What is an LCSW- R? A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is a Master’s level Social Worker with extensive professional training and expertise in mental health. LCSWs are required to fulfill requirements in their State of practice to obtain licensure and must successfully pass a national examination. They provide psychotherapy, counseling, and talk therapy to clients.

Psychotherapy "R" Privilege: An LCSW who fulfills the requirements of the insurance law for supervised experience providing psychotherapy, is recognized in New York State as a reimbursable psychotherapist.

Some Benefits of School-Based Counseling

Opportunity for Self-Exploration and Self-Discovery

Seeing a Social Worker for school-based counseling provides students an opportunity to learn about themselves – their personality, values, and beliefs. Increased insight into their role in problems they may be facing is the first step towards change, personal development, and growth.

Provides Support and Validation

Social Workers provide a non-judgmental, warm, and caring environment for students to feel comfortable with the disclosure of personal concerns.  Therefore, school-based counseling offers a safe space where students can work to resolve academic, social, or personal stressors in a supportive environment.  

 Assists in Change of Self-Defeating Behaviors/Habits

Sometimes we all have habits that are contributing to our problems in life. Counseling can help bring about awareness of the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that revolve in a never-ending cycle of self-defeat. With increased awareness, students can learn effective coping strategies and develop action steps in order to effect positive change in their lives.

 Enhancement of Self-Esteem and Greater Self-Acceptance

The teen years can be a very challenging time of life.  Feelings of insecurity about appearance, abilities, acceptance etc. are common. Focusing on the negative aspects of ourselves can make us blind to the positive traits we have and result in crippling feelings of depression and anxiety. Counseling can assist students in learning self-acceptance, self-love, and self-compassion. They learn to recognize and build upon their strengths resulting in greater self-confidence.

Better Expression and Management of Emotions

Counseling can help students identify, express, and better regulate their emotions. Improved expression of one’s thoughts, feelings, and emotions results in more satisfying social relationships, improved concentration in the classroom and overall emotional wellness.

 Provides a Safe Outlet to Discuss Concerns and Problems

Counseling offers relief from mental health, relational, and situational concerns by providing a safe environment to vent. Sometimes students need to address the concerns that are on their mind but they fear the consequences of doing so. Counseling ensures confidentiality and no judgment. When we keep negative emotions/thoughts bottled up for so long, it takes a toll on our physical, mental and social well-being.  Therefore, counseling is a place to unload and uncover issues that interfere with overall well-being.

Fostering Hope, Motivation, and Encouragement

Working with a Social Worker can help spark motivation by bringing awareness to positive achievements in the present and past.  Talk therapy helps clarify a student’s goals, strengthens and hope for the future.

 Learning Effective Skills for Life

There are infinite daily life skills that students learn when they participate in counseling. These range from problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to communication and interpersonal skills. Counseling provides a safe environment to practice, and experiment with these skills before applying them to real situations outside of sessions. Mastering effective life skills results in overall wellness for the body, mind, and spirit.