40+ Years of Excellence
About ICSW
America's only graduate institution dedicated exclusively
to clinical social work education.
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First & Only
The only independent accredited clinical social work Ph.D. program in the U.S.
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Expert Faculty
Over 50 faculty members bringing deep clinical and academic expertise.
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Employment Rate
Graduates working in degree-related employment shortly after graduation.
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Preparedness
Alumni who report their degree prepared them exceptionally for employment.
Our Purpose
Mission & Vision
Defining our commitment to clinical excellence and social justice
Our Vision
To be the nation's preeminent institution for clinical social work education, recognized globally for our commitment to psychodynamic theory, relational practice, and the development of highly skilled clinicians who make meaningful contributions to mental health care, social justice, and the well-being of individuals, families, and communities across the world.
Our Mission
The Institute for Clinical Social Work is dedicated to educating & training psychodynamically informed clinical social workers who provide the highest quality mental health services to individuals, couples, families, and groups. We are committed to advancing the field through scholarship, research, and clinical excellence while promoting social justice, cultural humility, and ethical practice in service to diverse communities.
Core Values
Defining our commitment to clinical excellence and social justice
Since 1981
40+ Years of Excellence
Four decades of leadership in clinical social work education, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence
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Institute Founded
ICSW established as a pioneer in clinical social work education, becoming the only graduate school in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to clinical social work
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PhD Program Launched
Became one of the first institutions to offer a clinical PhD in social work, expanding advanced clinical research and scholarship
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CSWE Accreditation
Master of Social Work program receives full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education
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Palombo Center Opens
Dedicated center for advanced clinical training and research, named in honor of Dr. Joseph Palombo
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National Recognition
Recognized as a leader in psychodynamic clinical education and relational social work practice
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40th Anniversary
Celebrating four decades of clinical excellence, innovation, and commitment to social justice
Fully Accredited
Accreditation & Recognition
ICSW maintains the highest standards of academic quality through rigorous accreditation and institutional approval from leading educational authorities
Regionally Accredited
Since 1981
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Authorized to grant Master's and Doctoral degrees. Regional accreditation is the highest form
of institutional recognition.
Learn MoreFully Accredited
Since 1981
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Master of Social Work program has maintained continuous accreditation, ensuring program quality & licensure eligibility.
Learn MoreState Approved
Since 1981
Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE)
Both MSW and PhD programs are approved by the state of Illinois, meeting all educational standards.
Learn More
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
The Institute for Clinical Social Work (ICSW) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Accreditation ensures our programs meet rigorous, peer-reviewed standards of excellence and quality. Through ongoing review processes, HLC validates our fiscal stability, program effectiveness, and institutional commitment to students.
Overview
Overview
Everything you need to know about ICSW at a glance
Since 1981
40+ Years
of Excellence
of Excellence
The only graduate institution in the United States dedicated exclusively to clinical social work education
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Alumni
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Employment
Founded
1981
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Type
Private Graduate Institution
Focus
Clinical Social Work
Degrees Offered
MSW & PhD
Class Size
Small Cohorts (15-20)
Format
Hybrid & In-Person
Faculty
Practicing Clinicians
Student-Faculty Ratio
12:1
Average Class Size
12-15 students
Clinical Approach
Psychodynamic
Accreditation
HLC & CSWE
Ready to Learn More?
Discover how ICSW can transform your clinical career
Why Choose ICSW
What Makes Us Unique
Distinctive features that set our institution apart in clinical social work education
Only Dedicated Clinical Social Work Institution
The only graduate school in the United States dedicated exclusively to clinical social work education
PhD Program Pioneer
One of the few institutions offering a clinical PhD in social work, advancing clinical scholarship and research
Psychodynamic Orientation
Strong emphasis on psychoanalytic theory, relational dynamics, and depth psychology in clinical practice
Intimate Learning Environment
Small cohort model with 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring personalized mentorship and individualized attention
Distinguished Faculty
Faculty of renowned clinicians, scholars, & practitioners who are leaders in the field of clinical social work
Chicago Location
Located in a major metropolitan hub with rich clinical resources and diverse mental health service opportunities
Diversity & Inclusion
Strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural humility in all aspects of education and practice
Specialized Training Centers
Home to the Palombo Center & other specialized programs for advanced clinical training & continuing education