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Q: What are your
credentials and what does MS, LCSW mean? The
credentials MS represent that Kyle Gilrain has a
Master’s of Science degree from the Columbia University School of Social
Work. The Columbia University School of
Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education which ensures
quality in Social Work education. The
credentials LCSW is an abbreviation for Licensed
Clinical Social Worker and represents a license issued by the state. Providers with an LCSW credential have
graduated from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work
Education and meet other requirements determined by the state which granted the
LCSW. In most states, this means that a provider has
had hours (number of hours determined by each state) of clinical supervision
prior to receipt of the LCSW. In
addition, a provider with an LCSW, in most states, must pass a licensing exam to ensure
understanding of key concepts of treatment and ethical standards. In most states, the exam provided by
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) is the exam required by the state. Moreover, some states have multiple levels of
licensure; with LCSW representing the highest level for Clincal Social Workers. Kyle was originally
licensed in the state of New Jersey which has multiple levels of
licensure. Upon completion of his MS
from Columbia University School of Social Work, he sat for and passed the
Intermediate Licensing Exam (now called the Masters Exam) which, in the state
of NJ, enables you to use the credential LSW.
Upon completion of more than two years of professional practice and a
minimum of one hour a week of clinical supervision, he sat for and passed the
advanced clinical exam (now the Clinical Exam) and is now able to use the
credential LCSW. Kyle has held this
advanced license in the states of NJ, VT, VA, and FL respectively. In addition
to compliance with all state laws that govern LCSW’s, Kyle is a member of the
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) both the national and Florida
Chapter. Membership in the NASW means
that he agrees to adhere to, not only Florida state laws governing LCSW’s, but
also the values and ethics of the profession as prescribed in the Social Work
Code of Ethics. Lastly, in an effort to reduce and eliminate sexual abuse, Kyle is a clnical member
of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA). Clinical membership in this orgranization requires
professional training, supervirion, and adherance to the ATSA code of ethics to ensure efficacious and safe treatment to reduce and eliminate sexual abuse.
Sources for Additional
Information: Columbia University
School of Social Work - Official Website Columbia University
School of Social Work - Wikipedia Council on
Social Work Education (CSWE) Association of Social Work Boards New Jersey
LCSW licensing requirements Florida LCSW
licensing requirements National
Association of Social Workers (NASW) - National Chapter National
Association of Social Workers (NASW) - Florida Chapter |