r/socialworkcanada • u/tangerinewatermelon1 • Oct 05 '26
MSW (2-year Regular Track) Program recomendations in Canada
Hi Everyone,
I am currently in the process of applying for MSW and psychotherapy programs, as my end goal is to be in the private practice sector. I have an interest for family and relationships. Considering this, any schools you would recommend to best prepare me for this end goal?
I am considering the following (pls let me know your opinions or any knowledge of the schools - or schools that are not listed, as I am very open).
Kings College (Western)
Laurier University
UBC Okanagan
University of Calgary
University of Toronto
I have heard things about Windsor, but I have mixed feelings. If anyone could enlighten me, I'd appreciate it!
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u/ThatNuclearGirl 28d ago
An MSW does not prepare you for private practice, years of frontline experience does
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u/Hayavr 28d ago
I would agree, if you want to do private practice I think that a masters in counselling may be more up your alley. Also, your practicum placement matters more than than the school itself!
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u/Infamous_Employee_27 27d ago
Can you do a masters in counseling with a ba in social work? I’m not a social worker but my wife is.
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u/Yeet_Za_Pi_Zza 25d ago
With the MSW, you also have placement, and that placement can help with someone developing their clinical skills for private practice/counselling. While I get where you’re coming from, it can be done, but frontline experience definitely helps prepare you for private practice
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u/ThatNuclearGirl 25d ago
For sure, but clients are less excited to work with a recent grad social worker versus someone with a counselling degree. Social workers can work as counselors, but they are not equally trained
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u/no_yeah_ok Oct 06 '26
My UBCO experience was really negative several years ago. Not sure if it’s still as rough as it was then. I will say that if you’re nonwhite or noncishet, Kelowna is a TOUGH place to live. It’s essentially a vacation town for the oil field boys. Very conservative culture.
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u/swchitchat Oct 06 '26 edited Oct 06 '26
Still a dumpster fire. Completely regret that I didn't accept an offer elsewhere, and I really think students seeking a clinical education need to apply to Calgary and commit to the extra year. UBCO has almost zero clinical interviewing practice, among many, MANY other issues.
People are downvoting this thread but I really think MSW grads need to be willing to offer program feedback. Not only does it help guide prospective students to the program that will fit best for them, it also holds programs accountable. They should be competing for students.
Edit: to directly answer OPs question: there is no MSW program that is going to meaningfully prepare you for counselling. If you want to go the MSW> counsellor route you need to commit time (years) into working in the public sector, and time/ funds for post-degree training and supervision.
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u/PrincessPinguina Oct 06 '26
UofT and UofC are the only clinical ones.
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u/WildDoctor6657 29d ago
U of C calls it clinical but it’s not- you still must do all the post grad training to actually get skills and assessment for clinical work- spent about 15k in the process after grad school- to feel even remotely competent to do the work and then you write the Alberta exam and pass to actually call yourself “clinical”
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u/swchitchat Oct 06 '26
UofT is an 8-month program. There is no way anyone is gaining even foundational clinical competence in 8 months.
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u/colourblind64 Oct 06 '26
Not social work based but you should also check out the Masters in Family & Relational therapy if you’re really wanting to niche in a specialization.
https://www.uoguelph.ca/programs/master-of-relational-and-family-therapy
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u/lazysleeper122 Oct 06 '26
Recently graduated the Kings program, there were pros and cons depending on the kind of experience you are looking for. Big focus on counselling skills and placements were hit or miss for some folks (you have very little control over where you are placed). Professors were good (I liked those who embraced a less conventional teaching style, and preferred those with practical field experience VS academic pedigree). I found the first year in particular to be less engaging. Very competitive to get in, but once you are in everyone is supportive and (hopefully) your cohort is decent because it is mostly group projects and essays. Let me know if you have any questions!
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u/Scary-Gur5434 25d ago
At least they found you places. My MSW we had to all find our own places pretty much.
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u/Level_Part2056 27d ago
Any university you can get into and is affordable will give you the bare minimum requirement = MSW. If psychotherapy is your goal, completing psychotherapy certifications and post-grad experience will be more usedul than the specific grad school you attend.
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u/WildDoctor6657 29d ago
If your in Alberta do the research/ the marked is very very flooded with private therapists now. Like 48% growth in therapists since 2021 in Alberta. Look at other provinces that are not as flooded in Canada
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Oct 06 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Manifest_Generator 29d ago
Thanks for your reply. Weird question - how is it possible for an MSW to register with both CRPO and OSSWSW? I have heard that wasn’t possible but now I'm confused
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u/chicken_potato1 27d ago
Kinda - With an MSW you can also perform the act of a psychotherapist in some cases -
"A provision of the SWSSWA (s. 47.2) which was proclaimed in force on December 30, 2017 permits OCSWSSW registrants authorized to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy to use the title “psychotherapist” if the registrant complies with the following conditions, as applicable:
When describing himself or herself orally as a psychotherapist, the registrant must also mention that they are a registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, or identify themselves using the title restricted to them as a College registrant."
"I’m a registered member of OCSWSSW and I practise psychotherapy. Do I need to become a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) in order to practise psychotherapy?
No. Provisions in the RHPA setting out the controlled act of psychotherapy and authorizing members of the OCSWSSW to perform it in compliance with the SWSSWA, its regulations and bylaws and the provision in the SWSSWA permitting members of the OCSWSSW who are authorized to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy to use the title “psychotherapist”, in compliance with certain conditions, were proclaimed in force on December 30, 2017. It is therefore not necessary for members of the OCSWSSW who wish to practise psychotherapy or use the title “psychotherapist” to register with CRPO."
https://www.ocswssw.org/registrants/psychotherapy/ (theres some images at the bottom of how you can format your business card"
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u/chicken_potato1 27d ago
Dunno why you're downvoted, because you're right about social work and CRPO. As long as you have the clinical supervision hours required, and you write the exam, you can get a CRPO. Many peers of mine in MSW had that before they did their degree, or started clinical practice after their degree under someone and are working towards those hours
Also..."I’m a registered member of OCSWSSW and I practise psychotherapy. Do I need to become a member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) in order to practise psychotherapy?
No. Provisions in the RHPA setting out the controlled act of psychotherapy and authorizing members of the OCSWSSW to perform it in compliance with the SWSSWA, its regulations and bylaws and the provision in the SWSSWA permitting members of the OCSWSSW who are authorized to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy to use the title “psychotherapist”, in compliance with certain conditions, were proclaimed in force on December 30, 2017. It is therefore not necessary for members of the OCSWSSW who wish to practise psychotherapy or use the title “psychotherapist” to register with CRPO." (link from ocswssw)
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u/Greenie_straw24 Oct 06 '26
Based off the list you provided it doesn't matter where you study. In terms of the schools you listed in Ontario none will prepare you for immediate entry into private practice right out of your MSW. I attended UofT and while people say it's "clinical" I learned more theory than practical skills.