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New Supervision Rules Have Taken Effect!

Supervision relationships that supervise individuals toward licensure for marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, and social work have new requirements as of Friday, Sept. 29, 2006.  These rules, the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-809-134, are available by clicking here or by visiting the Washington Dept. of Health website, www.doh.wa.gov.  The pertinent change is the new requirement for supervisors to have at least 15 hours of training in supervision.

Supervision relationships that met the old requirements and commenced prior to Sept. 29, 2006, are able to continue and to count as supervision hours toward licensure for the applicant.  All new supervision relationships as of Sept. 29, 2006, need to meet the new criteria contained in the WAC.

Summary of Supervision WAC for LMFT (246-809-130 and -134):

• During the 200 hours of supervision required for LMFT applicants, each supervisor must meet the following criteria:

1.      Clinical practice for at least 5 years,

2.      License in good standing for last 2 years, and

3.      AAMFT Approved Supervisor OR 15 hours of training in supervision and 25 hours of providing supervision.

• At least 100 of the 200 supervised hours needs to be with an LMFT supervisor.  The other 100 may be with an “equally qualified licensed mental health practitioner,” who may be a licensed mental health counselor, clinical social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist, or nurse practitioner – all meeting the above criteria.
• At least 100 of the 200 hours need to be individual supervision (no more than 2 supervisees).

DOH will supply a form for supervisors to complete and provide your supervisee(s).  Check the DOH website for LMHC and LCSW WACs, as their language and time frames vary.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Weren’t these to go into effect on Jan 1, 2007?
- The initial timeline was indeed Jan 1, 2007.  However, the process was expedited, as DOH has been very productive recently.

2. What makes up the 15 hours of supervision training?
- The combination of either/all of the following: a supervision course, CEUs on supervision, or supervision of supervision.  The Supervisor Training Workshop offered by WAMFT on Nov. 17-18 meets the full 15-hour criteria.

3. Is there a time frame on when the 15 hours of training is obtained?
- No, it can be taken at any time past or future.

4. As an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, do I need to do anything different?
- No

5. Can I supervise for licenses other than LMFT?
- Yes.  However, there are differences for the various professions, so check the language of the WAC for the respective license.