The importance of supervision in mental health care
Everybody needs a sounding board. Even if it's just a quick, "Hey, this thing came up today and I was hoping to get some feedback," or, "I'm really struggling with this case and I need to make sure I'm not missing anything," we all need input from others from time to time.
Master's level mental health therapists are required to have regular, on-going supervision. There is a reason for this. The jobs we do are very important and our goal is to assist our clients with a transition to improved mental health and wellness while dealing with very serious issues. While we would all like to think we are exceptional at what we do, we must also be humble enough to recognize that we aren't experts on everything that comes our way.
The role of a supervisor is crucial in a mental health agency. That supervisor should be able to confront, challenge, support, advocate and relate, all at the same time. It's a balanced art that many take on because they can, yet others embrace because they consider it a calling. Like a physical trainer, a mental health supervisor should be able to push their supervisees beyond their comfort level to achieve desired results. They should be able to facilitate the process of trying new interventions or techniques, while providing solid feedback and support along the way. Never underestimate the importance and value of supervision for providers of mental health services.
At Family Support Services of North Idaho, we are fortunate to have Tracey Sutton, LCSW. Not only is Tracey an Idaho registered supervisor; she also holds a certificate in advanced clinical supervision from Smith College, School for Social Work, in Massachusetts. This selective and intensive yearlong program prepared her for the most challenging of supervisory issues. She's sought out by bachelor's and mater's level student interns for her expertise and professionalism. If you have any questions about her supervision or would like to schedule an appointment for mental health services, call us at 769-4222.