Does video supervision count toward your BBS hours?

Telephone supervision does not count, because the law requires a face-to-face component. The rule is the same for AMFTs, APCCs and ASWs, and for individual, triadic and group supervision.

What AB 1758 changed, the 60-day assessment, and how video supervision is logged are covered below.

What changed with AB 1758? 

AB 1758 made two-way, real-time video supervision count in every California setting from August 29, 2022.

Before AB 1758, weekly supervision had to be in person unless the associate worked in an exempt setting.

After AB 1758, direct supervisor contact in all settings can be in person, by two-way real-time videoconferencing, or a mix of both.

Is video supervision permanent?

Video supervision in every setting is permanent since SB 775, signed in October 2025, removed the January 1, 2026 expiry. 

What is the 60-day video supervision assessment? 

Within 60 days of starting supervision by video, the supervisor meets with the associate to assess whether video supervision is appropriate and documents the result. This assessment stays with the Supervision Agreement, not the log.

At a minimum, the assessment covers three things:

• The associate’s abilities
• The preferences of both the supervisor and the associate
• The privacy of both locations while supervision happens

These requirements appear in Item 30 of the Supervision Agreement (Form 37M-300). The Board says the assessment is not limited to these factors, so a supervisor can weigh more. If the assessment finds video unsuitable, video supervision cannot continue.

Does telephone supervision count? 

No. Telephone supervision does not count toward BBS hours.

The law requires a face-to-face component, which can be in person, by video with both audio and picture, or a mix of both.

Can group supervision happen by video? 

Yes. The definition of direct supervisor contact covers individual, triadic, and group supervision alike.

The group cap of eight still applies, and counts anyone being supervised for clinical mental health services (SB 1024). Video does not change the limit. 

Do telehealth client hours count too? 

Telehealth client hours and video supervision are two different questions, and people mix them up.

The Board sets no limit on telehealth hours that count toward direct client contact for supervised experience.

Telephone-only sessions are not face-to-face, so they don’t count toward the 150-hour practicum face-to-face requirement for MFT trainees. Phone sessions with clients can still count toward your licensure hours.

How do you log video supervision? 

Video supervision is logged the same way as in-person supervision, as the weekly log has no column for how supervision was delivered. Whether the session ran on video or in an office, the entry looks the same.

On the weekly log, individual and triadic supervision go on line B1. Group supervision goes on line B2. As always, use one log per supervisor per setting.

Video supervision questions associates ask 

Does the first supervision session have to be in person?

No. The law allows in person, video, or any mix, with no in-person minimum.

Can my supervisor supervise me by video from another state?

It’s possible. Only the license they hold matters. Your supervisor must hold a current, active California license in good standing.

Does a new supervisor repeat the 60-day assessment?

Yes. The assessment is part of each Supervision Agreement. If you have a new supervisor, you must sign a new agreement and perform a new 60-day assessment.

Does a recorded session count?

No. Video supervision must be two-way and real time. A recording does not meet the rule.

Can a substitute supervisor use video?

Yes. The same rule applies.

What if my supervisor prefers in person?

Video is allowed, not required. Your supervisor’s preference is one of the factors in the assessment that will determine whether video supervision is possible for you.

Does video supervision count for trainees?

Yes. The AB 1758 definition applies to all supervisees, including trainees.

Can my supervisor sign my hours remotely?

Yes. Because the Board accepts electronic signatures, your supervisor can e-sign your weekly log from wherever they are. Just make sure it happens every week. 

Get remote supervision signed the same week 

Video supervision counts in every California setting, and the only extra step is the 60-day assessment. The assessment happens once per supervisor. 

Signing is the part that repeats. Your supervisor has to sign your weekly log whether or not the supervision happened in the same room.

SparkHours for supervisors emails your supervisor each week for an e-signature, so remote supervision never waits on an in-person signature.