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

Serving as a clinical supervisor in Virginia is a rewarding opportunity for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) who want to guide the next generation of professionals. If you're an LMFT seeking to supervise Residents in Marriage and Family Therapy, this guide explains Virginia’s supervisor requirements, continuing education (CE) obligations, and pitfalls. You'll also discover how the Telehealth Certification Institute (TCI) can help you meet Virginia’s clinical supervision training standards.

✅Supervisor Eligibility Requirements in Virginia

To supervise Residents in Marriage and Family Therapy, you must meet the qualifications set by the Virginia Board of Counseling. According to 18VAC115-50-60(C), supervisors must:

• Hold an active, unrestricted Virginia license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Professional Counselor.

• Document two years of post-licensure clinical experience providing marriage and family therapy.

• Complete supervision training by meeting one of these pathways:

• At least three graduate-level credit hours (or 4.0 quarter hours) in supervision, OR

• At least 20 hours of continuing education (CE) in clinical supervision from an approved provider under 18VAC115-50-96.

Additionally, per 18VAC115-50-60 D, at least half of the required 200 hours of residency supervision must be provided by a licensed MFT.

📖 Source: Virginia Administrative Code – Title 18, Agency 115, Chapter 50

🔄Ongoing / Renewal CE Requirements

While there are no continuing education (CE) renewal requirements specifically for clinical supervisors, Virginia LMFTs must still meet the state’s general CE requirements to keep their license active and remain eligible to supervise.

Virginia requires 20 hours of continuing competency CE each year for LMFT license renewal (18VAC115-50-95(A)). This must include:

• ✅ 2 hours in ethics, laws, or standards of practice for behavioral science professions in Virginia.

⚠️ Pitfalls to Avoid

• Supervisees not formally registered as Residents
  Supervision only counts if the supervisee has an approved supervisory contract and has been issued a Resident license (18VAC115-50-60(A)).

• Improper documentation
  Supervisors must submit quarterly evaluation forms and verify hours according to board requirements. Missing paperwork may cause supervision hours to be invalidated (18VAC115-50-60(D)(1)).

• Supervisors not meeting requirements at the time of supervision
  Supervisors must already meet the license, experience, and training requirements before beginning supervision. Hours with an unqualified supervisor will not count.

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

The Telehealth Certification Institute (TCI) offers flexible, board-compliant continuing education (CE) programs designed to help Virginia MFTs meet the initial 20-hour supervision requirement as well as annual renewal needs.

Please note that TCI provides continuing education (CE) courses only, not university-level training.

Recommended Courses:

• 20 CE Clinical Supervision Training Bundle
  Fulfill Virginia’s initial 20-hour supervision requirement and meet the 20-hour annual renewal requirement with this package. It provides exactly 20 CE hours and covers essential supervision competencies such as ethics, supervision models, documentation and cultural competency.

• Clinical Supervision Certificate Program (49 CE hours)
  Go beyond minimum requirements with this advanced program. With 49 CE hours, it equips you in all major supervision competencies, preparing you to become a highly skilled, confident supervisor.

• Individual Clinical Supervision CE Courses
  Prefer to focus on specific areas? Explore our catalog of individual CE courses and select the trainings that best fit your professional development and renewal needs.

🤝 Free Clinical Supervision Forum

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

• ✅ Earn complimentary CE hours in real-time
• 💬 Participate in practical 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 country
• 100% online and self-paced — learn on your schedule, from anywhere
• Accredited continuing education from 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?

Take the next step in your career by qualifying to supervise Residents in Marriage and Family Therapy in Virginia.
👉 20 CE Clinical Supervision Training Bundle
Empower the next generation of professionals—supervise with confidence.