Guidelines for Supervised Postdoctoral Experience

The postdoctoral year consists of a minimum of 1,500 hours of supervised experience and must be completed within a four-year period.

The ratio of supervision time to direct service time should be sufficient to ensure adequate learning, namely, at least one hour per week of formal, face-to-face, individual supervision.Supervision consists of direct, formal contact with a senior professional who is responsible for the educational development and guidance of the trainee or supervisee. Excluded are class work, practicum experience, or other course-related experience.

Supervision must be for the direct provision of health services in psychology by the applicant to individuals or groups of clients/patients. An applicant's own personal growth experience (i.e., personal therapy or encounter groups) is not acceptable. Supervision of others is not acceptable.

Supervisors must meet the following criteria:

1. Supervisors must be licensed/certified/registered for practice in their respective professions;

2. The professional qualifications of each direct supervisor must be appropriate to the services rendered. If not currently listed in the National Register, the supervisor's qualifications must be documented through submission of a current curriculum vita or other appropriate evidence of meeting the qualifications. If the supervisor is not a psychologist (e.g., a physician or social worker who is board certified), a current vita must be supplied; and

3. The supervisor, at the time of supervision, must not be in a dual relationship with the supervisee (e.g., be a spouse, relative, or therapist). Print the National Register Postdoctoral Supervisor Confirmation Form

If you have any questions or comments regarding the criteria to become a Health Service Provider in Psychology, you may contact kim@nationalregister.org.