What to Look for in a Qualified Supervisor for Licensure
Congratulations, it's time to find a Qualified Supervisor! You have officially graduated from school and you are ready to take on your first job as a therapist, social market or counselor. This is a very exciting time in your life and you have another big decisions facing you: “Who should I pick as a supervisor?”. There are many options for you and some things to consider.
Finding a qualified supervisor can be scary but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some considerations to review when thinking about connecting with a supervisor:
1. Job supervisor versus Independent supervisor
Many jobs offer supervision as a part of employment. This is a good option if you plan to stay at your agency for a long time and if you want to stay in agency work. Having an outsider can give you a different perspective especially since they are detached from your agency. Their feedback might be more unbiased; however they may also have a difficult time understanding the nuances of your agency.
2. How much to pay?
The cost for supervision ranges from $25-150 an hour and some qualified supervisors offer packages for the month or for a number of sessions. The cost of supervision is going to depend on the experience of your supervisor and the format. Group supervision generally costs less than group supervision. You are able to alternate group supervision with individual supervision each session.
3. What are your long-term goals?
If you want to go into private practice in the long-term, it is a good idea to work with a supervisor that is in private practice. They will be able to provide you with feedback on building a private practice and special considerations in working in private practice.
4. What are your theoretical interests?
If you have a passion and deep interest in psychoanalytic therapy, you may want to consider getting a qualified supervisor with training and experience in that field. You want to find a supervisor who is trained in the populations and treatments you will work with. If you will be working with eating disorded teenagers, your supervisor needs to have training and experience in that area.
5. How do I find a Qualified Supervisor?
There are three primary ways to find a qualified supervisor in Florida. You can ask the state for a list of qualified supervisors and they will email you a copy. You can reach the state here: Qualified Supervisors.
You can also get more information on a variety of qualified supervisors at a great website called Meet Your Supervisor . The final way is you can find a qualified supervisor is to ask for a referral and reference from people you know in the field.
Finding a qualified supervisor in Pembroke Pines or Broward County is easy! Visit my website for information for registered interns here: AmandaPattersonLMHC. Call me to schedule a free consultation and let’s see if we are a good fit. Be sure to join the Beginner Counselors of Florida group for information on supervision and to connect with other new therapists. Good luck on your journey and welcome to the family!
Amanda Patterson, LMHC, CAP , Mental Health Counselor of the Year by the Florida Mental Health Counseling Association, decided to become a therapist while attending Nova Southeastern University. She saw the need to help people achieve the life they wanted to live, while creating a life of her own. She completed her master’s in Mental Health Counseling and started a career in the juvenile justice arena. Amanda has been a therapist for ten years and has a private practice in Pembroke Pines, Florida, specializing in depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and substance abuse in teenagers and young adults. Amanda is a believer in holistic treatment and she practices veganism, meditation and yoga in her life. Find out more about her practice here.
For a free 15-minute consultation, call or text Amanda at 954-378-5381 or email her at amanda@amandapattersonlmhc.com.