact in the world of social work. Keep going strong! 💪 All the best!
You’ll be helping others process their emotions, but don’t forget to check in with your own mental health. You’re no good to anyone if you’re burned out. So make self care a priority.
In every path there is need for a support system, so colleagues who understand what you're going through, and personal relationships that can offer emotional release. can help you in dire situations try to build one.
Always stay curious and open, because, Play therapy is a cool, hands-on approach, but always keep learning new techniques.
Be really patient, progress can be slow, and some days will be tough. Celebrate the small wins.
First off, major props for choosing the social work path! It's an incredibly rewarding field, but let’s keep it real — it’s definitely not all sunshine and rainbows.
The most difficult part of being a clinical social worker is dealing with the emotional toll. You’ll be exposed to some heavy stuff, and it can be draining to carry that emotional load, especially when you’re working with vulnerable populations. Play therapy, while amazing, can be emotionally taxing too, as you're dealing with kids who might have experienced trauma or challenging circumstances.
As for licensure, the process varies by state, but you’ll generally need to complete your hours of supervised clinical work, pass exams, and keep up with continuing education.
Now from your location if you are in Schenectady, New York, then that's a really great opportunity region. That’s in the heart of the Capital Region. If you’re aiming for licensure in there as a clinical social worker, here’s what I can just tell.
So firstly for the Educational Requirements, You’ll need a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program. After that, you’ll need to complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over at least 2 years before applying for licensure.
Once you've got the experience, you’ll need to pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Exam. It’s not an easy one, but it's totally manageable because every exam needs a little prep.
After passing the exam and completing your hours, you can apply for your LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) title in New York. Even after you’re licensed, New York requires that you complete 36 hours of continuing education every three years to keep your license active.
And, For play therapy specifically, you may also want to look into getting specialized certifications like the Registered Play Therapist (RPT), which requires additional training and supervision in the play therapy realm, though it's not required for general clinical social work.
It’s a lot of work, but the impact you’ll have is so worth it. Plus, the capital region has a ton of opportunities as I said for clinical social workers, from hospitals to community programs, and yea there will be even working with kids. So I can just say stay dedicated, and you’ll definitely get there!
Now ofcourse I know that It can feel like a mountain of requirements when you’re just trying to get to the work you actually want to do, right? But unfortunately, a lot of this is necessary if you want to be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), especially in New York.
The reason for all these steps (degree, hours, exams, continuing education) needed, is because they want to make sure you have the right tools to handle the heavy stuff you’ll deal with, people’s lives and mental health. I know, I know, it sounds like a lot, but think of it this way: once you push through all the hoops, you’ll have the license and skills to seriously change lives. 💪
Also, don’t worry, it’s totally doable. Sure, the road is long, but it’s not like you’re alone in this. Tons of people have done it, and if you're passionate about social work and therapy, it's absolutely worth it. Keep your eyes on the prize you know that play therapy dream will be so much sweeter once you get through this Lexie! With passion and determination, you'll absolutely make an incredible impact in the world of social work. Keep going strong! 💪 All the best!
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