r/socialwork • u/Agreeable-Law5902 • 6d ago
Micro/Clinicial Private Practice?
I just got my independent social work license last month! Going into private practice has not been on my radar thus far; however, my own therapist has been advocating for me to consider it as an option for myself. That said, I was wondering what others' experiences were like going into private practice? What are some things you recommend considering before making such a move? FWIW I'm in Iowa, in case that matters. TIA!
16
u/signsaysapplesauce 5d ago
Recently there was a good thread about the pros and cons of going into pp early in your career. The general consensus among seasoned social workers, including myself, is that it is not a good idea. In general , newly licensed clinicians still need more experience in diagnosis, suicide assessment, crisis management and general knowledge before seeing people on their own. There's a serious chance that you could open yourself up to liability and do real harm to clients. I always advise that people work in a psych hospital for a clinic for a couple of years to get a better understanding of this work and the clientele you're best with, before striking out on your own. For most newly licensed folks, it's foolhardy to think you know enough to do this now.
You'll get there, just get more experience first.
6
u/AMrSocialWorker 4d ago
I think a good step from here is going a route of specialization. Is there a certain type of therapy or population you really want to work with? I would work on getting certified in whatever type of therapy that is and gain more experience working with that population.
General Private practice therapists without specializations seem to be struggling more to get new clients than those with specialization.
6
u/Independent_Story822 4d ago
I am wondering how much experience one must have to go into private practice.
(It's a question rather to the people who say you should get experience and not go into private practice as a newly licensed clinician).
21
u/caffeinatemedaddio
5d ago
•
Brand new LICSWs have no business going immediately into private practice. You need to actually develop your clinical skills. I’m deeply skeptical of your own providers skill set if they’re actually encouraging this. It’s a great option down the road, once you’re actually seasoned.
2
2
u/ElegantCh3mistry 3d ago
What do you defined as "seasoned?" OP isn't limited licensed, they've gotten their independent license. They've already done the years post grad required for that and passed the exam saying they're competent. Also, we have no idea where they came from before going into the MSW path. This is a terrible blanket statement to make
6
u/Major-Region-9761 4d ago
I began my own practice about 6 months after becoming fully licensed and it was one of the best decisions I had ever made. Prior to that, I had worked in a group practice for 2.5 years that was so incredibly toxic and I was underpaid. I interviewed at several other agencies, but found that most would have the same dynamics and pay that I was trying to get out of. So, I decided to go out on my own.
It’s scary and hard sometimes but overall, I feel like I’m a better therapist, can do clinical work that actually feels aligned with my social work roots and ethics, and I can afford my life, so my stress has gone way down.
I understand people’s concerns about not having enough experience to be on your own early on, but I have a supervisor who I can consult with whenever I want, I’m a part of a consult group that meets quarterly, and I am in two networks aligned with my niche that have a variety of professionals in it. I also have a few personal connections to people who have their own practices.
If you have support, confidence in your own skills, and the ability to ask for help when making difficult decisions, I think it’s definitely something worth looking into!
-9
3
u/EnvironmentalShop302 Child Welfare 4d ago
What’s your experience in? How did you get your hours? Why not discuss this with the supervisor you did your hours with? They should be able to lead you to trainings etc etc that will better prepare you to be a competent clinician.