What Should Graduate Students Know About Clinical Supervision?

I'm often asked, what should graduate students know about clinical supervision? In reality, I could write a book on everything I would like graduate students to know.  It's such an important decision; yet too often students make it in haste and regret it later. Graduate students who do their homework now will reap the benefits of finding a great supervisor they can rely on and who will help them grow.

TCCBB #23 What Should Graduate Students Know About Clinical Supervision

Why Do I Need Clinical Supervision?

Last Updated: May 29, 2026

I'm often asked, what should graduate students know about clinical supervision? In reality, I could write a book…

Why do you need a clinical supervisor? In short, most states require clinical supervision to receive your licensure as a professional counselor. Even though it is a requirement, it is so much more than a check in the box. Clinical supervision allows you to have firsthand experience with a professional who has had experience in the field. By having a supervisor, you are given guidance, feedback and insights that will help you in your future career. Though your required supervision is only a short period of time, supervision will go on throughout your career.

Why is Clinical Supervision Important?

Clinical supervision is important for a few reasons.

• It helps prepare you for your professional career in counseling.
• It gives you valuable experience that you will take with you in the future.
• It gives you space and time for reflection and growth because your supervisor will help you to identify your strengths and areas of opportunities.

Just as clinical supervision is important, it is also important to find a supervisor that is right for you. Almost every supervisor across the country has to have specialized training in order to supervise. In fact, Texas requires a 40 hour supervisor training or a doctoral course for LPCs, LMFTs, and LCSWs to learn to supervise. The right supervisor will help you grow, give you great experiences and provide constructive feedback throughout your supervision.

[Looking for supervisor training for another state? Looking for the course that provides the ACS credential? Start here.]

Remember not all supervisors are created equal. Looking for one that has experience in your area of practice and fits your needs is important. By finding the right supervisor, it will increase the value of your supervision time and help you to professionally meet your goals.

Graduate students who research what it takes to get a great supervisor will benefit now and for years to come. If you are a practicing clinician looking to fill this vital role for the next generation, use our clinical supervisor eligibility requirements checklist to map out your own path to leadership.

Blog post by Kate Walker, Ph.D., LPC-S, LMFT-S
Creator of Texas’s first fully online 40-Hour LPC/LMFT Supervisor Training Course.
Kate is the founder of Kate Walker Training, where she helps counselors, supervisors, and practice owners build sustainable, ethical, and profitable businesses.
Ready to grow your supervision practice? Check out the Supervisor Training Courses.