Finding the right clinical supervisor is a critical step in your journey toward independent licensure. Whether you are an LSWAIC, LMHCA, or LMFTA, the guidance you receive shapes your clinical foundation. Washington State offers a rich landscape of supervision options,
The State of Clinical Supervision in Washington
Clinical supervision is the backbone of safe and effective mental health practice. In Washington, the Department of Health requires associate-level clinicians to accrue thousands of supervised hours before independent licensure. The demand for qualified supervisors has grown alongside the state's expanding mental health workforce. Many supervisors now offer remote options, making it easier to find a good match regardless of your location. Whether you prioritize trauma-informed care, decolonized frameworks, or practical crisis experience, the options are more diverse than ever.
How We Ranked the Best Supervision Providers
We evaluated each provider based on four key criteria: breadth of supervisory expertise, specialization in high-demand areas (like trauma or community mental health), flexibility of session formats (in-person vs. remote), and accessibility of resources (such as CEU workshops or reduced-fee options). We also considered the depth of experience each supervisor brings to the table.
Here is a quick comparison of the top five clinical supervision resources in Washington State to help you narrow down your search.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Firelight Supervision | Clinicians wanting a large, diverse team of supervisors |
| Liberation Healing Seattle | Therapists focused on trauma, attachment, and decolonized practice |
| Roots of Compassion Therapy | Clinicians seeking supervision with a strong inpatient and crisis background |
| Summit Consulting & Supervision | Personalized supervision with a community mental health focus |
| Washington State Society for Clinical Social Work - Approved Supervisors | Finding vetted, reduced-fee supervisors in Washington |
In-Depth Reviews of the Top Clinical Supervision Providers
#1 Firelight Supervision
A screenshot of the Firelight Supervision website.
Firelight Supervision stands out for its comprehensive, multi-state network of supervisors. They offer individual, group, and specialized supervision, including trauma and LGBTQIA+ consultation. Their team includes supervisors like Ashley Charbonneau and Chris Campassi, who are specifically licensed in Washington. This breadth of expertise makes them a powerhouse for clinicians seeking diverse perspectives and flexible scheduling.
#2 Liberation Healing Seattle
A screenshot of the Liberation Healing Seattle website.
Run by Canh Tran, Liberation Healing Seattle provides clinical supervision with a strong focus on decolonizing therapy and trauma-informed care. They integrate modalities like AEDP, EMDR, and IFS into their supervision approach. This practice is ideal for clinicians who want to deepen their understanding of attachment and racial trauma. Their resources also include ASWB exam prep and business coaching for private practice.
#3 Roots of Compassion Therapy
A screenshot of the Roots of Compassion Therapy website.
Michelle Solomon, LICSW, leads Roots of Compassion Therapy with over a decade of experience in inpatient psychiatric settings. She offers supervision for LSWAIC, LMHCA, and LMFTA candidates, emphasizing complex mental health and safety assessment. The practice also provides CEU workshops on professional boundaries, a required topic for Washington licensure. Their approach is grounded in real-world hospital experience, making it highly practical.
#4 Summit Consulting & Supervision
A screenshot of the Summit Consulting & Supervision website.
Summit Consulting & Supervision offers personalized clinical supervision from a licensed psychologist with over a decade of community mental health experience. They serve clinicians across Washington State with both in-person and remote sessions. This flexibility is perfect for busy professionals balancing work and licensure hours. Their deep roots in community mental health provide a grounded, practical perspective on client care.
#5 Washington State Society for Clinical Social Work - Approved Supervisors
A screenshot of the Washington State Society for Clinical Social Work website.
The WSSCSW maintains a directory of state-recognized Approved Supervisors who have attested to their qualifications. This resource is invaluable for connecting pre-licensure candidates with vetted professionals. Many supervisors on this list offer reduced-fee supervision as a service to the field. It is a free, centralized starting point for any social worker beginning their licensure journey.
How to Choose the Right Clinical Supervisor for You
Start by identifying your clinical interests and theoretical orientation. If you work with trauma, a supervisor trained in EMDR or IFS may be ideal. Consider logistics: do you need evening or weekend availability? Remote sessions can save commute time. Finally, check if the supervisor offers a free consultation call to see if your personalities mesh. A strong supervisory relationship is key to your professional development.
Streamline Your Supervision Search
Begin by visiting the WSSCSW directory to see a list of approved supervisors. Cross-reference those names with the providers above. Schedule free consultations with your top two or three choices. Prepare a list of questions about their supervision style, availability, and fees. Once you find a good fit, commit to a regular schedule and track your hours diligently.
Your Next Step Toward Licensure
Choosing the right supervisor is one of the most important career decisions you will make. The providers on this list represent the best of what Washington has to offer, from large networks to intimate, specialized practices. Take your time, ask questions, and trust your instincts. Your future clients will thank you for the solid foundation you build today.