If you want to filter for supervisors by specialty and licensure in your state, use Psychology Today or its Supervision Listings to find clinicians offering supervision (including LCSWs). If you need supervisors across multiple states, Mojozy connects supervisees with licensed supervisors nationwide. Always confirm supervisor availability, format, and fees directly.
For a new LCSW (or an LSW/LMSW working toward independent clinical licensure, depending on your state), the best approach is usually to treat finding a supervisor like finding a long-term professional mentor: verify credentials first, then prioritize fit. Here is a practical process:
1. Start with your state’s requirements
Before contacting anyone, confirm:
What license level your supervisor must hold (often LCSW/LICSW/LISW depending on the state)
Required supervision hours and format (individual vs. group, in-person vs. virtual)
Any required supervision training or documentation
State NASW chapters often maintain supervisor directories or matching programs. For example, some NASW chapters provide directories of supervisors who have completed supervision training, while noting that listings are not necessarily endorsements.
2. Look in the places where clinical supervisors actually advertise
Good sources include:
Your state NASW chapter — many have supervisor directories or referral programs.
The most effective approach is to treat finding a clinical supervisor like a professional networking + due-diligence process, rather than simply searching for someone with an LCSW.
If you're in Pennsylvania, there is an especially important first step: make sure the person you hire actually meets Pennsylvania's supervision requirements. PA requires 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over at least two years for LCSW licensure, and at least half of the required supervision must be provided by an LCSW with the specified experience.
If you mean finding a supervisor for your post-master’s clinical hours, the best approach is usually to treat it like a job search: identify qualified supervisors, interview several, and choose based on both licensure requirements and quality of supervision.
The best way to find a clinical supervisor is to treat it like finding a professional mentor, not just someone who can sign your hours. You want someone who is properly licensed, experienced with the populations you serve, and whose clinical style fits how you want to practice.
If you mean a new LCSW who is already licensed and wants ongoing clinical supervision/consultation, I’d approach it differently than someone who needs supervision for licensure. The best supervisor is usually someone who is experienced in your clinical population and whose style fits you—not simply the person with the most credentials.
If you're in New York, there is an important distinction: NYSED recommends that social workers in their first three years obtain frequent, regular individual supervision focused on clinical skills and professional development.
The best way to find one
Sources AI cites
37% of citations to these sources link to brands' own websites.
Learning style: structured and teaching-focused vs. more exploratory and reflective.
4. Interview several supervisors before choosing
A short consultation call can tell you a lot. Ask:
“How long have you been supervising clinicians?”
“What is your supervision style?”
“How often do we meet?”
“What happens if I have an urgent clinical concern?”
“What documentation do you provide for licensure?”
“What are your expectations around case notes, recordings, readings, or assignments?”
“What populations or clinical issues do you feel comfortable supervising?”
“What are your fees and cancellation policies?”
Professional guidance for choosing supervisors commonly emphasizes checking experience, supervision training, expectations, availability, and whether the relationship feels like a good professional fit.
5. Verify before signing an agreement
Before starting:
Confirm their license is active and in good standing.
Confirm they meet your board’s supervisor requirements.
Get a written supervision agreement.
Clarify fees, schedule, responsibilities, and record keeping.
6. Pay attention to the relationship
A strong supervisor should help you:
Think clinically rather than just give answers
Explore ethics and countertransference
Build confidence and judgment
Identify blind spots
Develop your professional identity
A supervisor who is technically qualified but unavailable, dismissive, or not aligned with your goals may not be the right fit.
If you tell me your state (and whether you mean supervision toward LCSW licensure or post-licensure consultation/specialty supervision), I can point you toward the most relevant directories and requirements.
Finding the right clinical supervisor is one of the most critical steps in transitioning from a master-level social worker (LSW/LMSW) to a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW/LISW). The best approach combines official registries, professional networking, and targeted searching.
Here is an organized, step-by-step roadmap to help you find an approved clinical supervisor:
Check Your State Licensing Board First
Review your state’s specific board requirements. Many state social work boards maintain an official, pre-approved registry or a list of qualified clinical supervisors who have completed specific supervision training. Always verify that a potential supervisor meets your exact state board qualifications (e.g., years post-licensure, specific supervisor coursework).
Utilize NASW Chapter Directories
Check your local state chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Many state chapters (such as NASW Ohio Supervision Registry and NASW-NC Clinical Supervisor Directory ) host free or low-cost directories specifically listing local LCSWs who provide clinical supervision.
Explore Dedicated Online Directories
Use specialized connection platforms like the Clinical Supervision Directory , which is designed explicitly to bridge the gap between mental health supervision-seekers and qualified supervisors across various specialties and modalities.
Leverage Employment and Agency Settings
If you work in community mental health, hospitals, or family services, ask if internal clinical supervision is provided as part of your employment (and whether it is free or covered). Even if your primary job doesn't provide an approved internal supervisor, a colleague or manager might privately offer it or point you toward trusted local providers.
Tap into Local and Virtual Peer Networks
Join local social work meetups, professional associations, or active online communities (such as targeted regional social work LinkedIn or Facebook groups). Post a brief, professional inquiry detailing what type of clinical setting you work in and what theoretical orientation or specialty you hope to gain guidance in.
Conduct Informational Interviews
Treat finding a supervisor like finding a mentor. Interview 2 or 3 candidates to discuss their supervision style, cost per hour (if private), scheduling flexibility (in-person vs. virtual), and experience with your target demographic.
To help narrow this down, what state are you seeking licensure in, and are you looking for free supervision via an employer or an independent private supervisor?
Finding the right clinical supervisor is one of the most critical steps in transitioning from an LMSW to an independent LCSW. The best approach combines official state resources, targeted directories, and peer networking.
Here is a step-by-step roadmap to finding a qualified, compatible clinical supervisor:
Check Your State Board Requirements First
Before looking at names, review your specific state's social work licensing board regulations. States have strict rules regarding who can qualify as an approved clinical supervisor (e.g., they often must hold an active LCSW for a minimum of 2 to 3 years, have completed specific supervisor training coursework, or be registered directly with the state board as a supervisor). Ensure any potential candidate fully meets your state's criteria.
Explore Professional Association Directories
Many state chapters of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) maintain specialized, vetted lists of credentialed supervisors.
Use dedicated national tools like the Clinical Supervision Directory which allows you to filter by location, specialty, and virtual availability.
Leverage Niche Online Communities and Social Media
Peer recommendations are often the most honest way to find out if a supervisor is supportive or overly rigid.
Join local or regional social work groups on Facebook or professional networks on LinkedIn.
Search within those groups for past threads asking for supervisor recommendations, or post a targeted request detailing your geographic area (or openness to telehealth) and your clinical niche (e.g., trauma, children, CBT, perinatal mental health).
Tap Into Your Existing Professional Network
Reach out to former field placement instructors, professors from your MSW program, or former classmates who are a year or two ahead of you in the licensure process.
Ask trusted colleagues at your current job who they used or if they have peer recommendations for private-pay or external supervision.
Interview Potential Supervisors
Once you have a shortlist of 2 to 3 potential supervisors, schedule an introductory call or consultation. Treat it like a mini-interview to assess fit:
What is your supervision style? (Administrative vs. supportive vs. strictly clinical/teaching-oriented)
What is your experience with my specific clinical population or modalities?
How do you handle crisis consultation or scheduling conflicts?
What is your fee per hour, and do you offer group supervision options to lower costs?
To help narrow this down, let me know:
What state are you practicing in?
Are you looking for in-person or virtual/telehealth supervision?
Do you need a supervisor who specializes in a specific clinical niche (like trauma, couples, or a particular modality)?
I can help point you toward more tailored local resources!
Start with your current workplace. Ask other clinicians, program directors, therapists, psychiatrists, and social workers who they use or recommend for supervision. This is often the fastest route because you can get firsthand information about someone's supervision style.
Contact local group practices and behavioral-health agencies. Many experienced LCSWs provide private supervision even if they aren't your employer. Search for terms such as LCSW clinical supervision, clinical supervision for social workers, and LCSW supervision Pennsylvania.
Use professional networks. Your MSW program/alumni network, local NASW chapter, continuing-education providers, and professional social-work groups can be particularly useful. Ask specifically for independent clinical supervision, rather than simply asking for an LCSW.
Look for someone whose clinical experience matches what you actually want to practice. For example, if you expect to work primarily with trauma, couples, adolescents, substance use, or severe mental illness, I'd prioritize a supervisor who regularly practices in that area.
Interview 3–5 supervisors before choosing one. A good supervisor isn't necessarily the person with the longest résumé. You want someone whose supervision style, clinical orientation, availability, and expectations fit you.
Questions I'd ask prospective supervisors
Are you currently eligible to provide supervision toward LCSW licensure in Pennsylvania?
How many LCSWs/LSWs are you currently supervising?
How much experience do you have supervising people toward LCSW licensure?
What percentage of our time will be actual clinical supervision versus administrative/case-management discussion?
How often do we meet, and how long are sessions?
Do you provide individual supervision, group supervision, or both?
What happens if I bring you a case involving something outside your area of expertise?
How do you handle documentation and verification of supervision hours?
What happens if we disagree about a clinical decision?
What are your fees, cancellation policy, and expected commitment?
I'd also ask for their license number and credentials and independently verify them with the Pennsylvania licensing system. PA's Board provides the relevant licensing resources and supervised-experience documentation.
One thing I'd be particularly careful about
Don't choose a supervisor solely because they're inexpensive or convenient. You're going to be discussing your clinical judgment, difficult cases, mistakes, countertransference, ethics, and professional development with this person. Psychological safety and intellectual honesty matter enormously.
A strong supervisor should be someone you can say "I don't know what I'm doing with this case" to without worrying that you'll be shamed for it.
If you tell me what state you're licensed in, your clinical population/specialty, and whether you need a paid independent supervisor or supervision through your employer, I can help you develop a much more targeted strategy for finding one.
Finding the right clinical supervisor is one of the most critical steps in transitioning from an MSW to a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). If your current job doesn't provide an on-site qualified supervisor—or if you want an independent mentor—here is a step-by-step guide to finding the best fit:
Check Your State Licensing Board First : Before searching for a person, pull up your state's social work board regulations. Verify the exact credentials required (e.g., must they be an LCSW with a specific number of years post-licensure? Do they need a specialized supervision training certificate or credential like an ACSW or BCD?).
Utilize NASW State Chapters : Contact or browse your local National Association of Social Workers (NASW) chapter. Many state chapters maintain dedicated, vetted registries or directories of qualified clinical supervisors.
Search Dedicated Supervision Directories : Use specialized platforms designed to match license-seekers with qualified mentors, such as the Clinical Supervision Directory , which allows you to filter by state, specialty, and practice setting.
Leverage Professional Directories and Communities : Search therapist directories like Psychology Today or TherapyDen by filtering for LCSWs in your local area and explicitly reaching out to see if they offer private supervision. You can also ask for recommendations in local social work networking groups on LinkedIn or Facebook.
Interview Potential Supervisors : Treat the consultation call like an interview. Ask about their supervision style, theoretical orientation (e.g., CBT, psychodynamic, trauma-informed), availability, cost per hour, and how they handle crisis consultation outside of scheduled hours.
If you'd like, let me know:
Your state
Your preferred specialty or clinical focus (e.g., children, trauma, addictions)
I can help point you toward state-specific resources or give you a list of questions to ask during your consultation calls.
If you're in Kentucky, there are some particularly important requirements.
A practical approach
Start with your current employer.
Ask HR, your clinical director, and other LCSWs whether the agency has an approved LCSW supervisor. This is often the easiest route because the supervisor already understands your caseload and workplace.
Ask other social workers for referrals.
Reach out to LCSWs you've worked with, professors, field-placement contacts, local NASW/social-work groups, therapists, and former classmates. A personal referral can help you find someone whose supervision style is known.
Look specifically for an approved clinical supervisor.
Don't assume that every LCSW is eligible to supervise. In Kentucky, an approved supervisor must meet the Board's requirements, including having been licensed as a clinical social worker for at least two years and completing the required supervision training.
Interview the supervisor before committing.
I'd ask:
How often do we meet?
Is supervision individual, group, or both?
How much does supervision cost?
What happens if I have a difficult/high-risk case?
What populations and diagnoses do you specialize in?
How do you approach diagnosis and treatment planning?
How do you handle documentation, ethics, and liability?
Will you help me track my hours and paperwork?
How many other supervisees do you currently have?
Can I speak with a current or former supervisee?
Pay attention to the quality of supervision, not just getting the hours.
A good supervisor should be willing to review actual cases, challenge your clinical reasoning, discuss countertransference and boundaries, teach assessment/diagnosis/treatment planning, and help you develop your own clinical identity. Kentucky's regulations specifically identify assessment/diagnosis, treatment planning, treatment skills, ethics, and professional self-development as areas supervision should address.
If you're in Kentucky
Kentucky currently requires two years of post-master's supervised clinical social-work experience and 150 hours of supervision for LCSW licensure. At least 100 of those supervision hours must be individual; up to 50 can be group supervision. The regulations also require at least two hours of individual supervision every two weeks.
There's an important administrative piece: your Clinical Social Work Supervision Contract needs Board approval before you begin counting the supervised experience. The Kentucky Board provides the supervision-contract and supervisor-approval forms online.
Also, Kentucky says a CSW working toward LCSW licensure generally needs to be an employee rather than a 1099 independent contractor for the clinical work to count, and the employment must generally be at least 20 hours/week for the hours to count.
A simple message you can send to potential supervisors
Hi, I'm a newly licensed CSW working toward my LCSW and I'm currently looking for an approved clinical supervisor. I'm interested in learning more about your supervision availability, supervision style, fees (if applicable), and experience with [population/specialty]. Would you be open to a brief conversation about whether you might be a good fit?
One tip: don't feel pressured to take the first person who says yes. You're going to spend a substantial amount of time with this person, and the supervisor can have a major influence on how you develop clinically.
If you tell me what state you're licensed in, whether you're already employed, and what population/specialty you want to work with, I can also help you figure out exactly where and how I'd look for supervisors in your situation.
If you're in Illinois, there are a few particularly good routes.
1. Start with your current employer
This is often the easiest and cheapest option. Ask whether there is an LCSW on staff who provides clinical supervision. Your supervisor doesn't necessarily have to be your direct employment supervisor, and Illinois allows supervision to occur within your agency or through an outside contracted supervisor.
Ask your clinical director or HR:
"I'm working toward my LCSW and am looking for qualified clinical supervision. Is there an Illinois-licensed LCSW here who provides supervision, or someone you regularly refer employees to?"
2. Use the NASW-Illinois Supervisor Registry
This would probably be my first external resource if you're in Illinois.
The naswil.org has a Qualified Supervisor Registry specifically intended to help social workers find supervisors outside their workplace. Registry participants are LCSWs in good standing who have completed NASW-IL's supervision training.
Importantly, NASW-IL says the registry is not an endorsement, so you should still interview the supervisor and independently verify their license with IDFPR.
3. Look for the right supervisor, not merely an available LCSW
Before contacting people, make a short list of what you want to develop clinically.
For example:
Trauma/PTSD
Depression and anxiety
Couples/family work
Children/adolescents
Substance use
Personality disorders
Psychodynamic therapy
CBT/DBT
EMDR
Private practice
Telehealth
Community mental health
Then look for an LCSW whose actual practice overlaps with those interests.
I'd prioritize clinical expertise + teaching ability + availability over simply finding the lowest hourly rate.
4. Interview 3–5 supervisors
Don't feel obligated to take the first person who responds.
Ask questions such as:
"What populations do you primarily work with?"
"What therapeutic approaches do you use?"
"How do you structure supervision?"
"How much of our time is case consultation versus teaching?"
"What do you expect me to bring to supervision?"
"Do you provide individual, group, or both?"
"What happens if I disagree with your clinical recommendation?"
"How do you handle ethical or high-risk cases?"
"How do you document and track my hours?"
"What is your fee?"
"How often do you meet?"
"Do you provide supervision virtually?"
"Can I speak with a former/current supervisee?"
That last question can be particularly revealing.
5. Make sure the supervision actually counts toward your LCSW
This is really important. Don't start accumulating hours based solely on someone's claim that they're "qualified."
For Illinois, an MSW graduate pursuing the LCSW needs 3,000 hours of supervised clinical professional experience, and the clinical experience must be supervised by an Illinois-licensed LCSW. Supervision must average at least 4 hours per month.
IDFPR also has a specific Verification of Supervision & Experience (VE-SW) form, so I would establish upfront how your supervisor will document your hours.
Some of the best supervisors aren't advertising heavily.
Try asking:
Your MSW professors
Former field instructors
Former clinical supervisors
LCSWs at your agency
Colleagues who recently obtained their LCSW
Local therapists whose work you respect
NASW-IL members
A particularly effective question is:
"Who was the best clinical supervisor you've ever had, and are they taking supervisees?"
That's often better than a generic Google search.
One thing I'd avoid
Don't choose someone solely because they're inexpensive or because they can "get you your hours."
Your supervision is an opportunity to develop your clinical judgment, risk assessment, treatment planning, documentation, ethics, boundaries, and professional identity. A mediocre supervisor can technically satisfy the licensing requirement while giving you very little professional development.
If you tell me what state you're in, whether you're already working as an LSW, your clinical population (adults, kids, couples, etc.), and whether you want in-person or virtual supervision, I can help you identify the best places to look and what you'd ideally want in a supervisor.
The best way for a new social worker to find a clinical supervisor is to combine targeted professional directories with local chapter networking and peer recommendations.
Watch this helpful guide on how to locate the right clinical supervisor and evaluate a good match for your career goals:
2m How to Find the Right Clinical Supervisor: A Step-by- ...1 year ago
YouTube · Oh So Limitless
Local and Professional Networking: Ask former professors, field placement coordinators, colleagues, or local therapists for direct referrals based on who they trust and have worked with.
Online Communities: Join state or niche-specific social work groups on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn where members frequently share recommendations or supervisors advertise availability.
Employer-Provided Supervision: Look for jobs within community mental health agencies, hospitals, or group practices that build free clinical supervision directly into your employment package.
Key Steps in Selecting the Right Fit
Verify Credentials: Confirm with your state licensing board that the supervisor holds an active, unencumbered LCSW (or equivalent independent clinical license) and has completed any required supervisor training courses.
Align Specializations: Choose a supervisor with experience in your specific area of clinical interest, whether that is trauma, children and families, or specific modalities like CBT or EMDR.
Establish Supervision Style: Interview potential supervisors to see if their feedback style is reflective, highly structured, or collaborative, ensuring it matches your learning needs.
If you share your state or region and your intended clinical specialty , I can help point you toward specific local chapter resources or directory filters.
Finding the right clinical supervisor is one of the most important steps in transitioning from an LMSW to a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). You want someone who not only fulfills your state board's legal requirements but also actively mentors, challenges, and supports your clinical growth.
The best approach combines official directories, targeted networking, and careful vetting. Here is a step-by-step roadmap to finding the ideal clinical supervisor:
1. Check State Board Requirements First
Before reaching out to anyone, review your specific state's social work licensing board rules. You need to verify:
Credentialing: Does your state require the supervisor to be an LCSW, or do they accept other licensed mental health professionals (like LMFTs or psychologists)? Do they require a specialized supervisor designation or a specific number of post-grad years?
Format limits: Does your state cap the number of hours you can accrue in group supervision vs. individual/triadic supervision?
2. Leverage Professional Associations and Registries
NASW Chapter Branches: Your local National Association of Social Workers (NASW) chapter often maintains a referral list or registry of qualified clinical supervisors. Reach out to your state or regional chapter staff.
Local University MSW Programs: Contact the field placement or social work department at local universities. Field directors keep extensive rosters of approved agency and private clinical supervisors they trust and work with regularly.
3. Use Online Directories and Niche Communities
Therapist Directories: Platforms like Psychology Today or TherapyDen allow you to filter for local therapists. Many clinicians explicitly state in their profiles or specialties that they offer clinical supervision.
Social Media & Peer Groups: Specialized Facebook groups (e.g., state-specific "Social Work Supervision" or "LCSW Exam Prep" groups) and LinkedIn communities are active marketplaces where new MSWs ask for recommendations and supervisors advertise openings.
4. Tap Your Professional Network
Colleagues & Peers: Ask trusted coworkers or peers who are a year or two ahead of you in the licensing process who they use and whether they like them.
Former Field Instructors / Mentors: Reach out to past internship supervisors or favorite graduate professors. Even if they don't have capacity to supervise you directly, they usually have a robust referral network.
5. Interview Potential Supervisors (The Consultation)
Treat the initial meeting as a two-way interview. Ask targeted questions to ensure a strong fit:
Supervisory Style: Are they directive and structured, or reflective and collaborative?
Theoretical Orientation: Do their modalities (e.g., CBT, psychodynamic, EMDR, IFS) match the clinical work you want to do?
Logistics & Fees: Clear up rates, cancellation policies, frequency, and whether they offer individual or group formats.
Administrative vs. Clinical: Clarify that the focus will be strictly clinical/growth-oriented, distinct from administrative job duties.
If you'd like, let me know:
Your state (so I can note any unique local board quirks)
Your preferred therapeutic modality or clinical focus (e.g., trauma, children, CBT)
Whether you are looking for virtual or in-person supervision
I can give you more tailored tips on what specific red flags or green flags to look out for!
Start with your professional network. Ask former professors, internship supervisors, trusted LCSWs, psychiatrists, psychologists, and colleagues: “Who is an excellent clinical supervisor for someone early in their career?” Personal referrals tend to produce better matches than simply searching directories.
Look for someone who practices what you want to become good at. For example, if you're doing trauma therapy, couples work, CBT, psychodynamic therapy, EMDR, or work with adolescents, prioritize a supervisor who actually has substantial experience in that area.
Search professional organizations and directories. In New York, NASW and local social-work networks can be useful places to identify experienced clinicians. Private practices and psychotherapy training institutes are another good source.
Ask your current employer. Even if they don't provide formal supervision, senior clinicians may know people who supervise privately.
Interview 2–4 supervisors before choosing one. A 20–30 minute consultation can tell you much more than a résumé.
What I'd ask in the initial consultation
Ask questions such as:
“How do you structure supervision?”
“How much of our time is case consultation versus developing my clinical skills?”
“How do you handle a clinician who disagrees with you about a case?”
“What theoretical orientations do you work from?”
“Do you review actual session material, such as recordings or transcripts?”
“What populations and presenting problems do you supervise most often?”
“How do you address ethical or risk-management issues?”
“What do you expect me to bring to supervision?”
“What is your fee, cancellation policy, and availability?”
“What would you hope I accomplish after six months of supervision?”
That last question is particularly revealing. A good supervisor should be able to articulate what professional growth might look like rather than simply offering an hour of case discussion each week.
Green flags
I'd strongly favor a supervisor who:
Creates psychological safety while still challenging you.
Can explain why they recommend a particular intervention.
Is comfortable saying, “I'm not sure—let's research this.”
Talks about ethics, boundaries, documentation, risk, and cultural humility.
Helps you develop your own clinical judgment, rather than making every clinical decision for you.
Has substantial experience with the population you serve.
Is willing to discuss your actual clinical work rather than only giving generic advice.
Has clear boundaries around confidentiality and conflicts of interest.
And don't underestimate fit. The best supervisor for you may not be the most famous clinician. You want someone whose clinical thinking makes you think, “I want to learn how to think like that.”
One important NY point
If you're actually asking about supervision needed to accumulate experience toward the NY LCSW, that's a different situation. NYSED requires 3 years of post-MSW supervised clinical experience and at least 2,000 client-contact hours, with at least 100 hours of individual or group clinical supervision. The supervisor must meet specific qualifications, and the clinical work must occur in an authorized setting.
In that case, don't simply hire an LCSW privately and assume the hours will count. NYSED has specific rules concerning the supervisor, setting, documentation, and third-party supervision arrangements.
If you tell me what state you're in, whether you're looking for post-licensure supervision or supervision toward LCSW licensure, and your clinical specialty, I can give you a much more specific strategy for finding candidates.
