What is the best way for a new LCSW to find a clinical supervisor?

Finding the right clinical supervisor is one of the most critical steps in transitioning from an MSW/LMSW to a fully licensed LCSW. You want someone who not only fulfills your state board's legal requirements but also acts as a mentor and protector of your clinical growth.

The best, most strategic ways to find a qualified clinical supervisor include:

If you'd like, let me know:

• Your state (so I can check local NASW or board specifics)
• Your clinical focus or niche (trauma, children, CBT, etc.)
• Whether you are looking for individual or group supervision

I can help tailor a list of questions for your consultation calls or guide you on what specific credentials to verify with your board.

If you’re a new LCSW who still needs post-graduate clinical supervision toward independent licensure, I’d approach it like a job search rather than simply picking the first person who has an LCSW.

Since you appear to be in Virginia, there’s an important state-specific piece: the Virginia Board of Social Work maintains an Approved Supervisor Registry, and Virginia requires an approved supervisor to have an active, unrestricted LCSW, at least two years of post-licensure clinical experience, and the required supervision training.

The best approach

1. Start with the Virginia Board's supervisor registry

This should be your first stop. The Board's registry lets you search approved supervisors by city, ZIP code, or name.

I'd make a spreadsheet with perhaps 10–15 potential supervisors, noting:

• Location/telehealth availability
• Clinical specialties
• Years of experience
• Supervision format (individual/group)
• Cost
• Availability
• Theoretical orientation
• Whether they have experience with your population
• Whether they currently have supervisees

2. Also use the NASW-VA Qualified Supervisor Directory

This is particularly useful because it gives you information beyond simply "this person is approved." NASW-VA's directory includes supervisors' backgrounds, specialties, licenses, certifications, employment history, and languages.

For a new clinician, I'd strongly consider joining NASW if the directory and other professional-development resources are useful to you; the directory is available to members and can also be purchased by nonmembers.

3. Ask experienced clinicians for specific referrals

This can be even better than a directory.

Ask people you trust:

"I'm looking for an LCSW supervisor who is experienced with ___ and who is known for being supportive and clinically rigorous. Is there anyone you'd recommend?" Ask your former field-placement instructor, professors, colleagues, therapists you respect, and clinical directors.

The key is to ask who they would personally choose as a supervisor, rather than simply asking who offers supervision.

4. Look for a supervisor who matches your clinical development needs

A supervisor doesn't need to be a clone of you. In fact, some differences can be valuable.

I'd prioritize someone who:

• Has substantial clinical experience
• Regularly supervises early-career clinicians
• Is comfortable teaching diagnosis and differential diagnosis
• Helps with treatment planning and case conceptualization
• Gives you constructive feedback rather than just listening to cases
• Is knowledgeable about your population and presenting problems
• Has an orientation that you find intellectually useful
• Understands the difference between supervision and therapy
• Has a reputation for being ethical and appropriately challenging

If, for example, you want to become particularly strong in trauma therapy, couples work, child/adolescent treatment, psychodynamic therapy, DBT, etc., I'd specifically seek someone with depth in that area, rather than simply an LCSW who happens to have an opening.

5. Interview several supervisors

This is probably the most important part.

I'd talk to 3–5 people before deciding. Supervision is a relationship, and the person who looks best on paper isn't necessarily the person you'll learn the most from.

Good questions include:

• "How would you describe your supervision style?"
• "How do you structure a typical supervision session?"
• "How much time do you spend on cases versus teaching?"
• "How do you handle a supervisee who is struggling clinically?"
• "How do you give difficult feedback?"
• "What do you expect me to bring to supervision?"
• "How do you evaluate progress?"
• "What populations and diagnoses do you have the most experience with?"
• "Do you provide individual or group supervision?"
• "What is your fee?"
• "What happens if I disagree with your clinical recommendation?"
• "How do you handle ethical or high-risk cases?"
• "How many supervisees do you currently have?"

That last group of questions can tell you a lot about the supervisor.

One thing I'd be especially careful about

Don't choose someone just because they're inexpensive, convenient, or have an opening.

A poor supervisor can cost you much more than the supervision fee—in lost learning opportunities, anxiety, inadequate documentation, and potentially problems with your licensure hours.

You want someone who will occasionally say:

"I don't think your conceptualization is quite right. Let's look at this differently." That's generally much more valuable than someone who simply says, "Sounds good."

And don't start counting hours prematurely

Virginia specifically says supervisees must receive Board approval before supervised experience begins; hours obtained before approval generally won't count.

The Board also provides the registration application and a supervisory-contract template.

If I were starting from scratch

I'd do it in this order:

1. Search the Virginia Board's Approved Supervisor Registry.
2. Pull 10–15 names.
3. Cross-reference them with the NASW-VA directory.
4. Ask 3–5 experienced social workers for recommendations.
5. Narrow it to 5–7 people.
6. Have brief consultation calls with 3–5.
7. Pick the person whose clinical expertise + supervision style + personality + availability are the best fit.
8. Confirm their Board status and complete the required registration before beginning your supervised hours.

If you tell me what state you're in, what kind of clinical work you want to specialize in, whether you want in-person or telehealth supervision, and your approximate budget, I can also help you develop a much more targeted search strategy.

Don't choose someone just because they're inexpensive, convenient, or have an opening.

A poor supervisor can cost you much more than the supervision fee—in lost learning opportunities, anxiety, inadequate documentation, and potentially problems with your licensure hours.

You want someone who will occasionally say:

"I don't think your conceptualization is quite right. Let's look at this differently." That's generally much more valuable than someone who simply says, "Sounds good."

And don't start counting hours prematurely

Virginia specifically says supervisees must receive Board approval before supervised experience begins; hours obtained before approval generally won't count.

The Board also provides the registration application and a supervisory-contract template.

If I were starting from scratch

I'd do it in this order:

• "How would you describe your supervision style?"
• "How do you structure a typical supervision session?"
• "How much time do you spend on cases versus teaching?"
• "How do you handle a supervisee who is struggling clinically?"
• "How do you give difficult feedback?"
• "What do you expect me to bring to supervision?"
• "How do you evaluate progress?"
• "What populations and diagnoses do you have the most experience with?"
• "Do you provide individual or group supervision?"
• "What is your fee?"
• "What happens if I disagree with your clinical recommendation?"
• "How do you handle ethical or high-risk cases?"
• "How many supervisees do you currently have?"

That last group of questions can tell you a lot about the supervisor.

One thing I'd be especially careful about

Don't choose someone just because they're inexpensive, convenient, or have an opening.

A poor supervisor can cost you much more than the supervision fee—in lost learning opportunities, anxiety, inadequate documentation, and potentially problems with your licensure hours.

You want someone who will occasionally say:

"I don't think your conceptualization is quite right. Let's look at this differently." That's generally much more valuable than someone who simply says, "Sounds good."

And don't start counting hours prematurely

Virginia specifically says supervisees must receive Board approval before supervised experience begins; hours obtained before approval generally won't count.

If you mean a new LCSW in California who is looking for a supervisor for ongoing professional development, I’d approach it differently than someone who is still an ASW. If you actually mean an ASW working toward LCSW licensure, that distinction matters quite a bit.

Assuming you mean a newly licensed LCSW, the best approach is:

1. Start with your professional network

The highest-quality supervisors often come through referrals rather than directories.

Ask:

• Former professors or field instructors
• Colleagues and former supervisors
• LCSWs you respect in your specialty
• Clinical directors at agencies where you have worked
• Therapists in your local professional network
• NASW-CA regional groups and events

NASW-CA has regional activities covering the Los Angeles area, including West/Central LA and Pasadena/East/Central/South LA/Long Beach, which can be useful places to meet experienced clinicians.

2. Search specifically for the kind of supervisor you want

Don't simply search for "LCSW supervisor." Think about the clinician you want to become.

For example, search for someone experienced in:

• Trauma/PTSD
• Couples or family therapy
• Psychodynamic therapy
• CBT/DBT
• EMDR
• Substance use
• Child/adolescent work
• Medical social work
• Private practice
• Complex/high-acuity cases
• A particular population or cultural context

Ideally, the supervisor should have substantial experience in the clinical work you actually want to do, not merely the appropriate license.

3. Interview 3–5 supervisors

Treat the first conversation like an interview—not like you're asking someone to do you a favor.

I'd ask:

"What does supervision with you typically look like?" Then ask:

• How often do we meet?
• Is supervision individual, group, or both?
• How much clinical case consultation do you provide?
• What's your theoretical orientation?
• How do you handle a supervisee who disagrees with you?
• Do you review recordings or treatment plans?
• How do you approach ethics and risk assessment?
• Are you available between sessions for urgent clinical questions?
• What populations/specialties are you most comfortable supervising?
• What are your fees and cancellation policies?
• How long do supervisees typically work with you?

The fit is more important than simply finding someone with an impressive résumé.

4. Verify the supervisor's credentials

If you're still accruing hours toward LCSW licensure, be especially careful here. California's Board of Behavioral Sciences specifies who can supervise ASWs and what qualifications they must meet. The BBS currently states that an eligible supervisor must maintain an active license and meet additional requirements.

The BBS also maintains the current supervision forms and requirements, so I'd use the Board's information rather than relying on what a potential supervisor tells you.

If you're already an LCSW, the legal requirements surrounding supervision of your own practice are different from the requirements for supervision that counts toward licensure.

5. Don't automatically choose the cheapest option

For a new clinician, good supervision can be one of the highest-value professional investments you make.

I'd prioritize, roughly:

clinical competence → supervisory skill → fit → availability → cost

A supervisor who helps you become substantially better at assessment, formulation, treatment planning, boundaries, documentation, risk management, and difficult clinical decisions is probably worth considerably more than someone who simply offers an inexpensive weekly hour.

6. A particularly good strategy for a new LCSW

I'd actually look for two relationships, if your budget permits:

Clinical supervisor: someone who helps you think deeply about cases and develop your clinical identity.

Peer consultation group: a small group of other experienced clinicians where you can discuss general clinical challenges and learn different perspectives.

That combination can be much more valuable than relying entirely on one supervisor.

One important distinction

If by "new LCSW" you actually mean you're an ASW/new graduate and need supervision to obtain your LCSW, tell me that. The strategy becomes much more specific because the supervisor has to meet California BBS requirements and the supervision has to be structured so your hours will actually count toward licensure. California currently requires 3,000 supervised hours over at least 104 weeks for the LCSW pathway.

If that's your situation, I can also give you a step-by-step strategy for finding an LCSW supervisor in Los Angeles, including where to search, what to expect to pay, and exactly what questions to ask before signing a supervision agreement.

Finding the right clinical supervisor is one of the most critical steps in transitioning from an MSW to a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Because supervision requirements vary by state board, you want someone who not only meets legal criteria but also aligns with your clinical style and career goals.

The most effective, step-by-step approach to finding a qualified clinical supervisor includes:

• Check State Board Requirements First: Before looking at names, review your specific state's social work licensing board regulations. Confirm what credentials a supervisor must hold (usually an active LCSW in good standing for a minimum number of years) and whether they allow outside or independent contract supervision.
• Utilize Specialized Directories: Search dedicated databases designed to connect associates with local or telehealth supervisors. Excellent starting points include the Clinical Supervision Directory and your local state chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (such as NASW-DE or other regional NASW chapters that maintain supervisor registries).
• Tap into Professional Communities: Peer networks are goldmines for honest recommendations. Check out specialized social work groups on LinkedIn or local therapist communities on Facebook where you can search previous threads or post an inquiry detailing your geographic area, preferred modalities (e.g., CBT, psychodynamic, trauma-informed), and clinical niche.
• Ask Former Mentors and Colleagues: Reach out to field instructors from your MSW program, former internship supervisors, or trusted colleagues at your current job. Even if they aren’t taking on supervisees themselves, they often have a strong referral network of trusted clinicians.
• Interview Multiple Candidates: Treat the initial consultation like an interview. Ask potential supervisors about their theoretical orientation, supervision style (structured vs. reflective), experience with your specific target population, and their fee structure.

If you'd like, let me know:

• Your state of licensure
• Your clinical focus or niche (e.g., children, trauma, private practice)
• Whether you are looking for in-person or virtual supervision

I can give you more tailored advice on what specific questions to ask during your consultation.

If you mean a new LCSW who needs supervision toward independent clinical licensure, the best approach is usually to treat it like finding a professional mentor—not simply finding someone who has an LCSW.

1. Start with your state board's requirements

First, confirm exactly what your state requires regarding:

• Who is eligible to supervise you
• Number/type of supervision hours
• Individual vs. group supervision
• Documentation and supervision contracts
• Whether the supervisor must be board-approved
• Whether supervision can be remote

This matters because an excellent clinician may not be qualified to provide supervision that counts toward your licensure.

2. Look in several places at once

I'd use a combination of:

Professional network

• Ask professors from your MSW program.
• Contact your former field instructor.
• Ask experienced LCSWs at your current or previous workplace.
• Ask colleagues, therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists who they recommend.
• Reach out to local NASW chapters or social-work networking groups.

Private-practice supervisors

Independent clinicians frequently offer supervision separately from their employment. For example, around Northern Kentucky, current local listings include Holly Maddy, Phoenix Soaring Counseling, and Life's Journey Therapy and Counseling, all of which publicly describe supervision-related services.

There are also supervisors who work primarily through telehealth; for example, The Mindful Practice of Kentucky describes clinical supervision/consultation for social workers pursuing independent licensure.

Those are examples to investigate, not endorsements—I'd verify their current availability and that their credentials satisfy your board's requirements.

3. Choose based on the kind of clinician you want to become

This is probably the most important part.

If you know you want to specialize in trauma, children, substance use, couples, severe mental illness, medical social work, etc., look for someone who actually practices in that area.

A good supervisor should be able to help you with more than counting hours. Ideally, they will challenge you on:

• Clinical formulation
• Diagnosis and differential diagnosis
• Treatment planning
• Risk assessment
• Ethics and boundaries
• Documentation
• Difficult cases
• Countertransference
• Professional identity
• Knowing when you're outside your competence

4. Interview several supervisors

I'd talk with 3–5 people before choosing one.

Ask questions such as:

"What does your supervision typically look like?"

"How much of the time is case consultation versus teaching?"

"How do you handle a supervisee who disagrees with your clinical opinion?"

"What populations do you feel particularly qualified to supervise?"

"How do you provide feedback when you think a clinician is making a mistake?"

"What are your expectations regarding documentation and preparation?"

"How often do you meet, and what is your fee?"

The last question is important because private supervision can be a significant expense.

5. Pay attention to the relationship

A supervisor can be highly credentialed and still be a terrible fit.

I'd prioritize someone who is:

experienced + clinically knowledgeable + ethically solid + willing to challenge you + psychologically safe enough that you'll actually tell them when you made a mistake.

That last one is huge. You don't want a supervisor you feel you have to impress. You want someone you can say:

"I think I handled that poorly and I'm not sure what I should have done."

That's where good supervision happens.

A particularly good strategy for a brand-new LCSW

If you're already employed at an agency or group practice, don't automatically assume your employer's supervisor is your best option. Ask around and find out who the strongest clinicians in the area are.

Sometimes the best arrangement is:

your job provides the clinical experience + an outside LCSW provides independent supervision.

That can give you a broader perspective and someone who isn't directly involved in your employment.

If you're in Kentucky/Northern Kentucky, I can also look specifically for Kentucky Board-qualified LCSW supervisors near you, including their specialties, supervision fees, in-person/telehealth options, and contact information, and narrow it down to the best 5–10 options.

Finding the right clinical supervisor is one of the most important steps in transitioning from a master-level clinician (LMSW/ASW) to an independent Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Because state rules vary and compatibility is key, a multi-pronged approach works best.

1. Check Your State’s Social Work Licensing Board
   • Many state boards maintain an official Approved Supervisor Registry or a roster of LCSWs who have completed specific clinical supervision training.
   • Always verify the supervisor's license status and standing directly through your Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) or state licensing portal to ensure they meet your state's exact post-grad and continuing education requirements.
2. Leverage State and National NASW Chapters
   • State chapters of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) frequently host dedicated Clinical Supervisor Directories or registries where local, credentialed LCSW-S providers advertise their availability for individual or group supervision.
3. Explore Specialized Online Directories
   • Dedicated platforms like the Clinical Supervision Directory allow you to filter for qualified supervisors by location, therapeutic modality (e.g., CBT, EMDR, psychodynamic), and specific clinical focus areas.
   • Many experienced clinical supervisors also list supervision services as a secondary category on Psychology Today.
4. Tap into Local and Digital Professional Networks
   • Peer Groups: Regional social work or therapist-focused Facebook groups, LinkedIn communities, and local meetups are goldmines for crowdsourcing recommendations. Asking peers who they use—and what they like or dislike about their style—gives you unfiltered insight.
   • Alumni Networks: Reach out to faculty or the field placement office at your MSW alma mater; they often keep lists of trusted community supervisors.
5. Evaluate Your Current Workplace First
   • Check if your current employment (e.g., community mental health, hospital system) provides free or subsidized internal clinical supervision.
   • If your job doesn't provide it internally, ask your administration if they are open to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to contract with or compensate an outside supervisor of your choice.

If you share your state and your preferred clinical focus or modality (e.g., trauma, children, CBT), I can help point you toward specific local resources or types of supervisors to look for.

If you mean a new LCSW who is looking for a clinical supervisor for ongoing professional development/consultation, rather than supervision required to obtain the LCSW, I’d approach it a little differently. If you mean an LSW working toward the LCSW, the requirements are more specific.

If you're working toward the LCSW in New Jersey

The best approach is:

1. Start with your employer.
   Ask whether they have an LCSW who can provide your required supervision. If they don't, ask whether they permit outside/off-site supervision. New Jersey specifically allows paid outside supervision, but there are documentation and employer-consent requirements.

2. Use the NASW-NJ Clinical Supervisor Directory.
   This is probably the best starting point in NJ because the listed supervisors have completed the required supervision coursework and have at least three years of LCSW experience.

3. Ask experienced LCSWs for referrals.
   Your graduate-school professors, former field instructors, colleagues, therapists in your professional network, and local social-work groups can be surprisingly good sources. I'd specifically ask: "Who would you recommend as a strong clinical supervisor for someone with my population and clinical interests?"

4. Choose for clinical fit—not just credentials.
   Look for someone who has substantial experience with the population you treat and who practices in modalities you're interested in learning. A supervisor should be someone you can comfortably bring difficult cases, mistakes, ethical concerns, countertransference, and uncertainty to—not simply someone who signs paperwork.

5. Interview 3–5 supervisors.
   Before committing, ask:

   • What is your supervision model?
   • How much is individual vs. group supervision?
   • What is your fee?
   • How often do we meet?
   • What populations/modalities do you specialize in?
   • How do you handle an ethical or high-risk case?
   • What documentation do you provide?
   • Can I speak openly if I disagree with you?
   • Do you have experience supervising clinicians pursuing NJ LCSW licensure?

One important NJ detail

If you're still accumulating the 3,000 clinical hours toward your NJ LCSW, don't choose a supervisor based solely on the fact that they're an LCSW. NJ requires the supervisor to be an NJ-licensed LCSW with at least three years of LCSW experience and 20 hours of approved postgraduate clinical-supervision coursework. Supervision must generally be at least one hour per week.

The NJ Board also strongly recommends submitting a Proposed Plan of Supervised Clinical Experience before starting, because it gives you an opportunity to have the Board review whether the proposed supervision/work arrangement will qualify.

Since you're in the South Jersey area

There are actually several local practices/providers advertising clinical supervision, including Walker-Graham & Associates, Daring Wellness in Cherry Hill, Core Counseling South Jersey in Voorhees, Jenna Cotton, LCSW in Moorestown, and Laurie Suttenberg+LCSW DCSW in Cherry Hill. These are potential leads rather than endorsements, and I'd verify their current NJ Board eligibility before counting any supervision toward licensure.

If you tell me (1) whether you're already an LCSW or are an LSW working toward it, (2) your clinical population/specialty, and (3) whether you want paid individual supervision or would consider a group, I can narrow this down to a good shortlist of supervisors in South Jersey/Philadelphia and compare them.

The best way for a new LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) to find a qualified clinical supervisor is to leverage state-specific registries, specialized matching platforms like the Clinical Supervision Directory , or local professional networks like the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) . Securing independent off-site or on-site supervision typically costs between $50 to $250 per hour for individual sessions, though many community mental health agencies, hospitals, or group private practices build free or subsidized supervision directly into employment packages.

Top Strategies to Find a Clinical Supervisor

• State Licensing Boards: Check your state's social work regulatory board website, which often maintains an official, up-to-date public roster or registry of board-approved clinical supervisors organized by city or zip code.
• NASW Chapter Registries: Search your local NASW state chapter's dedicated clinical supervisor directory (e.g., NASW-NC Directory, NASW-OH Supervision Registry , or NASW-GA Registry ) to find vetted, credentialed professionals.
• Specialized Directories: Use targeted digital connection platforms such as the Clinical Supervision Directory to filter supervisors by location, clinical specialty, and therapeutic modality.
• Professional Social Media & Local Groups: Join regional therapist and social worker networking groups on platforms like Facebook or local listservs where supervisors actively advertise open slots for individual or group hours.
• Word of Mouth & Academic Roots: Ask former graduate school professors, field placement (internship) coordinators, or trusted professional colleagues for direct recommendations.

Steps to Evaluate and Secure a Supervisor

1. Shortlist Candidates: Compile a list of 3 to 5 potential supervisors whose clinical background matches your target population (e.g., trauma, CBT, family therapy).
2. Request a Consultation: Reach out via email to ask about their theoretical orientation, availability for emergencies, and whether they offer a brief introductory consultation.
3. Verify Compliance: Ensure their active independent license type and post-licensure years fulfill your specific state board requirements (such as specific supervisor designation coursework).
4. Finalize the Agreement: Confirm rates, format (individual vs. group hours), and sign a formal supervision contract before tracking hours.

If you share your state and your preferred clinical focus or specialty (such as trauma, children, or private practice growth), I can help you find specific regional registries or local resources to start your search.

If you're a new LCSW in New Jersey who is looking for clinical supervision, I’d approach it as a combination of regulatory due diligence + finding someone whose clinical style fits you. You don't necessarily need to take the first supervisor who has availability.

1. Start with the NASW-NJ supervisor directory

This is probably the best first stop in New Jersey. NASW-NJ maintains a statewide clinical supervisor directory specifically for people seeking supervision. Their listed supervisors have held an LCSW for at least three years and completed the required supervision training.

2. Ask your workplace before looking outside

If you're employed at a hospital, agency, group practice, community mental health center, school, etc., ask:

• Who provides clinical supervision?
• Is supervision included in your employment?
• Can you choose your supervisor?
• Can you receive outside supervision if you don't feel the internal option is a good fit?

Outside supervision is permitted in NJ, but your employer needs to consent and provide the appropriate documentation.

3. Don't choose based solely on "LCSW"

I'd interview 3–5 potential supervisors. You're looking for someone who has both the credentials and the clinical experience you want to develop.

Ask things like:

"What does a typical supervision session look like?"

"How do you approach a clinician who is struggling with a case?"

"How much of supervision is case consultation versus teaching theory/skills?"

"What populations and modalities do you have the most experience with?"

"How do you handle risk assessment, documentation, countertransference, and ethical dilemmas?"

"Do you provide feedback about my clinical weaknesses as well as strengths?"

"What happens if we disagree about a clinical decision?"

The last two questions are particularly important. Good supervision should be developmental, not just someone signing your paperwork.

4. Verify the supervisor's NJ credentials before you start

For NJ clinical supervision, the supervisor must be an NJ-licensed LCSW, have been licensed at the clinical level for at least three years, and have completed at least 20 hours of approved post-graduate clinical-supervision coursework.

I'd actually ask to see documentation of the supervisor's 20-hour supervision training before beginning. NASW-NJ specifically recommends doing this because otherwise your hours could potentially become a problem later.

5. Think about what kind of clinician you want to become

This is where I'd put a lot of weight.

For example, if you want to become excellent at:

• trauma → find someone with substantial trauma experience
• psychodynamic therapy → find a psychodynamic supervisor
• CBT/DBT → find someone who actually practices and teaches those modalities
• couples/family work → find someone trained in systemic approaches
• private practice → find someone who understands both clinical work and practice development
• hospital/medical social work → find someone with that background
• complex/high-risk clients → prioritize someone experienced with crisis, suicidality, hospitalization, etc.

Your supervisor doesn't have to practice exactly the way you do, but they should be able to stretch your clinical thinking.

6. If you're in the Hoboken/Jersey City area

There are also some local practices advertising supervision that you could investigate, including:

• Wildflower Therapy in Hoboken — advertises weekly clinical supervision for clinicians working toward LCSW/LPC licensure.
• Real Supervision and Counseling Services in Jersey City — specifically offers clinical supervision for NJ LCSW candidates.
• Divya Dodhia, LCSW, ADHD-CCSP - Teen and Family Therapy in Jersey CIty, New Jersey — offers clinical supervision with an emphasis on reflective practice, ethics, cultural competence, and professional development.
• InTherapy Institute in Hoboken — offers clinical supervision and professional development for clinicians.
• Healing on Hudson: Specialized Therapists for New Jersey in Hoboken — offers professional supervision/training, including an eating-disorder-informed focus.

I'd treat these as leads rather than endorsements and independently verify that the particular person you would work with meets current NJ Board requirements.

One important distinction

If by "new LCSW" you mean you just obtained your LCSW and are looking for supervision to become a better clinician, rather than supervision required to obtain the LCSW, your options are much broader. You don't necessarily need a supervisor who meets the NJ LCSW-candidate supervision requirements—you can seek a mentor/consultant/supervisor based primarily on clinical expertise and fit.

If you're actually an LSW working toward the NJ LCSW, that's different: NJ requires 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work, with specific requirements concerning client contact, psychotherapy, and supervision.

My recommendation: identify 5 potential supervisors, schedule brief consultation calls with 3, and choose based on clinical expertise + teaching ability + interpersonal fit, not simply price or convenience. A supervisor is one of the biggest influences on your early clinical development, so it's worth being selective.

Finding the right clinical supervisor is one of the most important milestones for a new Associate/LCSW working toward independent licensure. Because a good supervisor shapes your clinical lens and professional safety, you want to approach the search methodically.

Here are the best ways to find a qualified, compatible clinical supervisor:

• State Chapter Directories (NASW) : Check your local chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) . Many state chapters maintain a specific supervisor registry or professional directory where credentialed clinical supervisors (e.g., LCSW-S) list their availability.
• Local Professional Networks & Facebook Groups : Search for regional or state-specific social work and mental health networking groups on Facebook or LinkedIn (e.g., "State Name Clinical Social Workers" or "LCSW Supervision [State]"). Members frequently post recommendations or availability for private pay/independent supervision.
• University Field Placement Offices : Reach out to the School of Social Work at local universities where you earned your MSW. Field directors and professors often keep active lists of approved local field instructors and independent clinical supervisors.
• Community Mental Health & Agency Contacts : If you work at an agency, ask your colleagues who they use or if the agency has a contract with an external supervisor (if your agency doesn't provide internal supervision). Networking with peers at other local clinics can also reveal who has a reputation for being an exceptional mentor.
• Private Practice Directories (Psychology Today / TherapyDen) : Many private practice therapists who hold supervisor credentials explicitly state "Clinical Supervision Available" in their profiles on directories like Psychology Today . You can filter your search by your location and specialty.
• State Licensing Board Resources : Your state's behavioral health/social work licensing board publishes the exact legal requirements for supervisors (e.g., years licensed post-LCSW, specific supervisor training courses). Always cross-reference any potential supervisor against the board requirements to ensure their credentials will count toward your hours.

If you'd like, let me know:

• Your state or jurisdiction
• Your specific clinical niche or population (e.g., trauma, children, SUD)

I can give you more tailored advice on what specific questions to ask during a supervision interview.