Top 11 Psychiatric Social Worker Certifications

Certifications are a valuable asset for psychiatric social workers in the job market. They demonstrate to employers that the individual has demonstrated a high level of competence and mastery in their field, and can provide evidence of specialized knowledge and skills that may be beneficial to the organization. Certifications also show potential employers that the individual is committed to ongoing professional development and staying up-to-date with best practices in the field. Additionally, certifications can open doors to new job opportunities, as some employers may require them before hiring an applicant. In short, certifications are an important way for psychiatric social workers to stand out from the competition and increase their employability.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Psychiatric Social Workers and explain how these certifications can contribute to a successful career in the field.

What are Psychiatric Social Worker Certifications?

Psychiatric social worker certification is a professional credential awarded by the National Association of Social Workers to qualified mental health professionals who specialize in providing social work services within the field of psychiatry. This certification demonstrates that an individual has the necessary knowledge and skill set to provide competent, ethical, and effective services in this area of practice.

The certification requires an individual to have a minimum of two years’ experience as a licensed social worker, as well as successfully completing 45 hours of continuing education related to working with individuals with mental health disorders. Once certified, psychiatric social workers are expected to maintain their certification by completing additional continuing education courses every three years.

By becoming certified in psychiatric social work, individuals demonstrate their commitment to providing quality care and services for individuals with mental health disorders. Certification can help improve access to care for those who would otherwise be underserved due to lack of qualified personnel. It also helps promote public safety by ensuring that those providing services are properly trained and educated on how best to serve clients with mental health issues. Additionally, having this credential can also increase an individual's job prospects as it serves as evidence of one's qualifications and competence in this field.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the various certifications available for psychiatric social workers and find one that is suited to your specific needs. It is important to ensure that the certification you choose meets all of the requirements for your field of practice. Additionally, make sure to stay up-to-date on any changes or updates to the certification process as they can change over time.

Related: What does a Psychiatric Social Worker do?

Top 11 Psychiatric Social Worker Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Psychiatric Social Workers today.

1. Certified Clinical Social Worker (CCSW)

Certified Clinical Social Worker (CCSW) is a professional certification that recognizes the highest level of clinical social work practice. CCSW is granted by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and requires a minimum of two years of post-masters supervised clinical experience.

In order to qualify for CCSW, applicants must have an MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program, have completed two years of post-masters supervised clinical experience, and pass the NASW’s Clinical Exam. The exam consists of 160 multiple choice questions and costs $225 to take.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be granted CCSW status and will be able to use the credential after your name. You will also need to complete continuing education requirements every three years in order to maintain your certification.

2. Certified Advanced Practice Social Worker (CAPSW)

Certified Advanced Practice Social Worker (CAPSW) is a certification offered by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) that recognizes experienced social workers who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and skills in their profession. The CAPSW credential is awarded to social workers who have met rigorous standards for professional practice, including completing a minimum of two years of post-masters practice experience and passing a comprehensive exam.

It typically takes at least three years to become eligible for the CAPSW credential. To be eligible, you must have a master's degree in social work from an accredited program and at least two years of post-masters practice experience in the field. You must also complete continuing education credits, pass the NASW’s CAPSW examination, and submit an application with all required documentation.

The cost of obtaining the CAPSW credential varies depending on your state or jurisdiction. Generally, there is an initial application fee, as well as fees associated with taking the exam and submitting additional documentation. The total cost can range from $400-$1,000 depending on your state’s requirements.

3. Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW)

Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW) is a professional credential awarded by the American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work (ABE-CSW). It is a voluntary certification that recognizes the highest level of clinical social work practice and expertise. The DCSW credential is designed to recognize those who have achieved advanced levels of knowledge, skill, and experience in the practice of clinical social work.

It typically takes three to five years to complete the requirements for the DCSW credential. Requirements include a minimum of two years of post-master's supervised clinical experience, completion of an approved doctoral program in social work, passage of the ABECSW examination, and completion of continuing education credits.

In order to get the DCSW credential, individuals must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts from their master's and doctoral programs, verification forms from supervisors, and proof of passage on the ABECSW exam. Applications are reviewed by the ABE-CSW board and applicants may be asked to provide additional information or documentation before they can be approved for certification.

The cost for obtaining the DCSW credential varies depending on individual circumstances but typically ranges between $500-$800 USD. This includes fees for applications, examinations, and continuing education credits.

4. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is a mental health professional who has been licensed by the state to provide counseling and psychotherapy services. LCSWs are trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. They also have specialized knowledge in areas such as substance abuse, mental health disorders, crisis intervention, and trauma.

In order to become an LCSW, individuals must complete a master’s degree in social work from an accredited program. Most states also require that applicants have at least two years of supervised clinical experience before they can be licensed. Depending on the state you live in, this process can take anywhere from one to three years.

Once you have completed your education and supervised experience requirements, you will need to apply for licensure with your state's licensing board. The application process typically includes passing an exam that tests your knowledge of social work practice and ethics. Additionally, most states require that applicants submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.

The cost of becoming an LCSW varies depending on the state you live in and the school you attend for your master’s degree. Generally speaking, tuition for a master’s degree in social work ranges from $15,000-$30,000 per year; however, there are some programs that offer scholarships or reduced tuition rates for students who demonstrate financial need. Additionally, many states charge fees for licensure applications and exams which can range from $50-$200 depending on the state.

5. Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC)

A Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) is a type of advanced practice registered nurse who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health disorders. PMHNPs are qualified to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions using psychotherapy, medications, or other treatments. They often work with psychiatrists, psychologists, and other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive care for their patients.

To become a PMHNP-BC requires completing an accredited master’s or doctoral degree program in nursing with a specialty in psychiatric-mental health nursing. This typically takes two to three years of full-time study. After graduation, individuals must pass the national certification exam administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

The cost of becoming a PMHNP-BC will vary depending on the school you attend and any financial aid you may receive. Tuition for a master’s degree program can range from $20,000-$60,000 or more depending on the program. Additionally, there is an application fee for taking the ANCC certification exam which is currently $395 for members and $495 for nonmembers.

6. Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (BCD-CSW)

A Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (BCD-CSW) is a professional credential that recognizes an advanced level of knowledge, skill and experience in the practice of clinical social work. The BCD-CSW is awarded by the American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work (ABE-CSW). It is the highest level of certification available to clinical social workers and requires extensive training, experience and ongoing continuing education.

It typically takes five to seven years to complete all the requirements for a BCD-CSW. To qualify for the credential, applicants must have a master’s degree in social work from an accredited school and at least three years of postgraduate supervised clinical experience. In addition, applicants must pass an examination administered by ABE-CSW as well as a written application process.

The cost of obtaining the BCD-CSW varies depending on the state in which you are applying. Generally, it costs around $1,000 to apply for the exam and additional fees may be required for other requirements such as supervised clinical hours or continuing education courses.

Overall, obtaining a BCD-CSW requires significant commitment and dedication but can be very rewarding for those who pursue it. It provides recognition of one’s expertise in clinical social work and can open up new opportunities for career advancement.

7. Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP)

Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) is a professional certification in the field of psychiatric rehabilitation. The CPRP certification is offered by the International Association of Peer Specialists (IAPS). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in the practice of psychiatric rehabilitation.

The CPRP certification requires that candidates have at least two years of full-time experience in providing direct services to individuals with mental illness or substance use disorder, or a combination of both, within the past five years. Candidates must also pass an exam administered by IAPS and complete continuing education requirements.

The cost for the CPRP certification varies depending on whether you are an IAPS member or non-member. For members, the cost is $350; for non-members, it is $450. The exam fee and continuing education requirements are additional costs that may be incurred as part of the process.

It typically takes three to six months to complete all requirements for the CPRP certification. This includes completing all necessary coursework, passing the exam, and submitting any required documentation.

8. Certified Addiction Counselor Level III (CAC III)

Certified Addiction Counselor Level III (CAC III) is a professional certification for addiction counselors in the United States. It is the highest level of certification available from the National Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC). CAC III certification requires individuals to have completed a minimum of 5,000 hours of supervised experience in the field of addiction counseling and have passed an examination administered by NAADAC.

It typically takes two to three years to complete the necessary requirements to become a CAC III. To get certified, applicants must complete an accredited master’s degree program in addiction counseling or a related field, such as social work or psychology. They must also complete at least 5,000 hours of supervised experience in the field of addiction counseling, including at least 1,500 hours with clients who are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. Finally, they must pass an examination administered by NAADAC.

The cost to become a CAC III varies depending on where you live and what type of program you choose. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $3,000-$10,000 for tuition and fees associated with completing an accredited master’s degree program in addiction counseling or a related field. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the NAADAC exam and obtaining supervised experience in the field.

9. Certified Family Trauma Professional (CFTP)

Certified Family Trauma Professional (CFTP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of family trauma. This certification is offered by the National Center for Crisis Management (NCCM). It is designed to help professionals working with families affected by trauma to become more effective in their work.

The CFTP program consists of three levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. To become certified, applicants must complete all three levels and pass the corresponding exams. The Level 1 exam covers basic concepts related to family trauma, such as understanding family dynamics, recognizing signs of distress, and providing interventions. The Level 2 exam focuses on more advanced topics such as assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and intervention strategies. Lastly, the Level 3 exam covers topics related to research methods and evaluation techniques used in the field of family trauma.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete all three levels of the CFTP program. To get started on this certification process, applicants must first submit an application packet including proof of education or training in the field of family trauma or a related field such as psychology or social work. Once accepted into the program, applicants will receive access to online study materials and assessments that they can use to prepare for their exams.

The cost for obtaining the CFTP certification varies depending on which level you are applying for and if you are taking any additional courses or workshops in preparation for your exams. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 USD per level plus any additional fees associated with taking courses or workshops prior to taking each exam.

10. National Association of Social Workers Certification in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (NASW-CMHSAS)

The National Association of Social Workers Certification in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (NASW-CMHSAS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise of social workers who specialize in mental health and substance abuse services. The certification is granted by the NASW, which is the largest organization of professional social workers in the world.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain requirements, including having a master’s degree in social work from an accredited school, passing a written examination, and completing at least two years of supervised clinical practice in mental health or substance abuse services. Applicants must also complete continuing education courses related to their field.

The process of obtaining NASW-CMHSAS certification typically takes between six months and one year to complete. Applicants must submit an application packet that includes proof of their educational background, experience, and continuing education activities. Once approved by the NASW Board of Examiners, applicants are required to take a written exam that covers topics such as diagnosis and treatment planning, ethical considerations for social workers, assessment techniques for mental health and substance abuse services, and working with diverse populations. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants are awarded their certification.

The cost for applying for NASW-CMHSAS certification varies depending on whether you are already an NASW member or not. For non-members it typically costs around $400-$500 dollars to apply for the certification; this includes the application fee as well as any fees associated with taking the written exam. For current members it typically costs around $200-$300 dollars to apply for the certification; this includes only the application fee since members do not have to pay any additional fees associated with taking the written exam.

11. American Board of Professional Psychology Certification in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (ABPP-CCAP).

The American Board of Professional Psychology Certification in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (ABPP-CCAP) is a specialized certification that recognizes the highest level of expertise in clinical practice with children, adolescents, and their families. It is awarded by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), which is an independent, non-profit organization that sets standards for professional psychology practice.

To be eligible for ABPP-CCAP certification, applicants must have earned a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited institution and have completed at least two years of supervised clinical experience with children and adolescents. In addition, applicants must pass a written examination that covers topics such as assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and intervention, consultation/collaboration, ethics/professional issues, research/evaluation methods and applications.

The process to obtain ABPP-CCAP certification typically takes between three to five years. During this time period, applicants must complete all the necessary requirements listed above as well as submit documentation verifying their qualifications to the ABPP.

The cost to apply for ABPP-CCAP certification varies depending on the applicant’s individual situation. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD depending on factors such as exam fees and other associated costs.

Do You Really Need a Psychiatric Social Worker Certificate?

The answer to this question depends entirely on what type of role you hope to have in the field of mental health. If you are looking to work as a therapist or counselor, then most likely you will need a certificate or license from a professional organization. This is because these roles require a certain level of expertise and knowledge in order to provide effective help and support for clients.

On the other hand, if you are looking for more of an administrative role within the field, such as working in a hospital or clinic setting, then it may not be necessary to have a psychiatric social worker certificate. While having this certificate can certainly be beneficial, it is not always a requirement for these types of roles. Depending on your experience and qualifications, employers may be willing to hire someone without the certificate if they feel that person is qualified enough for the job.

Ultimately, it is important that you research the specific requirements for any job openings that you are interested in before deciding whether or not obtaining a psychiatric social worker certificate is necessary. You should also consider consulting with professionals who are already working in the mental health field so that you can gain insights into what qualifications employers typically look for when hiring individuals in their respective positions.

Related: Psychiatric Social Worker Resume Examples

FAQs About Psychiatric Social Worker Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming a certified psychiatric social worker?

Answer: The requirements for becoming a certified psychiatric social worker vary by state and jurisdiction, but typically include a master’s degree in social work from an accredited institution, two years of supervised clinical experience, and passage of an exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).

2. How long does it take to become a certified psychiatric social worker?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become a certified psychiatric social worker can vary based on individual circumstances, but typically it takes between 1-3 years to complete all the necessary requirements.

3. Is there any continuing education required to maintain certification as a psychiatric social worker?

Answer: Yes, most states require that certified psychiatric social workers complete continuing education courses in order to maintain their certification. The number and type of courses required varies by state.

4. What is the difference between a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Psychiatric Social Worker (CPSW)?

Answer: A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is licensed by the state and can provide psychotherapy services independently whereas a Certified Psychiatric Social Worker (CPSW) has completed specialized training in mental health and is able to provide counseling services under the direct supervision of an LCSW or other qualified mental health professional.

5. Are there restrictions on where I can practice as a certified psychiatric social worker?

Answer: Yes, each state has different regulations regarding where you may practice as a certified psychiatric social worker. You should check with your local licensing board for more information about these regulations.