Clinical Supervision for Texas LMSWs: Guiding Your Path to LCSW Licensure
About Me
My name is Elise Alvarez, LCSW-S. Born and raised in Brownsville, Texas, I have over 20 years of experience in social work across the Rio Grande Valley. I earned my Bachelors of Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin and my Masters in Social Work from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and have worked in protective services, mental health, public health, and unaccompanied minor programs.
Currently, I’m the Social Work instructor and program coordinator at Texas Southmost College, and I provide online counseling services. I’m also a part-time lecturer at UTRGV’s School of Social Work’s Bachelors and Master’s Programs. As a board-approved supervisor, I’m passionate about supporting LMSWs as they grow into confident, capable clinicians. My approach to supervision is collaborative, supportive, and focused on applying classroom knowledge to real-world practice.
I look forward to helping you take the next step toward your LCSW!
What to Expect from Supervision
Supervision with me is more than a requirement—it’s a collaborative space for you to grow into the clinician you want to be. I’m here to help you apply your classroom knowledge to real-world practice and build confidence in your skills.
Here’s what you can expect:
Case Consultation: Bring your questions, challenges, and concerns—I’m here to help you think them through.
Skill Development: We’ll work together to strengthen your clinical skills and expand your professional toolkit.
Ethical Guidance: We’ll navigate ethical and professional issues together, so you feel prepared for any situation.
Goal Setting: We’ll identify your goals and make a plan to help you get there.
A Supportive Space: My style is collaborative and warm. I love helping LMSWs feel seen, heard, and encouraged as they grow.
With over 20 years of social work experience, I understand the challenges you face—and I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Supervision Services
Individual and Group Supervision
I offer both individual and group supervision for LMSWs working toward their LCSW in Texas. Individual supervision provides focused, one-on-one support tailored to your clinical experiences and professional goals. Group supervision creates a collaborative space where you can learn from peers, gain new perspectives, and build confidence as you prepare for clinical licensure.
Session Structure
Supervision sessions are held online, making it easy to fit into your schedule.
Group supervision: Small groups (up to 6 LMSWs) meet for 2 hours, twice a moth to discuss case studies, clinical challenges, and share insights.
In addition to group supervision sessions, individual sessions will be held once every 6 months. Sessions last 2 hours and focus on your specific clinical experiences and professional goals.
Rates
Monthly Supervision: $260/month
This includes two group supervision sessions a month that are two hours in duration per session.
*Please note: If you solely prefer individual supervision sessions , the rate would be $300/month. This would also include two session that are two hours in duration per session.
🌟Remember: Supervision is an investment in you—your growth, your confidence, and your future as a clinician. By paying for supervision, you’re ensuring dedicated time, personalized support, and a space where your development truly matters. I’m here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
FAQs
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FAQs *
Q: Can I count hours if I work in case management or discharge planning?
A: At least one practice site must provide 4+ hours/week of direct clinical work, using advanced skills to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. This may include individual, couple, family, or group therapy within a social work role.
Q: What is the required ratio of supervision to clinical hours?
A: You must receive 4 hours of supervision per month, regardless of whether you're full-time or part-time. However, if you work 20 clinical hours or less per week, you may receive 2 hours of supervision per month.
Note: Partial months now count toward supervision (as of March 2021 rule update).
Q: What is clinical supervision?
A: Clinical supervision is a structured process that provides support, guidance, and feedback to LMSWs as they develop clinical skills and maintain ethical practice.
Q: How many hours of supervised practice and supervision do I need?
A: A minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice, and at least 100 hours of direct supervision delivered across no less than 24 full months
Q: Can I complete 3,000 hours before 24 months?
A: No. Texas requires that the 3,000 clinical hours be completed over a minimum of 24 months.
Q: Do I have to finish supervision within 48 months?
A: No. The Board has removed the time limit. You can take longer than 48 months if needed.
Supervision Inquiry Form
Please fill out this form to get in touch with me about starting supervision. Before reaching out, take a look at the rules for clinical supervision to be sure you meet the requirements for LCSW supervision in Texas. You can find them linked here in the Texas Administrative Code: RULE §781.402, Clinical Supervision for LCSW and Non-Clinical Supervision for Independent Practice Recognition.
The Supervision Corner: Insights, Tools and Resources
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
