The Nova Scotia College of Social Workers exists to serve and protect Nova Scotians by effectively regulating the profession of social work.

As a member you have the ability to support the NSCSW in building a professional community that embodies the best of social work practice.

Ensuring Nova Scotians receive the services of skilled and competent social workers who are knowledgeable, ethical, qualified, and accountable to the people who receive social work services.

Private practitioners are self-employed RSWs who are licensed to practice independently in one or more areas of specialization.

We establish, maintain, and regulate Standards of Professional Practice to ensure Nova Scotians receive the services of skilled and competent social workers who are knowledgeable, ethical, qualified, and accountable to the people who receive their services.

Stay up to date on the latest news and events happening with NSCSW.

Private Practice

Social workers in Nova Scotia
may be self-employed as
private practitioners.

Private practice

Private practitioners are social workers who are self-employed, and are solely responsible for the liability of their practice. In Nova Scotia, private practice in clinical social work specializations requires an additional level of registration.

To become a licensed clinical specialist, Registered Social Workers must demonstrate to the Board of Examiners that they have advanced skills in one or more specialized areas of clinical social work practice, and can apply those skills independently.

Non-clinical private practice no longer needs special Board of Examiners authorization at all as of spring 2024; RSWs and SWCs can now pursue non-clinical self-employment in Nova Scotia as long as their NSCSW registration is in good standing and they possess the required competence.

Click on one of the buttons below to access information about private social work practice in Nova Scotia.

Links for the public

Find a Private Practitioner

Benefit Plan Coverage

Links for social workers

Private Practitioner Resources

Private Practice

Social workers in Nova Scotia may be self-employed as private practitioners.

Private practice

Links for the public

Links for social workers

Sign up for Connection

Social workers in Nova Scotia
may be self-employed as
private practitioners.