Pathway Supervision, PLLC

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become an LCSW in Arizona?

In Arizona, the process typically takes about 2 years of supervised clinical work after you receive your LMSW.

That said, this isn’t a strict deadline—you can take longer if needed.

How many clinical hours do I need?

You’ll need 1,600 hours of direct client contact involving the use of psychotherapy.

Up to 400 of those hours may include psychoeducation.

Important: These are your clinical hours—this is the time you are actively working with clients.

How many supervision hours do I need?

You are required to complete 100 hours of clinical supervision.

At least 50 hours must be with an LCSW.
At least 25 hours must be individual supervision, and at least 10 hours must include observation of your clinical work.
You'll also need at least one hour of clinical supervision during each month you provide direct client contact.

Think of it like this:

Clinical hours = you doing the work with clients
Supervision hours = you meeting with your supervisor to review and grow your clinical skills

They are separate requirements—one does not count toward the other.

What does supervision actually include?

It’s more than just talking about your week.

Clinical supervision should help you:
• Build skills in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment
• Work through challenging cases
• Stay aligned with ethical and legal standards
• Get feedback on your documentation and clinical decision-making

There are also documentation and structure requirements the AZBBHE expects supervisors to follow.

Can I do clinical supervision virtually?

Yes!

• Up to 90 of your 100 hours can be done via video.
• A small portion must still be in-person (face-to-face).
All supervision must still meet Board requirements.

Virtual supervision is a great option if you need flexibility.

Do I have to work at the same place as my supervisor?

Not always.

You can work with an external supervisor if:
• There’s a written contract
• Your supervisor has access to your clinical work
• Clients have consented to supervision

This gives you more flexibility in choosing a supervisor who fits your needs.

Can I work with more than one supervisor?

Yes!

You may work with more than one qualified clinical supervisor during your path to licensure. Each supervisor is responsible for documenting the supervision they provide. Working with more than one supervisor can also allow you to learn from different clinical styles and perspectives.

What if I fall behind on my hours?

It happens—and it’s okay.

Arizona requires at least 24 months of supervised clinical work, but you can take longer if needed. Your hours still count as long as they meet Board requirements.

This process is about doing it correctly—not rushing through it.

What mistakes do people make when starting supervision?

A lot of people worry about doing something wrong—and that’s valid.

Common mistakes include:
• Not tracking hours consistently.
• Assuming their job automatically qualifies for clinical hours.
• Not asking questions in supervision.
• Focusing only on “getting hours” instead of building skills.
• Not understanding AZBBHE requirements early on.

The good news: this is all preventable with the right guidance.

Do I have to be an LMSW to receive supervision through Pathway?

Not necessarily! In Arizona, qualified LCSWs may provide clinical supervision to associates in other disciplines, including Licensed Associate Counselors (LACs) and Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapists (LAMFTs).

Supervision eligibility depends on your specific licensure requirements, the supervisor’s qualifications and clinical expertise, and any applicable Board requirements.

Pathway’s primary focus is supervision for LMSWs, but I’m happy to discuss your supervision needs and determine whether my experience and services would be an appropriate fit.