Mass. bill would remove barriers social work students face

First published in the Boston Globe: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/07/03/opinion/letters-to-the-editor-social-work-students-face-barriers/

After reading, "Diversifying therapist workforce is an uphill battle” (Metro, June 29), I reflected on my experience as a Black Cape Verdean American social work student and the barriers I faced during my educational journey. In one week, as a single mom, I would work my full-time job (40 hours), attend 10 hours of classes, and complete 16 to 24 hours of unpaid clinical internships. It was difficult to find a Black supervisor, and I was mistreated by some of my white social work supervisors. After graduating, I failed the licensed certified social worker exam twice — by a few points the first time and by one point the second time — and failed the exam to become a licensed independent clinical social worker the first time by one point. The cost was more than $1,700. This is why I am a fierce advocate for the SUPER Act. This bill aims to remove the exam at the LCSW level, incentivize LICSWs to provide supervision by making them eligible for continuing education units, and offer paid stipends for internships. This could be funded by the Behavioral Health Trust Fund. This bill is a step forward in both removing some of the barriers students face and ensuring that we meet the racial and linguistic needs in each community.