Clinical Social Work Supervision Texas FAQ
Where do I submit my LCSW Supervision Plan to the board?
This is a recent change, as you no longer need to submit clinical supervision plans for social work to the board, this all goes through LCSW supervisors in Texas. Your LCSW supervision plan and ensuring your employment qualifies for your clinical social work supervision hours is now between you and your LCSW supervisor in Texas. You and your clinical supervisor should both keep these records. Have I met anyone who Texas BHEC audited? No. Do I want to be the first and not have my documents together? Absolutely not!
Can I work part-time and still meet the requirements for my license?
Yes! You can, just keeping a few things in mind:
Part-Time Work Conditions: If you work part-time, you need to accumulate the required supervised hours in proportion to your work hours. Specifically, for every 40 hours of part-time work, you need one hour of supervision. This typically translates to 2-3 supervision hours per month if you are working part-time
Minimum Work Hours: You must work at least 15 hours per week to complete supervision within the allowable timeframe. If you are working part-time, ensure that your work hours and supervision hours are documented and meet the board's requirements (TX BH Exec Council)
What do I do if I change my job while under supervision?
You need to update your supervisor as soon as possible, as paperwork needs to be completed. This includes an agreement with your new employer to continue with your current supervisor who is outside of your organization. You no longer need to submit paperwork to the board, but you and your supervisor need to review your job description to ensure it meets a clinical social work standard and track hours completed with your last employer.
What do I do if I want to change my social work supervisor while still working towards my clinical hours?
Have your previous supervisor complete a Clinical Supervision Verification form to document the hours you have already completed under your previous supervisor. This form ensures that your previous supervised hours are officially recorded. Keep a record for yourself and provide a copy to your new supervisor.
I am planning to move to another state while under clinical supervision, can I still complete my hours?
Here is the guidance directly from BHEC:
Please know: The holder of a Texas LMSW license is authorized by the Texas license to provide social work services
ONLY while the LMSW is physically within Texas’ jurisdiction
AND ONLY to a client who is physically within Texas’ jurisdiction at the time services are received
AND ONLY while in compliance with Texas’ laws and rules that govern the scope of practice and conditions of supervised experience.
Similarly, the holder of a Texas LCSW license with Supervisor status (LCSW-S) is authorized by the Texas license to supervise the LMSW’s clinical practice – ONLY while the LCSW is physically within Texas’ jurisdiction AND ONLY while the above-listed items are satisfied.
If the client, LMSW, or LCSW-S is physically outside Texas’ jurisdiction, it is likely that another jurisdiction’s law and rules apply.
** These rules also apply if you are living in another state but hold an LMSW license and are wanting to begin clinical supervision towards Texas LCSW licensure.
I currently moved to Texas from another state and completed hours towards clinical licensure while I was there. Can I continue my hours and finish them in Texas or do I have to start over?
Texas rules in §781.401(a)(1)(C) state that “If the social worker completed supervision in another jurisdiction, the social worker shall have the supervision verified by the regulatory authority in the other jurisdiction. If such verification is impossible, the social worker may request that the Council accept alternate verification of supervision.”
The Verification of Licensure in Other Jurisdiction form – on the SW Board’s Forms and Publications webpage - provides space for non-Texas-licensing-agency to verify license type, issue date, supervised experience, and any disciplinary action. If the non-Texas-licensing-agency is unable or unwilling to provide supervised experience information on the Verification of Licensure in Other Jurisdiction form, staff may consider Texas’ Clinical Supervision Verification Form for LCSW – on the SW Board’s Forms and Publications webpage. The Clinical Supervision Verification Form for LCSW must be completed by the non-Texas Supervisor and submitted with a copy of the non-Texas Supervisor’s credentials.
NOTE: Staff may not pre-evaluate a person’s supervised experience. That is to say, staff may only consider supervised experience at the time an application to reclassify Texas LMSW to Texas LCSW, fee, and required documents are received. Staff may not pre-approve an individual’s supervision plan or proposal.
How long does it take for my application to upgrade to my LCSW to be processed and approved?
BHEC keeps a chart showing average processing times, which you can access on the Texas BHEC website here.
Where can I find information about taking my ASWB Clinical Social Work exam to become an LCSW in Texas?
Visit the ASWB’s page here.
What happens during a clinical social work supervision session?
During a clinical social work supervision session, the supervisor and supervisee typically engage in the following activities:
• Review of Casework: The supervisee presents cases for feedback on assessment, intervention, and case management strategies.
• Discussion of Theoretical Concepts: Relevant theoretical concepts and treatment modalities are discussed.
• Skill Development: Role-playing, practicing techniques, and receiving feedback on written work.
• Personal and Professional Development: Discussing career goals, navigating the profession, and receiving emotional support.
• Evaluation: Supervisor evaluates progress, providing feedback on strengths and weaknesses, and setting goals for future development.
What are the benefits of getting my clinical social work license?
Benefits of obtaining a clinical social work license include:
• Increased Job Opportunities: Access to more job settings such as hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, and private practice.
• Higher Earning Potential: Higher salaries compared to unlicensed social workers.
• Greater Autonomy and Independence: Ability to make clinical decisions and develop treatment plans without supervision. This is also the level of licensure that allows you to fully own and operate your own private practice.
• Enhanced Credibility and Professional Reputation: Demonstrates competence and expertise, earning respect and trust from clients and colleagues.
• Increased Opportunities for Leadership and Advancement: More likely to be promoted to leadership positions and access to specialized certifications and training programs.
• Greater Job Satisfaction: Higher levels of job satisfaction and a sense of meaningful work.
Ready to take the next step in your social work career or have a question you couldn’t get answered here? Contact me to ask questions about clinical social work supervision or learn more about making me your LCSW supervisor in Texas. Send me an email to schedule a consultation so we can see if I am a good fit as your clinical social work supervisor. I’d love to support you on your journey to becoming an LCSW in Texas!