Why Mentorship & Supervision Matter for New Clinicians in Michigan
Starting out as a new clinician is both exciting and overwhelming. You’ve put in the years of study, earned your degree, and stepped into practice—yet suddenly the “real world” side of counseling or psychology feels much bigger than the classroom ever did. This is where mentorship and supervision make all the difference.
That’s the heartbeat behind the upcoming Real Impact Fellowship Forum: creating space for new and experienced clinicians to connect, learn, and build the kind of support system that helps careers thrive.
Why Supervision Matters in Michigan
In Michigan, supervision isn’t just a suggestion—it’s part of the pathway to full licensure. If you’re a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC), you’re required to work under supervision as you complete thousands of clinical hours. Similarly, Limited Licensed Psychologists (LLPs) must meet monthly supervision requirements with a fully licensed psychologist.
Supervision ensures you’re not navigating client care or ethical decisions alone. It’s the safeguard that keeps clients safe, helps you grow confident in your clinical skills, and keeps your practice aligned with Michigan’s standards. You can find full details through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
Why Mentorship Goes Beyond Requirements
While supervision meets the legal side, mentorship fills the gap between simply “checking boxes” and building a fulfilling career. A mentor helps you:
Build confidence: knowing not only that you’re doing things correctly, but that you’re developing your own style as a clinician.
Learn the business side: Michigan’s licensing guides don’t teach you how to set rates, handle billing, or market your services—mentors can.
Stay encouraged: the work can be emotionally heavy. Having someone who’s walked the road ahead helps you avoid burnout and isolation.
Shape your professional identity: figuring out who you want to be as a clinician, not just what credentials you hold.
Michigan’s Unique Opportunity
Because Michigan requires supervision for new clinicians, you already have a built-in chance to learn from someone with more experience. But not all supervision relationships are created equal. The best supervisors also act like mentors—teaching not just clinical technique, but how to navigate the realities of the profession.
That’s why events like the Real Impact Fellowship Forum matter. They don’t just clarify what the state expects; they connect you with leaders and peers who can support your journey well beyond your licensure requirements.
Takeaways:
Supervision = compliance + safety. It’s required in Michigan, but also crucial for client protection and your skill development.
Mentorship = growth + confidence. It’s what takes you from “just getting hours” to truly thriving in your career.
Community = sustainability. Forums, peer groups, and ongoing connections keep you supported long term.
Ready to build your bridge?
Join us at the Real Impact Fellowship Forum. You’ll leave with clarity on Michigan’s supervision requirements and, more importantly, connections to mentors and peers who will help you succeed—not just today, but for the long run.