WHAT IS AN LCSW? Being a  "Licensed Clinical Social Worker" means I have a 2 yr Masters degree in social work with an emphasis in clinical mental health practice. Then I completed an internship of 2 years during which my work was supervised. Then I passed a written exam and an oral exam in order to be licensed to practice independently. The MSW also includes training regarding interventions that not only target mental health but also other factors impacting human welfare such as economic status, cultural background, physical health, socio-political forces and environmental factors. Since being licensed I have continued my clinical training to expand and update my skills.