Clinical social work is simply another name for psychotherapy or counselling. The difference is clinical social workers have a master's degree in social work (MSW) and highly specialized training in providing psychotherapy (aka clinical social work services). Clinical social workers in BC have two qualifications: Registered Social Worker (RSW) and Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW). Unlike counsellors (eg RCC's), social workers have their own BC College of Social Workers, which regulates the profession and ensures ethical conduct, etc. To earn an RCSW designation, the therapist must graduate from an accredited MSW program and complete many hours of supervised post-graduate clinical training. RCSWs are also authorized to diagnose mental disorders as needed, whereas counsellors (eg RCC's) are not. RCSWs are considered healthcare providers and are not required to charge GST tax for their services, whereas counsellors do have to charge GST.

Since Jeff Darcy was initially licensed as a social worker in Pennsylvania, USA, he had to complete 3600 hours of post-master's supervised clinical experience before receiving his Clinical Social Worker license (LCSW). This was significantly more hours than is required by the BC College of Social Workers. Most social work master's programs require two years of internship, whereas most counselling programs only require one year of internship.

Most insurance companies will cover social workers (RSWs or RCSWs). However, some do not. You need to confirm with your extended health benefits if they will provide reimbursement for clinical social work services.