MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
Here's What We Can Do For You Who May Join
Who We Are
The California Society for Clinical Social Work was founded in 1969 in order to ensure the continued existence and quality of clinical social work as a mental health discipline. The mission of the Society today continues to emphasize the highest level of clinical training and education, adherence to standards of ethical practice, and a strong presence in the legislature to advance and protect the integrity of the profession.
Over the years the Society has been the major proponent for clinical social work licensure, vendorship, parity with other professions, confidentiality of client records and therapists' treatment notes, and informed consent for consumer of mental heath services.
Society members practice in every venue: hospitals, agencies, clinics, schools, employee assistance programs and private practice.
The California Society for Clinical Social Work is the only organization devoted solely to the professional concerns of the Clinical Social Worker.
Here's What We Can Do For You
If you are a Graduate Student or a Masters or Doctoral level Social Worker doing Clinical Social Work in an agency, organizational or private practice setting - join now so we can maintain a solid presence for Clinical Social Workers at a time when our identity and our client's rights are being undermined by market forces which seek to: challenge our knowledge base, threaten our right guaranteed by state licensure to practice independently, weaken our voice in advocating for the rights of our clients, and control our income.
Thirty-three years of concern and expertise for the healthcare provider in Clinical Social Work.
Advocacy
- Lobbying and information to state legislators on such issues as health and mental health initiatives, and managed care
- Sponsorship of successful legislation for confidentiality, social work inclusion, patient/client protection
- Protection of Social Work licensure, vendorship, credentialing and title
- Advocacy with Managed Care Review Panels, Liaison Committees and Appeals Panels
- Participation in statewide consumer/provider coalitions on mental health, health and addictions issues
- Representing the profession on state government commissions examining mental health policy and reimbursement
Professional Development
- Mentorship Program for New Professionals
- Clinical Consultation Program for recent graduates (0-5 years Post-MSW)
- Statewide Ethics Committee - Available for free consultation to members
- Continuing Education courses, workshops, seminars, and lectures representing a broad spectrum of clinical issues and theoretical perspectives
- Continuing Education Accredited by Board of Behavioral Sciences (PCE #1)
- Certificate Training in Supervision, Critical Incident Stress Management, and other areas
- Scholarship Programs for MSW and post-graduate training
- Clinical Social Work Journal (Option)
Members Only
- Statewide Ethics Committee - Available for free consultation to members
- Professional Liability Coverage
- Major Medical Health Insurance (non-group plans)
- Disability, Life Insurance
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Managed Care Hotline
- Variety of buying discounts
- Credit Union
Connection
- Online Membership Practice Directory available for easy referrals.
- Monthly Clinical Update, filled with timely special articles and monographs on professional, legal and business matters, as well as local, statewide meeting announcements, and job opportunities.
- District and statewide meetings with CE and networking opportunities for members
- Timely Legislative Alerts, Managed Care Updates, other membership updates between newsletters as needed.
- Specialized brochures, pamphlets, prototype professional billing and disclosure forms available for purchase at special member prices.
Who May Join
FELLOW: Any social worker who holds a California State license for the practice of clinical social work. Annual Dues: Beginning Licensee - $142; Advanced Licensee (3 years or more) - $186.
ASSOCIATE: Any unlicensed social worker who holds a Masters Degree from an accredited school of social work. Annual Dues: $95.
AFFILIATE: Any person whose work demonstrates an accordance with the objectives of the Society and who is sponsored for membership by at least two Fellows in good-standing. Annual Dues: $95.
STUDENT: Pre-MSW Students attending accredited school of social work. Annual Dues: $30.
Approved applicants shall be admitted to the highest category of membership for which they qualify at the time of admission and their membership class shall be automatically changed upwards as their qualifications permit.
Members are billed annually in July and the dues for those joining mid-year are prorated.
There is a $30.00 application fee which is subtracted from the total dues amount