Thinking of starting a private practice as an LCSW but don’t know where to start? Confused about licensing, insurance, or legal issues? Although there are many things to consider when starting a private practice, the process does not have to be overwhelming.
There are a variety of resources to help you along the way, including a reference manual published by the National Association of Social Workers. Short on time? Here is a summary of things to consider when starting a private practice as an LCSW:
Licensure and certification
Every state has its own licensure requirements for social workers who wish to practice independently. Some even use different designations– for example, LICSW versus LCSW. Most states require a master’s degree, a passing grade on the ASWB exam, and a minimum number of supervised hours post-exam. You can read more about your state’s specific requirements here.
Business structure and legal considerations
Once you’ve verified that you are licensed to practice independently, it’s time to think about what type of business structure makes the most sense for your practice. There are different legal considerations for a sole proprietorship versus a partnership, LLC, etc. A business lawyer can help outline the pros and cons …
The holiday season should be joyful, at least according to the ads, Christmas carols, and Instagram reels. But for many, this ...
Continuing education units, or CEU’s, can sometimes feel like just another thing to fit into your already busy day. But used ...
It’s been almost 3 years since COVID-19 pandemic, and many people are still adjusting to a “new normal.” For therapists, this ...
Therapists are more accustomed to giving care than receiving it. It’s in our nature and our job description. But just because ...
The COVID pandemic has created a lot of occupational transition, and the mental health field is no exception. Many clinicians working in ...
Psychologists and psychotherapists now provide services virtually, making traditional payment methods obsolete. As a result, it's time to reconsider your payment ...
Now is the time to start a podcast that you enjoy listening to if you don't already have one. Podcasts, like ...
Have you spent hours searching the internet for the best resources to use with patients, tools for your practice, or professional ...
Have you been seeking for novel approaches to market your offerings, increase the number of your clients, and increase the number ...
