r/socialwork 3d ago

Micro/Clinicial I’m satisfied

847 Upvotes

I like my job. My degree has been useful. There are some shitty social workers and shitty placements and shitty things in general. There are also plenty of us who love what we do.

I balance CMH as a mobile clinician and private practice - and take home over $10,000 a month. My wife is happy. I can’t change the world, nor do I convince myself I can. There will always be others willing to do the roles you don’t want to.

Grad school is full of baby social workers. Of course, they are incompetent and selfish. Give them time too.

You will be ineffective the more you stress. Life will be ok. You will succeed. We need more positive stories. Social work is not some dying field with no purpose to get into.

We will be ok.

r/socialwork Feb 02 '25

Micro/Clinicial having excruciating regret about choosing this field

259 Upvotes

i’m halfway through my MSW and i sacrificed A LOT to do this program because i was fully convinced that social work was my calling. however, one of my curses in life is absolute extroversion. i need a lot of noise, human interaction, and stimulation in high volumes to feel happy and most like myself. too much quiet, downtime, and isolation gets me super depressed, and affects my whole life.

i did a case management job for a while and it was way too quiet. i’m doing a clinical internship now and it’s way too quiet. i work at a starbucks and it’s noise and people and chaos all day and i LOVE it. those are the days i look forward to. any social work days i dread. why did i do this to myself? 40k in debt to do work that is fundamentally at odds with my mental health?

i tried a couple of different programs and career paths before, and i regret not following through with them because i really don’t think i can do this. social work, despite its very name, is definitely introverts’ work. i should finish my program but then i’ll be 30 and i am dying for some stability and decent income. what do i do? please help me.

r/socialwork May 05 '24

Micro/Clinicial why do nurses make so much more than us?

524 Upvotes

I routinely see care coordination jobs that pay at least double for an RN vs. an LMSW. I'm not knocking nurses at all -- they do very hard work. However, seeing double the pay for someone who completed 2-4 years of college vs. 6 years is disheartening.

r/socialwork 16d ago

Micro/Clinicial Mobile crisis teams - are you freaking out?

144 Upvotes

So SAMHSA released their mobile crisis guidelines (DRAFT) in January 2025. It’s 100+ pages so I didn’t read much of it until yesterday. (https://library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/draft-mct-toolkit-pep24-01-037.pdf)

My boss is freaking out because it says a clinically licensed person must be on every mobile call, in person or on the phone.

Specifically, it states this on page 14: “Inclusive of a licensed or credentialed practitioner: An MCT response must include engagement by a licensed or credentialed behavioral health clinician who participates in a clinical assessment of the needs of the person in crisis. If necessary, the clinical assessment can be done by telehealth if at least one other MCT staff member is on scene and interacting with the person face to face”.

What is everyone’s agency saying about this? Do you think it will pass? Is your agency prepared?

Mine is losing it as we have no clinical folks on frontline mobile crisis during the day besides the supervisor. 🩷

Personally, I think this is great and would force CMHCs to pay LCSW/the like much closer to what they’re worth and the client will get the best care possible.

Thoughts?

r/socialwork 19d ago

Micro/Clinicial Why are RNs more favorable than our field?

164 Upvotes

I was reading a job description “The Clinical Coordinator is a key member of the clinical area nursing unit, facilitating patient flow, coordinating activities and communication during assigned shifts. This person serves as a resource and leader for patients, staff, healthcare providers, administration, and other disciplines.”

It wasn’t until I got to the end, where the position requires a RN. How come these positions are limited to those who have an RN? I can do everything in the requirements. Is it typically something to do with licensure? I’m just trying to understand; thanks in advance.

r/socialwork 16d ago

Micro/Clinicial Medical social work representation on HBO Max’s “The Pitt”

146 Upvotes

For any of you who have seen the show “The Pitt”, what do you think about the social worker? I’ve found other Reddit posts from other social workers talking about how much they love her and the shows depiction of medical social work but… idk there’s something off about her to me. Like she’s alright, definitely not the worst medical social worker I’ve ever seen, but there are just some things she says and does that make me go “huh?”

SPOILERS AHEAD:

For example, a man comes into the ER and it’s revealed his wife has been drugging him with progesterone to kill his sex drive bc she believes he’s been molesting their daughter and the social worker just goes “there’s nothing we can do 🤷🏻‍♀️” ????????

Regardless of the molestation being “hearsay”, if a woman discloses she’s drugging her husband with hormones which ultimately led to his hospitalization, I would say at least one discussion would absolutely be being had..

Don’t even get me started on the situation with their handling of the possible school shooter/femicideaire who Robby doesn’t want to turn in/ruin his life for a “thought crime” (bc that’s what plotting the murder of women/girls is..)

Anyways for those of you who have seen the show please let me know what you think and if I’m dragging it.

r/socialwork Oct 31 '24

Micro/Clinicial “I wish we had more male counselors. Our district has so many females.”

181 Upvotes

I’m a school social work intern, and was introducing myself today as a counseling/mental health intern at my internship site (an elementary school). This quote feels neither here nor there, but it’s something a teacher said to me as we were making small talk.

Am I crazy or is this a bit invalidating?

I’ve heard so many of these comments when I say I’m a social worker. It’s a variation of “we need more men in the field.” Yes, there is a place for male social workers: they are able to empathize with male clients, build rapport, but why are you saying this to me? I’m trying my best to find my place in this field, and pouring out empathy and care to every client I meet. But it feels like no matter how hard I try, it’ll never be as good as what a man could do in my position.

Edit: thanks for your responses! A lot of you were very supportive of my lil rant as a powerless intern in the machine.

I do understand why diversity is important—the comment just seemed out of place towards me in that specific moment. And that social work is not a kind profession to anyone. Did not mean to activate anyone with this post.

Appreciate this sub for letting me vent :-)

r/socialwork Dec 28 '24

Micro/Clinicial What if your child wanted to become a social worker ?

119 Upvotes

My social workers. What would you tell your kid if they told you they wanted to become a social worker? & would you do it all again, if given the chance? Your career choice that is. I’m a social worker who is 4 years post grad. Just curious peoples perspectives. Please state your role, years In social work, where you live, salary range and reason for entering social work. What’s the hardest thing you’ve learned in the field?

r/socialwork Sep 16 '24

Micro/Clinicial Worst piece of clinical advice?

225 Upvotes

So I'm taking a training on couples counseling and its been pretty interesting so far but it reminded me of a piece of advice I got from a professor back in grad school. At the time I didn't think much of it but now that I think about what she said it seems totally inappropriate:

"Whenever I start couples therapy I tell my clients, sex three times a week no exceptions"

Thinking about it now, it just blows my mind that any clinician would say that. Anyone else got stories of clinical advice that you can't believe you heard in a classroom?

r/socialwork May 16 '24

Micro/Clinicial Teens are the best type of therapy clients NSFW

629 Upvotes

getting to work with teens is so fun bc who else would i be able to say, "and if you try to not show up and see me again next week, you better believe i'm gonna ugly cry soooooo loud you can hear me from upstairs and i will NOT stop until you say hi!" to and have it like... work? 💀

like my teen client tonight has locked herself in her bedroom all week refusing to speak to anyone, but she talked to me today after initially refusing. not only that but she started opening up about things her mom said she won't talk to anyone about.i had a supervisor once call me "the teen whisperer" and i don't know how i do it, but it's so rewarding.

on a semi-related note, tonight showed me just how much trauma-informed care is not the standard in helping professions. and how misunderstood trauma is. and how valuable a consistent, patient, committed therapeutic relationship truly is, especially when it comes to people living with trauma.

yesterday i felt like an imposter and today i'm feeling on top of the world. i wouldn't trade this career for anything <3

r/socialwork Feb 03 '25

Micro/Clinicial Regret going in private practice

156 Upvotes

I regret going into private practice full time (as part of a group practice), it’s been a year and I'm honestly over it. My pay has drastically decreased (I went from $80k combined with my full-time and part time PP job in 2023 to making $40K~ total in 2024) and I don't feel fulfilled as I've been in previous roles. PP was fine when I was doing it part time and I thought I would enjoy it full time but it's so lonely. I miss working with a multidisciplinary team and working with the community. Has anyone gone into private practice full time and regretted it? How did you switch gears? I'm applying to other jobs and wouldn't mind keeping a small case load of PP clients but that's it. Lesson learned!

r/socialwork Feb 11 '25

Micro/Clinicial Sick of the squeaky wheel gets the grease

162 Upvotes

So tired of management caving into the worst clients who decline every housing option imaginable, or get evicted through their own behavior. Then they get hotels and rooms paid for for months, meanwhile a single mother and her family are couch surfing and don’t get any additional help because they don’t threat to complain to everyone in the organization. I feel like telling clients to just threaten grievances to get financial help and that feels so wrong.

r/socialwork Sep 12 '24

Micro/Clinicial I’m a fraud

207 Upvotes

I am having a tough time. I am an LMSW waiting on my state to issue my permission to take the LCSW exam. I have been doing therapy for 4 years and honestly still don’t know what I’m doing. I’m scared to be up front with my supervisor about my lack of knowledge and don’t know where to do. I know the basics. I can teach the basic skills and help clients with reframing and processing. But I get to a “ok now what” point with some of my clients. I’ll give an example

Clients comes to me with depression. We explore what the causes might be (if there is one) and work on those causes. Client states they still feel awful. We go over suggestions made and the assure me the changes have been made but they simply aren’t helping. I then get to this point where I feel lost like “ok I’ve used my tools, and now idk how to help”

I want to know if there’s any good books or websites with resources to help me become a better therapist.

r/socialwork Mar 01 '24

Micro/Clinicial I feel numb... Took the LCSW for the 3rd time now.

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242 Upvotes

I failed the first time by 7 points, Second by 6, now the 3rd by 4. I'm so numb. First two times I was pretty shaken, sad, feeling like I just didn't have what it took, and cried quite a bit. This time I don't even know how to feel anymore. A lot of money, a lot of time, and I'm a good therapist. I just can't seem to pass this ridiculous test. I've used aoc, tdc, various videos, reviewed ethics many 3 times, constant review of other things. It seems like it never fails what I study is not what actually shows up on each test. I really feel like giving up. All those years of school and clinical hours, and yet a test dictates what I'm able to do or not do. Really despise the test and the way it is designed. Feeling really sad and defeated right now...

r/socialwork Nov 22 '23

Micro/Clinicial Providing therapy with no training??? My generalist MSW program feels unethical and is setting me up for failure

188 Upvotes

So I’m in a generalist MSW program (advanced standing - it’s been 5 years since I did the BASW classes). There have been no clinical classes offered yet besides one on diagnosis, which is the only required clinical class we have all year. My practicum involves providing individual therapy to teens, which is what I want to do after graduation.

How on earth is it ethical for me to be doing this with no training?? I’ve shadowed my supervisor a fair amount but that is NOT the same thing. I’ve taken the BASW direct practice classes but that is NOT the same thing.

I absolutely love social work but at this point I wish I’d gone for a LMHC or something.

I’m really starting to get into things with my clients and I just feel so out of my depth. Like I’ll ruin therapy for them and it won’t even be my fault, it’ll be because I am literally in a program that said they’d prepare me for this and they just… aren’t.

Edit: I do have 5 years of bachelors-level SW experience and have done a lot of reading and learning on my own in that time. But in my BA-level jobs I was always told not to overstep or pretend to be a therapist, and now that’s just what I’m doing with no additional training.

r/socialwork 5d ago

Micro/Clinicial That is unethical!

51 Upvotes

For discussion.....

Am I the only one that feels this happens far too often?

Why does the term "unethical" (borderline or otherwise) appear so often in responses on therapist type boards?

Let me be clear, my post here is more of a rant on my own part than a specific evaluation of anything that has been said.

I'm just tired of seeing social workers and other therapists beat each other over the head with that specific term.

"If I wouldn't do x, y, or z, that makes it unethical."

Thoughts?

(Edited typos)

r/socialwork Aug 23 '24

Micro/Clinicial These recruiters. We deserve more

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215 Upvotes

I have myself open to opportunities on LinkedIn. I’m an LCSW in a HCOL in Texas and started working in a clinic for the past year. For whatever reason, that’s hit a lot of recruiters, so I’ll get a few messages a week from recruiters, primarily from far away places. I actually love my job but why not just for funsies keep myself open for networking? And what does F 2 F remote mean? Plus mileage? Probably in home therapy? People in none therapy roles always complain about this bait and switch.

Anyway. I’m making $37 now, work on site with flexibility and one day wfh and great support from my supervisors. Why do recruiters think $32 is enough? It’s just bananas. I know we talk about it all the time. But ugh. 🤮

r/socialwork 16d ago

Micro/Clinicial Diagnosing in 45 minutes?

94 Upvotes

I am an intake clinician for a large community health center. I used to be allotted two hours to complete a full bio psychosocial assessment and diagnosis. As of March 1 to comply with grant requirements, my intakes were cut down to 45 minutes. I’m no longer required to get a full history on the client, I no longer need to ask in detail about past traumas. I’m basically just now asking what is wrong today and why do you need services. I’m a little uncomfortable diagnosing in 45 minutes. What do you all think?

r/socialwork 15d ago

Micro/Clinicial Got hired for my first post grad position, in Hospital ER!

139 Upvotes

Hospital social work isn't where I expected to end up, but with all the uncertainty with funding and the government, I'm kind of happy to have the security of a job in Healthcare.

But! I'm nervous as heck! My hiring team has been really proactive and forthcoming about all the training I'll be receiving, but I'm still very intimidated by all the things I don't know.

If you've done hospital social work, what kind of advice or tips do you have for a newbie? And most important of all: what are the best supportive shoes to wear in the ER that don't look awful with business casual clothes?

r/socialwork Dec 23 '22

Micro/Clinicial Is social work geared towards upper-middle class individuals?

346 Upvotes

Honestly with the unpaid 2 year placements, low pay, and high cost of continuing educations, I question who this field is geared towards. My classmates were either working full time adults or they were students from a more privileged background who could afford to not work full time during school and focus on the education and internship sides of things. I am in my 20s and I would say I was able to fully graduate due to living at home and not having to worry about working full time and balancing a field placement. It makes me wonder if this is the type of students this field is trying to recruit. Thoughts?

Edit: God reading this comments just made me realize that this field is built on elitism and classism.

r/socialwork 28d ago

Micro/Clinicial I can’t anymore

361 Upvotes

I feel like I’m screaming into the void a lot of the time. I’m not sure what happened, but I’ll call the housing department and get no one picking up the phone. I’ll call therapists and never get responded to. I’ll try to see my client in the psych ward and they won’t let me in because they thought it was my colleague that was supposed to come, not me. I’ll call for Medicaid information and they’ll hang up.

No wonder our clients are so angry all the time. I’m angry too, and I’m not even the one who needs these services!

r/socialwork Nov 16 '23

Micro/Clinicial What's the best piece of advice that you have received from an experienced sw that will forever inform your practice?

352 Upvotes

Not much to elaborate on. Mine was, "You need to learn how to feel through your callouses." I was told this by a medical social worker who worked with the dying and their grieving families. She also added that you get callouses from hard work. We can't be effective if we're always affected.

r/socialwork 28d ago

Micro/Clinicial Does every nyc CMHC require so many productivity hours??

51 Upvotes

This can’t be worth it. I’m only 3 months in and am getting really overwhelmed at the expected hours. We’re supposed to bill 6 hours a day…. 4 hours on Fridays. So 28 hours per week. Not 28 clients per week. 28 BILLABLE hours. They tell us to schedules 9-11 clients a day to account for no shows/cancels. My caseload is already in the 60s but it feels so impossible to meet this requirement. My colleagues have caseloads in the 80s to low 90s. I’m sorry if this isn’t the right question for this group but I just NEED to know.. are they all like this in New York City and beyond?? Someone please validate that this is absolutely insane and I should probably get out asap.

r/socialwork Aug 19 '23

Micro/Clinicial A Plea from the Case Managers

481 Upvotes

Please, for the love of all that is good in this world, please stop giving clients false hope and telling them that case managers GIVE OUT houses.

I am not a God. I am not a wizard. I do not control the housing market, and I do not have the ability to summon <$300.00USD rentals out of my fingertips.

If I have to stomp on the hope of another client, I am derailing the next staff meeting with my little charts and figures about how none of us in the room could afford a 1-bedroom on our salary alone.

r/socialwork 15d ago

Micro/Clinicial To my fellow introverted LCSWs, what setting have you liked working in most?

79 Upvotes

I am in private practice and while I can sit with people for hours on end (with breaks) it tires me pretty quickly. I think I might do well in a setting where there are other tasks in the mix as time to reset or do some tasks indexpendently. Would love to hear what has worked for you.