State Requirements

Clinical Supervision Requirements in Rhode Island

A summary of clinical supervision requirements for Rhode Island-based mental health professionals pursuing LICSW, LMHC, and LMFT licensure. Always verify current requirements directly with the Rhode Island Department of 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 Rhode Island board before making decisions about your supervision.

Licensing Board Overview

In Rhode Island, mental health professions are regulated by the Department of Health (RIDOH). Social workers are overseen by the Board of Social Work Examiners, while counselors and marriage and family therapists are overseen by the Board of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists.

LICSW: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (Rhode Island)

Rhode Island's LICSW is governed by the Board of Social Work Examiners, 216-RICR-40-05-1.6. Candidates hold a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential while accruing supervised experience.

Supervised Experience Requirements

  • Total supervised experience: 3,000 hours of post-master's clinical social work experience
  • Timeframe: Must be completed over a period of 24 to 72 months
  • Supervision hours: At least 150 hours of clinical supervision (at least 75 hours must be individual)
  • Exam: ASWB Clinical Examination

Supervisor Qualifications

  • Must hold an active Rhode Island LICSW license

LMHC: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (Rhode Island)

Rhode Island's LMHC is governed by the Board of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists, 216-RICR-40-05-2.4. Candidates are typically referred to as Pre-licensed Counselors while accruing hours.

Supervised Experience Requirements

  • Total supervised experience: 2,000 hours of direct client contact
  • Timeframe: Must be completed over a period of at least 2 years
  • Supervision hours: At least 100 hours of post-master's supervision
  • Exam: NCMHCE (National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination)

Supervisor Qualifications

  • Must hold an active Rhode Island LMHC, LICSW, LMFT, licensed psychologist, or licensed psychiatrist license
  • Must have at least 5 years of clinical experience post-licensure

LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Rhode Island)

Rhode Island's LMFT is governed by the Board of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists, 216-RICR-40-05-2.5. Candidates are typically referred to as Pre-licensed MFTs while accruing hours.

Supervised Experience Requirements

  • Total supervised experience: 2,000 hours of direct client contact
  • Timeframe: Must be completed over a period of at least 2 years
  • Supervision hours: At least 100 hours of post-master's supervision
  • Exam: AMFTRB National Examination

Supervisor Qualifications

  • Must hold an active Rhode Island LMFT license with at least 5 years of clinical experience post-licensure, OR
  • Be an AAMFT Approved Supervisor

Rhode Island-Specific Details

Social Work Licensure Tiers

In Rhode Island, the LCSW is the master's-level license required to practice and accrue hours toward the independent clinical license, which is the LICSW.

Direct Client Contact Emphasis

For LMHC and LMFT candidates, Rhode Island regulations specifically emphasize 2,000 hours of direct client contact, rather than just total supervised experience hours.

Virtual Supervision in Rhode Island

Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island Board Contact Information

How to Become a Clinical Supervisor in Rhode Island

Supervisor requirements in Rhode Island vary by discipline, with counseling and MFT boards requiring significant post-licensure experience. Always confirm current standards with the appropriate board.

Becoming an LICSW Supervisor

  • Hold an active Rhode Island LICSW license
  • Submit the required supervisor registration forms to the Board

Becoming an LMHC Supervisor

  • Hold an active Rhode Island LMHC, LICSW, LMFT, licensed psychologist, or licensed psychiatrist license
  • Complete at least 5 years of clinical experience post-licensure
  • Submit the required supervisor registration forms to the Board

Becoming an LMFT Supervisor

  • Hold an active Rhode Island LMFT license with at least 5 years of clinical experience post-licensure, OR be an AAMFT Approved Supervisor
  • 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 Rhode Island Supervisors

Guidara structures your supervision records the way Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island supervision records organized

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

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