Should Social Workers Become Therapists? (Salary, Burnout & Career Reality)

In this episode of Social Work HQ, I sit down with a licensed therapist to discuss what it’s really like working in the field. We cover how she became a therapist, what her day-to-day looks like, salary expectations, challenges, burnout, and advice for students considering this path.If you’re thinking about becoming a therapist or pursuing your MSW, this interview will give you a realistic look at the career.Free Social Work Interview Guide + Career Resources:https://stan.store/Mandy-Wilcox-LCSWTopics covered:00:00 Intro00:50 Starting SW Later In Life05:46 Why She Chose Therapy07:49 The #1 Skill Social Workers Need09:00 Preparing for Social Work12:00 Therapist Caseload Numbers14:00 Accepting Insurance or Private Pay17:08 Biggest Therapy Misconception18:30 Good Therapist vs Good Client20:56 Are Social Workers Good Therapists?24:57 Who Should NOT Be a Therapist26:23 The “Blank Slate” Debate29:17 Most Stressful Part of Therapy32:38 Career Growth in Therapy34:58 Should Therapists Specialize?36:33 How Therapists Fill Their Caseload39:10 AI vs Social Work41:19 Therapist Salary44:39 Social Workers vs Other Clinicians46:27 ClosingLike and subscribe for more social work career interviews and job resources.