Clinical Social Work Practice in Canada: A Critical Examination of Regulation

Abstract

Purpose: The most common form of social work (SW) practice in Canada is clinical which requires specialized knowledge and advanced clinical skills. The SW profession is more than 100 years old, but regulation is new to Canada and presently most jurisdictions have regulatory bodies to advance safe, competent, and ethical practices. Regulatory bodies establish admission requirements, standards of practice, ethical guidelines, supervision, continuing education requirements, and measures for complaints and discipline. Methods: This article examines regulation of SW practice in Canada with a focus on registration requirements, clinical SW designation, use of controlled acts such as psychotherapy and diagnosis, supervision, continuing education, technology, private practice, and how regulatory bodies address diversity, equity, reconciliation, racism, and discrimination. Results: This critical examination of clinical SW practice found inconsistent standards across the country. Conclusions: It is important to harmonize the three pillars including education, association, and regulation to strengthen clinical SW practice in Canada.