Gatekeeping in Mental Health: Becoming an LCSW takes 6-8 years, including 3,000 supervised hours, costing upwards of $80,000 in tuition alone. The result? A mental health industry where access to care is limited by the same barriers keeping providers out. Unless we make LCSW a 2-4 year path, we’re gatekeeping. Period. Stats don’t lie: 🔸 1 in 5 adults need mental health support. 🔸 1 in 6 therapists consider leaving due to burnout. 🔸 The average LCSW salary? $55K/year. It’s time for reform.