How to Start a Private Practice in Social Work
Deciding how to start a private practice in social work can be scary. You have a lot of things you need to think about, such as if you’re going to be online or in-person, what your fees will be, how much money you want to make, and whether or not you’re going to be full-time in private practice or work somewhere else on the side.
We know becoming a private practice social worker can be daunting, but we’ve got you covered. The Therapist Network, a networking for therapists group, supports starting a private practice as an MSW. You don’t have to walk on this journey alone. Here are some things to consider when going into private practice as an MSW.
The Process of Starting a Private Practice as an MSW
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) says that you should first decide whether you want to go into a group or solo practice. You’ll need to maintain your clinical work for licensure, continue supervision, and keep up with your hours.
Additionally, the National Association of Social Workers suggests obtaining a National Provider Identification (NPI) and an Employer Identification Number (EIN). These logistical steps are necessary for those pursuing private practice social work.
One of the most important steps is identifying your ideal client. Consider the mental health challenges you want to address and the clients you feel most equipped to help. Niching down can make a significant impact, whether you focus on trauma recovery, clinical social work, anxiety management, or another specialty.
Marketing and Establishing Your Therapy Practice
Effective marketing is key to attracting clients and growing your therapy practice. Here are proven ways to build a strong online presence and establish credibility in the mental health services space:
Create a strong website – Your website serves as your digital storefront, offering potential clients information about your counseling services and expertise.
Optimize for SEO – A website optimized for private practice marketing will rank higher on Google, making it easier for clients to find you.
Start a blog – Writing engaging blog content builds trust and establishes you as an authority in social work private practice.
Use social media – Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn help you connect with potential clients and other mental health professionals.
List your practice on directories – A Psychology Today profile or similar directory listing increases visibility.
Marketing may feel overwhelming at first, but implementing these strategies will help your private practice grow over time.
Setting Up Your Private Practice Social Work: Legal and Financial Considerations
When establishing your private practice counseling, you’ll need to make financial and legal decisions, including:
Billing & Insurance – Decide whether to accept insurance, operate as a private pay practice, or offer a hybrid approach.
Malpractice Insurance & Liability Insurance – Protect your business with professional liability insurance that aligns with NASW recommendations.
Licensure & Supervision – Ensure compliance with social work practice regulations in your state.
Financial Management – Tracking your finances may not be the most exciting part of running a practice, but getting it right ensures stability and peace of mind. Using billing software or tools like Simple Practice can make financial tracking easier.
Starting a private practice social work journey takes planning, research, and dedication. By carefully considering your niche, marketing effectively, and ensuring proper legal and financial management, you can build a successful private practice that benefits both you and your clients.
Are you ready to pursue private practice? With the right resources, supervision, and support, you can create a therapy practice that aligns with your goals and provides meaningful mental health services to those in need.
Things to Know When You Go Into Private Practice as a Social Worker
When you start a private counseling practice as an MSW, you’re not just a clinical social worker, you’re a business owner. You need to treat your private practice therapist role as a business and identify as an entrepreneur. Seek out financial and legal advice to make sure you have all your ducks in a row.
There are a few other things to consider when you become a private practitioner as an MSW:
Fees
You’ll need to figure out how much you’re going to charge. An average fee for social workers in private practice ranges from $110-$200 per session. Of course, these rates depend on your experience and whether or not you’re private pay or if you take insurance. We understand that it can be hard to know what to charge when you first get started as a private practice therapist. Don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth, though, because we know that imposter syndrome can get in the way of you creating the private practice social work career that you want.
You need to think about how to have a caseload that allows you to take care of yourself and your business. What you charge will dictate how many clients you see per week. Consider how much money you want to make, whether or not you’re going to take insurance, how many clients you want to see per week, what your monthly expenses are, and how much you’ll need to charge to make a profit.
Salaries
In the beginning, you may not make a lot of money, which is why many MSWs start out with their practice as a side gig. Don’t be discouraged if you’re unable to jump into private practice social work full-time right away. You can always continue to work for an agency and do private practice on the side as extra income until you’ve built up a large enough client base to go into private practice full time.
Private practice social workers have a wide range of salaries. Your salary depends on your experience and education. For MSWs, your salary can range anywhere from $18,000 to $125,000 per year. These numbers depend on the population you work with and where you’re geographically located.
Understanding and setting your fees as a private practitioner is not just about determining a number; it's about aligning your financial goals with your professional aspirations. By taking a comprehensive approach to calculating your fees, you're not only positioning yourself for financial success but also building a solid foundation for your practice's growth.
Setting your fees shouldn't be a random or arbitrary process. Instead, consider it as a calculated and strategic decision. It's about creating a fee structure that not only sustains your practice but also supports your personal and professional goals.
To start, reverse-engineer your salary. Begin with the end in mind – how much do you want to earn annually? Once you have a yearly figure in mind, break it down into manageable chunks: monthly and weekly. This segmentation helps you grasp the tangible steps needed to achieve your financial aspirations.
In the dynamic world of private practice social work, fees are not just numbers on a page. They're strategic decisions that intertwine your professional aspirations, financial goals, and the value you provide to your clients. By approaching fee setting holistically, you're not just determining a price – you're building a pathway to success for your practice and ensuring that it thrives in the long term.
Forms
Private practice forms are a necessary evil when it comes to being a private practice social worker. Here are some of the types of forms you’ll need:
Intake
Insurance/Billing
Policies
Consent
Authorization to release information
Progress notes
HIPAA
Treatment plan
Termination summary
Professional will
Navigating the administrative intricacies of private practice social work demands both efficiency and professionalism. While creating your own forms might seem like a viable option, there's a smarter and more effective route to take: investing in customizable templates. These templates serve as a valuable asset, streamlining your administrative processes and elevating the quality of your practice's interactions.
Templates are more than just forms; they are the cornerstones of professionalism and consistency in your practice. Imagine presenting clients with well-designed, standardized forms that exude a sense of reliability and thoroughness. These templates not only instill confidence but also reflect your commitment to their well-being.
Purchasing customizable templates doesn't mean you're sacrificing the unique aspects of your practice. On the contrary, these templates act as a framework that you can adapt to align perfectly with your specific requirements. You can tailor the content, design, and language to echo the distinct ethos of your practice.
Consider this investment as a strategic move that yields long-term benefits. While the initial purchase might incur a cost, the time and effort saved down the line are immeasurable. Instead of starting from scratch each time, you're building upon a solid foundation that evolves with your practice.
In essence, customizable templates aren't just a pragmatic choice; they're an investment in the growth and professional identity of your private counseling practice. By integrating these templates into your administrative processes, you're reinforcing your commitment to excellence, professionalism, and the seamless operation of your practice.
Becoming a Private Practice Social Worker
We’ve been going over a lot of logistical things you’ll need to become a private practice social worker as an MSW, but here are a few more. In order to pursue private practice, you’ll need a Master’s degree in social work and quality clinical social work experience. You should also have experience with diagnosing people, crisis intervention training, and experience with record keeping.
Aside from all of that, one of the most important things to think about is the reason you’re starting a private practice in social work in the first place. You probably want a flexible schedule. You’ll get to choose what clients you work with and what therapy practice looks like for you. At the end of the day, as a private practitioner, you’re your own boss.
Remember that, as an entrepreneur, financial stability is gone when you start your own business, at least in the beginning when you’re building your client base. It’ll be important for you to network. Forge relationships with other social workers in private practice – you’ll probably get referrals from them (make sure to reciprocate). Use your marketing for social workers tools to help bring in clients.
One thing that could be a roadblock for you if you have your MSW is that there are some states, such as Pennsylvania, that require clinical social workers to have their LCSW and don’t allow MSWs to work in private practice. Things may change in the future and vary state by state. So, it’s important that before you decide to start a private practice, you review your state’s laws about MSWs in private practice therapy.
When things feel hard it’s important to remember why you want to go into private practice. Think about the people you want to help and why you became a clinical social worker in the first place.
If you live in a state where MSWs can’t practice independently, we’re here to support you in whatever way we can. The Therapist Network provides an opportunity to make connections with other MSWs as well as LCSWs. Join our network to build relationships with other therapists. You don’t have to go it alone!
Dec 1, 2021
