How does one get into mental health as an MSW?

[bankeinanin]

Greetings. I'm an MSW student about to graduate in May. I want to be a therapist, be supervised and work towards my LCSW. How does one get their foot in the door when new? The majority of the jobs out there on clinical work seem to want someone with experience. Who hires new MSW's for clinical work? 

It doesn't help that I'm in Buffalo and I'm moving to the greater Richmond area. So I don't know the system or the area very well. 

[MSWGirl2013]

Greetings. I'm an MSW student about to graduate in May. I want to be a therapist, be supervised and work towards my LCSW. How does one get their foot in the door when new? The majority of the jobs out there on clinical work seem to want someone with experience. Who hires new MSW's for clinical work? 

It doesn't help that I'm in Buffalo and I'm moving to the greater Richmond area. So I don't know the system or the area very well. 

My suggestion would be to network with people in the area (via telephone or email) who do what you want to do and find out how they were able to get to where they are.  It's been my experience that many professionals are willing to share advice with people emerging in the field and are always happy to talk about their experiences when approached.  Best of luck to you.