I founded Royalton Psychological Associates (RPA) in 2012 in part because I was not able to find clinicians good enough for my friends and family. Initially, I tried to staff RPA with psychologists as I noted that in Ohio, there are not as many career options for psychologists like there are in my native New York. I eventually realized that I could not find enough psychologists to meet the demand as RPA’s reputation and the need for services grew. However, I was stuck in a mindset. Then covid came along…
I contracted covid in May 2022. Fortunately, I was vaccinated, so I knew covid would not be the end of me. However, it was the temporary end of my voice. I worked with a great nurse practitioner and speech pathologist for a few months. Both are master’s level positions. Both of them knew their stuff, and with their guidance and monitoring, my voice returned. If I had such faith in those two medical providers, then why was I so reluctant to expand to non-psychologists?
I know plenty of licensed independent clinical social workers (LISW) who really know their stuff. An LISW has a master’s degree in social work and has to have at least 24 months and 3000 hours of supervised experience under an LISW-Supervisor. Becoming an LISW is like a registered nurse who earns a master’s degree and becomes a nurse practitioner (NP). Also, LISWs and NPs are similar in that they are both trained in diagnosis and treatment but also have more of a focus on the whole person separate from their diagnosis and treatment.
I decided to expand RPA and include LISWs. I have been fortunate enough to hire fabulous LISWs over the past few years. Let me tell you, each of them is good enough for my friends and family. I have complete faith in their clinical skills, scopes of practice, and dedication to improving the lives of individuals and families. I can no longer image the practice without our great LISWs.
Recently when people have called seeking services, we have noticed a disappointing trend. Some people refuse to even consider a LISW. They say something like they have had poor experience with a social worker in the past. These individuals do not realize that there is big difference between a social worker and an LISW and though social worker is a protected title, many groups of employees incorrectly get lumped into the title social worker. Also, these people calling seem to assume that psychologists are the best around. We currently have amazing psychologists, but we have had a couple that were not so great and were let go because they were not good enough for my friends and family.
I am amazed that people calling will refuse an LISW and let themselves or a loved one suffer. When seeking services, you absolutely should be careful and ask questions. However, please avoid making assumptions based on titles. We only match referrals with clinicians that have the skill set needed to help the client. Trust us when we recommend a clinician regardless of title and give that clinician a try. You will likely end up pleased, and you or your loved one will feel better.