8.2 Continuing Competence for Private Practice

As a private practitioner, not only do you have to maintain your professional skills, you also need to develop business acumen in order to build, grow, and diversify your practice.  Inquire with your social work association, regulatory organization or local college to find out what’s available to you. The Get Started section lists local organizations that offer services and workshops for small business owners. You may also want to consider workshops, webinars or courses offered by other mental health practitioner organizations listed in the Helpful Links below. Explore established and virtual networks such the private Linked-In group “Therapists Linked” to exchange with and learn from other mental health clinicians, social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists.

Many RSWs in private practice find it helpful to complement their social work competence with knowledge and skills in:

• Starting a small business
• Safety in private practice
• Professional liability
• Accounting and taxes
• Privacy legislation
• Generating referrals
• Records management
• Ethics in private practice
• Networking for business
• Using social media
• Personal branding

There are tax incentives to your professional development.  You may be able to deduct some or all of your professional development activities as a business expense, including up to two conferences or conventions (including travel and meals) Consult with your accountant or review a current tax guide for more information.

Helpful Links