Getting Started with LCSW Supervision

Attend my next free intro session.

What to expect in my program

As an LMSW working full-time, you will usually meet with me for 4 hours each month, entirely online via Zoom. You can complete all 100 supervision hours remotely while living anywhere in Texas. Typically, you’ll attend two 2-hour group sessions monthly.

It takes at least 24 months to complete supervision; there’s no completing it in less time. You must attend 100 supervision hours and work 3,000 hours. 

No, months and hours worked prior to beginning supervision don’t count towards your supervision requirements, so the sooner you begin supervision, the better.

There’s no longer a maximum time limit for completing supervision.* 

In order to be in supervision, you must be employed and work at least 30 hours per week to be able to complete the supervision process in, or close to, 24 months. In my program, you must attend at least 1 hour of supervision in a month in order for that month to count towards your 24 months of supervision. 

For those working part-time, you can attend 1-3 hours of supervision monthly, extending the process to 3-5 years. Based on my experience, completing supervision in 24-30 months is most successful.

During my supervision journey, I initially met individually with my supervisor and later transitioned to group sessions, appreciating the diverse feedback.  My program is designed for those who learn best in a group format.

Please note that Texas does not require a specific ratio of individual to group sessions, but check other states’ requirements if you know you want to hold an LCSW in another state.

How do I know if my job qualifies as a clinical social work position?

I'm often asked this question. The board has determined that if you assess, diagnose, and treat mental health or substance abuse issues using DSM-5-TR criteria for at least four hours per week, you are eligible for LCSW supervision. 

Don’t get too concerned about making a formal diagnosis. In many settings, it is the physicians, psychiatrists, or independently licensed mental health professionals who diagnose clients or patients. If you’re using a diagnostic skill set and/or screening tools when working with clients or patients, you are fulfilling this requirement.

I have supervised social workers employed by behavioral health hospitals and outpatient programs, medical hospitals, home health, hospice, schools, dialysis clinics, military bases, the VA, CPS, non-profits, insurance companies, EAP programs, private practices, and even police departments and prisons. As long as you have personal client or patient interactions and utilize clinical skills, you probably meet LCSW supervision criteria.

What is a typical group like?

Discussion group sessions involve case presentations, ethical discussions, and exploring DSM-5-TR and various therapeutic modalities. We aim to foster your growth as a clinician while preparing you for the LCSW exam, integrating macro issues into our clinical discussions.

I also want to teach you about relational neurosciences and how to run a business, so on most months, you’ll attend a discussion group and a training group where you learn clinical or business skills.

Getting started

Most months, I offer free “Intro to Supervision” sessions to determine if we’re a good fit for each other before starting the supervision process.

Once ready to proceed, we will complete a social work supervision agreement and clinical supervision plan. I will also provide you with a template for a letter that a representative from your company needs to sign; this letter acknowledges that you’re receiving supervision outside your company. No paperwork needs to be submitted to the board until after you finish supervision and pass your LCSW exam.

Cost and Structure

My program costs $500 per month for 4 hours of supervision ($125/hour), typically scheduled as two 2-hour supervision sessions each month. This allows you to complete supervision in 25 months. Some employers will reimburse you for your supervision cost. Be sure to ask!

While my supervision is primarily group-based; we will do an individual session early during the supervision process in order for us to better get to know one another. From then on, individual sessions are scheduled on an as-needed basis at the same rate of $125/hour.

Documentation

I suggest creating a binder or computer folder for your supervision documents. You will need to track your supervision hours, months, and work hours. My scheduling software also tracks your supervision hours and months. BHEC requires that we both keep these records.

*If you completed supervision at any time in the past, and you have a signed verification form confirming your previous supervision, that time will count towards the requirements for supervision in Texas. Even documented out-of-state supervision has been approved by BHEC.

Helpful Links

Jurisprudence Examination. You must take this when you apply for any social work license or to reclassify your LMSW to LCSW. The certificate for taking the exam is only valid for 6 months. This costs $39.

Clinical Supervision Verification Form for LCSW. Complete this form once you have completed supervision, if you wish to stop supervision, or if you wish to change supervisors.

Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners. This is the new Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council website for anything else you might need.

Online Scheduling. Once you are in my supervision program, you can view a log of your past sessions and manage your schedule online.