Although I could understand the argument that allowing LCSWs to supervise counseling residents could help address a shortage of mental health professionals and expedite resident licensure, I think it is crucial that we weigh the potential benefits against the concerns raised by current and upcoming LPCs, like myself.

First of all, there is a list of discrepancies between the scope of practice for LCSWs and LPCs. While they both provide mental health services, their specific training and professional focus lead to key differences in what their scope of practice ultimately looks like. LCSWs take on a broader social-ecological approach, considering the impact of a client’s environment on their mental health, such as their family, community, and social systems. With that being said, their training/education emphasizes social justice advocacy, policy analysis, and macro-level interventions, such as program development or community outreach. They may also be trained in case management to connect clients with resources and services. Although they can provide individual, group, and family therapy, their approach often integrates social and environmental factors into the treatment plan, which may lead to more frequent implementation of brief interventions.

While there can be some overlap in the work of LCSWs and LPCs, the distinctions in their training and focus can lead to major differences in their approach to client care. LPCs utilize a much more individualized focus on mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment plan, using various therapeutic techniques. LPC programs explore counseling theories and techniques in-depth, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness. LPCs primarily provide individual, group, and family therapy while focusing on helping the clients develop personalized coping mechanisms, approaches for managing symptoms connected with mental health disorders, and ways to generally improve emotional well-being.

Additionally, due to the differences in their education and training, an LCSW supervisor may not be able to provide the same level of expertise and guidance in specific counseling techniques that an LPC supervisor could. For example, social workers tend to deal less with how clients came to be in their present situation and focus more on how to resolve current issues in order to ensure future success. On the other hand, counselors tend to incorporate how past events and experiences have influenced current thought and behavioral patterns. LPCs are more likely to be qualified to oversee and guide counseling residents in developing the appropriate competencies required for professional counseling licensure. It is also important to consider how allowing LCSWs to supervise counseling residents, limits the opportunity of doing so for LPCs, specifically limiting potential income and supervisory experience.

As mentioned previously, there are understandable arguments for allowing LCSWs to provide supervision for counseling residents. However, I would seriously consider how the minor benefits of doing so weigh against the serious concerns raised by LPCs.