SOC-OFE Doctoral Students - Field Experience Manual:

Site/Clinical Supervisor Requirements

Site supervisors for Counseling experiences must possess the following qualifications:

• A minimum of a master’s degree, preferably in counseling or a related profession.
• Relevant certifications and/or licenses for independent practice in the state, district, or province where you are completing the field experience (see Accepted Licenses).
• A minimum of 2 years of pertinent professional experience post-master’s degree in the program area in which you are enrolled.
• Knowledge of the program’s expectations, requirements, and evaluation procedures through completion of Walden’s Counseling Site Supervisor Orientation.
• Relevant training in counseling supervision and, when applicable, holds the required supervisory credentials in the state, district, or province where you are completing the field experience.[1]
• For unlicensed students, employed by the field site (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.).

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)—preferred.
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW[2])
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
• Licensed Clinical or Counseling Psychologist
• Licensed or Certified School Counselor (for School Counseling experiences only)

Note: Licensed master’s-level mental health professionals not mentioned on the Accepted Licenses list may be approved to supervise you at the discretion of the field experience director, provided they have the required 2 years of clinical experience.

You are encouraged to provide a link to the Site Supervisors section of the SOC-OFE website to prospective site supervisors for information about the program as well as site supervisor requirements and responsibilities.

Multiple role relationships in supervision occur when a counselor is in a professional role with a supervisor and at the same time is in another role with the same supervisor. It is essential for counselors to refrain from entering into multiple role relationships. The establishment of clear role boundaries between you and the site supervisor increases the likelihood of objective and appropriate supervision. The PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program adheres to the American Counseling Association (ACA) standards and best practices regarding multiple role relationships. The current ACA Code of Ethics requires that one avoid supervising close relatives, romantic partners, and friends. You also may not be approved to complete field experiences at any site where you hold a leadership position because of potential conflict of interest. Additional information and review may be required.