If you’re an associate level clinician, you probably hear about private practice every day. Some of the most successful mental health professionals you know may work in private practice. And if you spend much time on social media, you might get the impression that private practice is where the money is.
That can sound enticing. But the picture is more complicated, especially when the practice owner is also your clinical supervisor. Before accepting a position, here are three things I’d encourage you to consider.
1. Are the boundaries between supervision and employment clear?
If you work in a practice owned by your clinical supervisor, that person has two roles in your professional life: supervisor and boss. Having both roles does not automatically make the arrangement unethical. It does mean you need to be intentional about boundaries.
Ask how the practice separates staff meetings, performance conversations, and clinical supervision. If you bring a difficult case to supervision, will you have space to explore it as a developing clinician? If the practice has concerns about your job performance, how will those concerns be addressed without turning supervision into a staff meeting?
You should also understand how supervision is scheduled and documented, which clinical work counts toward your direct hours, and what you will pay for supervision, if anything. In Texas, only time spent providing counseling services to clients counts as direct client contact hours, and LPC Associates must receive at least four hours of supervision each month. Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
2. Can you be honest with your supervisor—even when the issue involves their practice?
Clinical supervision is where you develop your counselor identity, strengthen your judgment, and build confidence. Your supervisor plays an important role in supporting and challenging you through that process. To get the most from it, you need to be able to speak honestly.
But what happens when the concern you need to raise is about your workplace? Maybe your caseload is growing more slowly than expected. Maybe you disagree with a practice policy or feel that the role is no longer a good fit. Would you feel comfortable bringing that up with the person who is also your boss?
Think about what happens if you decide to leave the practice, too. Would you be able to continue supervision with that person? If not, what would you need to do to transition to another supervisor? You don’t need to assume something will go wrong. You do need to know how both relationships would work if your employment changes.
3. Is the full arrangement fair and useful to you?
Look at compensation as a whole: your clinical pay, expected caseload, benefits, and the cost and format of supervision. Some practices include supervision as an employee benefit; others handle it differently. Get clear on the arrangement before you accept the position.
Ask what supervision will actually look like. Will you meet individually, with another associate, or in a group? Will you have time to discuss your own cases and professional goals? A practice owner may wear several hats and have a full schedule. What matters is whether they can give you the supervision and feedback you need.
An arrangement can look good on paper and still leave you wanting more support. You are allowed to ask those questions up front, even when supervision is included as a benefit.
Working for your clinical supervisor can be a valuable experience. You may get to learn both clinical work and the day-to-day realities of private practice from someone you trust. Before you say yes, ask questions, communicate openly, and get the employment and supervision expectations in writing. The goal is to enter both relationships with a clear understanding of what you’ve agreed to.