How to Serve as a Clinical Supervisor in New York as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)

Serving as a clinical supervisor is one of the most impactful ways Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) in New York can advance their careers. Supervisors play a vital role in shaping the next generation of clinicians and strengthening the profession through high standards of care.

If you’re wondering how to serve as a supervisor in New York, this guide breaks down the New York clinical supervisor requirements, the continuing education you’ll need to maintain your status, and pitfalls to avoid.

✅ Supervisor Eligibility Requirements

To serve as a clinical supervisor for MFTs in New York, you must:

• Be licensed and currently registered in New York State as one of the following professions and be competent in marriage and family therapy:

  • Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

  • Psychologist

  • Physician

  • Physician Assistant

  • Registered Professional Nurse or Nurse Practitioner

  • Or hold equivalent qualifications as determined by the NYSED

• Provide general supervision—meaning you are available to consult, assess, and evaluate the supervisee’s work as services are provided.

• Deliver an average of one hour per week or two hours every other week of individual or group face-to-face supervision (in person or via secure video acceptable to NYSED)

• Supervise no more than five limited permit holders at the same time.

📖 Source: 8 NYCRR § 79-10.3 (NYSED Subpart 79-10 – Marriage and Family Therapy Regulations)

🔄 Ongoing/Renewal CE Requirements

While there are no continuing education (CE) requirements specifically for clinical supervisors, you must complete CE to maintain your license—and therefore remain eligible to supervise limited permit holders in New York.

Pursuant to 8 CRR-NY 79-10.8, all licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) in New York are required to complete 36 hours of NYSED-approved continuing education every three years as part of the license renewal process.

• Of the 36 hours, no more than 12 hours may be completed through self-study activities.

• CE courses must be offered by providers approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED).

• Coursework must be relevant to the practice of marriage and family therapy.

⚠ Required Topic Area
For registration periods beginning on or after April 1, 2023, LMFTs must complete:

• At least 3 hours in professional boundaries related to maintaining appropriate boundaries between licensees and patients

These 3 hours are included within the 36-hour requirement (not in addition to it).

📖 Source: 8 NYCRR § 79-10.8; NYSED Continuing Education FAQ (Question 24)

⚠️ Pitfalls to Avoid

Supervisors in New York sometimes run into issues that can invalidate a supervisee’s hours. Pitfalls include:

• Lack of proper documentation, such as missing session logs or unclear supervision records.

• Supervisors not meeting requirements at the time supervision occurs, for example, not completing supervision training beforehand or having a license lapse.

📘 How the Telehealth Certification Institute Helps You Meet CE and Supervision Training Needs

The Telehealth Certification Institute (TCI) offers a variety of continuing education (CE) courses that help Marriage and Family Therapists in New York:

• Improve their supervisory skills, and

• Fulfill their 36-hour license renewal requirement

TCI offers continuing education programs approved for New York LMFT license renewal, including live interactive webinars and self-study coursework.

• Live Webinars
  Browse our catalog of live, interactive webinars to complete any or all of your 36 required CE hours. These sessions count as "live" CE and are not subject to the 12-hour self-study limit.

• 15 CE Clinical Supervision Training Bundle
  This bundle includes 15 CE hours of supervision-focused content. Although New York allows only 12 hours of CE through self-study, this package exceeds that threshold and includes essential topics such as:

  • Ethics in supervision

  • Telesupervision best practices

  • Supervision methods and techniques

  ✅ Ideal for supervisors seeking targeted, flexible training.

• Clinical Supervision Certificate Program (CSC)
  Our CSC Program delivers 49 CE hours of comprehensive, in-depth training in all major supervision competencies. This program:

  • Fully satisfies and exceeds the 12-hour self-study cap

  • Offers a robust foundation in clinical, ethical, and practical supervision skills

  ✅ Perfect for clinicians aiming to deepen their supervisory expertise while meeting CE requirements.

• 📘 Course That May Be Used to Fulfill the Professional Boundaries Requirement
  Telehealth Certification Institute offers the following course that addresses maintaining appropriate professional boundaries between clinicians and clients:

  • Ethical Obligations: Boundaries, Confidentiality and Mandated Reporting
    This 3-hour course directly addresses professional boundaries within the therapeutic relationship, including limitations on client relationships, ethical decision-making, and confidentiality considerations.

  • Individual Clinical Supervision CE Courses
    Prefer to focus on specific supervision topics? You can choose from our modular courses to tailor your CE experience to your unique professional goals.

🤝 Free Clinical Supervision Forum

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

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

🔗 Register now and be part of the conversation

🌟 Why Choose TCI for Your Training?

• ✅ Trusted by thousands nationwide – behavioral health professionals across the country rely on TCI for high-quality CE.
• ✅ Completely online and self-paced – learn on your schedule, wherever you are.
• ✅ Accredited CE from leading experts – courses taught by nationally recognized industry professionals.
• ✅ Flexible, modular learning – pay only for the training you need.

⚠️ Disclaimer:

“The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, regulations, and interpretations vary by state and are subject to change. Readers are responsible for verifying current laws, qualifications, and procedures with their respective state licensing boards or official authorities.”

🚀 Ready to Get Started?

Take the next step in your career—serve as a clinical supervisor in New York.
👉 Browse our Individual Supervision CE Courses and gain the confidence to guide the next generation of clinicians.