Templates / Supervision
Clinical Supervision Note Template
For supervisors and supervisees: case focus, clinical questions, guidance given, and next steps.
Supervision notes are a record of professional development and of the clinical decisions made about a case — and in many jurisdictions they are required for licensure hours and for accreditation.
Whether you are the supervisor or the supervisee, the same structure works: what case was discussed, what the question was, what guidance was given, and what will happen next.
The template
- Case FocusWhich case(s) were discussed (de-identified) and the issue brought to supervision.
- Clinical QuestionsThe specific questions the supervisee raised — conceptual, technical, ethical, or about the relationship.
- Supervisor GuidanceWhat was recommended and the reasoning; any references or resources suggested.
- Next StepsWhat the supervisee will do before the next supervision.
- Follow-UpsItems to return to in future supervision, including development goals.
Copy these headings into your notes app, or use them built-in in AfterSession.
When to use it
Use it for individual or group supervision, peer consultation, and case consultation with a specialist. Keep it separate from the client's own record; refer to clients by initials or case codes.
Section-by-section guide with example
Case Focus
Which case(s) were discussed (de-identified) and the issue brought to supervision.
Clinical Questions
The specific questions the supervisee raised — conceptual, technical, ethical, or about the relationship.
Supervisor Guidance
What was recommended and the reasoning; any references or resources suggested.
Next Steps
What the supervisee will do before the next supervision.
Follow-Ups
Items to return to in future supervision, including development goals.
The example is a fictional composite written for illustration. It does not describe a real person.
Common mistakes
- Including identifying client details. Use initials or codes; supervision notes are not part of the client's file.
- Recording only the guidance and not the question. The question is what shows the supervisee's development over time.
- Not logging hours and dates where licensure requires them.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns supervision notes?
Usually both parties keep their own record. Check your regulator's or employer's requirements — some specify retention periods and who may access them.
Should supervision notes go in the client's file?
No. Clinical decisions that change treatment should be reflected in the client's progress note; the supervision discussion itself stays in the supervision record.