Comprehensive Clinical Supervision Rules for LCSWs, AMFTs, and ASWs in California
California’s Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) sets some of the nation’s most detailed and rigorous clinical supervision standards for Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), Associate Marriage and Family Therapists (AMFTs), and Associate Clinical Social Workers (ASWs). Meeting these standards ensures candidates gain the skills, ethical grounding, and experience needed to provide best-practice mental health care statewide.
Key Supervision Requirements and Supervisor Qualifications
Supervisors must maintain an active license in good standing (no suspension or probation). Approved disciplines include LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, LEP, Licensed Psychologist, or Board-Certified Psychiatrist. Supervisors must have been licensed for at least two years within the past five years before beginning supervision and have practiced psychotherapy or supervised registrants performing psychotherapy during that time.
In addition, most supervisors must complete at least 15 hours of supervision training and six hours of continuing education per renewal cycle on supervision practices. Relevant documentation—including supervision agreements and weekly logs—is required throughout the supervisory relationship (Board of Behavioral Sciences Supervisor Qualifications).
Detailed Experience Requirements Breakdown
Supervised Experience Requirements (California BBS)
| Requirement Category | Hours & Rules |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 3,000 hours (minimum 104 supervised weeks) |
| Clinical Psychotherapy | At least 2,000 hours, including 750 hours of face to face psychotherapy |
| Nonclinical | Up to 1,000 hours (advocacy, consultation, training, notes, workshops, etc.) |
| Supervision Per Week | 1 hour individual or triadic, or 2 hours group supervision per setting; add 1 unit if providing >10 hrs of direct clinical services in a week |
| Individual or Triadic Minimum | 52 weeks, including 13 weeks with an LCSW |
| Supervisor Requirement | At least 1,700 hours must be under an LCSW |
| Maximum Weekly Credit | 40 hours (no more than 5 hrs per day) |
| Eligible Supervisors | LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, LEP (limited, see below) |
AMFT / MFT Trainee Pathway
| Requirement Category | Hours & Rules |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 3,000 hours (minimum 104 supervised weeks) |
| Pre-degree Hours (Trainee) | Up to 1,300 hours (≤750 counseling/supervision, balance may be nonclinical) |
| Direct Counseling | At least 1,750 hours (working with individuals, couples, families, children) |
| Couples/Families/Children | At least 500 hours diagnosing/treating couples, families, or children |
| Nonclinical | Up to 1,250 hours (workshops, notes, advocacy, etc.) |
| Supervision Per Week (Trainee) | 1 hr individual/triadic or 2 hrs group per setting; add 1 unit if >5 client hrs in a week |
| Supervision Per Week (AMFT) | 1 hr individual/triadic or 2 hrs group per setting; add 1 unit if >10 client hrs in a week |
| Maximum Weekly Credit | 40 hours (no more than 5 hrs per day) |
| Eligible Supervisors | LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, LEP (limited, see below) |
Special Notes
LEP Supervisors: Can supervise only in Educationally Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS) and only up to 1,200 hours of supervised experience.
Telehealth: Allowed for both therapy and supervision; counts the same as in-person with no cap.
Supervision Agreement: Must be signed within 60 days of starting supervision.
Supervisor Self-Assessment: One-time form submitted by the supervisor to the BBS before supervising.
Weekly Logs: Must be completed and signed weekly; reviewed when applying for licensure.
Conflict of Interest: Supervisors cannot be former therapists, relatives, or have close business ties with the supervisee.
Compliance and Professional Standards
California supervision rules prioritize client welfare, public safety, and professional accountability. Supervisors are responsible for monitoring client care, ethical conduct, and professional development. Supervisees must keep meticulous records and immediately address any missed supervision weeks to avoid delays in licensure. The BBS enforces high standards and investigates any breach of compliance or incomplete documentation.
Therapy Expertise and Clinical Supervision in Redondo Beach, CA
Redondo Beach’s diverse mental health field benefits from strict clinical supervision standards that help nurture highly qualified therapists. For those pursuing LCSW, AMFT, or ASW licensure locally, our Los Angeles therapy services offer guidance for adults, teens, couples, and families.
Explore our commitment to personalized DBT and CBT modalities for mental wellness and discover dedicated support for couples and family therapy. To learn more, connect with the trusted psychotherapists at TLA Therapy for expertise in ethical supervision and therapy services.
Our commitment to compliance and development empowers aspiring professionals and supports clients. Take your next step—and contact TLA Therapy for tailored support.