Social Workers in Private Practice: A Descriptive Study of What they do

This article reports on the findings of a national study conducted with a randomized sample of NASW members in private practice. The study examined such issues as populations served, lengths of treatment, fees charged, treatment approaches, and whether private practitioners used evidence-based practice or practice-based evidence in their work with clients. The article reflects on such questions as whether private practitioners have abandoned the social work mission, whether graduate schools should aim to prepare social workers for private practice, and whether social workers in private practice adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics.