State Requirements

Clinical Supervision Requirements in West Virginia

A summary of clinical supervision requirements for West Virginia-based mental health professionals pursuing LICSW, LPC, and LMFT licensure. Always verify current requirements directly with the respective West Virginia 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 West Virginia board before making decisions about your supervision.

Licensing Board Overview

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

LICSW: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (West Virginia)

West Virginia's LICSW is governed by the Board of Social Work, W. Va. Code R. § 25-1. Candidates hold a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) or Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) 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 clinical supervision
  • Exam: ASWB Clinical Examination

Supervisor Qualifications

  • Must hold an active West Virginia LICSW license
  • Must complete board-approved supervisor training

LPC: Licensed Professional Counselor (West Virginia)

West Virginia's LPC is governed by the Board of Examiners in Counseling, W. Va. Code R. § 27-1. Candidates hold a Provisionally Licensed Counselor credential while accruing hours.

Supervised Experience Requirements

  • Total supervised experience: 3,000 hours of supervised experience
  • Timeframe: Must be completed in no less than 2 years
  • Supervision hours: At least 150 hours of direct supervision
  • Exam: NCE (National Counselor Examination) or NCMHCE (National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination)

Supervisor Qualifications

  • Must hold an active West Virginia LPC license
  • Must have at least 2 years of post-licensure experience
  • Must hold the Approved Licensed Professional Supervisor (ALPS) designation

LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (West Virginia)

West Virginia's LMFT is governed by the Board of Examiners in Counseling, W. Va. Code R. § 27-8. Candidates hold a Provisionally Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist credential while accruing hours.

Supervised Experience Requirements

  • Total supervised experience: 3,000 hours of supervised experience
  • Timeframe: Must be completed in no less than 2 years
  • Supervision hours: At least 150 hours of direct supervision
  • Exam: AMFTRB National Examination

Supervisor Qualifications

  • Must hold an active West Virginia LMFT license
  • Must have at least 2 years of post-licensure experience and hold the ALPS designation, OR be an AAMFT Approved Supervisor

West Virginia-Specific Details

Approved Licensed Professional Supervisor (ALPS)

West Virginia requires LPC and LMFT supervisors to obtain the specific Approved Licensed Professional Supervisor (ALPS) designation before they can provide clinical supervision. This requires an application process and specific training beyond standard licensure.

Social Work Licensure Tiers

West Virginia has a multi-tiered social work licensure system. The LICSW is the independent clinical license. Candidates typically hold an LGSW or LCSW (which in WV is not the independent clinical license) while accruing hours for the LICSW.

Virtual Supervision in West Virginia

West Virginia 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 West Virginia Board Contact Information

How to Become a Clinical Supervisor in West Virginia

Supervisor requirements in West Virginia vary by discipline, with counselors and MFTs requiring the ALPS designation. Always confirm current standards with the respective board.

Becoming an LICSW Supervisor

  • Hold an active West Virginia LICSW license
  • Complete board-approved supervisor training
  • Submit the required supervisor registration forms to the Board

Becoming an LPC Supervisor (ALPS)

  • Hold an active West Virginia LPC license
  • Complete at least 2 years of post-licensure experience
  • Complete the required supervisor training for the ALPS designation
  • Submit the ALPS application to the Board

Becoming an LMFT Supervisor

  • Hold an active West Virginia LMFT license
  • Complete at least 2 years of post-licensure experience and obtain the ALPS designation (or hold AAMFT Approved Supervisor 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 West Virginia Supervisors

Guidara structures your supervision records the way West Virginia 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 West Virginia supervision records organized

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

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