As an organization dedicated to the needs of our patients, licensed clinical social workers and the practice of clinical social work, the Clinical Social Work Association (CSWA) strongly opposes the Trump Administration’s ongoing efforts to eradicate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These actions contradict the foundational values of social work, threaten the well-being of marginalized individuals and communities, and hinder clinical social workers’ efforts to ensure equitable access to society’s benefits.

Our profession is built on a commitment to both mental health and social justice, ensuring that all individuals—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or socioeconomic status—have access to equitable opportunities and care. The dismantling of DEI initiatives undermines these efforts, reinforcing systemic disparities and eroding progress toward a more just society.

The dignity and worth of the person-in-environment is central to clinical social work. We recognize that acknowledging and addressing systemic inequities is essential to affirming the humanity of all individuals. The importance of human relationships further compels us to foster inclusive spaces that support diverse voices and lived experiences.

As social workers, we are bound by the principles of integrity and competence, requiring us to base our practice on evidence and ethical responsibility. Decades of research affirm that culturally competent and inclusive approaches improve client outcomes, making DEI efforts a professional necessity, not a political choice.

CSWA stands firmly against policies that seek to erase or delegitimize DEI initiatives. The attack on DEI principles is a misguided and harmful attack on our profession and the people we serve. We call upon policymakers, educators, and practitioners to uphold the field of clinical social work’s mission by advocating for policies that promote inclusivity, equity, and the well-being of all communities.

Stephanie Payne, LCSW, President

Laura W. Groshong, LICSW, Director of Policy and Practice

Clinical Social Work Association
The National Voice for Clinical Social Work

March 27, 2025

Clinician Online Information May Have Been Stolen

Link to the Clinical Social Work Association website Announcement.

An incident has come up in which our professional information may have been – or may be – taken and used without your permission. Here are the details and ways to protect your practices.

https://clinicalsocialworkassociation.org/alerts/13479956

Look up a license

Below are links to State social work regulatory board websites that provide online confirmation of licensure status

https://www.aswb.org/licenses/protecting-the-public/look-up-license/

Learn everything you need to know about taking an ASWB social work licensing exam.

https://www.aswb.org/exam/

Senior Seminars began in 2006 to meet the needs of later career members of our society and those who are pre and post retirement. Presently there are four active groups that meet monthly and there is interest in another group in the N.W. D.C. area. 

From Susan Miller, Seminar leader in Northern Virginia:

We continue to enjoy our group discussions. The group has created a very warm and supportive environment to process the emotional as well the practical aspects of moving into or toward retirement. Thank you for creating the opportunity for us to get together. 

From Beverly Magida in Rebecca Harrison’s McLean Seminar:

For me, the group provides a supportive setting where I can safely share my ambivalent feelings regarding ending my practice after thirty years at the end of this year. This includes discussing my excitement and apprehensions about pursuing my "next life" when so much of my identity has been connected to being a therapist. I also talk with these colleagues about my difficulty referring clients on to other therapists, doubting if they will be able to meet my clients' needs, knowing fully well it is really my expectations that is the issue; a projection  on my part about being the " good enough" therapist.

From Martha Horne in Estelle Berley’s Seminar:

I have thoroughly enjoyed the varied and interesting books – from novels, to books about aging, to professional books – that all relate to our various practices in social work.  The lively discussions of our lives, experiences as social workers and the excellent leadership of the group make the books come alive. I am grateful to the CSSS for its monthly support and reflections on my life as my world has changed over the past eleven years ( can it be?) that I have been in the group.

If interested in participating in one of the seminars, contact the Senior Seminar Chair at seniorseminar@gwscsw.org

Listserv Guidelines (Revised February 17, 2025)

1. Purpose of Listserv: The Greater Washington Society of Clinical Social Work’s (GWSCSW) listserv was created to provide GWSCSW members a platform to share professional resources (e.g. training and CE opportunities, office space for rent, publications and awards). The listserv is also a place to discuss local and national matters that pertain to the profession and/or practice of Social Work (e.g., policies, licensure, insurance, and practice trends). It is not a substitute for formal or informal supervision or consultation, though requests for names and contact information for Clinical Supervisors is permitted.  The listserv is not intended as a forum to discuss matters not related to the profession and/or practice of Social Work.

Become a Society member and join the Listserv  https://www.gwscsw.org/join-us

Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work is run by committees of volunteers who offer their time and professional expertise. In return they receive opportunities to develop professional connections and visibility and to have interesting and fun interactions with colleagues. We all receive the many benefits that the society provides through their generosity.  Please consider volunteering - life is more fun when you get involved!

https://www.gwscsw.org/Committee_Volunteers

PREAMBLE

The principal objective of the clinical social work profession is enhancing the mental health and wellbeing of the individuals and families who seek services from its practitioners. Clinical social work practice encompasses four major areas: biopsychosocial assessment and diagnosis, case management, counseling, and psychotherapy. Biopsychosocial Assessment and Diagnosis is the ability to understand the client holistically and use the most current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)1 to conceptualize the client's https://clinicalsocialworkassociation.org/resources/Documents/Webinars/Code%20of%20Ethics%20(copyright%202025).pdf

This paper focuses on how LCSWs can protect themselves and their patients in the face of new efforts to deport undocumented or DACA immigrants, including how to protect patient records if they are demanded by ICE agents or other law enforcement personnel. This event may sound unlikely to many LCSWs, as HIPAA has provided protection of our records since 2003, albeit imperfectly. The idea that government agents could show up at our offices, homes or elsewhere to claim patient records and/or just find out whether they are a patient, has not been a major issue for most LCSWs. Nonetheless, that is exactly what could happen with the administration’s expanded intent to deport immigrants based on information found in churches, medical offices, and other formerly protected spaces. There are several ways that LCSWs can attempt to maintain the privacy of our patients if we are faced with the new incursions into the sanctity and ethics of the work we do. After consultation with several lawyers, here are some legal ways to keep our medical records private.

Position Paper - Protecting Patients at Risk of Deportation.pdf

Education Calendar of Events

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• From Arrest to Release: Where Clinical Practice Intersects 

  • When

    Friday, March 21, 2025

  •  

    10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

  • Location

    Online ZOOM

  • Spaces left

    43

  Presenter: Jane Tambreé, LCSW-C

  CEUs: Category 1 | 3.0 

  This webinar will follow the life of a person from the time of arrest to the time of release, detailing the processes that occur while progressing through the penal/court system.

  Throughout this movement, there are several opportunities for a clinician to provide services to the detained person which varies depending upon the bias of the agency employing the clinician.
  Legal terms and concepts will be discussed, as well as assessments, testimony and treatment planning.

  Included will be an essay written by me which highlights the use of self during the interview process and the need to identify, and manage transference and counter transference.

  Workshop Objectives:

  At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

  1. Describe "the arrest to release process”.
  2. Name several ways clinicians can intervene in a forensic setting.  
  3. Define many of the terms used in both penal and court settings. 
  4. Describe specific evaluations/ assessments typically used in the court process.

  About the Presenter: janetambree.com

  Show details

• Political Grief Work 

  • When

    Sunday, March 30, 2025

  •  

    10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

  • Location

    Online ZOOM

  • Spaces left

    7

  Presenter: Ed Geraty, LCSW-C MD,WV,VA,VT,DC,FL,& DE

  CEUs: Category 1 | 3.0 
  

  Political grief arises not only from local and national election losses but also from broader societal issues: oppression, systemic racism, mass shootings, human rights violations, war, and environmental destruction. These losses, both tangible and intangible, can leave us feeling unsafe, distrustful, and uncertain about the future.

  Understanding the circle of grief can help us all to recognize that we may all be experiencing different aspects of that cycle at different times, regardless of our personal political opinions, beliefs , affiliations, and attitudes, we can still look deeper at the underlying grief that we may all be feeling.

  Workshop Objectives:

  At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
  

  1. Understand the concept of political grief work.
  2. Determine where the individual may be at this particular time in their process.
  3. Understand how individuals with differing opinions and affiliations may also be grieving.
  4. Review strategies to navigate the grief process.

  Workshop Agenda:

  10-10:15 introductions  
  10:15 to 10:45 Understanding the concept of political grief work 
  10:45-11:15 Determining where the individual may be at this particular time in their process 
  11:15-11:45 | Discussion  
  11:45-12 | Break  
  12-12:30 | Reviewing strategies to navigate the grief process  
  12:30-12:50 | Developing a Plan of Action  
  12:50-1 | Summary/close

  About the Presenter:

  https://sites.google.com/view/insiteintegrativeservicesllc/home
  

  Show details

Register here https://gwscsw.org/event-6103022