How to Choose the Right Clinical Supervisor as a Nevada MFT or CPC Intern
Entering the field as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) or Clinical Professional Counselor (CPC) intern in Nevada is a major milestone. One of the most important decisions you’ll make during your journey is selecting a clinical supervisor who supports your professional growth, ethical development, and clinical orientation.
The Nevada Board of Examiners (BOE) and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) emphasize supervision that is ethical, informed, and tailored to intern needs. Here's what you should consider when screening a supervisor.
1. Confirm Board Approval and Legal Compliance
Start by verifying that the supervisor:
Is licensed in Nevada as an LMFT or CPC with approved supervision status
Is listed on the Nevada BOE’s registry of qualified supervisors
Has completed board-mandated supervision training
Understands and follows Nevada statutes such as regarding confidentiality, mandated reporting, and storage of records
Working with a non-approved supervisor can jeopardize your ability to count hours toward licensure.
2. Assess Clinical Orientation and Treatment Compatibility
A strong supervisor will help you grow within your preferred clinical models. Before committing:
Ask which treatment modalities they use (e.g., EMDR, CBT, DBT, Narrative Therapy)
Clarify whether they value and teach evidence-based approaches
Ensure their framework complements your own developing style
Discuss how their supervision style aligns with your learning preferences
Consider asking: “How does your clinical orientation influence your supervision process?”
3. Evaluate Cultural Competence and Identity Safety
You deserve supervision that is inclusive and reflective of your lived experience. Key considerations include:
Does the supervisor recognize issues of power, privilege, race, gender identity, and systemic oppression?
Do they demonstrate cultural humility and an understanding of intersectionality?
Do they make space for open dialogue around identity, bias, and equity?
Supervisors should also uphold AAMFT ethical standards around cultural sensitivity and avoid dual relationships or discriminatory practices.
4. Clarify Work Setting and Population Experience
Ensure your supervisor has clinical experience with:
Your current or intended work settings (e.g., school-based, telehealth, private practice)
Your primary client populations (e.g., trauma survivors, families, children, high-risk clients)
Issues relevant to your agency's expectations or documentation standards
If you're working in specialized contexts, your supervisor should be familiar with applicable legal, clinical, and ethical concerns.
5. Review Structure, Contracts, and Ethical Expectations
Before finalizing supervision:
Request a written supervision contract
Review expectations around cancellation policies, documentation, and required disclosures
Understand how clinical hour calculations work (Nevada typically uses a 45-50 minute clinical hour)
Ask about the grievance process and how ethical conflicts are resolved
The supervisor should offer transparency about billing, reporting, and Nevada BOE compliance.
6. Consider the Relationship Fit
Supervision should offer both support and challenge. Ask yourself:
Can I communicate openly with this person?
Do they invite critical thinking and self-reflection?
Will I feel encouraged to take clinical risks while still receiving ethical and legal guidance?
Supervision is more than oversight—it’s professional mentorship.
Final Checklist Before You Commit
Verify Nevada licensure and supervision approval
Ask about their clinical orientation and experience
Confirm they support cultural humility and identity safety
Understand the structure, cost, and expectations
Clarify how your goals align with their supervision style
By thoughtfully screening your supervisor, you’re protecting your license, your clients, and your own development as a therapist.
Helpful Links:
Nevada Board of Examiners – MFT/CPC
AAMFT Code of Ethics
