State Requirements

Clinical Supervision Requirements in South Dakota

A summary of clinical supervision requirements for South Dakota-based mental health professionals pursuing CSW-PIP, LPC-MH, and LMFT licensure. Always verify current requirements directly with the appropriate South Dakota board.

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 South Dakota board before making decisions about your supervision.

Licensing Board Overview

In South Dakota, mental health professions are regulated by two separate boards under the Department of Social Services: the Board of Social Work Examiners and the Board of Examiners for Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists.

CSW-PIP: Certified Social Worker in Private, Independent Practice (South Dakota)

South Dakota's CSW-PIP is governed by the Board of Social Work Examiners, ARSD 20:59. Candidates hold a Certified Social Worker (CSW) credential while accruing supervised experience.

Supervised Experience Requirements

  • Total supervised experience: 2 years of full-time clinical social work experience (or equivalent part-time)
  • Supervision hours: At least 4 hours of supervision per month
  • Exam: ASWB Clinical Examination

Supervisor Qualifications

  • Must hold an active South Dakota CSW-PIP license

LPC-MH: Licensed Professional Counselor - Mental Health (South Dakota)

South Dakota's LPC-MH is governed by the Board of Examiners for Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists, ARSD 20:68. Candidates hold a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential while accruing hours.

Supervised Experience Requirements

  • Total supervised experience: 2,000 hours of post-master's clinical experience
  • Direct client contact: At least 1,000 hours must be direct client contact
  • Supervision hours: At least 100 hours of clinical supervision
  • Exam: NCMHCE (National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination)

Supervisor Qualifications

  • Must hold an active South Dakota LPC-MH license

LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (South Dakota)

South Dakota's LMFT is governed by the Board of Examiners for Counselors & Marriage and Family Therapists, ARSD 20:71. Candidates are typically referred to as LMFT Supervisees while accruing hours.

Supervised Experience Requirements

  • Total supervised experience: 1,700 hours of supervised clinical experience
  • Supervision hours: At least 200 hours of clinical supervision
  • Exam: AMFTRB National Examination

Supervisor Qualifications

  • Must be an AAMFT Approved Supervisor or hold equivalent board-approved status

South Dakota-Specific Details

Social Work Licensure Tiers

South Dakota uses unique terminology for its social work licenses. The master's-level license is the CSW (Certified Social Worker), and the independent clinical license is the CSW-PIP (Certified Social Worker in Private, Independent Practice).

Counseling Licensure Tiers

Similarly, counselors first obtain the LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) before accruing the specific clinical hours required for the LPC-MH (Licensed Professional Counselor - Mental Health).

Virtual Supervision in South Dakota

South Dakota 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 South Dakota Board Contact Information

How to Become a Clinical Supervisor in South Dakota

Supervisor requirements in South Dakota vary by discipline. Always confirm current standards with the appropriate board.

Becoming a CSW-PIP Supervisor

  • Hold an active South Dakota CSW-PIP license
  • Submit the required supervisor registration forms to the Board

Becoming an LPC-MH Supervisor

  • Hold an active South Dakota LPC-MH license
  • Submit the required supervisor registration forms to the Board

Becoming an LMFT Supervisor

  • Be an AAMFT Approved Supervisor or hold equivalent board-approved status
  • 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 South Dakota Supervisors

Guidara structures your supervision records the way South Dakota 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 South Dakota supervision records organized

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

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