Both Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) are empowered by the state in which they practice to conduct private therapy. An MFT and an LCSW also must complete 3000 hours of supervised work prior to obtaining licensure. Additionally, both an MFT and an LCSW have a master’s degree.

However, there are some essential differences between the MFT and LCSW classification. First, an MFT, also sometimes called a Marriage, Child and Family Counselor (MFCC), has received a master’s degree in psychology or counseling, with emphasis on private counseling. An LCSW receives a master’s degree in social work, called an MSW.

The way in which hours of practice prior to taking examinations are decided also varies. An MFT candidate must perform 3000 practice hours split among several different types of experience. For example, some hours must be phone counseling, individual counseling, group therapy, and family therapy.

The LCSW also must perform 3000 supervised hours but has more options, and more means for making money while completing supervised hours. These hours do not necessarily have to be split between different types of counseling. In fact, hours can be completed performing social work, administering a senior home, helping to run a foster care program, or working at an adoption agency.

This would suggest that the LCSW has less training to be a good therapist, but this is not the case. An LCSW who plans to privately practice therapy will generally choose work opportunities that allow them to practice therapy. As well, MSW programs vary significantly in orientation. Some are specifically geared toward people who wish to get an LCSW to be a therapist.

Many MFTs find that their certification leaves them with fewer job possibilities than those for LCSWs. This is true. For example, a social worker cannot be an MFT in most cases but must be an LCSW. Some hospitals will only hire an LCSW, and some government run medical centers cannot legally hire an MFT to perform social work.

The thought behind this is that the LCSW has more training in considering all aspects of a patient’s life, like living conditions and income. The LCSW may also have specific training in negotiating requests for government assistance. Many an MFT can also perform these functions with ease, but the MFT is more therapy based in training, and may not be aware of all government programs.

In terms of seeing an MFT or LCSW for therapy, some people note differences. Some LCSWs tend to be more action oriented in their counseling and may give their opinions more readily. Really, it comes down to comfort level with a counselor rather than degree or license.

Many people find themselves just as happy with either type of counselor, as long as that counselor is skilled. Some might prefer an MFT to an LCSW not so much because of training, but because the person seems a better fit with the person’s personality or ideas of what functions counseling should perform.

Neither an MFT nor an LCSW is allowed to prescribe medications. This is solely the province of medical doctors and occasionally of nurse practitioners. However, both the MFT and LCSW are familiar with the potential effects of most psychiatric medications.

Thus both an MFT and LCSW can assist people with a new diagnosis of a psychiatric condition, and recognize possible warning signs that a medication may not be working. With the permission of the patient, they can also maintain contact with a prescribing doctor.