7 answers
Kasey
Student
Pine City, Minnesota
1
Question
Asked
2120 views
Should I switch my major from LADC to Social Work?
I'm a single mom of two teens, almost 40, so I have TONS of loved experience. I recently got back into college, took two classes over the summer, and I'm starting fall classes in a week pursuing my LADC. However, a few years ago, I decided that I wanted to be a Social Worker. Somehow this summer, I thought that I should be an LADC, but now I'm thinking that I'm not following my heart, and that I could help more people if I did have a social work degree vs just a LADC. I'm hoping for some opinions. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME!!!!
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7 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Kasey !
You're on the right track ! Yes, follow your heart ! You will indeed be able to have more of a variety of clients as a Social Worker as opposed to being a LADC ! The path for Social Work compared to LADC can be found to be more interesting and diverse, too. You may enjoy the path for Social Work better than LADC.
After you become a Social Worker, it will be easy for you later on if you feel like it to get your LADC training and have that under your belt in addition to your LCSW. You can get your LADC or more commonly known in my state as a CASAC, depending on the region in which you study for it. LADC training is offered at both colleges and community based programs depending on where you live. Your options are very versatile once you become a Social Worker.
As a social worker, you will inevitably have clients that are receiving LADC services at another provider and they may be coming to you for different issues but having the LADC training would give you a fuller understanding and keener aptitude and insight for analyzing, assessing and care planning for the client.
My advice is to start on your social work path now, obtain your LCSW and THEN go for the LADC some time afterward, it doesn't have to be right away. That is the smoothest way I see to do it.
As for being a returning student and starting this at age 40, my mother started college at 40 and had a great career in education. Also, The mental health field/social work field is very age friendly. Do not worry about your age in this field of work.
You're correct about being able to assist (hopefully help) more clients as a social worker because the career of a social worker is a lot more diverse than an LADC that specializes in one issue and one population. Do not forget to apply for scholarships and grants to help out with your Bachelors Degree at first. Visit the college and search online for these that will help with college costs. There should be some scholarships for older students and returning students that you may qualify for. I do feel positive about your plans.
I hope that this is helpful and if you have any more questions, do return here to ask ! Best wishes in all you do !
You're on the right track ! Yes, follow your heart ! You will indeed be able to have more of a variety of clients as a Social Worker as opposed to being a LADC ! The path for Social Work compared to LADC can be found to be more interesting and diverse, too. You may enjoy the path for Social Work better than LADC.
After you become a Social Worker, it will be easy for you later on if you feel like it to get your LADC training and have that under your belt in addition to your LCSW. You can get your LADC or more commonly known in my state as a CASAC, depending on the region in which you study for it. LADC training is offered at both colleges and community based programs depending on where you live. Your options are very versatile once you become a Social Worker.
As a social worker, you will inevitably have clients that are receiving LADC services at another provider and they may be coming to you for different issues but having the LADC training would give you a fuller understanding and keener aptitude and insight for analyzing, assessing and care planning for the client.
My advice is to start on your social work path now, obtain your LCSW and THEN go for the LADC some time afterward, it doesn't have to be right away. That is the smoothest way I see to do it.
As for being a returning student and starting this at age 40, my mother started college at 40 and had a great career in education. Also, The mental health field/social work field is very age friendly. Do not worry about your age in this field of work.
You're correct about being able to assist (hopefully help) more clients as a social worker because the career of a social worker is a lot more diverse than an LADC that specializes in one issue and one population. Do not forget to apply for scholarships and grants to help out with your Bachelors Degree at first. Visit the college and search online for these that will help with college costs. There should be some scholarships for older students and returning students that you may qualify for. I do feel positive about your plans.
I hope that this is helpful and if you have any more questions, do return here to ask ! Best wishes in all you do !
Thank you so much! I will be contacting my advisor today to change course. Also yes, this is what I had in mind as well, I want to be able to help appt of different people with out the constraints of them specifically receiving ADT services!!! Thanks again!
Kasey
You are very welcome. You seem to be such a caring person and I think you'll be an outstanding Social Worker !
Michelle M.
Arush Anand
Associate Architect
20
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Arush’s Answer
Hi Kasey,
First off—huge respect to you 👏. Balancing parenting, school, and career planning takes courage and grit, and the fact that you’re back in college and reflecting deeply on your path says a lot about your dedication.
Here’s some perspective to help you sort this out:
🌱 LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor) Path
Pros
More specialized and streamlined.
Direct, focused impact on people struggling with addiction.
Usually less schooling than a full MSW.
Strong demand (substance use counselors are always needed).
Cons
Narrower scope of practice—you’re more restricted to substance use and co-occurring issues.
Some career ceilings: you might find leadership, policy, or broader social advocacy harder to reach with only an LADC.
🌱 Social Work Degree (BSW → MSW → LICSW)
Pros
Flexibility: you can work in mental health, addiction, child/family services, medical, schools, advocacy, policy.
Higher ceiling: more job options, more leadership roles, broader ability to shift fields later.
If your heart is in “helping more people in more ways,” social work gives you the widest reach.
Cons
Longer timeline and more schooling.
May require more student loans/time away from work.
Licensing can be a bit more complex.
🌟 What People in Your Shoes Often Do
Blend Both: Many social workers specialize in addictions. You can pursue your BSW/MSW, but also get certified as an LADC along the way or after—it’s not either/or.
Step by Step: Some start with the LADC for quicker entry into the field, then bridge into social work later (sometimes employers even help pay for grad school).
Heart vs. Head: If your heart says social work, it’s worth listening. A degree that gives you flexibility means you’ll never feel boxed in later.
💡 Personal Thought for You
Since you already know you want a bigger platform to help people, social work sounds like the right long-term path. You’ve got life experience (which clients and employers value more than you realize), and being almost 40 is actually an asset here—you’ll bring maturity, empathy, and relatability that younger graduates may not.
The great thing? You don’t lose by choosing social work—you can always layer in addiction specialization. If you only do LADC, you might later feel limited.
Regards,
Arush
First off—huge respect to you 👏. Balancing parenting, school, and career planning takes courage and grit, and the fact that you’re back in college and reflecting deeply on your path says a lot about your dedication.
Here’s some perspective to help you sort this out:
🌱 LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor) Path
Pros
More specialized and streamlined.
Direct, focused impact on people struggling with addiction.
Usually less schooling than a full MSW.
Strong demand (substance use counselors are always needed).
Cons
Narrower scope of practice—you’re more restricted to substance use and co-occurring issues.
Some career ceilings: you might find leadership, policy, or broader social advocacy harder to reach with only an LADC.
🌱 Social Work Degree (BSW → MSW → LICSW)
Pros
Flexibility: you can work in mental health, addiction, child/family services, medical, schools, advocacy, policy.
Higher ceiling: more job options, more leadership roles, broader ability to shift fields later.
If your heart is in “helping more people in more ways,” social work gives you the widest reach.
Cons
Longer timeline and more schooling.
May require more student loans/time away from work.
Licensing can be a bit more complex.
🌟 What People in Your Shoes Often Do
Blend Both: Many social workers specialize in addictions. You can pursue your BSW/MSW, but also get certified as an LADC along the way or after—it’s not either/or.
Step by Step: Some start with the LADC for quicker entry into the field, then bridge into social work later (sometimes employers even help pay for grad school).
Heart vs. Head: If your heart says social work, it’s worth listening. A degree that gives you flexibility means you’ll never feel boxed in later.
💡 Personal Thought for You
Since you already know you want a bigger platform to help people, social work sounds like the right long-term path. You’ve got life experience (which clients and employers value more than you realize), and being almost 40 is actually an asset here—you’ll bring maturity, empathy, and relatability that younger graduates may not.
The great thing? You don’t lose by choosing social work—you can always layer in addiction specialization. If you only do LADC, you might later feel limited.
Regards,
Arush
I appreciate your support, Arush
Kasey
James Wood
2
Answers
Commerce, CA
Updated
James’s Answer
Hi there! Deciding whether to switch your major from Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) to Social Work really depends on your personal interests, career goals, and what you envision for your future.
Here are some things to consider:
Career Focus:
LADC programs specifically prepare you to work with individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction. If you’re passionate about addiction counseling and recovery services, staying with LADC might be the best fit. Social Work, on the other hand, covers a broader range of issues including mental health, family services, child welfare, healthcare, and community advocacy. It offers more versatility but is less specialized in addiction counseling alone.
Job Opportunities and Flexibility:
Social work degrees can open doors in hospitals, schools, government agencies, nonprofits, and private practice. LADC might be more niche, but it can also be highly in-demand in treatment centers, rehab programs, and counseling agencies. Consider which work environment excites you more.
Licensing and Credentials:
LADC usually leads to a specialized license focused on substance abuse counseling. Social Work can lead to the LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) license, which often has broader clinical scope. Think about which license aligns better with your career aspirations.
Your Passion and Strengths:
Reflect on what motivates you most. Do you want to specialize deeply in addiction recovery, or do you want a broader platform to help individuals and communities in various ways? Your passion will keep you motivated through your studies and career.
Talk to Advisors and Professionals:
It’s a great idea to speak with academic advisors, current students, and professionals working in both fields. Their insights can help you understand what the day-to-day work looks like and what you might enjoy more.
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong choice here—just what fits YOU best. Whichever you choose, both fields make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Good luck with your decision!
Here are some things to consider:
Career Focus:
LADC programs specifically prepare you to work with individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction. If you’re passionate about addiction counseling and recovery services, staying with LADC might be the best fit. Social Work, on the other hand, covers a broader range of issues including mental health, family services, child welfare, healthcare, and community advocacy. It offers more versatility but is less specialized in addiction counseling alone.
Job Opportunities and Flexibility:
Social work degrees can open doors in hospitals, schools, government agencies, nonprofits, and private practice. LADC might be more niche, but it can also be highly in-demand in treatment centers, rehab programs, and counseling agencies. Consider which work environment excites you more.
Licensing and Credentials:
LADC usually leads to a specialized license focused on substance abuse counseling. Social Work can lead to the LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) license, which often has broader clinical scope. Think about which license aligns better with your career aspirations.
Your Passion and Strengths:
Reflect on what motivates you most. Do you want to specialize deeply in addiction recovery, or do you want a broader platform to help individuals and communities in various ways? Your passion will keep you motivated through your studies and career.
Talk to Advisors and Professionals:
It’s a great idea to speak with academic advisors, current students, and professionals working in both fields. Their insights can help you understand what the day-to-day work looks like and what you might enjoy more.
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong choice here—just what fits YOU best. Whichever you choose, both fields make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Good luck with your decision!
Loved reading this, thanks!
Kasey
Kristen Jaccodine
High School School Counselor (Guidance Counselor)
18
Answers
Sussex, New Jersey
Updated
Kristen’s Answer
Hi Kasey,
Hats off to you! A single mom, raising two kids, and returning to college. I commend you for all that you do!
I think the first question you need to ask yourself is what population of people do you want to work with? An LADC provides a specific focus in terms of who you work with, but it doesn't mean that you would work with fewer people. Sadly, there is a lot of addiction in this world - kids, teens, adults - and a lot of ways to make a difference. One of my former professors (he was an LADC, and it was a substance abuse counseling class) said that to be in this particular field, you need to learn how to be okay with your clients lying to you.
If you feel that working as an LADC is not the right fit for you, then yes, you should follow your heart. If you pursue Social Work, what kind of work are you looking to do? If you want to be a counselor, you can pursue the LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). You could also work as a Social Worker in a school system where you are a Licensed School Social Worker. As a School Social Worker, you can provide school-based counseling, take a social history of a family (if a child is being evaluated for special services), and assist kids and families with securing outside resources (depending on their situation). School Social Work requirements and roles will vary by state.
*You do not need a clinical license to be in this role. The LCSW allows you to work in private practice as a counselor.
If you are not interested in becoming a licensed counselor to provide therapy, then social workers work in community organizations, hospitals, state agencies, etc. Social Workers still work with children, families, and adults, but they are not providing counseling as much as they work to connect individuals (or families) with the services they need.
Whatever direction you take, thank you for your willingness to assist others! The fact that you want to help people demonstrates the counselor inside of you.
Best of Luck!
Hats off to you! A single mom, raising two kids, and returning to college. I commend you for all that you do!
I think the first question you need to ask yourself is what population of people do you want to work with? An LADC provides a specific focus in terms of who you work with, but it doesn't mean that you would work with fewer people. Sadly, there is a lot of addiction in this world - kids, teens, adults - and a lot of ways to make a difference. One of my former professors (he was an LADC, and it was a substance abuse counseling class) said that to be in this particular field, you need to learn how to be okay with your clients lying to you.
If you feel that working as an LADC is not the right fit for you, then yes, you should follow your heart. If you pursue Social Work, what kind of work are you looking to do? If you want to be a counselor, you can pursue the LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). You could also work as a Social Worker in a school system where you are a Licensed School Social Worker. As a School Social Worker, you can provide school-based counseling, take a social history of a family (if a child is being evaluated for special services), and assist kids and families with securing outside resources (depending on their situation). School Social Work requirements and roles will vary by state.
*You do not need a clinical license to be in this role. The LCSW allows you to work in private practice as a counselor.
If you are not interested in becoming a licensed counselor to provide therapy, then social workers work in community organizations, hospitals, state agencies, etc. Social Workers still work with children, families, and adults, but they are not providing counseling as much as they work to connect individuals (or families) with the services they need.
Whatever direction you take, thank you for your willingness to assist others! The fact that you want to help people demonstrates the counselor inside of you.
Best of Luck!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Kasey
You are very welcome, Kasey! I wish you the best!
Kristen Jaccodine
Desiree Gamboa
5
Answers
Bloomington, California
Updated
Desiree’s Answer
Hello!
Props to you for going back to school while have two teens to take care of. Balancing kids , cooking , cleaning , work and school is definitely not easy. I myself have 3 kids and it can be tough sometimes but it will totally be worth it at the end! Don’t stress yourself out take it a day at a time next thing you know you’ll be graduating looking back at how fast it went by!
I say follow your heart and see which one excites you more! Look at the pro and cons for both. I wish you the best of luck when it comes to deciding but I know you’ll do amazing in either one!
Props to you for going back to school while have two teens to take care of. Balancing kids , cooking , cleaning , work and school is definitely not easy. I myself have 3 kids and it can be tough sometimes but it will totally be worth it at the end! Don’t stress yourself out take it a day at a time next thing you know you’ll be graduating looking back at how fast it went by!
I say follow your heart and see which one excites you more! Look at the pro and cons for both. I wish you the best of luck when it comes to deciding but I know you’ll do amazing in either one!
Leanne Calandrella Sliva
Program Manager for a Homeless Shelter
2
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Leanne’s Answer
Hello Kacey,
Agreed! You can go much further with an LCSW. It will give you a wide range of job opportunities. You may be able to get both if the LADC is a shorter program.
All the best!
Agreed! You can go much further with an LCSW. It will give you a wide range of job opportunities. You may be able to get both if the LADC is a shorter program.
All the best!
Thank you for the advice.
Kasey
Don Holland
Member Service Representative/Food Runner
244
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Kasey,
I have a lot of respect to you for being a single mom, raising two teens and going to school as well!
In terms of your question I think you should follow your heart, make the best possible decision for yourself and family. I am also a Social Work major and I have really enjoyed the classes that I've taken. I love being in my Social Work classes because it is very informative, it motivates me and there are a lot of good people that want to make a difference in the world. I'm not sure exactly if there is a certain salary, degree or anything specific that you want but I am going to write a list for you to think about.
Reasons to be in Social Work:
-Versatility: Jobs/Career fields you can work in include social services, non profits, clinical work, hospitals, government agencies, education and even business.
-Transferrable skills: Many of the skills you learn from your Social Work classes can be used in any field like empathy, communication, problem solving and more.
-Promoting social justice/rights: Social Work jobs will help in promoting social justice, better human rights and the desire for equality in different communities.
-Impact others: No matter what job you get in Social Work it will impact others, you will have the ability to change people's lives and impact community growth through your actions.
-Personal growth: Social work jobs will help you evaluate yourself, helps you grow as a person and empathy for people that you might have not had before.
I wish you the best when it comes to making your decision and I know that you will make the best choice possible. Let me know what you decide and how everything goes!
I have a lot of respect to you for being a single mom, raising two teens and going to school as well!
In terms of your question I think you should follow your heart, make the best possible decision for yourself and family. I am also a Social Work major and I have really enjoyed the classes that I've taken. I love being in my Social Work classes because it is very informative, it motivates me and there are a lot of good people that want to make a difference in the world. I'm not sure exactly if there is a certain salary, degree or anything specific that you want but I am going to write a list for you to think about.
Reasons to be in Social Work:
-Versatility: Jobs/Career fields you can work in include social services, non profits, clinical work, hospitals, government agencies, education and even business.
-Transferrable skills: Many of the skills you learn from your Social Work classes can be used in any field like empathy, communication, problem solving and more.
-Promoting social justice/rights: Social Work jobs will help in promoting social justice, better human rights and the desire for equality in different communities.
-Impact others: No matter what job you get in Social Work it will impact others, you will have the ability to change people's lives and impact community growth through your actions.
-Personal growth: Social work jobs will help you evaluate yourself, helps you grow as a person and empathy for people that you might have not had before.
I wish you the best when it comes to making your decision and I know that you will make the best choice possible. Let me know what you decide and how everything goes!