L.C.S.W stands for a Licensed Clinical Social Worker trained in psychotherapy who helps individuals deal with a variety of mental health and daily living problems to improve overall functioning. As an L.C.S.W, I graduated Summa Cum Laude in Psychology and received my master's degree in clinical social work which incorporated sociology, growth and development, mental health theory and practice, human behavior/social environment, psychology, research methods.

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker is the mental health  counseling branch of psychology and clinical social work and requires a significant degree of training after graduating with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.  This usually requires an extensive period of post-graduate supervised work experience along with passing of an ASWB approved national test.

The LCSW practices a type of mental health therapy that is strength based, meaning that they work with the client to find out what strong natural skills and talents they possess that can be used as a launching point to tackle issues causing hardship in the individual’s life. The social work framework for mental health therapy is very holistic, it will take into account not only the individual client’s emotional and psychological makeup, but also societal and environmental factors that can impact the well-being of the client.

This process begins with an assessment phase that takes into account not only a client inventory of strengths and perceived weaknesses or challenges, but also the client’s environment in their personal and professional lives. Once this inventory has been taken the LCSW works with the client to create a series of steps that can yield immediate tangible results in their life by building upon strengths they have and changing relationships or views on perceived weaknesses and challenges.