Supervision is a process towards licensing that requires a commitment to growth in self as a therapist. Supervision includes discussing and analyzing therapeutic experiences from current case load, discussion of theory, clinical practices and techniques, ethical issues and career challenges. This is a supportive environment designed for learning, growth and participation. Supervision can be a resource for studying for the exam, if participating in a group meeting, can build a study group and shared experiences.
Washington State Supervision Requirements https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-pe...
A minimum of two calendar years of full-time marriage and family therapy, and at least 3,000 hours of experience, 1,000 hours of which must be direct client contact.
- At least 500 hours must be gained in diagnosing and treating couples and families; and At least 200 hours of qualified supervision with an approved supervisor.
- At least 100 of the 200 hours must be one-on-one supervision, and the remaining hours may be in one-on-one or group supervision.
- Of the total supervision, 100 hours must be with a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) who has at least five years clinical experience.
- The other 100 hours may be with a equally qualified licensed mental health practitioner.
- Those who have completed a master’s program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE) will be credited with 500 hours of direct client contact and 100 hours of formal meetings with an approved supervisor."
AAMFT Supervisor Mentoring
A mentor is a current AAMFT Approved Supervisor with Clinical Fellow status in AAMFT. Responsibilities of a mentor are outlined in the AAMFT Approved Supervision Designation: Standards Handbook on page 13 . Additionally, a mentor provides responsible supervision following the guidelines of AAMFT Code of Ethics, Washington State laws and regulations in a safe and supportive environment. A mentor provides a minimum of 36 hours over 18 months of mentoring or until designation achieved and support, guidance, training and evaluation during the supervisory experience commiserate with educate and training, and to seek consultation if needed.
A candidate is a current AAMFT Clinical Fellow. Responsibilities of a candidate are outlined in the AAMFT Approved Supervision Designation: Standards Handbook on page 10-11. Additionally; a candidate has a contractor with mentor and provides a supervising contract given to supervised clinicians. A candidate attends two mentoring sessions per month for 18 months, on time, adhering to the cancellation policy, and comes prepared. They are responsible for keeping track of their hours, paperwork and responsibilities following the AAMFT Approved Supervision Designation: Standards Handbook. Candidates are open, receptive and interactive during mentoring, addressing any concerns or difficulties immediately. They handle concerns which may include but is not limited to: Ethical Dilemmas in supervision like CPS, DV, Harm to self or others, Legal, clinician indicating harm to self or others, and “Self of Supervisor” issues.
Mentoring is $75 per session. Please email [email protected] for more information.