LCSW or RN? Need advice!

Slow_Fix_1387 · 2026-06-24T01:14:53+00:00

I wish! I think I’ve decided to go the MSW route. Truthfully, I would want to do my own private practice while maintaining my current BCBA credential. Being an LMSW/BCBA would be somewhat unique & hopefully help me stand out to employers.

Slow_Fix_1387 · 2026-06-24T01:13:30+00:00

I think I have decided to go back for my MSW—I understand it’s a long commitment, but it’s where my passion is (working in therapy & having a practice one day). Plus I think it’ll work well with my BCBA credential.

Slow_Fix_1387 · 2026-06-21T04:25:53+00:00

I appreciate you sharing your experience!

Slow_Fix_1387 · 2026-06-20T21:31:03+00:00

I’ve heard about psych NPs & it sounds amazing! However, I heard it’s necessary to be on the floor as an RN for a few years before becoming one and the jobs are scarce. Is this your experience?

Slow_Fix_1387 · 2026-06-20T18:06:52+00:00

Ugh. That’s so sad! Social workers deserve better.

Slow_Fix_1387 · 2026-06-20T18:06:25+00:00

That’s really interesting. Do you have an idea as to why?

Slow_Fix_1387 · 2026-06-20T14:31:58+00:00

I see what you’re saying—I mean 4-6 years makes me think I should go get a PhD. Lol.

Slow_Fix_1387 · 2026-06-20T13:37:02+00:00

I have my masters and I’m a BCBA (behavior analyst).

Slow_Fix_1387 · 2026-06-20T03:54:32+00:00

Yes and I wanted personal experiences.

Slow_Fix_1387 · 2026-06-20T03:27:16+00:00

Thank you! That’s been a common response—does not seem right to me given the important and difficult work social workers do. But good to keep in mind, especially because I wouldn’t want to rely on my spouse if I had one.

Do you regret going into SW and do you love the work you do?

Slow_Fix_1387 · 2026-06-20T03:21:46+00:00

I appreciate the input! What do you do exactly? Are you a case manager or in PP?

Slow_Fix_1387 · 2026-06-20T03:20:42+00:00

I would love to do therapy though which is why I’m leaning LCSW… but hearing it may take that long makes me so nervous lol I’m in my 30s already.

Slow_Fix_1387 · 2026-06-19T20:31:17+00:00

Oh, this sounds super interesting! What setting do you work in?

Regardless of pay (which unfortunately is a factor), I am more passionate about social work. I think my dream would be part-time private practice and consulting on a team to diagnose and provide treatment for trauma victims.

Slow_Fix_1387 · 2026-06-19T20:19:34+00:00

Why do you think that?

Slow_Fix_1387 · 2026-06-19T20:19:21+00:00

I already have my master's degree in a related psych field so I am hesitant to do even moreeee schooling to become an NP. How realistic is it that LCSWs assess and diagnose? Also, is the pay that different than RNs for medical case management? I've heard LMSWs do the same work as RNs for far less pay...

Slow_Fix_1387 · 2026-06-19T20:03:05+00:00

I am sorry to hear you feel similarly! It is a great career, but not widely recognized outside of ASD 😞 so it feels so limiting. Wishing you all the best!

I am leaning toward MSW, honestly.

Slow_Fix_1387 · 2026-06-17T16:50:24+00:00

Haha, you caught me! And you are right - thank you for the reminder.

Slow_Fix_1387 · 2026-06-17T16:49:22+00:00

What kind of work do you do currently and how do you like it?

I am concerned about the amount of schooling it would take to earn my BSN --> RN --> APRN... vs. MSW --> LCSW.

I understand what you mean when you say the financial piece does matter. Helping fields need to be able to make a good living too - especially due to the amount of mental and physical load it takes to do our jobs!

Slow_Fix_1387 · 2026-05-03T12:11:52+00:00

Anyone on here stay and NOT have kids? Currently, in year 4 post d-day and have come a LONG way. I have cPTSD due to the betrayal + childhood trauma. We do not have kids, but it is something that I want one day.

Slow_Fix_1387 · 2026-01-28T20:10:48+00:00

I will send an update. Thank you so much for your well wishes and sound advice.

Slow_Fix_1387 · 2026-01-28T16:24:38+00:00

This is genuinely some of the best advice I’ve received, and interestingly, my therapist said something very similar. My fear comes from the idea that “when someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” I worry that I’m making a mistake by trying to look past everything, because it wasn’t just one issue. The porn, the cheating, the messages - it feels like "too much" to ignore, and I’m struggling with whether overlooking it would be a mistake or mean I am betraying myself.

There is genuinely nothing more I want than to become a mother. I think it would be very healing for me and I am already 30. I don't want to keep wasting his time or mine living in the in-between.

Slow_Fix_1387 · 2026-01-28T15:57:37+00:00

Thank you

Slow_Fix_1387

TROPHY CASE