12 Questions to Ask a Potential Supervisor

Finding the Right Clinical Supervisor for Your Mental Health Organization

At Motivo, we understand how important the supervisor match is to the success of your mental health organization, and we’re committed to helping you connect with the right supervisor for your clinical interests, preferences, and desired career path.

Our mission is to provide you with a seamless, stress-free process to find the perfect supervisor for your organization. We believe that the key to a successful clinical supervision match is communication, which is why each supervision match begins with a free, 20-minute video intro call. During this call, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with a potential supervisor, hear more about their background and experience, and ask any questions you might have for one another. 

To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of 12 questions to ask a potential supervisor:

12 Questions to Ask a Supervisor

1. Can you tell me a bit about your professional background and experience?

It’s essential to understand a potential supervisor’s background and experience to determine whether they are the right fit for your mental health organization. Ask about their experience in your particular field, and how long they’ve been a supervisor.

2. What populations do you work with, and what areas do you specialize in?

By understanding their area of expertise, you can determine if they are the right match for your organization’s needs and if they can provide your therapists with the necessary support to grow and develop in their practice.

3. Do you utilize any particular modalities with clients?

Knowing whether a supervisor uses a particular modality can help you ensure that they align with your organization’s values and treatment approach.

4. Why did you choose to become a supervisor?

Understanding a supervisor’s motivation for becoming a supervisor can provide insight into their approach to supervision and the support they can offer your therapists.

5. How would your supervisees describe your approach to supervision?

A supervisor’s approach to supervision can make a significant impact on your therapists’ growth and development. Asking how their supervisees would describe their approach can help you gauge whether they are a good fit for your organization.

6. How would you like me to prepare for our supervision sessions in order to make the most of our time?

Knowing how a supervisor wants you to prepare for supervision sessions can help ensure that your therapists get the most out of their time with the supervisor.

7. How will we incorporate self-of-the-therapist work in our supervision?

Self-of-the-therapist work is a critical component of clinical supervision. Asking how a potential supervisor incorporates this work into their approach can help ensure that your therapists receive a well-rounded, comprehensive experience.

8. Logistically, what days/times are you available for supervision?

Understanding a supervisor’s availability is essential for scheduling sessions and ensuring that your therapists can attend supervision when it’s most convenient for them.

9. How should I handle questions that come up between sessions, in both emergency and non-emergency situations?

Knowing how to handle questions that come up between sessions can help ensure that your therapists feel supported and can address any concerns that arise.

10. How often will we review the licensure requirements in my state?

Licensure requirements can vary by state, so it’s essential to work with a supervisor who is knowledgeable about the requirements in your state.

11. How many supervision hours can I anticipate collecting with you each month?

Understanding how many supervision hours you can expect to collect each month is critical for planning and budgeting purposes.

12. Are there any forms we need to complete before we get started?

Knowing whether there are any forms or paperwork that need to be completed before starting supervision can help ensure that your organization is prepared.

Finding the right clinical supervisor is a critical step toward the growth and development of your clinicians. 

By asking the right questions during the initial conversation with a potential supervisor, you can gain valuable insights into their experience, approach to supervision, and areas of expertise. This information can help you evaluate whether they are the right fit for your organization’s needs and goals. We hope that this list of questions has provided you with a starting point for your conversation with a potential supervisor.

If you’re looking for a clinical supervisor to help take your organization to the next level, we encourage you to explore our platform at Motivo. We have a network of experienced and qualified clinical supervisors that are ready to help your team achieve their professional goals. With Motivo, you can be confident that you are making the right match for your organization’s needs.