How to Become an Approved Clinical Supervisor in South Dakota (LCSW Guide)

If you're a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or CSW-PIP in South Dakota, and you’re ready to take on a supervisory role, it’s essential to understand the South Dakota clinical supervisor requirements—from eligibility and CE to potential pitfalls.

🧑‍⚖️ Supervisor Eligibility Requirements

To supervise a CSW-PIP candidate in South Dakota, you must:

• Be a CSW-PIP, psychologist, or psychiatrist licensed in South Dakota for at least two years and in good standing.

• Complete 6 hours of supervisor CE before submitting a proposed supervision agreement.

• After supervision begins, complete 3 hours of supervisor CE every two years to maintain eligibility.

• Not hold a temporary permit/license (temporary licensees may not supervise).

• Start only after Board approval: You may supervise only once the Board finds that adequate supervision will exist under the proposed supervision agreement (i.e., the agreement is reviewed and approved).

🧾 Source: S.D. Admin. R. 20:59:05:03 – Qualifications of Supervisor of a CSW-PIP Candidate

📋 Supervision Structure & Reporting (What the Board Expects)

• Board-approved supervision agreement before any hours accrue.

• Six-month supervisor reports submitted on Board forms for the duration of supervision.

• Minimum time of supervision (“dose”):

• 30+ hrs/week work: ≥ 4 hours/month of individual supervision for 2 years

• 18–29 hrs/week work: ≥ 2 hours/month of supervision for 4 years

• Group supervision cap: Group supervision may not exceed 50% of the total supervision within any six-month period.

• Availability when not in person: The supervisor must be available via telecommunications/technology.

🧾 Source: S.D. Admin. R. 20:59:05:07 – Supervisor’s Reports and Time of Supervision

🔁 Ongoing/Renewal CE Requirements

All clinical supervisors in South Dakota must:

• Complete three hours of supervisor CE every two years to maintain supervision status.

• Ensure this CE is relevant to clinical supervision best practices and documented appropriately.

📄 Source: South Dakota Administrative Rules § 20:59:05:03(3). Qualifications of supervisor of a certified social worker in private, independent practice candidate.

⚠️ Pitfalls to Avoid

• Incomplete CE documentation – Contracts submitted without proof of CE may be rejected after key deadlines.

• Supervisor not meeting license duration – You must have held your qualifying license for 2+ years at the time of contract signing.

• Improper documentation of supervision hours – Weekly supervision (1 hr/week or 4 hrs/month) must be logged clearly and consistently.

• Group supervision overuse – Group supervision may not exceed 50% of total hours within any six-month period.

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

At the Telehealth Certification Institute (TCI), we offer flexible, fully online continuing education (CE-only) courses to help current and aspiring clinical supervisors meet South Dakota's supervision training requirements.

✅ Recommended Courses:

🔹 10 CE Clinical Supervision Training Bundle
To fulfill the initial 6-hour requirement, this bundle provides 10 CE hours and covers essential supervision topics such as:

• Supervision models

• Cultural competency

• Foundations of clinical supervision

It not only meets but exceeds South Dakota’s minimum CE requirement for starting supervision.

🔹 Individual Supervision CE Courses
To meet the 3-hour renewal requirement, you can browse our catalog of supervision CE courses and select the ones that best meet your needs. These courses cover a wide range of supervision topics and can also be used to fulfill the initial 6-hour requirement if needed.

🔹 Clinical Supervision Certificate Program
For a comprehensive and in-depth training experience, the CSC Program offers 49 CE hours. It covers advanced supervision concepts and provides a robust foundation for confident, ethical, and culturally responsive supervision.

🤝 Free Clinical Supervision Forum

Join our live, bi-monthly forum designed specifically for clinical supervisors—open to all behavioral health professionals!
✅ Earn complimentary live CE hours
💬 Engage in real-world supervision case discussions
🌐 Connect with supervisors from across the country

🔗 Register now and be part of the conversation

🌟 Why Choose TCI for Your Training?

✅ Trusted by thousands of behavioral health professionals across the U.S.
✅ 100% online and self-paced — learn on your schedule, from anywhere
✅ Accredited continuing education led by top industry experts
✅ Flexible, modular 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?

Advance your career by becoming an approved clinical supervisor in South Dakota.
👉 Browse our Individual Supervision CE Courses
Lead with confidence—and help shape the future of the profession.