Understanding the Difference: Residents, Supervisees, and Independent Clinicians

At Crescent Counseling Center, our team includes both independently licensed clinicians and master’s level clinicians who are completing the final steps of their professional training under supervision. Here's what that means for you:

What’s the Difference?

1. Independently Licensed Clinicians
These professionals have completed all education, clinical training, and licensing requirements set by the Virginia Board of Counseling or the Virginia Board of Social Work. They are fully licensed to practice independently as:

  • Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)

  • Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs)

  • Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists (LMFTs)

They have met rigorous standards, including thousands of supervised clinical hours, passed licensing exams, and have full authority to provide therapy without oversight.

2. Provisionally Licensed Clinician: Residents and Supervisees in Counseling, Marriage Family Counseling, or Social Work
These are highly trained master’s-level clinicians who are provisionally approved by the state to provide therapy under the supervision of a licensed professional. Titles may include:

  • Resident in Counseling (Board of Counseling)

  • Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy (Board of Counseling) 

  • Supervisee in Social Work (Board of Social Work)

They have already earned a graduate degree and are working toward independent licensure by gaining the required supervised clinical hours. Their work is closely reviewed by a licensed supervisor to ensure quality and ethical care.

Benefits of Working with a Provisionally Licensed Clinician

Choosing to work with a resident or supervisee can offer unique advantages:

  • Collaborative Support: You're not just working with one clinician—you’re benefiting from a team approach that includes regular oversight by an experienced supervisor.

  • Fresh Perspectives: Clinicians in training are current on the latest research, therapy models, and best practices.

  • High Motivation: They are deeply committed to their clients' success and growth as they build their careers.

  • Increased Availability and Flexibility: Residents may have more open appointment slots and greater scheduling flexibility compared to fully licensed therapists, who may have established client loads and longer waitlists.

All services provided by residents or supervisees at our center follow the ethical guidelines and licensure regulations of the Virginia Department of Health Professions. Supervisors are board-approved and meet regularly with clinicians to ensure safe, effective, and client-centered care.