When mental health professionals complete their educational training, it’s easy to assume they’re ready to dive directly into practice, applying the knowledge and skills they acquired in higher education. However, while graduates in behavioral health can enter the field, their journey toward independent practice is far from over. Clinical licensure represents a crucial milestone, signifying that a practitioner has met the rigorous requirements to practice independently and competently. This process ensures that clinicians are well-equipped to deliver high-quality care, adhere to ethical standards, and meet clients’ diverse needs.
At Comprehensive Healthcare, supporting staff in their pursuit of licensure is a vital investment in the workforce and the clients we serve. The creation of the Clinical Licensure Supervisor role is a direct result of our strategic efforts to support staff development. Chris Moore, who serves in this role, actively guides clinicians through supervision, offering structured support. “The primary thing I do is offer clinical supervision to move people toward licensure,” Chris explained.
Supervision is a key portion of the licensing process for behavioral health professionals. “It’s two years of supervision, and then you get permission to take the test,” Chris explained. This rigorous process is essential for clinicians to obtain full licensure, but it’s not without its challenges. “Many clinicians, if their supervisor isn’t able to provide supervision, have to seek it externally,” Chris shared. “That can be expensive for staff.” By offering supervision in-house, Comprehensive Healthcare demonstrates its commitment to investing in its staff. “Providing this support not only eases the financial burden on our clinicians but also helps us build a stronger workforce,” Chris emphasized.
This initiative is part of Comprehensive Healthcare’s broader vision to strengthen its workforce, enhance service quality, and ensure that clients receive the best possible care. By making licensure more accessible, the organization is fostering professional growth, increasing retention, and building a more skilled and confident clinical team.
Supervision is provided across all of our campuses, including Yakima, Walla Walla, Sunnyside, Kittitas, and Benton/Franklin. Supervision is delivered through a combination of individual and group sessions, with a balanced approach tailored to each clinician’s unique needs. Individual supervision provides a space for discussing client cases in depth, while group sessions foster collaboration and collective learning. Topics explored in group supervision sessions range from diagnostic criteria and developmental theory to cultural humility and autism throughout the lifespan.
One client story Chris shared was a powerful example of how these collaborative sessions have made a difference in client care. During one supervision session, a clinician presented a particularly challenging case where a client displaying symptoms of autism was having a difficult time interacting with their peers. The client was feeling increasingly more anxious and depressed from the isolation, further intensifying their symptoms.
Through group discussion, Chris and the other clinicians could view the situation from multiple perspectives. They identified potential factors contributing to the client’s difficulties and recommended adjustments to the treatment plan, including connecting the client with an outside resource that specialized in creating supportive communities for individuals on the spectrum. This connection gave the client a sense of belonging and a network of peers who understood their experiences.
These group discussions foster collaboration across the agency, bringing together staff from different teams and locations who may not have been able to interact with one another outside of this opportunity. Together, they share their experiences, offering unique perspectives and learning from others. This cross-site connection enriches learning and strengthens the organization as a whole.
“The biggest benefit is having multiple eyes on client cases,” Chris elaborates. “With supervisors, program managers, and clinicians all reviewing the same charts, we’re giving better care and ensuring we meet the needs of clients who may have more complex challenges.”
Since November, Chris has also introduced a licensing test prep group, offering participants the opportunity to analyze test questions, review answers collaboratively, and build confidence in their readiness for the exam. “The test can be overwhelming,” Chris shares. “It’s a lot of preparation, and there’s so much leading up to it.” Once clinicians complete their education, supervision, and pass the test, they receive full licensure.
“And with licensure comes increased responsibility,” Chris adds. “But it’s good for our staff and, more importantly, it’s good for our clients.”
Another significant contribution Chris has made outside of his supervision with clinicians is launching the Occupational Therapist internship program. This initiative provides aspiring occupational therapists with hands-on experience, mentorship, and real-world training in clinical settings. Collaborating with Pacific Northwest University’s Occupational Therapy program, the internship has been met with enthusiastic feedback. Interns have highlighted the collaborative environment and the support they’ve received from staff.
Chris’s efforts have already had a profound impact on Comprehensive Healthcare. By fostering professional development and creating pathways for clinicians to meet licensure requirements, he directly enhances the organization’s quality of care. For clients, it ensures that they receive care from highly trained clinicians who are deeply supported in their professional journeys.
Comprehensive Healthcare continues to set the standard for excellence in community behavioral health through these efforts. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient community.
