As a clinical supervisor and therapist in Arizona, I’m excited to discuss a unique offering for therapists in training: Supervised Private Practice. This structure is relatively new and, to my knowledge, has not been widely adopted in other states, providing excellent opportunities for new practitioners in Arizona or those considering relocating here.

What is Supervised Private Practice?

Pursuant to AAC R4-6-21, associate licensed therapists in Arizona can start their own private practice while under supervision. This concept differs significantly from the traditional supervision model I experienced when getting licensed.

Key Points for clinical supervisors:

1. The supervision contract must be approved by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health.
2. Supervisors must meet at the therapist’s office every two months.
3. Twice-annual board reports are required to maintain compliance.

Benefits of the Supervised Private Practice Model

While there are some critiques of this model, it offers several exciting advantages:

1. Autonomy: Therapists can pursue clinical supervision on their own terms.
2. Early Start: Instead of waiting the typical minimum of 2 years working for an agency, therapists can start their private practice immediately after board approval.
3. Customization: Therapists can begin brainstorming and implementing their vision for their practice from day one.
4. Choice of Supervisor: Therapists can hire a supervisor who aligns with their goals and practice style.
5. Established Practice: By the time they’re fully licensed, therapists are already established in their chosen practice setting.

The Clinical Supervisor’s Role

As a supervisor in this model, we get to engage in ground-level brainstorming with our supervisees. This includes:

• Defining target populations
• Setting fee structures
• Developing marketing strategies
• Ensuring compliance with ethics and Board requirements in all aspects of the practice, including social media presence

Limitations and Future Outlook

As an LCSW clinical supervisor, I can supervise:

• Associate licensed LMSWs in Arizona for Supervised Private Practice
• LMSWs, LACs or MFTs if they are employed by an agency (not in Supervised Private Practice)

It will be interesting to see how supervision evolves with the introduction of the Social Work Compact and how other states might adapt to offer similar opportunities.

Conclusion

Supervised Private Practice in Arizona presents a unique and exciting opportunity for associate licensed individuals, especially those planning to eventually establish their own private practice. It allows for a smoother transition into full licensure while already operating within their desired practice model.

If you have any questions about supervision or Supervised Private Practice, I’m always eager to discuss these topics further!