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About Us

The Pennsylvania Society for Clinical Social Work (PSCSW) was established in 1971 to promote and advance specialization of clinical practice within the social work profession. We are an organization of clinical social workers who practice in a variety of settings including family agencies, mental health clinics, psychiatric hospitals, medical facilities, geriatric settings, schools, and private practice throughout Pennsylvania.

PSCSW was instrumental in creating licensure for clinical social workers in Pennsylvania.
PSCSW lobbies actively to continue to protect licensure, as well as providing leadership, clarification and support on legislative and insurance issues that affect your practice in clinical social work.
PSCSW Code of Ethics: These ethical guidelines are applicable to all Social Workers.
PSCSW has developed standards for the profession and has produced enriching educational programs, a psychotherapy referral list, a mentorship program, and much more. Members share rewarding collegiality.
PSCSW is a 501(c) 6, tax-exempt organization with a Board of Directors composed of committee chairpersons and members elected as officers.
PSCSW is affiliated with the Clinical Social Work Association (CSWA), a network of clinical social workers across the country. The Association represents and supports the interests of clinical social workers at the national level.

Mission Statement: The Pennsylvania Society for Clinical Social Work provides support to Social Work professionals and graduate students with accessible resources to advance knowledge and education, enhance direct practice skills, build community and advocate for the Social Work profession and broader social justice issues, in accordance with the Social Work Code of Ethics and Values. PSCSW is committed to anti-racist practices and welcomes diversity, inclusion and the intersectionality of all identities. The organization works towards having an environment in which differences are valued and celebrated to create a platform for social change.

PSCSW’s primary focus is advancing the professional concerns of clinical social workers through:

Setting standards of practice
Supporting adherence to a professional code of ethics
Promoting professional development
Advocacy on all levels
Promoting public awareness of clinical social work
Initiating programs of action for the purpose of achieving and maintaining practice licensure.
Providing opportunities for continuing education
Providing support to new professionals and students

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PSCSW members have access to consultation in professional ethics and standards of practice. PSCSW offers a reduced-rate subscription for the highly respected Clinical Social Work Journal and offers information about malpractice insurance. If you share our commitment to protecting and promoting the ethical and professional recognition of clinical social workers, we encourage you to join us!

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Implementation of these objectives is achieved through:

continuing education courses on a variety of clinical topics.
interactive listserv forums to exchange information, provide offerings and connect with other members.
informal educational discussions online and in members’ homes.
connecting with members at the annual member’s brunch.
annual meeting with continuing education and student clinical awards program.
membership email list for the latest information on legislative, insurance, patient privacy, and other clinical, professional, and legislative information.
membership Directory online for professional networking.
psychotherapy referral list.
study groups, peer supervision groups, and mentoring opportunities.
lobbyists advocating in state assembly hearings on matters of interest to clinical social workers, and keeping members informed where grassroots support is needed.
award programs for graduates in the Philadelphia area.

What is Clinical Social Work?

Clinical social work practice is the provision of services for the assessment, treatment, and prevention of mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders in individuals, families, groups and communities. Clinical social workers have either a master’s or doctorate in social work with a concentration in clinical course work, and a supervised graduate field internship. We share with all social work practitioners a goal of enhancement and maintenance of the physical, psychological and social functioning of individuals, families, and groups. We practice within: Mental Health Clinics, Medical Facilities, Child Welfare Agencies, Schools, Geriatric Settings, Private Practice & Industry. Clinical social workers qualify as approved mental health providers in most managed care and insured plans.