So You Wanna Be a Boss? How to Become an LCSW Supervisor in California (and Why It Might Be More Fun Than You Think)
Ever watch those therapy shows and think, "Man, I could do that!" Well, guess what? You probably could – as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). But what if you crave the thrill of, well, paperwork and... mentoring? Then becoming an LCSW supervisor in California might be your dream gig!
Hold on, didn't I just get my LCSW? Why would I wanna be a supervisor?
Great question! Being a supervisor is like taking your social work superpowers and sharing them with your padawan learner, a.k.a. the Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW) you'll be guiding. You get to impart your wisdom (and maybe some funny therapy anecdotes) while helping them grow into the amazing therapist they're meant to be. Plus, it looks pretty darn impressive on your resume.
Alright, I'm intrigued. But how do I become this supervisor whisperer?
Now we're talking! Here's the down-low on becoming a supervisor in the Golden State:
- Been there, done that: You gotta have at least two years of experience out of the last five with your shiny new LCSW license. So, some therapist-ing under your belt is a must.
- Gotta train the trainer: California takes its supervisor training seriously. You'll need to complete 15 hours of supervision training within 60 days of starting to supervise. Think of it as supervisor bootcamp!
- Knowledge is power: Brush up on your legal and ethical knowledge by taking the California Law and Ethics Exam. You aced the LCSW exam, you can ace this one too.
But wait, there's more!
Being a supervisor isn't all about ticking boxes. Here are some bonus skills that will make you a rockstar supervisor:
- Patience of a saint: Remember those early therapist days? Yeah, your ASW will have them too. Patience and encouragement are key.
- Eagle eyes: You'll be reviewing your ASW's work, so having a keen eye for detail is a plus.
- Communication extraordinaire: Clear communication is vital. You gotta be able to give constructive feedback and create a safe space for open discussion.
- Sense of humor (highly recommended): Therapy can be serious, but humor can be a great tool. Plus, it helps you bond with your ASW over those inevitable therapy-induced eye rolls.
So, is becoming a supervisor in California right for you?
If you're a licensed LCSW who enjoys sharing your knowledge, have a passion for helping others grow, and wouldn't mind trading some therapy sessions for supervision sessions, then this path might be for you. Remember, it's not just about the paperwork (although, let's be honest, there will be paperwork). It's about shaping the future of social work in California, one ASW at a time. And hey, if you get a few good laughs along the way, even better!
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
