New York State Society for Clinical Social Work, Inc.

The New York State Society for Clinical Social Work, Inc., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to representing clinical social workers in New York State. Founded in 1968, it serves as a community of highly trained clinicians committed to maintaining standards of professional education and practice in clinical social work psychotherapy.

Mission and Activities

The organization focuses on providing mental health services in various settings, including schools and private practices. It advocates for improved mental health services, particularly in educational environments, recognizing the significant emotional burdens faced by students in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Advocacy and Recommendations

The society has advocated for several initiatives, including:

• Ensuring free school meals to address issues like hunger and improve learning environments.
• Hiring more Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) to meet the growing demand for mental health services, especially in rural areas compared to New York City.
• Implementing a student-to-clinician ratio that adequately addresses the complex needs of school districts, suggesting a ratio of 1 LCSW to 50 students.

Continuing Education

The Advanced Clinical Education (ACE) Foundation, associated with the New York State Society for Clinical Social Work, Inc., is an approved provider of continuing education for Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs) and LCSWs, offering courses in various formats to support professional development in the field.

Role in Clinical Social Work

The organization plays a crucial role in maintaining professional standards and promoting the practice of clinical social work in New York State, supporting both LCSWs and LMSWs in their career advancement and service delivery.

[1] https://www.nysenate.gov/sites/default/files/new_york_state_society_for_clinical_social_work_inc._nysscsw_testimony.pdf [2] https://www.clinicalsw.org [3] https://nysscsw.org [4] https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/licensed-master-social-worker/continuing-education/continuing-education-provider [5] https://www.clinicalsocialworkassociation.org