Since there are so many brilliant and educated people on these boards, I’m sure that someone here has the knowledge I seek and will be willing to share.
I’m researching the difference between LCSW’s and PsyD’s-- not really so much the difference on paper or in terms of the kind of education required, because that kind of information is easy to find. No, I’m more interested in what the difference means in practical terms-- what kind of jobs can one get that the other can’t? What’s the day- in, day-out difference in real life? Who’s gotten one degree and maybe considered the other, and what has their experience been? All advice appreciated!!
I have seen both in Massachusetts. They have roughly the same job although a licensed social worker tends to focus more on practical problems and a PsyD clinical psychologist focuses more on clinical psychological disorders like eating disorders. A clinical psychologist may specialize in a theoretical paradigm like cognitive therapy whereas social workers generally do not.
If you want to someone to help with family matters, a licensed social worker may be the way to go. If you need help with a clinical disorder, you might see a clinical psychologist.
There is a lot of overlap however. I prefer seeing LCSW because they just cut through the bull and give actual real-life advise. Clinical psychologists often don’t do that oddly enough.
