Finding a Supervisor

Completing your degree is a major milestone in your professional journey — and the next step is pursuing licensure. As you move forward, you'll need to find a qualified clinical supervisor.

At GAMFT, we're here to support you every step of the way. While finding the right supervisor can be challenging, this guide is designed to help you navigate the process and connect with someone who’s a great fit for your goals.

Beginning Your Search

All clinical supervisors must either be 1) an AAMFT Approved Supervisor or 2) meet the criteria that the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists outlines for Georgia supervisors. To read more about the Georgia Composite Board criteria, please read Board Rules 135-5-.05 (1) (a) and 135-5-.06 (1) (c).

Clinical supervisors may be located by either asking for recommendations from a fellow colleague who has or is currently in supervision with a clinical supervisor.

You can also search on one or more of the following links. Both include the option to search for clinical supervisors, more specific to filter preferences, such as location, distance, etc.

AAMFT’s Approved Supervisor Directory or Motivo online platform

Contacting and Interviewing Supervisors

Once you have developed a list of potential supervisors, contact them directly to schedule a convenient date/time to meet. Before meeting with each potential supervisor, treat this time as you would a job interview. Preparation is key.

Although not an exhaustive list, below are some possible questions that you may ask during your time together.

  • What are the reasons you chose to become a supervisor?

  • How long have you been a supervisor and how many people have you supervised?

  • What are your areas of specialty?

  • What theoretical approaches do you use when working with clients?

  • How would you best describe your supervision style?

  • How do you incorporate self-of-the-therapist work in supervision?

  • What days/times are you available for supervision?

  • How much do you charge for individual supervision? Dyad supervision? Group supervision?

  • Do you conduct individual supervision? Group supervision?

  • Do I need to sign a contract? If so, what are the terms of the contract?

  • Whether emergent or non-emergent, how do you handle questions that come up between supervision sessions?

  • Has your license ever been suspended or revoked by a state board?

  • How many supervision hours will I be required to obtain each month?

  • Do you conduct evaluations? If so, what types of evaluations will be conducted and how often

Signing the Contract

After completing the interview process, it is time to make a final decision. When you make this determination, you and the supervisor both agree to sign a contract to enter into a supervisory relationship. Then, begin or complete the state licensure paperwork for submission.

Below are some important elements that you may see included in a supervision contract.

  • Philosophy and supervision style

  • Expectation to follow code of ethics and state laws

  • Duration of the contract, criteria for termination, and payment structure

  • Criteria and process for evaluation

  • Responsibilities and expectations of both supervisor and supervise

  • Agreement regarding keeping supervisor informed if/when needed in between scheduled supervision sessions

  • Confidentiality and limits to confidentiality

  • Contact information and emergency procedures

  • Process by which issues/concerns will be addressed

  • How other parties, such as agencies and other supervisors, may be involved

  • Supervision goals

  • Record keeping for supervision sessions

  • Statement regarding how technology (phone, text, email) may or will be used

Need more help?

Keep an eye on our Events Calendar for Supervisor-Supervisee Meet and Greet events, or check out our licensure consultation services for one-on-one support.