Scope of practice for an independent clinical social worker

A clinical social worker may: (1) Perform all duties within the scope of practice of a licensed certified social worker, licensed graduate social worker, and licensed social worker. (2) Apply social work theory, methods, assessment, ethics and the professional use of self to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of psychological dysfunction, disability or impairment, including emotional and mental disorders and developmental disabilities. (3) Clinical social work practice is based on knowledge of one or more theories of biological, psychological and social development, normal human behavior, psychopathology, the causes and effects of physical illness and disability, unconscious motivation, interpersonal relationships, family dynamics, environmental stress, social systems and cultural diversity with particular attention to the person existing as a combination of biological, psychological and social elements in his or her environment. (4) Clinical social work includes interventions directed to interpersonal interactions, intrapsychic dynamics and life-support and management issues. (5) Clinical social work services consist of assessment, diagnosis, treatment, including psychotherapy and counseling, client-centered advocacy, consultation and evaluation. The process of clinical social work is undertaken within the objectives of the social work profession and the principles and values of its code of ethics.