Clinical Supervision for LPC-Associates and LMFT-Associates in Texas
Becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC-Associate) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFT-Associate) in Texas is a significant accomplishment—but the path to full licensure can feel daunting. At Luminary Counseling, we understand the mix of excitement, anxiety, and uncertainty that comes with this journey. That’s why we provide comprehensive, personalized clinical supervision to help you navigate every step with confidence and skill.
With over a decade of clinical supervision experience, supervision is truly our passion. Jennifer Williams Buffalo, LPC-S, LMFT-S, is our clinical director and supervisor, committed to supporting your development as an Associate from day one through licensure.
Our Process
Navigating the supervision process as an Associate can feel like finding your way through a maze. Our step-by-step approach is designed to guide you smoothly from application to full licensure.
Steps:
- Submit your Application: We interview LPC-Associates and LMFT-Associates on a rolling basis. Let us know you’re interested, and we’ll follow up promptly.
- Conversational Interview: Applicants who are a good fit for our practice will be invited for a conversation interview with Jennifer and other clinical staff.
- Offer and Contract: If both parties agree it’s a good fit, you’ll receive an offer and contract. We supervise Texas Associates completing direct hours at other approved sites and offer exclusive or hybrid contracts for those completing hours at Luminary Counseling as 1099 contractors. Please note: We do not supervise Associates in their own private practices.
- Supervision Sessions: Complete your 3,000-hour requirement (for both LPC-Associates and LMFT-Associates) with weekly supportive supervision, 24/7 supervisor access, a peer community, clinical office space, and more.
- Clinical Training and Practice: We provide access to a wide variety of clinical trainings. Texas LPCs need 24 hours of continuing education per renewal period, and LMFTs need 30 hours. We model this requirement at the Associate level to best prepare you for licensure. (*LMFT-Associates are required to have 15 hours of CEUs every 2 years)
- Upgrade with Confidence: Upon completing your required hours, you’ll be ready to upgrade to full licensure as an LPC or LMFT, equipped to operate independently.
- Post-Licensure Professional Development: Receive career coaching and ongoing support as you determine your next steps, whether with Luminary Counseling or in your own practice. Our network and mentorship continue long after you upgrade. Everyone is different, and we love to help LPCs and LMFTs determine their next steps in this mental health world. Wherever your unique path takes you, confidently continue your career knowing you have formed bridges and professional connections that will sustain you in your career!
Why Choose Us
Many aspiring LPCs struggle with finding the right supervision, often feeling unsupported and uncertain about meeting the requirements. Luminary Counseling stands out as a solution, offering a unique approach to clinical supervision.
- Experienced Supervision: You are not our first supervisee! We have been supervising for over 10 years and know and understand what it takes to develop happy and thriving LPCs and LMFTs!
- Personalized Support: We tailor our supervision to your individual needs, providing personalized support at every step.
- Comprehensive Resources: one-on-one sessions, triadic supervision, group supervision, licensed peer consultation, and administrative support.
- Flexible Scheduling: We understand the demands of aspiring counselors and offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate your busy life.
- Extensive Training Opportunities: We understand how important rigorous ongoing training is for professional development. You will be supported with your training goals and in demonstrating professional growth.
- Proven Success: Our Associates consistently achieve licensure and go on to thrive in the counseling field, often returning to mentor others. Our associates have gone on to develop and further hone their clinical skills at Luminary Counseling, some have published books, many own businesses, and all have gone on to be thriving professionals in the counseling field. Many “luminaries” stay connected with the practice long after they upgrade and launch, returning to offer training, consultations, and other supportive services over the years.
FAQs for Associates about Clinical Supervision
We understand that embarking on the journey to LPC and LMFT licensure can raise many questions. Here are answers to some common concerns to help you feel more confident and informed.
The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (TBHEC) guides the requirements for clinical supervision.
- Texas LPC Associates are required to obtain 3000 hours of supervised experience within 5 years of practice, 1500 of which must consist of direct client contact. During this time, 4 hours/month of supervision is required with a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S).
- Texas LMFT Associates must complete 3000 hours of supervised clinical experience. 500 of these hours must be focused on treating couples or families. No more than 750 of the total 1500 may be provided via technology-assisted services. During this time, LMFT-Associates must receive 200 hours of supervision, 100 of which must be individual supervision with a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor.
Our supervision meetings are held weekly and by appointment. We offer a hybrid of individual, triadic, and group supervision and adhere to TBHEC rules and regulations for supervision. Supervision is held online via a HIPAA compliant telehealth platform, allowing maximum flexibility for your schedule.
Throughout your Associateship, you will receive a hybrid of individual and group supervision. Groups are held four times per month, and two groups are required. Individual meetings are scheduled according to availability to meet BHEC requirements.
Yes, TBHEC allows for LPC Associates and LMFT Associates to have up to 2 clinical supervisors. If you are working with another supervisor, we will coordinate with this professional to determine the scope of each supervisor’s role.
No, TBHEC does not allow an LPC associate or an LMFT Associate to independently practice professional counseling. TBHEC requires that LPC Associates and LMFT Associates remain under supervision and are permitted to practice professional counseling under their supervisor’s license. You and your supervisor are both legally responsible for your actions as an LPC associate/LMFT Associate.
Clinical sites where you gain direct hours must be pre-approved. We will have ongoing conversations about your hours, experience, and progress and collaboratively make decisions about your clinical sites.
The cost of clinical supervision depends on the contract our practice offers. LPC Associates can expect $500/month for clinical supervision. LMFT Associates can expect $600/month for clinical supervision. Dual Provisionally licensed Associates can expect $750/month for dual licensure supervision. Our Luminary Exclusive Contract is a comprehensive contract that offers clinical supervision and a place to obtain your licensure hours with opportunities for free supervision based on performance.
Yes, we love to work with Associates who have completed their licensure hours with us! During your Associateship, please inform your clinical supervisor about your desire for post-licensure opportunities. We can discuss these details and draft a new contract for post-licensure work if it suits everyone involved
No, we seek autonomous individuals who can ask for help when needed and lean in to support as appropriate. The business of being a counselor is tough! We won’t hover, but we won’t leave you alone in the dark. Joining Luminary Counseling means you have a team of people who are ready, able and want to help. Just ask!
Yes! At Luminary Counseling, our teams are multi-disciplinary, bringing LPC-Associates and LMFT-Associates together for supervision and collaboration. This approach increases the depth and breadth of our knowledge base, allowing us to lean into collective wisdom and support one another from a multitude of professional perspectives.
Ready to take the next step towards becoming an LPC or an LMFT? Let us guide you through the process with expert supervision and support.