Private Practice Center

Have questions about starting a private practice?  View the Frequently Asked Question Page

Join the discussion on private practice at the Ohio Chapter 'Online Forum'

Private Practice & ADA Accomodations

Social workers in private practice or in a small agency may be faced with how to financially handle ADA accommodations and the ethical and legal responsibility to serve the client. In some situations this service may create a significant financial burden and could be prohibitively expensive. It is wise to prepare for the possibility of a client with the need for accommodations to request your services. How will you handle this? This legal brief speaks to this issue as you plan for how to ethically and legally handle specific accommodations.

In private practice and looking for health insurance?

Here are a few options:

The Health Choices program through NASW, ASI gives you access to licensed health insurance consultants who can help you locate individual major medical coverage, dental and vision insurance. Although this product has not yet been introduced universally, you can now receive a personalized consultation by simply calling 866-206-8509.

The Ohio Department of Insurance has information on open enrollment for individuals through Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) which offers an alternative to traditional insurance. It is a system in which you receive your basic health care from specific doctors and hospitals. HMOs accept individuals during their Open Enrollment Period regardless of any pre-existing health conditions. You may find that information at the following website: https://secured.insurance.ohio.gov/Forms/ins9031.pdf

Check with your local chamber of commerce, many have health insurance plans they offer to members. There is a listing of chambers that provide a health plan through  Anthem. You can find the list at: http://www.noacc.org/benefits/PromoteAnthem.cfm. 
 

Resources for Private Practitoners

Ohio Chapter Private Practice Resource Package- Get the tools you need to succeed in private practice! The package consists of three resources- the 2008 Third-Party Reimbursement for Clinical Social Work Services; the Clinical Social Workers in Private Practice References Guide; and Starting a Private Practice? Most Frequently Asked Questions by NASW Members. Purchase the package here.

NASW Press

• Third-Party Reimbursement for Clinical Social Work Services- Overview methods by which social worker receive reimbursement for psychotherapy services. Provides information on filing claims, how reimbursement rates are determined, and how to become a provider. Includes a glossary of reimbursement terms.
• Clinical Social Workers in Private Practice: A Reference Guide- Outlines the knowledge and skills required for effective clinical practice. Includes a definition of private practice and descriptions of important elements related to the business of practice.
• Clinical Social Workers in Private Practice: Caring, Compassionate, Competent- Useful as part of your marketing plan, this brochure educates the health and mental health communities about the role of clinical social workers in private practice.
• Prudent Practice: A Guide for Managing Malpractice Rick- Complete practice guide to increasing competence and managing the risk of malpractice, with social focus on high-risk areas of practice. Gives numerous case examples and checklists.

Additional NASW Press Resources:

• NASW Standards for Clinical Social Work in Social Work Practice
• NASW and ASWB Standards for Technology and Social Work Practice
• NASW Code of Ethics
• Clinical Practice With Individuals
• Clinical Intervention with Families
• Client Record and Professional Liability (DVD)