social worker

A social worker is a health professional who works directly with individuals, families and communities, as well as in public policy, administration, research and advocacy. A social worker may have a bachelor's, master's or doctorate degree in social work, but must have at least a master's degree to provide psychotherapy. State requirements on licensing, certification and registration vary. Specific credentials, such as Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (L.I.C.S.W.), generally require a certain amount of supervised experience, a degree in social work, and passing a standard exam.