Can You Become a Therapist with a Master’s in Social Work?

One of the most common questions prospective social work students ask is: Can you be a therapist with a master’s in social work? The short answer is yes—but with important conditions. While “therapist” is a broad, non-legal term that can describe professionals from various disciplines, the legal ability to provide clinical therapy in most U.S. states requires specific licensure.

A Master of Social Work (MSW) can be a strong pathway to becoming a therapist, particularly in clinical roles such as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or other state-specific equivalents. This article will break down how an MSW can lead to a therapy career, outline the steps to licensure, and compare the MSW route with other counseling and therapy degrees. It will also highlight key considerations so you can decide if this is the right path for your career goals.

Walden University : Master of Social Work (MSW) (CSWE Accredited)

Grand Canyon University : Degrees in Social Work (As a private university, GCU has the same in-state and out-of-state tuition. No GRE Required.)

Liberty University : MSW: Social Work (100% online, 8-week courses)

Syracuse University : Master of Social Work (CSWE accredited. Standard and Advanced Standing tracks. No GRE required.)

University of Denver : Master of Social Work (Earn an MSW in as few as 12 months. No GRE required. CSWE accredited)

Understanding What a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Is

A Master of Social Work (MSW) is a graduate degree that equips students for advanced practice in social work, including roles that involve providing therapy. An MSW can be an important step if you want to become a therapist, but your ability to practice independently will still depend on earning the right state licensure.

Program Formats

MSW programs come in several formats to fit different schedules and educational backgrounds:

• Traditional programs typically take about two years to complete on a full-time basis.
• Accelerated online MSW programs allow students with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) to earn their MSW in as little as 12–16 months.
• Part-time options can extend the timeline to three or more years, providing flexibility for working professionals.
• Fully online formats make it possible to complete coursework remotely, though in-person fieldwork placements are still required.

GRE Requirements

Many schools now offer online MSW programs that don’t require the GRE, which can streamline the admissions process. This is especially appealing for applicants who prefer to focus on their professional and academic experience rather than standardized testing.

Overall, an MSW provides both the theoretical foundation and the hands-on experience necessary for advanced practice in social work, making it a viable pathway to therapy roles—provided you complete the licensure steps required in your state.

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Therapist Roles You Can Pursue with an MSW

Earning an MSW can open the door to several therapy-related roles, though your ability to provide psychotherapy independently depends on obtaining state licensure. The most common pathway is becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), though titles and exact requirements vary by state.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Equivalent Titles

An LCSW (or the state-specific equivalent) is authorized to:

• Provide psychotherapy and counseling for individuals, couples, and groups
• Conduct mental health assessments
• Develop treatment plans
• Offer case management and connect clients with community resources

While LCSW is the most widely recognized term, other common state-regulated titles include:

• LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker)
• LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker — typically non-clinical or requiring supervision for therapy)

Common Work Settings

Licensed clinical social workers may work in:

• Private practice
• Mental health clinics
• Hospitals and healthcare systems
• K–12 schools
• Community agencies
• Government programs

Important Note on the Term “Therapist”

The term therapist is not a universal legal designation. In many states, using titles like psychotherapist or licensed therapist without holding the appropriate license can result in legal penalties. Even with an MSW, you must complete the necessary post-graduate supervised experience and licensure process before offering therapy independently.

How MSW-Based Therapy Compares to Other Therapy Degrees

While an MSW can absolutely be a pathway to becoming a licensed therapist, it’s important to understand how it compares to other common graduate-level therapy degrees. Each has its own focus, licensure process, and career applications.

Master’s in Counseling / Clinical Mental Health Counseling

These programs typically lead to Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credentials, depending on the state.

• Focus: Counseling theory, therapeutic techniques, and client-focused interventions.
• Difference from MSW: More concentrated on counseling and psychotherapy skills, with less emphasis on social services, policy, or advocacy.

Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)

Graduates of MFT programs usually pursue Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) credentials.

• Focus: Relationship dynamics, couples therapy, and family systems.
• Difference from MSW: Narrower in scope but deeply specialized in family and couple contexts.

Psychology (PsyD or PhD)

Doctoral-level psychology programs lead to licensure as a psychologist.

• Focus: In-depth psychological assessment, diagnosis, and treatment across a broad spectrum of mental health concerns.
• Difference from MSW: Higher degree requirement, longer training time, and often greater emphasis on testing and research.

Bottom line: While counseling and MFT degrees focus heavily on therapy delivery, an MSW combines psychotherapy training with social work principles—offering broader career flexibility, particularly for roles that integrate mental health support with community resources.

Walden University - Master of Social Work (MSW) (CSWE Accredited)

Grand Canyon University - Degrees in Social Work (CSWE Accredited)

Liberty University - MSW: Social Work (SACSCOC Accredited)

Syracuse University - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)

University of Denver - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)

Advantages of Choosing an MSW Path to Therapy

For students wondering can you be a therapist with a master’s in social work, there are several compelling reasons why the MSW is a strong pathway toward a clinical career.

Broad Career Flexibility

An MSW equips graduates for more than just clinical therapy roles. With this degree, you can combine psychotherapy work with advocacy, policy development, program administration, or case management. This versatility allows for career shifts over time without needing additional degrees.

Strong Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for social workers to grow faster than the average for all occupations over the coming decade. Clinical social workers, in particular, benefit from steady demand in mental health facilities, healthcare settings, and private practice.

Diverse Work Settings and Populations

With an MSW and clinical licensure, you can work in a variety of environments, including:

• Private practice
• Hospitals and healthcare systems
• Mental health clinics
• Schools
• Community organizations

You also have the opportunity to serve a wide range of client populations, from children and families to older adults.

Flexible Learning Pathways

Many universities offer part-time, fully online, and accelerated MSW programs for advanced standing students—making it easier to balance education with other commitments. The growing number of online MSW programs that don’t require the GRE also streamlines the application process for busy professionals.

Potential Limitations and Considerations

While earning an MSW can be an excellent route for those asking can you be a therapist with a master’s in social work, there are a few important factors to weigh before committing.

Post-Graduate Supervised Practice

Even after completing your MSW, you won’t immediately be able to provide therapy independently. States typically require 2,000–3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over a period of 2–3 years before granting full licensure.

Variations in Scope of Practice

Each state sets its own rules for what a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or equivalent can do. This means your ability to diagnose, bill insurance, or use certain professional titles may vary depending on where you work.

Reimbursement Differences

Therapists with an MSW may find that reimbursement rates from insurance providers can differ compared to those for psychologists or certain other licensed mental health professionals. This can influence earning potential in private practice settings.

Accreditation Matters

Your MSW program must be CSWE-accredited for licensure eligibility in most states. Choosing a program without this accreditation can severely limit your ability to pursue clinical roles.

FAQ

Can I call myself a therapist right after earning my MSW?

Not in most states. While the term “therapist” is not always legally defined, providing psychotherapy typically requires licensure. After graduating with your MSW, you’ll likely need to complete supervised clinical hours and pass your state’s licensing exam before you can practice independently as a therapist.

Do all MSW programs prepare you for clinical licensure?

No. Some MSW programs focus on macro-level social work, policy, or administration rather than clinical training. If your goal is to provide therapy, choose a CSWE-accredited program with a clinical or direct practice track that meets your state’s requirements.

Is an MSW better than a counseling degree for becoming a therapist?

It depends on your career goals. An MSW offers broad flexibility, allowing you to work in therapy, advocacy, policy, or social services. A master’s in counseling is more narrowly focused on therapy and often includes more coursework in counseling techniques.

Can I get licensed if I complete an online MSW program?

Yes—if the program is CSWE-accredited and includes the required supervised clinical experiences. Many states accept online degrees, but always verify with your state licensing board to ensure the program meets all requirements.

Next Steps for Prospective Students

If your goal is to become a licensed therapist with an MSW, start by identifying CSWE-accredited programs that offer a clinical concentration. Review your state’s licensing requirements in detail to ensure your chosen program aligns with them. Decide whether a traditional, accelerated, or online format best suits your timeline and lifestyle. Finally, connect with admissions offices, current students, or alumni to get first-hand insights before applying. This preparation will help you select a program that supports both your career goals and licensure pathway.

List of Programs

Walden University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

Master of Social Work (MSW)

CSWE Accredited

Learn More

Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online

Degrees in Social Work

CSWE Accredited

Learn More

Liberty University 🗹 Online

MSW: Social Work

SACSCOC Accredited

Learn More

Syracuse University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

Master of Social Work

CSWE Accredited

Learn More

University of Denver 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters

Master of Social Work

CSWE Accredited

Learn More