LCSW Supervision

Megan Carley, LCSW-S at Carley Counseling Services offers supervision for Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW) who are working towards their Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Embarking on the journey of finding a clinical supervisor can feel daunting. With Megan by your side, we will navigate the essential aspects you should be aware of, step by step.

During your supervision as an LMSW, you will typically have monthly meetings with your supervisor for a minimum of 4 hours. At Carley Counseling Services, all sessions are conducted online using Zoom, allowing you to participate regardless of your location within Texas. To fulfill the supervision requirements, you must engage in a total of 100 supervision hours with Megan Carley within a timeframe of 24 to 48 months.

To complete the supervision process within 24 months, it is necessary to be employed and work at least 30 hours per week. If you work part-time, a minimum of 15 hours per week is required to complete supervision within 48 months. Part-time employees typically need one hour of supervision for every 40 work hours, which usually equates to 2-3 supervision hours per month.

To meet the standards set by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Counsel, the following requirements must be met:

• Supervision with Megan Carley, LCSW-S, for a minimum of 4 hours per month, which includes weekly one-hour individual sessions.
• Completion of 100 supervision hours in no less than 24 months and supervision cannot exceed 48 months to complete.
• Accumulation of a total of 3,000 work hours before applying to sit for the licensing exam. These hours are essential for eligibility to take the licensing exam and become a licensed clinical social worker.

To ensure eligibility for LCSW supervision, the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiner now requires supervisors to assess whether an LMSW’s current employment setting qualifies as “professional clinical experience.” It is ideal if your employment allows you to engage in mental health assessment, diagnosis and treatment based on the DSM-V criteria. Meeting this qualification grants you eligibility to participate in LCSW supervision courses.

In the event that your current employment does not meet this requirement, a supplemental plan is necessary. A supplemental plan involves working a minimum of 4 hours per week in a clinical setting where you can actively assess, diagnose and treat clients. Obtaining this experience will complement your existing employment and ensure compliance with the board’s qualification criteria for LCSW supervision.

It’s understandable that the rates may appear objectionable at first glance, but it’s important to consider why they are reasonable. The landscape of clinical supervision has evolved, and supervisors now have additional responsibilities and requirements.

Here are some things to consider:

• In the State of Texas, clinical supervisors are expected, and often required, to undergo formal training in supervision, which can amount to a minimum of 40 hours. They must also engage in ongoing continuing education in the field of supervision, ensuring they stay up to date with best practices.
• Your clinical supervisor holds legal and ethical responsibility for each client you encounter. They are accountable for every decision that you do / do not make and every action that you do / do not make. Essentially, their role is one of immense responsibility.
• Your supervisor invests significant time in reviewing your client assessments, progress notes, correspondence and termination paperwork. This thorough examination ensures they can provide you with valuable feedback and guidance. Additionally, they commit to weekly meetings with you for 1-2 years, dedicating time that could otherwise be spent seeing clients and earning their standard hourly fee.
• During these meetings, your supervisor fulfills various roles, including teacher, mentor, consultant and evaluator. They continuously develop your skills as a mental health professional, customizing their approach to meet your unique needs and interests. This involves substantial preparation, paperwork completion, material gathering and literature review—requiring even more of their time and dedication.
• It’s crucial to recognize that your clinical supervisor remains available to support you 24/7, even after you complete your supervision hours. Quite simply, they bear ongoing liability for the decisions made during the supervision period.

If you have any further questions or concerns about the investment in LCSW supervision, please do not hesitate to reach out to Megan. She’s here to address any inquiries you may have.

Jurisprudence Examination. You must take this when you apply for any social work license or to upgrade 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 or if you wish to stop supervision.

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