THE PRIVATE-PRACTICE OF SOCIAL-WORK - CURRENT TRENDS AND PROJECTED SCENARIOS IN A MANAGED CARE ENVIRONMENT

This article reviews the status of the social work labor force engaged in the private practice of social work based on data drawn from the f ull membership of the National Association of Social Workers. The demo graphics, areas of practice, income, and career development patterns o f this sub-set of social workers are explored. These trends and issues are then discussed within the context of the realities of actual and potential changes in the mental health system of care in this society and their implications for private practice. Despite clear patterns wh ich show a consistent upward trend in the proportion of social workers engaged in the private practice of social work, the current political and economic environment raises substantial questions about the natur e and breadth of this component of social work practice in the future.