Possibly. Texas reviews out-of-state hours on a case-by-case basis.

Yes, Virtual or in-person supervision sessions will be an agreement between you and your supervisor; however, Virtual Supervision is acceptable in Texas.

Yes, in some cases.
However, supervision must meet Texas rules regarding:

• Qualifications

• Documentation

• Dual relationships

Always confirm supervisory arrangements meet licensure standards. Your employment supervisor is not allowed to charge you for supervision services.

Yes, but documentation and signing off on your hours is your responsibility. You risk losing your hours if you do not have the Supervision Verification Form completed by your former supervisor.

Clinical work generally includes assessment, diagnosis, and treatment using clinical methods.

Assessment 

Assessment is the structured process of gathering and evaluating information about a person’s mental, emotional, behavioral, and psychosocial functioning.

Using clinical methods, assessment may include:

• Conducting clinical interviews

• Gathering psychosocial history

• Evaluating symptoms, functioning, and risk factors

• Using validated screening or assessment tools

• Integrating information from multiple sources

The purpose of assessment is to understand what is happening, why it may be happening, and how it is affecting the individual’s functioning, in order to inform next steps in care.

Diagnosis 

Diagnosis is the clinical determination of whether an individual meets criteria for a recognized mental health condition.

Using clinical methods, diagnosis involves:

• Applying diagnostic criteria (such as DSM-based criteria)

• Analyzing assessment data and clinical observations

• Differentiating between possible conditions

• Using professional clinical judgment

Diagnosis results in a formal clinical label that guides treatment planning, documentation, and, in many settings, insurance reimbursement.

Treatment 

Treatment is the intentional use of clinical interventions to address identified mental health conditions or symptoms.

Using clinical methods, treatment may include:

• Psychotherapy or counseling

• Evidence-based therapeutic approaches (e.g., CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care)

• Development of treatment goals and plans

• Ongoing evaluation of progress and outcomes

Treatment is based on the assessment and diagnosis and is aimed at reducing symptoms, improving functioning, and supporting overall mental health and well-being.

Ask the following:

• Am I providing assessment, diagnosis, or treatment?

• Am I using clinical methods?

• Is my work documented as clinical?

If the answer is unclear, consult your supervisor or licensing authority before counting hours.

In most cases, no.
Case management is usually considered non-clinical unless it clearly involves clinical assessment and treatment components.

Hours accrued in non-clinical settings may be used to satisfy the requirements of this rule if the applicant works at least 4 hours per week providing clinical social work as defined in T.A.C. §781.102. 

Always verify with your supervisor.

Generally, no.
LMSWs are required to practice under supervision.

However, Texas offers an option called Independent Practice Recognition (IPR), which allows LMSWs to practice independently in non-clinical roles only.
IPR does not allow therapy, diagnosis, or clinical treatment.

This distinction is important when determining your licensure path.

Independent practice refers to working without required supervision after approval.
Clinical practice involves assessment, diagnosis, and treatment using clinical methods.

In Texas:

• Independent clinical practice requires an LCSW

• Independent non-clinical practice may be allowed with IPR

No.
Therapy, psychotherapy, and counseling using clinical methods require an LCSW.

IPR is limited to non-clinical services, even when practicing independently.

You may operate an independent non-clinical practice with IPR.
You may not open a clinical therapy practice without an LCSW.

Always ensure your business title, marketing, and services accurately reflect your scope of practice.

Finding a clinical supervisor can take time and intentional outreach. Common ways to locate an approved LCSW supervisor include:

• Asking your employer or agency leadership

• Networking with colleagues, alumni groups, or professional associations

• Reaching out to LCSWs in your area or specialty

• Posting in professional social work groups or forums

We are actively working on developing a Texas Black LCSW Supervisor Directory to make this process easier in the future.

If you know an LCSW who is approved to provide clinical supervision and may be interested in being listed, please email their name and contact information to saregionalabsw@gmail.com.

All supervision must meet requirements set by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council.