State Requirements

Clinical Supervision Requirements in Arkansas

A summary of clinical supervision requirements for Arkansas-based mental health professionals pursuing LCSW, LPC, and LMFT licensure. Always verify current requirements directly with the respective Arkansas licensing boards.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and reflects requirements as of our last review (Last reviewed: February 2026). Licensing requirements change. Always verify current requirements with the appropriate Arkansas board before making decisions about your supervision.

Licensing Board Overview

Arkansas regulates mental health professions through two primary boards. Social workers are governed by the Social Work Licensing Board, while counselors and marriage and family therapists are governed by the Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.

LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Arkansas)

Arkansas's LCSW is governed by the Social Work Licensing Board Rules, Section VII. Candidates hold a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) credential while accruing supervised experience.

Supervised Experience Requirements

  • Total supervised experience: 4,000 hours of post-master's clinical social work experience
  • Timeframe: Must be completed over a minimum of 2 years
  • Supervision hours: Regular, face-to-face supervision as defined by the board
  • Exam: ASWB Clinical Examination

Supervisor Qualifications

  • Must hold an active Arkansas LCSW license
  • Must have at least 3 years of post-licensure clinical practice experience
  • Must complete a board-approved supervisor training course

LPC: Licensed Professional Counselor (Arkansas)

Arkansas's LPC is governed by the Board of Examiners in Counseling Rules, Section 4.4. Candidates hold a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) credential while accruing hours.

Supervised Experience Requirements

  • Total supervised experience: 3,000 hours of supervised experience
  • Direct client contact: At least 1,000 hours must be direct client contact
  • Timeframe: Must be completed over a minimum of 3 years
  • Exam: NCE (National Counselor Examination) or NCMHCE (National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination)

Supervisor Qualifications

  • Must hold an active Arkansas LPC license
  • Must have at least 3 years of post-licensure experience
  • Must hold the LPC-S (Supervisor) credential
  • Must complete a 12-hour supervisor training course

LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Arkansas)

Arkansas's LMFT is governed by the Board of Examiners in Counseling Rules, Section 4.4. Candidates hold a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (LAMFT) credential while accruing hours.

Supervised Experience Requirements

  • Total supervised experience: 3,000 hours of supervised experience
  • Direct client contact: At least 1,000 hours must be direct client contact
  • Timeframe: Must be completed over a minimum of 3 years
  • Exam: AMFTRB National Examination

Supervisor Qualifications

  • Must hold an active Arkansas LMFT license
  • Must have at least 3 years of post-licensure experience
  • Must hold the LMFT-S (Supervisor) credential
  • Must complete a 12-hour supervisor training course

Arkansas-Specific Details

Supervisor Designations

Arkansas requires counselors and MFTs to obtain a specific supervisor designation (LPC-S or LMFT-S) before they can provide clinical supervision. This requires an application process and specific training beyond standard licensure.

Associate Licenses

Arkansas utilizes a tiered licensure system. Candidates must first obtain the associate level license (LMSW, LAC, LAMFT) before they can begin accruing hours toward the independent clinical level license.

Virtual Supervision in Arkansas

Arkansas boards generally permit telehealth supervision, provided it occurs via secure, HIPAA-compliant, two-way interactive video. Supervisors should verify current board guidance on any limitations related to the percentage of supervision that can be conducted virtually versus in-person.

Key Arkansas Board Contact Information

How to Become a Clinical Supervisor in Arkansas

Supervisor requirements in Arkansas generally require 3 years of post-licensure experience and specific training. Always confirm current standards with the respective board.

Becoming an LCSW Supervisor

  • Hold an active Arkansas LCSW license
  • Complete at least 3 years of post-licensure clinical practice
  • Complete a board-approved supervisor training course
  • Submit the required supervisor registration forms to the Social Work Licensing Board

Becoming an LPC-S or LMFT-S

  • Hold an active Arkansas LPC or LMFT license
  • Complete at least 3 years of post-licensure experience
  • Complete a 12-hour board-approved supervisor training course
  • Submit the application for the LPC-S or LMFT-S designation to the Board of Examiners in Counseling
Tip: If you're ready to start supervising, setting up your documentation system before you take on your first supervisee saves time later. See our guide on how to start offering clinical supervision.

How Guidara Helps Arkansas Supervisors

Guidara structures your supervision records the way Arkansas licensing boards expect: signed supervision documentation, hour tracking by category, timesheet approvals, and exportable reports. Everything is stored digitally with timestamps and audit trails, so you're always audit-ready.

See something that needs updating? Licensing requirements change, and we want to keep this page accurate. If you notice outdated or incorrect information, let us know.

Keep your Arkansas supervision records organized

Guidara tracks hours, captures signatures, and stores documentation the way Arkansas licensing boards expect.

Get Started Free