How to start a private practice as a social worker, and other side income
Private clinical practice is the most regulated way for a social worker to earn on the side. Social work licenses are issued by each state, most states have more than one category of license, and the one you hold decides what you can offer on your own. Check your state social work board before anything else.
Below are the ways social workers earn outside a salaried job, what each one needs, and a first step. Several do not require a clinical license. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.
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Median mental health and substance abuse social worker pay, May 2025
BLS Occupational Outlook HandbookWays social workers earn on the side
Private clinical practice (licensed)
Seeing therapy clients on your own, part time or full time. It suits clinical social workers who want control over their caseload and hours. You need the clinical license your state requires, and the requirements differ from state to state.
- What it takes
- A clinical license, professional liability insurance, a place to see clients (in person or a secure video setup), and records and billing systems.
- First step
- Look up your license on your state board's site and read exactly what independent practice it allows.
Clinical supervision for others
Supervising newer social workers working toward their own license, where your state allows it. Suits experienced clinicians who like teaching and want steady, scheduled hours.
- What it takes
- Who can supervise, and what training they need first, is set by each state. Check your state social work board.
- First step
- Find your state board's rules for qualified supervisors and note any training or years of licensure it requires.
Continuing education trainings
Teaching workshops that licensed social workers take to renew their licenses. Suits social workers with a specialty others want to learn, like trauma, ethics or a treatment model.
- What it takes
- Approval rules vary. Most US states recognize ASWB ACE approved credits, and New York does not accept ACE approval. Many people start by teaching through an approved provider.
- First step
- Pick one topic you get asked about often and email an approved CE provider near you about teaching it.
Consulting for agencies
Helping nonprofits and agencies with program design, staff training, policy writing or accreditation prep. Suits social workers who have built or fixed programs and can explain what they did.
- What it takes
- Low. A short description of what you offer and one or two past results you can describe.
- First step
- Write down the three problems agencies you have worked at kept asking for help with, and price one fixed-scope offer.
Writing
Writing for social work publications, CE content, patient and family guides, or articles for health and education publishers. Suits social workers who explain things clearly and write fast.
- What it takes
- A few writing samples. No license needed for most work.
- First step
- Write one short guide on a question clients ask you all the time, to use as your first sample.
Non-clinical coaching
Coaching on things like career, parenting logistics or life transitions. Coaching is not therapy: no diagnosing, no treating mental health conditions, and clear agreements that say so. If you are licensed, your board may still apply its rules to coaching, so check first.
- What it takes
- Low. A written coaching agreement that explains what coaching is and is not, and insurance that covers it.
- First step
- Ask your state social work board whether coaching by a licensed social worker falls under your license.
Sample conversation
How a conversation with Carmen starts
Carmen asks before she suggests. An illustrative example, not a real person.
I want to start seeing a few therapy clients on the side, evenings only. Where do I even start?
First question decides everything else: which license do you hold, and in which state?
I have my master's license and I'm still working on my clinical hours.
Then check your state board before seeing anyone on your own, because the board decides what your license allows. Writing or agency consulting could start now. Want to plan both tracks?
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Questions & answers
- What license do I need to start a private practice as a social worker?
- Usually the clinical license in your state, often called an LCSW, though names and requirements differ. Social work licenses are issued by each state, so check your state social work board for what independent practice requires.
- Can I start a private practice while working at an agency?
- Often yes, part time, if your license allows it. Check your employment agreement for outside-work or non-compete clauses, and never take clients from your agency caseload without checking the rules.
- Can I practice in another state?
- Social work licenses are issued at the state level, so you generally need to apply to practice legally in a new state. That includes seeing clients by video who live in another state. Check both state boards.
- Is life coaching the same as therapy?
- No. Coaching does not diagnose or treat mental health conditions. If you are a licensed social worker, your board may still hold you to its rules when you coach, so ask before you offer it.