It's important to understand that if you take the route of a Master's program, this higher level degree does not alone allow you to practice privately. You will need to take state licensing exams on two levels (for Social Work). One test to practice as a clinician under supervision and the second to achieve independent clinical status. Before sitting for the second level of licensing, you will need 2 years of documented supervision (in my state) as well as years of work experience. So the actual amount of time before you can practice independently is approximately three years following your MSW degree.
It's important to understand that if you take the route of a Master's program, this higher level degree does not alone allow you to practice privately. You will need to take state licensing exams on two levels (for Social Work). One test to practice as a clinician under supervision and the second to achieve independent clinical status. Before sitting for the second level of licensing, you will need 2 years of documented supervision (in my state) as well as years of work experience. So the actual amount of time before you can practice independently is approximately three years following your MSW degree.