LCSW Supervisor Requirements in Colorado: What Are They?
By Shannon Heers
Are you looking to become an LCSW clinical supervisor in Colorado, and are wondering about the requirements? If so, then this article is for you. First, you will want to know about the different social work permits and licenses in Colorado. Then we will go through the requirements to become an LCSW supervisor.
Please note: Every state has different requirements for social work supervision, and state requirements may change without notice. Therefore, it is always best to check out current social work supervision guidelines through the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Social Work Division.
Social Work Permits and Licenses in Colorado
In Colorado, the highest level social worker is an LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. An LCSW can work independently, meaning that they do not need to be under supervision. The other social work license in Colorado is an LSW, a Licensed Social Worker. LSWs can practice independently but cannot provide; psychotherapy services unless they are under the supervision of a Colorado LCSW.
There are two types of social work permits in Colorado:
- Clinical Social Worker Candidate
- Provisional Social Worker
Please note that these two candidate permits are not independent licenses. The permit holders must be under the supervision of a Colorado LCSW if they are providing psychotherapy services.
Colorado LCSW Requirements
Here is a brief description of the requirements needed to become an LCSW in Colorado:
- Obtain a Master’s or Doctorate degree in Social Work
- Completion of 3,360 hours of supervised postgraduate professional experience
- Required to complete 96 hours of supervision
- Passing score on the ASWB Clinical Exam
- Successful completion of the Colorado Mental Health Statutes and Regulations Exam
- Criminal background check
Further, at least half of the supervised postgraduate hours (1,680) must include a professional relationship that involves treatment, diagnosis, testing, assessment or counseling. These hours need to be done in a minimum of 24 months.
Regarding the 96 supervision hours, clinical supervision should be reasonably distributed over the hours of supervised experience. There is no requirement of number of supervision hours per week or month. In addition, up to 48 supervision hours can be group supervision, as the requirement is that a minimum of 48 supervision hours be done in individual supervision.
LCSW clinical supervision can be completed in the following ways:
- Individual
- Group
- Telephone
- Audio-visual
- Process recording
- Direct observation
- Tele-supervision
- Telecommunication
- Hospital rounds
LCSW Supervisor Requirements in Colorado
All social work permit holders and LSWs must be supervised by an LCSW licensed in Colorado. There are no specific supervision requirements or certifications for LCSW clinical supervisors to hold. According to DORA, the LCSW supervisor should have sufficient knowledge of legal, ethical, and professional standards that are relevant to the clients being served by the supervisee. Further, the supervisor should have clinical experience and competence adequate to perform and direct the services provided by the supervisee.
That is all of the direction that DORA provides about LCSW clinical supervisor requirements in Colorado. Here at Firelight Supervision, we encourage LCSW supervisors to have the following:
- Have LCSW for 5+ years
- Completed some supervisor-specific training
- Experience supervising and working clinically with the supervisee’s population
- No major disciplinary actions on their license
- Have good rapport with the supervisee
- Competent to assist supervisees in navigating LCSW licensure and DORA
It is also helpful for the LCSW supervisor to have knowledge and awareness of the supervisee’s theoretical orientation and approaches to providing psychotherapy with clients.
The gold standard of supervision is the Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) credential. The ACS is something to seek out if you are considering becoming an LCSW supervisor. To obtain an ACS, the supervisor must take a minimum of 45 hours of supervision-specific training and have provided at least 100 hours of clinical supervision. While this credential is not required in Colorado, it is recommended to look into as you pursue becoming an LCSW clinical supervisor.
Knowing the different social work permits and licenses in Colorado is essential if you are looking to become an LCSW supervisor. Clinical supervision is a rewarding way to help train and support newer social workers in the therapy field, and can provide meaning and satisfaction for LCSWs.
How we can help
If you are interested in becoming an LCSW supervisor but lack supervision experience, Firelight Supervision offers supervision of your supervision, which is support for the clinical supervision that you are providing. Check out our services today as you move into becoming an LCSW supervisor in Colorado!
Author Bio
Shannon Heers is a psychotherapist, approved clinical supervisor, guest blogger, and the owner of a group psychotherapy practice in the Denver area. Shannon helps adults in professional careers manage anxiety, depression, work-life balance, and grief and loss. Follow Firelight Supervision on Instagram and Facebook.
