Supervision Plan Template

What Is a Supervision Plan?

A supervision plan is a written document that outlines how supervision will be conducted, what the supervisee is expected to learn, and how progress will be evaluated. Think of it as the roadmap for the supervision relationship. It sits alongside the supervision agreement (which covers logistics, fees, and legal terms) but focuses specifically on clinical development.

Some states require a formal supervision plan as part of the supervision documentation. Others recommend it as best practice. Either way, creating one takes 30 to 60 minutes and saves hours of confusion later.

What to Include in a Supervision Plan

1. Supervisee Information

• Supervisee's full name and credentials
• License type being pursued (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, etc.)
• State board the supervisee is working toward licensure in
• Current clinical setting and population served
• Start date of supervision
• Anticipated end date or total hours required

2. Supervisor Information

• Supervisor's full name, credentials, and license number
• Supervision qualifications (approved supervisor status, ACS credential, state-specific designation)
• Supervisor's theoretical orientation
• Supervisor's areas of clinical expertise

3. Supervision Structure

• Meeting frequency: Weekly individual meetings, biweekly, or a combination of individual and group.
• Meeting duration: Typically 50 to 60 minutes for individual, 90 to 120 minutes for group.
• Meeting format: In-person, telehealth, or a mix. Specify which technology platform for remote meetings.
• Group supervision: If included, note the frequency, expected group size, and how group hours count toward total requirements.

4. Supervision Goals

This is the most important section. List 3 to 6 specific competency goals the supervisee will work toward. Each goal should be measurable and linked to a competency domain.

Example goals:

• Develop proficiency in conducting and documenting structured suicide risk assessments within the first 3 months.
• Demonstrate the ability to independently develop treatment plans for routine cases by month 6.
• Integrate at least one cultural consideration into every case presentation during supervision meetings.
• Complete all progress notes within 24 hours of each client contact, with supervisor review confirming clinical accuracy.

5. Competency Evaluation Methods

How will you assess whether the supervisee is meeting their goals? Common methods:

• Direct observation: Observing the supervisee conducting a clinical meeting (live or recorded).
• Case presentations: Evaluating how the supervisee conceptualizes and discusses their cases.
• Documentation review: Reviewing the supervisee's progress notes, treatment plans, and other clinical documents.
• Formal evaluations: Written evaluations at regular intervals (typically quarterly and at completion).
• Self-assessment: The supervisee evaluates their own performance and discusses it in supervision.

6. Evaluation Schedule

• Monthly: Informal progress check on each goal during a supervision meeting.
• Quarterly: Formal written evaluation reviewing all competency areas.
• Mid-point: A comprehensive review at the halfway mark of the supervision period.
• Final: Summative evaluation at completion, documenting readiness (or areas still needing development) for independent practice.

7. Topics to Be Covered

List the topic areas that will be addressed during supervision:

• Case conceptualization and clinical skills
• Ethics and professional boundaries
• Multicultural competence and diversity
• Crisis intervention and risk assessment
• Professional development and identity
• Documentation and compliance
• State-specific board requirements

8. Supervision Modalities

Specify which supervision methods will be used:

• Case discussion and verbal report
• Live observation (in-room or via one-way mirror)
• Recorded review (audio or video of the supervisee's clinical work)
• Role play and skill practice
• Co-therapy (supervisor and supervisee seeing a client together)
• Documentation review

9. Remediation Process

Briefly outline what happens if the supervisee is not meeting competency standards:

• Verbal feedback with specific improvement targets
• Written remediation plan with timelines and benchmarks
• Increased supervision frequency if needed
• Referral for additional training or personal therapy
• Conditions under which supervision may be terminated or licensure recommendation withheld

10. Signatures

• Supervisor signature and date
• Supervisee signature and date

Both parties should sign the plan acknowledging they've reviewed and agreed to its contents. If the plan is updated (goals change, structure changes), both parties should sign the updated version.

Supervision Plan vs. Supervision Agreement

These are related but distinct documents:

• The supervision agreement (or contract) covers the business and legal aspects: fees, cancellation policy, confidentiality, liability, and responsibilities of each party. See our supervision contract template.
• The supervision plan covers the clinical development aspects: goals, competencies, evaluation methods, and topic coverage.

Some supervisors combine both into one document. Others keep them separate. Either approach works as long as both sets of content are covered and signed.

Summary

A supervision plan takes less than an hour to create and provides structure for the entire supervision relationship. Include supervisee information, supervision structure, measurable goals, evaluation methods, a topic coverage plan, and a remediation process. Review it quarterly. Both parties sign it. Whether your board requires one or not, having a written plan makes supervision more intentional and easier to document.