Can I Have More Than One LCMHCA Supervisor in North Carolina?
If you're an LCMHCA in North Carolina, you may wonder whether you're allowed to have more than one clinical supervisor or what happens if you decide your current supervision arrangement is no longer the right fit.
These are common questions, and they're important ones to understand as you work toward full LCMHC licensure.
In this week's Ask a Supervisor, I talk about having multiple supervisors, changing supervisors, and what to consider when deciding what kind of supervision support you need.
Watch the video above for the full conversation, or find quick answers to some common questions below.
Can an LCMHCA have more than one supervisor in North Carolina?
Yes. The North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors allows LCMHCAs to have multiple qualified clinical supervisors.
If you receive supervision from more than one supervisor, a separate supervision contract is required for each supervisor and must be approved by the Board.
There can be several reasons to work with more than one supervisor. You might want exposure to a different area of clinical expertise, experience a change in employment, or choose to add group supervision while continuing to work with your existing individual supervisor.
Can I change LCMHCA supervisors?
Yes. Your first supervisor does not have to remain your supervisor throughout your entire associate licensure period.
If you change or add a supervisor, there are Board requirements related to supervision contracts, reporting, and documentation. Be sure to review the current NCBLCMHC requirements before making a change.
Can I participate in group supervision if I already have an individual supervisor?
Having an individual supervisor does not necessarily mean that you cannot benefit from working with another supervisor in a group setting.
North Carolina requires LCMHCAs to complete at least 100 hours of clinical supervision, with at least 75 hours completed through individual supervision. This means qualifying group supervision can make up a portion of your required supervision hours.
Group supervision can also give you something different from individual supervision. You get the opportunity to hear how other counselors approach clinical situations, learn from cases outside your own caseload, and build connections with other LCMHCAs navigating the same stage of their careers.
Looking for LCMHCA group supervision in North Carolina?
LaunchWell for Counselors is launching a group supervision opportunity in January 2027 for North Carolina LCMHCAs.
The group is designed for associate counselors who want to supplement their individual supervision with additional clinical discussion, professional development, and connection with other early-career counselors.
You do not have to leave your current individual supervisor to explore group supervision. For some LCMHCAs, working with more than one supervisor can provide access to different perspectives and additional support throughout the licensure process.
Learn More About LaunchWell's LCMHCA Group Supervision
Does group supervision count toward LCMHCA licensure in North Carolina?
Yes. Qualifying group supervision can count toward your required clinical supervision hours when it meets NCBLCMHC requirements.
I've covered the group supervision requirements in more detail here:
Does Group Supervision Count Toward LCMHCA Licensure in North Carolina?
How much supervision does an LCMHCA need in North Carolina?
North Carolina requires LCMHCAs to complete at least 100 hours of clinical supervision while completing their supervised professional practice requirements. At least 75 of those hours must be individual supervision.
If you're newer to the process, start here:
How Does LCMHCA Supervision Work in North Carolina?
Choosing the right LCMHCA supervisor
Meeting the Board's requirements matters, but supervision is also an important part of your development as a counselor.
When considering a supervisor or deciding whether adding or changing supervisors makes sense, think about their clinical expertise, supervision style, availability, approach to feedback, and whether the relationship supports the areas in which you want to grow.
The goal isn't simply to accumulate supervision hours. Good supervision should help you become a more confident, thoughtful, and capable clinician.
Want more help navigating LCMHCA supervision?
I've created a free LCMHCA Supervision Guide to help North Carolina associate counselors better understand the supervision process and think about what they need from supervision.
Download the Free LCMHCA Supervision Guide
You'll also join the LaunchWell email list for practical LCMHCA resources, new Ask a Supervisor videos, and updates about upcoming supervision opportunities, including the January 2027 LaunchWell group supervision offering.
Licensure and supervision requirements can change. Always consult the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (NCBLCMHC) for the most current rules, policies, and forms.
