The purpose of clinical supervision is to monitor, develop and improve a mental health practitioner’s performance by learning skills from a licensed mental health professional. The mental health practitioner meets regularly with the clinical supervisor to reflect and review clinical situations, treatment and support needs, service delivery and discuss other professional issues in a structured way.
This consultation process promotes better quality of care and improved clinical outcomes for children and youth. Competent clinical supervision is a critical aspect of developing effective and culturally appropriate treatment strategies for new clinicians that match the needs recorded in the child’s diagnostic assessment. Also, clinical supervision is a useful tool in disseminating evidence-based practices. Following implementation, clinical supervision can reinforce the fidelity and effectiveness of a treatment program.
