Clinical Social Worker vs Psych Nurse?

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Jul 15, 2014

there are so many variables, and it will depend on your level of education and licensure. I personally believe there is more flexibility in nursing and more money as well. But it depends on how "close" you want to be to the patient.

dream'n, BSN, RN · Jul 16, 2014

After the Master's level of education, the social worker can test and become certified as a counselor. They can then work 1 on 1 with patient's and provide counseling services. Many Social Workers work outpatient in the clinic setting providing cognitive-behavioral therapy, marriage counseling, PTSD counseling, etc. There is also an advanced nursing degree; Psychiatric Nurse Practioner, where Advanced Practice nurses work in counseling offices, etc. by prescribing and monitoring psychiatric medications. So in a nutshell, if you want to become a counseling provider of a patient you will need to understand that you will need at least a Master's degree. And although nothing is absolute; social workers, counselors, and Psychologists generally provide counseling/therapy AND Nurse Practioners, Psychiatrists handle psychological medication prescribing. If you want to provide psychological counseling, you should work toward a Graduate Social Work, Master's Professional Counseling, or PhD Psychology degree. If you want to handle precribing and monitoring psychiatric medications for patient's work toward a Master's/PhD Psychiatric Nurse Practioner or MD Psychiatry degree.