August 2025 Chapter Update

Thank you for your membership with NASW. Take a look at our upcoming Chapter events for August 2025, Conference Planning efforts, policy and practice updates, and more.

Jeremy Arp, MSW, ACSW

Executive Director, NASW-WA

(he/him)

2026 Conference: Suggest Theme Ideas!

As the Chapter plans for our 2026 NASW-WA Chapter Conference during Social Work Month, we want to hear from you—Washington's social work professionals and students. Your voice is essential in shaping a meaningful event.

We're seeking your ideas on what theme would resonate most with our community and reflect the values, challenges, and hopes of our profession today. What concepts, topics, or areas of learning would you like to explore together in March 2026?

Please take a moment to share your thoughts through this one-question survey (click here) —your input will guide the direction of our upcoming conference.

Legislative Updates

State Updates

The Legislative Action Committee continues to meet monthly in advance of the 2026 Legislative Session. The LAC will host a virtual event for Washington social workers. Join us on August 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM Pacific for a virtual legislative update on Zoom.

Hear what happened in the last legislative session
Share your advocacy ideas for 2026 and beyond
Help shape our policy priorities

RSVP now to attend by clicking here.

National Updates

Congress introduces the Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act (S. 1797/H.R. 3808)

NASW has been working with our champions in Congress to advance the Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act (S. 1797/H.R. 3808).

This legislation was introduced in a bipartisan and bicameral manner by Senators John Barrasso, MD (R-WY) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) and Paul Tonko (D-NY-20). The legislation enhances Medicare beneficiaries’ access to the valuable services provided by independent clinical social workers in two scenarios:

While residing in a skilled nursing facility and receiving services under Medicare Part A; and
While in need of mental health services because of emotional or psychosocial concerns that arise due to a medical condition

You can review the Issue Brief on the legislation on the NASW website. NASW urges social workers to respond to NASW’s action alert to urge their members of Congress to cosponsor the legislation.

Recruitment Notice: Mental Health Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapists, and Social Workers Advisory Committee

Application Deadline: August 31, 2025

The Washington State Department of Health is accepting applications for advisory members of the Licensed Counselor Advisory Committee in accordance with RCW 18.225.060. Committee members provide expert guidance on licensing and professional standards for mental health professionals, including social workers, marriage and family therapists, and mental health counselors.

Committee Responsibilities

• Advise the Secretary of Health on professional practice and policy

• Review licensure procedures and workforce development

• Evaluate professional standards and provide expert feedback

• May assist in application and complaint reviews

Positions Available

• One Advanced Social Worker OR Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

• Two Consumer (Public) Members

Eligibility Requirements

Professional Applicants:

• Must hold a current, unrestricted Washington State LICSW license

• Minimum five (5) years clinical experience

Consumer Members:

• Must represent the general public

• Cannot be directly or indirectly affiliated with professions licensed under RCW 18.225

Committee Details

• Meets four (4) times annually in Tumwater, WA

• Members compensated under RCW 43.03.240

• Travel expenses reimbursed per RCW 43.03.050 and RCW 43.03.060

How to Apply

Submit the following to Lana.Crawford@doh.wa.gov by August 31, 2025:

• Application

• Resume

• Cover Letter

(Read more)

New PTSD Clinical Guideline for Washington State Workers’ Compensation - Open for Public Comment

A new PTSD Clinical Guideline for Washington State Workers’ Compensation is open for public comment (mail, fax, or email) through 5pm on Friday, September 12, 2025. The draft guideline can be found here along with details on how to submit comments.

The Department’s Industrial Insurance Medical Advisory Committee (IIMAC) and its PTSD Clinical Guideline Subcommittee, in partnership with L&I and the Office of the Medical Director, have developed this treatment guideline as a best practice standard for the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD in the workers’ compensation setting. Providers who deliver care to workers are required to follow this guideline, as per their signed provider agreement.

The PTSD Clinical Guideline will be presented to the IIMAC in an open public meeting on Thursday, October 23, 2025 (please see the L&I website for meeting details here). The department’s response to all public comments will be available, and there will be time on the agenda for public testimony.

HOUR WITH PRIVATE PRACTICE/HOPP

NASW Members Only...FREE

When: Third Friday of the Month 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. ET

Virtual: Zoom sessions

Get important clinical social work updates affecting the delivery of mental health services in a private solo or group practice. An Hour With Private Practice (HOPP): Questions & Answers meets monthly and is free and for NASW members only. Access recordings of past sessions.

Next Session: Will resume in the Fall of 2025

August Observances

International Day of World's Indigenous Peoples is August 9th.

World Humanitarian Day is August 19th.

Senior Citizen's Day is August 21st.

Women's Equality Day is August 26th.

International Day of People of African American Descent is August 31st.

Intersectionality Awareness Month

New PTSD Clinical Guideline for Washington State Workers’ Compensation - Open for Public Comment

Call for Presenters

Are you interested in presenting a workshop for NASW-WA? We have an open call for presenters for our ongoing continuing education series held throughout the year (live, virtual, or recorded).

Click here for more information about what we're looking for!