As an RSW you are as unique as your clients are.  Since one size rarely fits all, the content on this information portal provides an overview and a number of related web resources to help you plan and launch your private practice.

To get you started, this self-assessment takes you through a series of questions that relate to each topic covered on the portal. Take some time to reflect upon these important aspects of opening a private practice.  If you are honest with yourself, you’ll get a better idea whether private practice is a good fit for you.

Once you have finished the self-assessment, take advantage of the information available through this portal so you can be certain that you make the right decision for this point in your career.  If you decide not to open a private practice right now, that’s ok!  You might decide to reconsider in the future, or you might not.  In any case, be kind to yourself.  And take a look at the information in this portal, as it may still enrich your day-to-day work as an RSW. 

 

  • Where will I meet with my clients?
  • Am I comfortable with financial risk?
  • Can I handle income fluctuations?

See Get Started
  • How will I create a safe space?
  • Do I know how to respond in an emergency?
  • Am I prepared to purchase the needed insurance policies?

See Minimize Risk
  • What will my specialty area/s be?
  • Is there a market for my services?
  • What business hours will suit me and my clients?

See Define your services
  • What ethical and practice standards do I have to follow?
  • How will I keep my client information confidential?
  • Who will do my office administration?
  • Do I need to have a supervisor?

See Deliver your services
  •  How will I promote my professional skills and knowledge?
  • How will I get referrals?
  • Will I promote my practice online?  If yes, how?

See Promote your services
  • What will I do if I cannot get enough clients?
  • Do I need additional training to deliver workshops?
  • Who else may pay for my expertise?

See Generate additional income
  • How will I take care of my personal well-being?
  • Do I need private health insurance?
  • Should I join a peer group?

See Health and Wellness
  • How do my professional development activities change in private practice?
  • Are there tax incentives to taking courses or reading professional journals?
  • What should I learn more about to be a more effective private practitioner?

See Professional Development
  • How can I prepare for closing my practice?
  • What happens to client files when I close my practice?
  • Do I need to maintain insurance after my practice is closed?

See Closing your practice
  • Are there forms or templates I can adapt for my private practice?
  • Where in the portal do I find a resource for a specific purpose or question?
  • What kinds of organizations exist that may offer valuable information and advice?

See Resources
  • How can clients get my services reimbursed?
  • How do RSWs fit in with other counseling practitioners?
  • How are RSWs in private practice perceived by the public? Why is that a concern?

See About Registered Social Workers

 

Section: 
Intro