So You Think You've Escaped School Forever? Think Again: The Hilarious (Okay, Maybe Not That Hilarious) World of LCSW Continuing Education in California
Ah, the coveted LCSW license. You've battled textbooks, conquered internships, and finally emerged victorious. Time to kick back, relax, and, well, nope! Not quite, my friend. Buckle up, because the fun (or should we say, mandatory fun) of continuing education (CE) awaits.
The Lowdown on Those Hours: A Numbers Game You Can (Probably) Win
Here's the gist: Every two years, California's Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) says, "Hey there, LCSW superhero! Time to sharpen your skills with some fresh CE." We're talking a cool 36 hours every renewal period. Don't worry, it's not all lectures on Freud and obscure social work theories (although, there might be a sprinkle of those).
Now, let's break it down:
- 6 hours are dedicated to Law and Ethics: Brushing up on the legal stuff is kind of a big deal. Imagine explaining to your client why you can't share their deepest secrets with your pet goldfish (fun fact: goldfish don't have great confidentiality skills).
- The rest (30 hours) is your playground: There are workshops on everything from the latest therapy techniques to navigating the ever-changing social work landscape. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure for social justice warriors.
One-Time Wonders: Because Adulting Never Gets Easier
California also throws in a few one-time mandatory courses. These are like pesky houseguests who overstay their welcome, but hey, rules are rules.
- Telehealth Training: The world of therapy is getting more digital, so understanding the legalities and best practices of online therapy is a must.
- Suicide Risk Assessment: Because let's face it, knowing how to identify and respond to someone in crisis is pretty darn important.
The Fine Print: Because Lawyers Love Disclaimers
- There's no cap on online courses: Feeling like a couch potato? No worries, most of your CE can be done in your pajamas. Just make sure the provider is approved by the BBS.
- Spread it out: Don't try to cram all 36 hours into the weekend before your license expires. The BBS frowns upon such shenanigans.
Look, CE might not be the most exciting part of being an LCSW, but it's a necessary evil. It keeps your skills sharp, your knowledge base current, and ultimately helps you better serve your clients. So, embrace the CE journey, find some courses that pique your interest, and remember, a little learning can go a long way (and keep you out of trouble with the BBS).
