Also called: LCSW, Therapist
Provides therapy and connects people with resources like housing, benefits, and treatment programs.
Counsels a client with depression, then helps them apply for disability benefits and find a food pantry. Social workers provide more mental health care than any other profession in the US.
BLS May 2024 (mental health and substance abuse social workers).
Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Master of Social Work (MSW) plus 2 years of supervised practice for the LCSW license.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $60k – $150k.
Majors to look at: Social Work, Psychology, Sociology.
Growing faster than average (about 7% over 10 years). Faster than average.
Low risk for 10 years. AI can speed benefit paperwork and notes; therapy, advocacy and home visits with people in hard situations stay human.
Classes: Sociology, AP Psychology, Spanish.
Official data: O*NET occupation 21-1023.
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