State Requirements

Clinical Supervision Requirements in Montana

A summary of clinical supervision requirements for Montana-based mental health professionals pursuing LCSW, LCPC, and LMFT licensure. Always verify current requirements directly with the Montana Board of Behavioral Health.

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 Montana board before making decisions about your supervision.

Licensing Board Overview

In Montana, mental health professions are regulated by the Board of Behavioral Health under the Department of Labor & Industry. This single board oversees social workers, professional counselors, and marriage and family therapists.

LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Montana)

Montana's LCSW is governed by the Board of Behavioral Health, ARM 24.219.504. Candidates hold a Social Worker Licensure Candidate (SWLC) credential while accruing supervised experience.

Supervised Experience Requirements

  • Total supervised experience: 3,000 hours of clinical social work experience
  • Timeframe: Must be completed in no less than 2 years
  • Supervision hours: At least 100 hours of individual or group supervision
  • Exam: ASWB Clinical Examination

Supervisor Qualifications

  • Must hold an active Montana LCSW license
  • Must have at least 3 years of licensed clinical experience
  • Must complete 20 hours of board-approved supervision training

LCPC: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (Montana)

Montana's LCPC is governed by the Board of Behavioral Health, ARM 24.219.604. Candidates hold a Professional Counselor Licensure Candidate (PCLC) credential while accruing hours.

Supervised Experience Requirements

  • Total supervised experience: 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience
  • Direct client contact: At least 1,500 hours must be direct client contact
  • Supervision hours: At least 100 hours of individual or group supervision
  • Exam: NCE (National Counselor Examination) or NCMHCE (National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination)

Supervisor Qualifications

  • Must hold an active Montana LCPC, LCSW, LMFT, licensed psychologist, or licensed psychiatrist license
  • Must have at least 3 years of licensed clinical experience
  • Must complete 20 hours of board-approved supervision training

LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Montana)

Montana's LMFT is governed by the Board of Behavioral Health, ARM 24.219.704. Candidates hold a Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate (MFTC) credential while accruing hours.

Supervised Experience Requirements

  • Total supervised experience: 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience
  • Direct client contact: At least 1,000 hours must be direct client contact
  • Supervision hours: At least 200 hours of individual or group supervision
  • Exam: AMFTRB National Examination

Supervisor Qualifications

  • Must hold an active Montana LMFT license (or be an AAMFT Approved Supervisor)
  • Must have at least 3 years of licensed clinical experience
  • Must complete 20 hours of board-approved supervision training

Montana-Specific Details

Candidate Licensure

Montana utilizes a "Candidate" licensure system for all three major disciplines (SWLC, PCLC, MFTC). Candidates must hold these specific credentials before they can begin accruing hours toward independent clinical licensure.

Supervisor Training Requirement

Montana has a strict requirement that all supervisors, regardless of discipline, must complete 20 hours of board-approved supervision training before they can provide clinical supervision to candidates.

Virtual Supervision in Montana

Montana generally permits 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 Montana Board Contact Information

How to Become a Clinical Supervisor in Montana

Supervisor requirements in Montana are consistent across disciplines, requiring 3 years of experience and 20 hours of training. Always confirm current standards with the Board of Behavioral Health.

Becoming an LCSW Supervisor

  • Hold an active Montana LCSW license
  • Complete at least 3 years of licensed clinical experience
  • Complete 20 hours of board-approved supervision training
  • Submit the required supervisor registration forms to the Board

Becoming an LCPC Supervisor

  • Hold an active Montana LCPC, LCSW, LMFT, licensed psychologist, or licensed psychiatrist license
  • Complete at least 3 years of licensed clinical experience
  • Complete 20 hours of board-approved supervision training
  • Submit the required supervisor registration forms to the Board

Becoming an LMFT Supervisor

  • Hold an active Montana LMFT license (or be an AAMFT Approved Supervisor)
  • Complete at least 3 years of licensed clinical experience
  • Complete 20 hours of board-approved supervision training
  • Submit the required supervisor registration forms to the Board
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 Montana Supervisors

Guidara structures your supervision records the way Montana 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 Montana supervision records organized

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

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