How Many Hours of Supervision do LPC Associates Need?

LPC Associates in the state of Texas are required to document a total of 3,000 hours before they are able to upgrade to LPC status (what many refer to as fully licensed). Half of these hours, 1,500, must be direct client contact hours. How many hours of supervision an LPC Associate needs during this process depends on how quickly they accumulate those hours.

The minimum number of hours of supervision an LPC Associate would need is 72. This is because one cannot gain the required hours in less than 18 months, and the board requires all LPC Associates to have 4 hours of supervision per month. An LPC Associate license is good for up to 5 years, and associates must remain in supervision until they receive their license upgrade.

So 72 hours is the absolute minimum number of hours of supervision, but most associates will have more than that.

How Many Hours of Supervision Can be Provided Remotely?

Previously, there were rules in place that no more than 10% of an associate’s supervision hours could be provided remotely- through telephone or video conference. This is no longer the case. If an associate chooses to do so, they can work with a supervisor anywhere in the state of Texas.

This is a wonderful change as it allows LPC Associates a much wider range of options when selecting a supervisor. If you’re not sure where to look, check out my post on how to find an LPC Supervisor in Texas.

I currently have an associate I’m working with in El Paso and another in Houston. Technology has certainly made mental health care as well as training and supervision much more accessible.

How Many Hours of Supervision Can Take Place in Group?

While there is no limit to the number of associates an LPC Supervisor can have at any given time, there are some limitations on how supervision can be provided to multiple associates at once. Each associate needs 4 hours per month, and only half (or fewer) of these hours can take place in groups.

The state of Texas does define group supervision as 3 or more supervisees. Supervision counts as individual supervision when up to two supervisees are present. This could mean that you never have an individual supervision session with your supervisor where it is just you and they meet together.

There are certainly advantages to having supervision in groups. In my practice, I utilize group supervision as an opportunity to teach. We review board rules, collaborate on case conceptualization, or even engage in get-to-know-you activities. I find that this builds camaraderie among associates and opens the possibility of them sharing both their triumphs and challenges.

Are There Any Limits to How Many Associates Can be in a Group?

Short answer: no. As I mentioned, the board does not limit the number of associates a supervisor can supervise at a given time, nor do they have any restrictions on how many can attend group supervision.

In my practice, I plan to limit group supervision sessions to 4-6 associates. These sessions will likely be scheduled for a minimum of 90 minutes to allow enough time for each associate to share or consult if needed. (I have no problem adhering to this standard at this time as I have two associates.)

My ultimate goal as a supervisor is to protect client welfare. I never want my associates to go a week or more without feeling like they have the time they need for supervision. This is why I also allow my associates to call me in between supervisory sessions. One of the reasons I carry a smaller caseload in my own private practice is so that I can devote the time necessary to provide adequate supervision.

What if I Want a One-on-One Session with My Supervisor?

My advice: ask them. If an associate were to come to me to ask for a one-on-one session, I would schedule with them as soon as I could. During our time together, I would encourage them to share with me what it was they felt they were not getting in our previous sessions that they felt the desire for more individualized attention.

Like therapy, I believe that supervision is an active feedback process. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and I would be remiss to think I know everything there is to know about providing supervision. I want to know when my associates perceive they are not getting what they need from me.

As I work to teach and shape my associates into fantastic, amazing therapists (or more amazing than they already are at least), they are also shaping me into a more competent supervisor. I’m rather new to this whole supervision thang, and I know I have much to learn.

If you’re an LPC Associate or soon-to-be and think I might be able to teach you a thing or two (or you think you can teach me a thing or two), schedule a call with me below. I look forward to chatting with you.

Mark Cagle is an LPC Supervisor in Texas | Supervision for LPC Associates

About the Author

Mark Cagle is an LPC Supervisor in Texas and provides online supervision to LPC Associates throughout the state. He also has a thriving private practice in Dallas focused on working with couples in crisis.

Being the nerd that he is, he also builds websites and creates digital marketing plans to help other therapists flourish in their practices.

There are many great reasons to work with Mark, but don't just take his word for it. If you want to skip the usual associate slog and jumpstart your career in private practice, schedule a chat.

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