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

Private practice

Private practitioners are social workers who are self-employed. In Nova Scotia, private practice requires an additional level of registration. To become a licensed private practitioner, social workers must demonstrate to the Board of Examiners that they have advanced skills in a particular area of social work and can apply them independently.

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

Find a Private Practitioner

Benefit Plan Coverage

Become a Private Practitioner

Private Practitioner Resources

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

Private practice

Sign up for Connection

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