To become an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. 1. Experience as Clinical Supervisor
      • Submit a Supervision Provision Endorsement form documenting a minimum of 100 hours of qualified clinical supervision, which can include individual and/or group supervision (max 12 members in a group).
   2. Clinical Experience
      • A minimum of five years of post-master’s experience in mental health services, including at least 4,000 hours of direct client service. The master’s degree must be in a mental health field.
   3. Training in Clinical Supervision
      • Complete 45 clock hours of clinical supervision training, covering: 
        • Roles and functions of clinical supervisors
        • Theoretical frameworks and models
        • Supervisory relationship issues
        • Methods and techniques
        • Group supervision
        • Evaluation, remediation, and gatekeeping
        • Technology in supervision
        • Administrative procedures and responsibilities
        • Legal and ethical issues
        • Culturally responsive supervision
   4. The ACS Credential
      • The ACS credential recognizes mental health professionals who meet national supervision standards. It promotes professional identity, visibility, accountability, and growth. As of 2016, 15 states recognize ACS as the preferred supervision credential.