A social worker holding an LCSW license must pass a state or national licensing exam. The requirements vary by state. To sit for the exam, candidates must have a master's degree in social work and supervised clinical work experience. LCSWs can be reimbursed by insurance companies, a characteristic unique to the license as lower social work licenses are not eligible for reimbursement.
A PhD is a type of degree, typically 4 to 7 years past the masters degree. PhDs can be earned in almost any field like psychology, social work, engineering, biology and many more. In regards to a social work PhD, the degree itself does not license a social worker to practice. In order to do this, the candidate must take the licensing exam, typically the LCSW.
LCSWs require completion of a master's degree, which typically takes two to four years of study after completion of a bachelor's degree. A master's degree in social work entails coursework in social justice theories, psychotherapy, research and community resources.
A PhD takes from four to seven years after completion of a master's degree. A PhD program is focused on conducting research, analyzing research and research techniques. PhD students also learn important concepts in the specific subject. In a social work PhD program, students learn advanced psychotherapy techniques, how to conduct social work research and fieldwork through the completion of a practicum.
An LCSW can counsel clients and most often do so within a social service agency like a battered women's shelter. The LCSW acts as an advocate for clients, working with doctors, lawyers and the clients to rehabilitate the client. LCSWs also go into private practice as the license allows for psychotherapy and counseling.
With a PhD, work duties and scope of practice is limited by the subject; for example, a PhD in psychology means that you can complete counseling, psychotherapy -- with appropriate additional training, psychometric testing and research. With a PhD in social work, you can also complete research, psychotherapy and counseling but cannot administer psychometric tests.
The governing body for the LCSW credential is typically a state board. The board determines the requirements like education, experience, testing and continuing education requirements.
For PhDs, there is no governing body but the awarding of PhDs is regulated at the university level. A PhD is a degree offered by a university, so the university oversees the degree and the requirements for satisfactory completion. If a PhD candidate goes on to pursue a license, he falls under the purview of the appropriate governing body.