Clinical Social Work Practice Tools: Practice

For the past 25 years, CAQH has served as a free provider credentialing database for CSWs who want to panel with multiple insurance companies. With the transition to DataSpring, the website will continue to allow CSWs to share their self-reported professional information with authorized insurance companies at no cost.

NASW often receives inquiries from clinical social workers (CSWs) who are interested in starting a private practice. While CSWs are highly skilled mental health providers and knowledgeable in their specialty areas of practice, knowing how to open and run a business, panel with insurance, navigate state laws, and manage risk is a skill learned separately from clinical training.

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 12.

Founded by Mental Health America in 1949, May is Mental Health Awareness Month! NASW participates in this important initiative each year to acknowledge those affected by mental illness and the role clinical social workers play as mental health providers.

NASW Task Force for Social Workers’ Safety in the Workplace is pleased to announce the attached draft practice standards for public comment by April 25, 2026. The draft standards offer guidance to social workers on essential, helpful provisions for social workers to feel secure when carrying out their social work duties in any setting or environment. We value your input and encourage you to review the document by clicking Here.

Please use the comment section to provide your feedback no later than April 25, 2026. We kindly request that you include your professional background with your comments. Thank you.

Submit your comment.

NASW Task Force for Suicide Prevention is pleased to announce the attached draft practice standards for public comment, NASW Standards of Care for Suicide Prevention.  The draft standards of care offer guidance to social workers and serve as benchmarks for services social workers provide.  We value your input and encourage you to review the standards by clicking HERE.

Please use the comment section to provide your feedback no later than March 31. We kindly request that you include your professional background with your comments.  Thank you in advance for your comments.