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SPS News and Events


News

A new Tips and Tools document, Starting a Private Practice, Frequently Asked Questions by NASW Members, has been revised to help guide clinical social workers (CSWs) through the process of opening a private practice. This document provides answers to common questions on licensure, liability, insurance credentialing, and many other topics to help CSWs get started.

 Starting a Private Practice: Frequently Asked Questions by NASW Members  


Public comment period for NASW Long-Term Services & Supports Standards

We Need Your Input: NASW Practice Standards for Long-Term Services & Supports

These revised standards, prepared by a volunteer task force of NASW members in collaboration with NASW staff, address long-term services and supports (LTSS) provided by social workers to people of all ages in home- and community-based settings and in facilities. When finalized, the standards will replace the 2003  NASW Standards for Social Work Services in Long-Term Care Facilities . Read the manuscript and provide your feedback by July 26 2026 (date has been extended).


An Hour of Private Practice

Using the New Practice Standards, Serious Illness Care: Hospice and Palliative Social Work, in Private Practice and Other Settings

Friday, July 17, 2026 (Noon – 1 pm ET)

Presenters: Shirley Otis-Green, LCSW and Colleen Mulkerin, LCSW

Both are nationally known experts in hospice and palliative care who were the co-chairs of the NASW taskforce that developed the new standards.

Register in advance for this meeting with your email that is associated with your NASW membership: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/BOeZPBcoRrqieiPAA9SKPQ

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. For informational purposes only, no CEs will be issued. For NASW Members only.   Please register at least 15 minutes before the event.

No August Hour of Private Practice 


SPS Webinars

Expanding the Evidence-Base of Substance Use Disorder Practice: Opportunities and Trends

Wednesday, August 12, 2026 (1 – 2 pm ET)

Presenters:  David L. Hussey, Ph.D., LISW-S and Ric Kruszynski, MSSA, LISW-S, LICDC-CS

This webinar will review opportunities and trends shaping substance use disorder assessment and treatment and influencing social work practice. Four key themes will be discussed: implementation science, integrated care, the role of AI and technology, and workforce challenges. Each of these themes has the potential to impact or expand the evidence-base of substance use disorder treatment. In combination, they represent powerful drivers that can be leveraged to increase the effectiveness of treatment.

Objectives:

  • Understand key factors associated with the expansion of evidence-based substance use disorder treatment.
  • Appreciate how implementation science and integrated care can increase the effectiveness of evidence-based practice.
  • Describe applications of technology and artificial intelligence to assessment, treatment planning, and supervision.

Cost: SPS Members: Free / Non-SPS NASW Members: $25 / Non-NASW Member: $35


Meet Social Workers like you with MyNASW

If you are an SPS member, you are already a member of at least one of these MyNASW online communities and can participate now:

Children, Youth and Schools
For members of the Child Welfare; Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults; and School Social Work Specialty Practice Sections

Clinical Social Work, Aging, and Health
For members of the Aging;  Mental Health;  Private Practice, and Substance Use Disorders and Other Addictive Behaviors  Specialty Practice Sections

Social Justice, Administration, and Courts
For members of the Administration/Supervision; Social and Economic Justice & Peace; and Social Work and the Courts Specialty Practice Sections