10 Licensed Clinical Social Worker
What is it Like Being a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
On this episode of the Unboxing Careers Podcast, we unbox the career of a LCSW with Sera Gray.
Guest: Sera Gray is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and owner of Wild Lotus Therapy, an online therapy practice dedicated to providing neurodivergent-affirming therapy for neurodivergent adults with ADHD and trauma.
Sera’s career in social work spans over 18 years where she’s had the honor of working in hospice, foster care, long term care facilities, ICU, obstetrics, hospitals and in community-based case management programs. She has developed and led trainings for healthcare providers and community members on a wide variety of topics ranging from postpartum depression, perinatal loss, and trauma-informed care.
Connect with Sera:
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What Does a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Do?
If you’re in high school or early college and thinking about a career that makes a real difference in people’s lives, becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) might be the path for you. At its core, being an LCSW means providing therapy, counseling, and support to people dealing with a wide range of life challenges. Unlike some undergraduate-level social work positions, earning the LCSW license opens the door to leadership and independent practice.
Licensed clinical social workers can:
Run their own therapy practices
Provide mental health counseling and trauma-informed care
Lead nonprofit organizations or healthcare programs
Teach at universities and community colleges
It’s a versatile career with options in administration, education, and direct clinical work — meaning you can shape your path as your interests evolve.
A Journey Into Social Work
Interestingly, Sera didn’t start out planning to be a social worker. In college, she majored in journalism, imagining herself as the next Erin Brockovich or an investigative photojournalist. But long nights at the campus newspaper and the cutthroat atmosphere made her rethink her choice.
Her academic advisor encouraged her to try courses in women’s studies and social work. That’s when everything clicked. The values of social work — advocacy, social justice, and focusing on people’s strengths — resonated deeply with her.
She shifted majors, added another year to her studies, and graduated ready to serve. But like many careers, her first job wasn’t the perfect fit. Sera started in an in-home family support program connected to foster care. The emotional weight of the cases was overwhelming, and she quickly realized she needed a different environment. That decision ultimately led her to hospital-based social work, hospice care, and eventually private practice.
The Many Settings Where LCSWs Work
One of the strengths of this career is the variety of environments available. Over her 18 years, Sera has worked in:
Hospitals and ICUs: supporting patients and families during critical moments
Obstetrics and postpartum care: addressing issues like postpartum depression and perinatal loss
Hospice and long-term care: helping patients and families navigate end-of-life challenges
Community case management: connecting people with needed resources
Today, she runs her own practice — Wild Lotus Therapy — where she specializes in neurodivergent-affirming care for adults with ADHD and trauma.
This variety means you don’t have to stay in one role forever. Social workers often pivot to different areas of practice as their interests, strengths, or lifestyle needs change.
Work-Life Balance in Social Work
Work-life balance varies greatly depending on the setting. Early in her career, Sera found herself drained by long hours and emotionally heavy cases. But in private practice, she has more control over her schedule, the clients she sees, and the balance between work and home life.
This is an important consideration for anyone thinking about the field. If you’re drawn to flexibility, private practice may be a long-term goal. If you thrive in structured environments, hospitals or community agencies might be a better fit.
Skills and Qualities of a Successful LCSW
Technical skills are important, but what really makes someone successful as an LCSW are the personal traits they bring to the role. According to Sera, some of the most essential qualities are:
Authenticity: Being yourself in interviews and with clients helps build trust.
Empathy and compassion: Essential for working with people in crisis or trauma.
Resilience: The work can be emotionally heavy, so self-care is critical.
Advocacy: Standing up for clients, especially when systems are unjust.
Commitment to learning: The field evolves, and continuing education is part of the job.
Sera also emphasized that self-care isn’t optional. For her, that means therapy, movement classes, and even creative outlets like art — all of which keep her grounded and able to give her best to her clients.
Common Misconceptions About Social Work
Many people think of social workers only in terms of foster care or child protective services, but that’s just one slice of the profession. As Sera explains, social workers can be therapists, administrators, educators, advocates, and more.
Another misconception is that social workers can’t make a decent living. While some roles may not pay as much as corporate jobs, private practice and leadership roles can provide solid, sustainable income. With experience, many social workers build rewarding careers both financially and emotionally.
Advice for Students Considering Social Work
If you’re in high school or college and curious about this career, Sera suggests being intentional with the classes and experiences you pursue.
Take relevant courses: Psychology, sociology, human development, and diversity/inclusion are great foundations.
Get involved in organizations: Clubs, volunteer work, and internships help you understand the issues communities face.
Explore different areas: Don’t lock yourself into one path too early — social work is broad, and exploration will help you find your fit.
Prioritize self-care: Start building habits now that help you manage stress and stay balanced.
Her biggest piece of advice? Stay curious and open-minded. Social work careers often take unexpected turns, and that flexibility can lead to the most fulfilling opportunities.
The Most Rewarding and Challenging Parts of Being a LCSW
For Sera, the most rewarding part of being an LCSW is watching clients grow, heal, and thrive through therapy. Whether it’s someone managing trauma or learning to embrace their neurodivergence, those breakthroughs make the work worthwhile.
The most challenging part? The emotional toll and, at times, the systemic barriers that make it difficult to get clients the help they need. This is why resilience, advocacy, and strong professional boundaries are so important in the field.
Final Thoughts
Being a Licensed Clinical Social Worker is more than just a job — it’s a calling to help others navigate some of life’s hardest challenges. From hospitals to private practice, the opportunities are wide-ranging, and the impact is deeply meaningful.
If you’re someone who values empathy, advocacy, and justice, and you want a career where you can make a difference every day, social work might just be the path for you.
Key Takeaways for a Career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW):
Licensed clinical social workers have a wide range of career options, including administration, education, and therapy.
It's common for people to change their career paths, so it's important to support and encourage exploration.
Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial for individuals in the neurodivergent population.
High school students interested in social work should take classes in psychology, sociology, human development, and diversity and inclusion.
Supporting and exploring diverse interests can help students discover their passion and career path. Explore different classes and organizations in high school and college to discover your interests and passions.
Prioritize self-care and personal growth, including taking art or movement classes and seeking therapy.
Be authentic in job interviews and find a supportive supervisor.
Dispelling misconceptions about social work, such as the limited scope of work and the belief that social workers can't make money.
Be aware of the presence of injustice and corruption in some organizations and trust your intuition when evaluating potential employers.
Interested in similar careers? Check out these episodes:
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