ABOUT US
The Society for Clinical Social Work is the ONLY organization looking out for Clinical Social Workers in South Carolina.
SOCIAL AND STRONG
The Society for Clinical Social Work was established in 1984 to advance the clinical social work profession within the field of mental health, and to promote high standards of clinical practice.
We are an organization of clinical social workers who practice in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, family service agencies, psychiatric hospitals, medical facilities, and graduate schools of social work. Many are independent providers of clinical social work.
The Society is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation with a Board of Directors composed of chairpersons of the various committees and officers elected by the membership.
WHAT IS SOCIAL WORK?
CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK
The application of specialized knowledge and skills in the areas of assessment, diagnosis and treatment for mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, conditions, and addictions. Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment take place in the context of individual, marital, couple, family, and group counseling; case management; information and referral; mediation; client education; consultation; education; research; advocacy; and expert testimony.
THEORETICAL
BACKGROUND
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With a person-in-environment perspective, clinical social work incorporates theories of biological, psychological, and social development which includes, but is not limited to, an understanding of human behavior and psychopathology; human diversity; interpersonal relationships; family dynamics; mental disorders; stress, chemical dependency; interpersonal violence; consequences of illness or injury, impact of physical, social, and cultural environment; and cognitive, affective, and behavioral manifestations of conscious and unconscious processes.
EDUCATIONAL
BACKGROUND
Requirements vary from state to state, but in the state of South Carolina clinical social workers must have at a minimum a masters degree in social work from a program that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. They must have 3,000 hours of post-graduate clinical social work experience, 100 hours of one-to-one supervision by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and pass the Clinical Exam of the Association of Social Work Boards.
MEET THE BOARD
President
Elizabeth Parker
LPC, LPCS
Elizabeth (Liz) Parker earned her B.A. in Psychology from Roanoke College and her M.A. in Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine from Boston University School of Medicine. Liz is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and a licensed professional counselor supervisor (LPCS) and is a Clinical Assistant Professor within the Women’s Reproductive Behavioral Health Division and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina. Within her faculty role at MUSC, Liz provides therapy to women managing mood and anxiety disorders, perinatal issues, trauma, and life transitions. Liz also has extensive experience working with children and adolescents managing major mental illness. In addition to her current faculty position at MUSC, Liz teaches online for Boston University’s Master in Social work Program, facilitating two courses: Clinical Practice with Groups and Advanced Social Work with Groups.
Education Chair
Tamara Houston
LISW-CP, BC-TMH
Tamara Houston holds a B.A. in Child and Family Studies from Berea College in Kentucky and an M.A. in Social Work from the University of Georgia, where she focused on community empowerment, program development, and gerontology. Tamara later went on to focus her clinical skills on end-of-life care. She is the owner of Renewal Life Counseling, LLC, a multi-provider, mental health practice serving Upstate South Carolina. Tamara's practice helps clients to manage everyday life stressors to include trauma, anxiety/depression, grief and bereavement, and life transitions, to name a few. She operates Houston Consulting, where the focus is on assisting clinicians in the start-up and expansion of their clinical practice. She provides clinical supervision and critical incident work in multiple states. Visit www.renewallifecounseling.com for more information.
Secretary
Elaine Smith
LISW-CP
Elaine Smith is a co-founder and charter member of the Society. She worked for a year in Chapel Hill, North Carolina where she was introduced to the North Carolina Clinical Social Work Society. Upon moving back to Greenville in early 1982, she met Linda Daugherty who had been a previous member of the North Carolina Society. Together, they planned the birth of the South Carolina Society whichstarted with 25 charter members and was incorporated in 1984. Many of the charter members were heavily involved in the organization.
Over her career, Elaine has worked in mental health centers, Family Service (now Compass of Carolina), as a private practice partner at Baylaurel Center and
currently at the Furman University Counseling Center. She is married and has two adult sons
President-Elect Treasurer
Anjanette Chege
LISW-CP
Anjanette Chege, LISW-CP, completed her formal education from East Carolina University, where she received both a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Mrs. Chege has worked in both outpatient and inpatient settings with a multitude of client issues. She uses a range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT). She has trained in the use of Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy as well.
"My passion is to help individuals through a range of struggles such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and other changes life throws at us.”
MEMBERSHIP
Sally Braden, LISW-CP
Member at Large
Sally R. Braden, LISW-CP achieved her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC in 2009,
and her Masters in Social Work (MSW) and Certification in Animal-Assisted Social Work (AASW) from the University of Denver in
Colorado in 2015. Sally has vast experience in the field of social work ranging from child protective services to inpatient psychiatric
social work. She was a contributing author & editor of "Transforming Trauma: Resilience & Healing Through Our Connections With
Animals", published in 2019 by Purdue Publishing. Located in her hometown of Columbia, SC, she now operates her own private
practice, Sally Braden Counseling, helping individuals with anxiety and depression, stress, general life transitions, relationship issues,
and prenatal/postpartum mood disorders. She utilizes a range of therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT),
interpersonal therapy (IPT), and animal-assisted therapy (AAT). Visit www.sallybradencounseling.com for more information.
Terance Dawkins, LISW-CP
Membership Chair
Terance Dawkins is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice (LISW-CP) from Spartanburg, South Carolina. Terance achieved both his Undergraduate and Masters Degrees in Social Work from Winthrop University, empowering him with the knowledge and skills to excel in his profession. He holds dual licenses as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in South Carolina and North Carolina, reflecting his commitment to providing exceptional care across state lines. Terance is deeply connected to his roots, having grown up in the very community where he now operates his own private practice, Missing Pieces Counseling Services. Terance's aspirations reach beyond his private practice; he also works at the Counseling Center at Furman University, where he continues to touch lives and make a difference. Terance sits on the Spartanburg Area Mental Health Advisory Board and a non profit entitled Wellness & Recover Retreats. Terance recognizes the profound impact of family interactions and daily experiences on one's beliefs and life lessons. This realization sparked his interest in Transgenerational Trauma, inspiring him to explore its implications across multiple generations. Destigmatizing mental health is a core belief for Terance, and he aims to break down self-imposed barriers that prevent individuals from seeking essential mental health services.
Ethics, Government Affairs & Nominations
Anna Rickell
LISW-CP
Ethics
Anna Rickell facilitates Grief Groups at First Presbyterian of Spartanurg and
Workplace Disruption Incident
Ginger Culbertson
LISW-CP
Government Affairs
Ginger Culbertson has been in practice since 1983 and work with individuals, couples and families. She a NLP Master Practitioner and certified Level 2 in EMDR for over 20 years. She is a Clinical Diplomate in marriage and family therapy. She also does clinical supervision. She is a past President of SCSCSW and am a charter member, currently chair of Government Affairs. Ginger enjoys various forms of dance, cycling, horseback riding and hiking.
POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE
Nominations, Treasurer, and study group positions
Please email general@scclinicalsocialwork.org
if interested in this position.
EDUCATION
*Study Group and Salon positions are vacant. If you are interested in volunteering, please email scclinicalsocialwork@gmail.com expressing your interest.*
Elizabeth Parker
LPC, LPCS
Salons
Elizabeth (Liz) Parker earned her B.A. in Psychology from Roanoke College and her M.A. in Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine
from Boston University School of Medicine. Liz is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and a licensed professional counselor supervisor (LPCS)
and is a Clinical Assistant Professor within the Women’s Reproductive Behavioral Health Division and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department
of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina. Within her faculty role at MUSC, Liz provides therapy to women
managing mood and anxiety disorders, perinatal issues, trauma, and life transitions. Liz also has extensive experience working with children and
adolescents managing major mental illness. In addition to her current faculty position at MUSC, Liz teaches online for Boston University’s Master in
Social work Program, facilitating two courses: Clinical Practice with Groups and Advanced Social Work with Groups.
Lynn Hemphill
LISW-CP
Salons
Lynn received her undergraduate degree from Clemson University and her master’s degree in Social Work from the University of South Carolina.
She currently has her own private practice in Greenwood, SC working with individuals who are having difficulties with anxiety, depression,
grief/loss, trauma, as well as other life stressors. Lynn previously served as the Study Group chair for SCSCSW and is currently coordinating
Salons for the Greenwood area.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Public Relations
Shayla Pickens
LISW-CP
Shayla Pickens, LISW-CP, received a Bachelor of Science Sociology degree from Lander University and a Master of Social Work
degree from the University of South Carolina. Shayla has been serving in the social work capacity for 11 years with youth, families,
and older adults. She is a consistent support and advocate for individuals and families from various backgrounds, within therapeutic relationships. Shayla enjoys spending time with her family, crafting, and making natural products for personal use in her spare time.