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Why is Agency Supervision Required?

July 18, 2022

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By: Motivo Team

Why do I have to attend supervision?

This is such a good question – thanks for asking it! 😉

As most of you know, clinical supervision is a requirement for obtaining licensure as an LPC, LCSW, LMHC or LMFT. All state licensure boards require you to work a certain number of direct client hours or a minimum timeframe (on average 2 years) under clinical supervision in order to become licensed.

It makes sense – clinical supervision is vital to the development of a new therapist, and it provides a much-needed space to seek advice about cases and hone clinical skills. It’s also a great way to collaborate and learn from colleagues. 

However, if you work at a community mental health agency or a non-profit organization, clinical supervision is important for a whole other set of reasons.

Many mental health agencies bill for services through Medicaid or the state and are thus under the umbrella of the state’s behavioral health system.

These government entities regularly audit mental health agencies to ensure they are providing quality clinical care, and also to verify that all pre-licensed clinicians are receiving regular supervision.

When an auditor visits an agency, they look into the Electronic Medical Record to review client case notes, but they also look into Human Resource files to ensure each and every pre-licensed therapist is attending clinical supervision on a monthly basis.

And here’s the kicker: If a pre-licensed therapist did not attend supervision for the month, the state recoups (i.e. takes back) any Medicaid billing that the therapist billed that month. This can literally cost your employer thousands of dollars. 

Bottom line – supervision is important. It’s important for your clinical development, and it’s also important because the state requires it.

Do you currently receive supervision through your agency, but think you may benefit from an outside perspective? Check out the reasons why engaging in supervision outside your agency could be beneficial!  

Now that we know why this is so important, here are a few tips for how to make the most of your clinical supervision sessions:

  • Set supervision as a recurring event on your calendar and schedule your client sessions around it.
  • At the beginning of each month, double and triple-check that you know when and where your supervision group is meeting. When in doubt, reach out to Motivo at support@wearemotivo.com.
  • Bookmark Motivo on your computer so that you can easily log in to your Motivo dashboard, see your upcoming sessions, and join the session when it’s time. 
  • Keep your Motivo login and password handy so you always know how to log in.
  • Plan ahead for holidays and vacations. Some supervisors lead multiple groups and might be able to squeeze you into an opening if you give them enough notice.
  • If you do miss a supervision session, email your Program Manager immediately so that they can help you determine what to do.

Start your licensure journey with Motivo.

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