Can You Be a Therapist with a Social Work Degree? Exploring PsyD Pathways

Can you be a therapist with a social work degree? Absolutely—and for many, that degree is a powerful entry point into clinical practice. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) provide therapy across a range of settings, often with a strong emphasis on systems, community impact, and client advocacy. Social work brings a unique perspective to mental health care, blending relational skills with practical support and policy awareness.

But for some professionals, becoming a therapist is just the beginning. If you’re looking to expand your clinical expertise, step into leadership, or deepen your understanding of psychological theory, there are advanced academic paths worth considering. One of those is the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), and it’s more accessible to social workers than many realize.

Becoming a Therapist with an MSW: What You Should Know

A Master of Social Work (MSW) is a long-established and respected pathway into therapy. Many professionals who pursue this degree go on to become Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), which grants them the legal authority to practice psychotherapy. This includes diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, supporting clients through life transitions, and offering structured clinical interventions.

Social workers who become therapists often bring a systems-level perspective to their work. They are trained to consider not only the individual but also the larger social, cultural, and environmental factors that affect mental health. This allows them to offer grounded, comprehensive support in a variety of real-world contexts.

The PsyD Advantage for Licensed Clinical Social Workers

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) often reach a point in their careers where they want to go deeper—professionally, academically, and clinically. A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) offers that opportunity. Unlike entry-level programs, the PsyD is structured to build on the training and clinical experience you already have. It’s an advanced degree that helps expand your lens and refine your therapeutic tools.

Many LCSWs pursue a PsyD to enrich their clinical work with more advanced theory and specialization. Areas like psychodynamic therapy, psychological assessment, child development, and trauma treatment often become new focal points in their practice. For those looking to elevate their level of care, the PsyD offers a rigorous, integrated pathway to do so.

Opening New Professional Doors

In addition to clinical development, a PsyD can create access to broader career roles. Whether you want to teach, supervise, lead clinical programs, or consult, the degree signals a high level of training and preparation that’s often required in these positions.

Motivations for pursuing a PsyD as a licensed social worker often include:

• Deepening clinical specialization and therapeutic approaches
• Advancing into leadership, academic, or training roles
• Increasing credibility in interdisciplinary and clinical settings
• Exploring focused areas like child psychology, relational psychotherapy, or trauma
• Enhancing earning potential and long-term career flexibility

The PsyD helps experienced clinicians step into roles where they can shape policy, mentor the next generation, and influence the field from a more informed and empowered place

The SCUHS PsyD: A Strong Next Step for Licensed Social Workers

At Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCUHS), our Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Psychodynamic Psychology is a compelling next step for LCSWs who want to grow clinically, academically, and professionally. Whether you are looking to expand your therapeutic depth, take on supervisory roles, or step into leadership, this program supports that development through a structured, practice-focused doctoral experience.

Our 3.3-year hybrid format blends online coursework with immersive, in-person intensives—designed to work with your existing schedule and clinical commitments. Our curriculum emphasizes psychodynamic theory, child development, a clinical integration with neuroscience, trauma-informed care and multicultural considerations while allowing you to apply new insights directly within your current role. Financial aid and scholarships are available. The program is led by Dr. Jens Schmidt, an expert in psychodynamic therapy and integrative mental health.

If you are ready to take your work further, schedule a virtual information session, or reach out to us at admissions@scuhs.edu.

How Social Work Professionals Qualify for PsyD Programs

If you have earned an MSW and gained your experience in clinical practice, you are likely a strong candidate for many Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) programs. These programs value and seek applicants who bring a deep understanding of therapeutic work and have experience supporting individuals, families, or communities in mental health contexts.

PsyD programs are not limited to psychology majors but frequently open to graduates from behavioral health disciplines, especially those who can show strong clinical engagement, professional purpose, and academic readiness. With your MSW, you already meet many of the foundational expectations.

Common PsyD Admissions Requirements for MSW Holders

Each PsyD program sets its own admissions criteria, but several core elements tend to show up across institutions. As someone with an MSW, you’ve likely completed many of these already. If your master’s training was more policy or macro-focused, some programs may request additional coursework in clinical or psychological foundations.

Most PsyD programs ask for:

• An MSW from a regionally accredited institution
• A competitive graduate GPA (typically 3.0 or higher)
• A statement of purpose
• Documented clinical experience, preferably post-MSW

Having direct client experience and reflective insight into your work helps strengthen your application. Admissions committees are often looking for professionals who know why they’re pursuing a PsyD and how it aligns with their goals.

Academic Fit, Experience, and Professional Purpose

Your MSW provides a strong academic base—the combination of that education with your clinical practice, supervision, and ongoing professional development will make your application stand out. Some programs may review transcripts to confirm foundational coursework in human development, assessment, or ethics. If additional preparation is needed, they will often guide you on how to fulfill it.

Ultimately, programs seek to admit students who are motivated, reflective, and ready to engage in complex clinical work at the doctoral level. With an MSW and a clear sense of direction, you’re already well on your way.

Does a PsyD Lead to Licensure If You’re Already an LCSW?

If you are a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), earning a Doctor of Psychology does not change your license or convert you into a licensed psychologist. These are two distinct licenses, each with its own educational, training, and examination requirements. Becoming a licensed clinical psychologist involves meeting the licensing requirements of the state board. In California, it involves documentation of Supervised Verified Experience (3,000 hours of which at least 1,500 hours have to be accrued after the doctoral degree conferral); furthermore it requires the successful passing of the licensure examinations, passing the EPPP, and meeting some other California’s licensing board criteria.

That said, earning a PsyD as an LCSW can significantly broaden your clinical, academic, and professional options. Many social workers pursue the degree to enhance—not replace—the work they are already doing.

Professional Growth Without a License Change

A PsyD can add value to your career even if you continue to practice under your existing LCSW license. Many professionals use the degree to strengthen their clinical depth, pursue new roles, or enter spaces where doctoral-level training is preferred.

Common reasons LCSWs pursue a PsyD include:

• Advancing into clinical leadership roles
• Teaching in academic or graduate-level settings
• Expanding private practice offerings
• Supervising other clinicians or students
• Consulting or shaping mental health programs

The PsyD enhances how you show up in your work and helps establish authority in specialized areas, whether you choose to pursue additional licensure or not.

The SCUHS PsyD: Advanced Training for Mental Health Leaders

SCUHS’ Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program offers the next step to advance the careers of social workers and other professionals committed to the clinical field. This program is structured to meet professionals where they are—building on the foundation of an MSW or related degree and helping you grow into the clinician, educator, or leader you always wanted to become.

We have created a hybrid format that seeks to accommodate the demanding schedules of working professionals. You will engage in flexible online learning alongside in-person course work that offer clinical discussion, direct faculty mentorship, and peer interaction and collaboration. There are no mandatory university-managed field placements or practicums as part of your program. You apply and practice what you are learning within your current professional role, making the experience deeply relevant and immediately impactful.

Why SCUHS Is a Strong Fit for LCSWs and MSWs

We recognize that social work professionals bring rich, real-world insight to the classroom—and our program is designed to build on that. With a hybrid, 3.3-year format, SCUHS blends asynchronous online coursework with in-person intensives that create space for hands-on engagement, collaboration, and faculty student interaction.

SCUHS is a great match for MSWs and LCSWs:

• The program accepts social work degrees with clinical training
• The curriculum focuses on advanced psychodynamic theory and child development
• Students can integrate their learning within current roles
• It supports movement into leadership, supervision, and academic teaching
• Financial aid and scholarships are available

Led by Dr. Jens Schmidt, an educator, clinician, and expert in psychodynamic approach, the program reflects a deep commitment to rigorous education, theory-practice transfer, relational depth, and professional advancement.

Advance with Purpose and Confidence

The path from clinical social work to doctoral study is both a natural progression and a powerful investment in your future. With your MSW and licensure already in hand, a PsyD can help you expand your scope, refine your clinical approach, and prepare for leadership or academic roles that demand deeper expertise.

At Southern California University of Health Sciences, we have created a program that values your experience and helps you build on it—without stepping away from the work you care about. If you are ready to evolve as a clinician, educator, or leader, we invite you to learn more. Schedule a virtual information session, or contact us at admissions@scuhs.edu to get started.

FAQs

Can a licensed social worker apply to a PsyD program?

Yes, licensed social workers—including LCSWs—are sought out candidates for PsyD programs. Your clinical background and graduate-level education demonstrate the professional experience and academic preparation many programs value. If you have been practicing, supervising, or working in community mental health, your insights are especially relevant for doctoral-level study.

Will I need to get a new license if I earn a PsyD as an LCSW?

No, your LCSW license remains valid and active even after earning a PsyD. If you want to pursue a psychologist licensure, you will need to meet your state’s specific requirements, which typically include supervised postdoctoral hours and passing the EPPP. Many LCSWs use the PsyD to expand their practice or step into leadership, without changing their license.

How does a PsyD help social workers advance in their careers?

A PsyD can help you move into advanced roles such as clinical director, professor, supervisor, or consultant. It deepens your theoretical knowledge, strengthens your clinical approach, and supports specialization in areas like child psychology or trauma. The degree can also enhance your credibility and open doors in teaching, leadership, and integrated care environments.

Do I need to take extra courses to qualify for a PsyD if I have an MSW?

Some programs may ask for supplemental coursework if your MSW focused more on macro practice or policy. However, if your training included clinical theory, assessment, and hands-on therapeutic work, you are likely well-prepared. It’s always a good idea to review prerequisites or talk with an admissions advisor to confirm.

Does SCUHS accept MSWs into its PsyD program?

Yes, we not only welcome but seek applicants with MSWs or related clinical degrees. Our program is structured to support experienced mental health professionals, including LCSWs, who want to grow academically and clinically. Your background in social work brings valuable insight to the classroom and aligns well with our psychodynamic, integrative approach.