What Is the Difference Between an LCSW and an LMFT?
What is an LCSW? What is an LMFT? The roles of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) can overlap, but there are still major differences between both fields. Pacific Oaks College offers both Social Work degree programs and Marriage and Family Therapy degree programs so let’s dive into both career paths to help understand the different roles and responsibilities.
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) both work with clients to support their day-to-day lives and total mental wellness. Despite their similarities, these two professions entail very different education, licensure, and overall career paths.
What Is an LMFT?
A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) is a certified healthcare professional who has typically graduated with a master’s degree in counseling or marriage and family therapy. Marriage and family therapists are trained to help families and couples identify and treat personal and interpersonal problems including depression, parent-child conflicts, drug and alcohol abuse, anxiety, and more.
An LMFT’s job includes the ability to diagnose and identify the causes of strains in relationships and then apply psychotherapeutic techniques to counsel and offer solutions to clients.
LMFTs work in several settings, including private practice, government agencies, psychiatric hospitals, outpatient centers, and other institutions. The process of becoming licensed in marriage and family therapy allows MFT degree holders to validate their qualifications according to an objective standard and practice at a state level.
Learn more about what LMFT means and how to become a marriage and family therapy counselor.
Pursue a Career in LMFT
An LMFT degree will prepare you to identify and diagnose interpersonal issues that many families face. Pacific Oaks College offers a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at our Pasadena campus that helps students develop the skills to become a family therapist or counselor. This LMFT program is also designed to prepare students for the California licensing exam needed to practice as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state.
What Is an LCSW?
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) hold a master’s degree in social work and are licensed to provide diagnoses and counseling services to individuals suffering from mental, behavioral, and other emotional issues. Social workers often work on a one-on-one basis with clients in clinical practices, schools, hospitals, and various other settings where clinical work is required. As an LCSW, the use of psychological diagnosis, evaluations, and treatment provides clients with the resources and plans to move toward better lives. Discover how to become a licensed social worker in California.
Pursue a Career as an LCSW
A Master of Social Work, or MSW, is required to put you on the path to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. The Online MSW program at Pacific Oaks College prepares students to become culturally competent practitioners in an accelerated online modality format. This program was designed to prepare students for the California licensing exam needed to become a licensed clinical social worker in the state.
LCSW vs. LMFT: What’s the Difference?
The “social worker or therapist” confusion exists because both professions offer care and counseling to clients. Both LCSWs and LMFTs may employ diagnostic and counseling techniques to provide solutions to clients in similar sectors, like health care, private practice, government agencies, and more.
However, there are key differences between both practices, including:
- Clientele: LMFTs are trained to focus their services on families, couples, and parent-child relationships, while LCSWs are more focused on individuals and community work.
- Licensure: Licensure requirements vary between marriage and family therapists and clinical social workers. While licensure will vary state to state, LMFTs and LCSWs will likely be licensed under different boards, each with their unique prerequisites for practice hours, education, testing, and more.
- Education: Both professions require a master’s degree to practice. However, the specific concentration varies. LCSWs require a degree in Social Work, while an LMFT will likely require a master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy to properly equip them with behavioral therapy techniques to effectively provide solutions to clients.
- Social workers do not provide therapy sessions to their clients, while that is the main job function of a marriage and family therapist. The day-to-day work of a social worker involves coordinating care between facilities and developing a plan that promotes the client’s health care goals.
LCSW and LMFT Degree Paths
Pacific Oaks College offers a variety of master’s degree programs in Marriage and Family Therapy, each with its specialization meant to address the needs of specific groups, including LGBTQIA+, Trauma Studies, Latinx families, and African American families.
Our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in social work prepare graduates for successful careers as Licensed Clinical Social Workers. The BSW and MSW programs are designed to provide a holistic look at the practice by providing a social justice lens and access to urban and rural practice opportunities.
LCSW and LMFT FAQs
What degree is required to become either an LCSW or an LMFT?
To become either a licensed clinical social worker or a licensed marriage and family therapist, the minimum degree requirement is a master’s program. At Pacific Oaks College, we offer a Master of Social Work degree and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, which both prepare students to pursue licensure in the state of California for their respective fields.
What are the requirements to become an LMFT or LCSW?
CA LMFT Requirements:
- Earn a California Board of Behavioral Sciences-approved master’s degree
- Register as an MFT
- Complete 3,000 supervised hours (225 hours must be pre-graduation)
- Take and pass the LMFT clinical exam
- Earn your MSW degree
- Complete 3,000 supervised hours over a minimum of 104 weeks
- Take and pass the ASWB clinical exam
- Apply for LCSW licensure
How long does it take to become an LMFT or LCSW?
It takes about nine years to become a licensed marriage and family therapist or a licensed clinical social worker in the state of California. LMFT: four years for undergraduate degree, two-and-a-half years for master’s degree, two to three years to complete supervised hours. LCSW: four years for undergraduate degree, two years for master’s degree, two to three years to complete supervised hours.
Are LMFT and LCSW programs available online?
At Pacific Oaks, we offer online programs for both our Master of Social Work program and our Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy.
How much do LMFTs make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, marriage and family therapists earn an average of $63,780 a year. A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist has the potential to earn a higher salary, depending on the state in which they pursue a career.
How much do LCSWs make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers earn an average of $61,330 a year. A licensed clinical social worker has the potential to earn a higher salary, depending on the state in which they pursue a career.
What kind of clients do LMFTs typically work with?
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists typically work with couples, children, and families.
What kind of clients do LCSWs typically work with?
Depending on the setting, Licensed Clinical Social Workers can work with a range of clients, including children, the elderly, underserved communities, people with disabilities, people recovering from addiction, and more.
