How to Become an Approved Clinical Supervisor in South Dakota as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)

Becoming a board-approved clinical supervisor is an important professional milestone for Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) in South Dakota. Supervisors play a vital role in preparing the next generation of clinicians, ensuring that new professionals provide ethical, competent, and effective care.

This guide explains the South Dakota clinical supervisor requirements, outlines the ongoing CE obligations, highlights pitfalls, and shows how the Telehealth Certification Institute (TCI) can help you meet supervision training requirements.

✅ Supervisor Eligibility Requirements

In South Dakota, individuals must apply to the Board to become a Board-Approved Supervisor. To qualify, an applicant must be a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Professional Counselor-Mental Health (LPC-MH) in good standing, and meet one of the following pathways (ARSD 20:71:05:01):

• Two years of active licensure plus at least 4 hours of supervision-focused continuing education within the last two years; OR

• One year of active licensure plus at least 15 hours of supervision-focused continuing education within the last two years; OR

• Current recognition as an AAMFT-approved clinical supervisor.

Approval is automatically revoked if the supervisor no longer meets these qualifications or if the board takes disciplinary action.

🔗 Source:
South Dakota Administrative Rule § 20:71:05:01 – Supervisor Qualifications
South Dakota Board of Examiners – Application for Board-Approved Supervisor

🔄 Ongoing / Renewal CE Requirements

Board-approved supervisors in South Dakota must complete at least 4 hours of continuing education in the subject of supervision during each two-year renewal cycle, pursuant to ARSD 20:71:05:07. This requirement ensures that supervisors remain current with best practices in training and oversight.

🔗 Source: South Dakota Board of Examiners – Continuing Education Requirements

⚠️ Pitfalls to Avoid

Supervision hours may be disqualified if certain rules are not followed. Pitfalls include:

• Supervisees not registered with the board before beginning supervision.

• Incomplete or improper documentation of supervision sessions and hours.

• Supervisors not meeting requirements at the time supervision is provided (e.g., lacking the required CE or licensure duration).

📘 How the Telehealth Certification Institute Helps You Meet Supervision CE Requirements

At the Telehealth Certification Institute (TCI), we offer accredited, flexible, and fully online CE programs that make it simple to meet South Dakota’s supervision requirements for MFTs. Our courses are carefully designed to support both initial supervisor approval and ongoing renewal, giving you confidence that your training aligns with state standards.

Recommended Courses

• Initial 15-Hour Requirement
  If you are applying with only one year of licensure, you’ll need 15 hours of supervision-specific CE. Our 15 CE Clinical Supervision Training Bundle provides the exact hours you need.

• Initial 4-Hour or Renewal 4-Hour Requirement
  If you already have two years of licensure or are renewing supervisor status, you can choose any of our targeted Individual Clinical Supervision CE Courses to fulfill this requirement.

• Comprehensive Training Option
  For a complete pathway that covers all supervision competencies, our Clinical Supervision Certificate Program (49 CE) not only meets but exceeds both South Dakota’s initial and renewal supervision CE requirements.

🤝 Free Clinical Supervision Forum

Join our live, bi-monthly forum designed for clinical supervisors—open to all behavioral health professionals!

• ✅ Earn complimentary live CE hours
• 💬 Engage in real-world supervision case discussions
• 🌐 Connect and network with supervisors nationwide

🔗 Register now and be part of the conversation

🌟 Why Choose TCI for Your Training?

• ✅ Trusted by thousands of behavioral health professionals nationwide
• ✅ 100% online and self-paced CE training — learn anytime, anywhere
• ✅ Accredited continuing education taught by leading industry experts
• ✅ Flexible, modular supervision courses — pay only for what you need

⚠️ Disclaimer

“The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Licensing and supervision requirements may change, and interpretations may vary. It is the responsibility of each individual to verify the current rules and qualifications directly with their state licensing authority.”

🚀 Ready to Get Started?

Take the next step in your career—become an approved clinical supervisor in South Dakota.
👉 Clinical Supervision Certificate Program
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