Dr. Ethan Potter

Now accepting new supervisees for 2026.

I provide remote clinical supervision for MSWs working toward independent licensure in Missouri, Vermont, and North Dakota. Individual sessions or group (groups run with a minimum of 2), flexible scheduling including evenings, and clear documentation of every hour. (In person opportunities for Springfield, Mo and the surrounding areas.)

If you're accruing hours, or your agency doesn't have an LCSW on staff to supervise, let's talk. The consultation is free and takes 20 minutes.

whtherapy.com | 417-224-7806 | [email protected]

If you want to keep up with what’s happening in social work at Missouri Southern, now’s a great time to follow along:

https://www.facebook.com/share/1HbRehDDFR/?mibextid=wwXIfr for social work program updates, student highlights, and job openings

https://www.facebook.com/share/1HcHaEAaN5/?mibextid=wwXIfr for news from the broader social services department at MSSU.

With a new MSW program on the horizon and faculty positions open now, there’s a lot coming. Give them a follow so you don’t miss it!

Social Sciences at MSSU Examining the Past. Questioning the Present. Shaping the Future.

Professional news: I’ll be joining Missouri Southern State University this fall as BSW Program Director and Assistant Professor of Social Work. My time there as an adjunct made this an easy yes.

It’s an exciting moment for social work in the region. Freeman Health System recently made a generous commitment to launch a new MSW program at MSSU, a real investment in the profession and the community it serves.

MSSU’s Social Work department is also hiring! Full-time, in-person faculty position in Joplin, MO. Details in the posting below, and questions can go to MSSU Human Resources at 417-625-9395.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18bVThf358/?

MSSU - Open Positions MSSU is committed to promoting an equal employment opportunity workplace. Equal opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, s*x, age, natio...

Help my friend John finish his DSW!

If you know a Latino male who is a social work leader in the U.S. with a BSW, MSW, or DSW, please consider passing this along.

Research like this depends on people helping spread the word. Thank you for sharing and supporting social work research!

For more info contact:
John Abreu, LCSW
T: 914-446-8441
E: [email protected]

Veterinary Social Work is growing but is it the field for you? President Yvonne Chase, PhD, LCSW, ACSW, will talk with experts Assistant Professor Aviva Vincent, PhD, LSW, from Cleveland State University and Thomas Favale, DVM, LMSW, assistant professor at Lincoln Memorial University and take your questions! Watch here on Facebook facebook.com/naswsocialworkers or YouTube.com/socialworkers.

I’m excited to share that my article has officially been published in the Journal of Social Work Practice as of today!

This article grew out of my doctoral research and examines how social work supervisors can support the well-being of the professionals they supervise.

If you have access to a college or university library database, you may be able to read it there for free. The publisher’s website also provides access (for purchase), but please don’t pay for it! (I don’t receive any money from article purchases.)

If you’d like to read the article, send me a message with your email address or email me directly at [email protected], and I’ll gladly send you a PDF copy at no cost.

It feels surreal to see years of work become a published article. Knowing that students, educators, researchers, and practitioners can now read, cite, and build upon this work is truly a surreal experience.

Thank you to everyone who supported and encouraged me throughout this journey. 💙

Implementing self-care practices: social work supervisors’ strategies to support supervisee well-being This study explored how social work supervisors can intentionally integrate self-care into the supervision process to support supervisee well-being and address rising concerns of burnout in the pro...

Appreciate my friend and colleague for sharing this thoughtful perspective on the ongoing conversations about law enforcement services in Clever.

Regardless of where people land on the issue, I believe communities benefit when residents have opportunities to engage in respectful, informed conversations about decisions that affect their future. As a social worker and community advocate, I value approaches that encourage transparency, collaboration, and consideration of long-term impacts.

Well worth a read for anyone interested in the discussion.

As a mental health professional, I have complicated feelings about the growing number of AI “friendship” and companionship apps being marketed to lonely or emotionally vulnerable people.

I understand why these tools appeal to people. Loneliness is real. Disconnection is real. Mental
Health access disparities. Sometimes people just want something that feels responsive, available, and nonjudgmental.

At the same time, I think we need thoughtful conversations about some potential concerns, including:

• The collection, storage, and possible sale/use of deeply personal emotional data
• Algorithmic bias and how AI systems may reinforce unhealthy thinking patterns or emotional dependency
• Blurring the line between authentic human connection and simulated attachment
• The commercialization and monetization of loneliness
• The risk of vulnerable individuals substituting AI interaction for real-world support and community
• Lack of transparency around privacy, moderation, and data security
• Ethical concerns about systems designed to maximize engagement and emotional attachment

I’m not saying these tools can never be helpful. I just think we need to approach them critically, ethically, and with awareness, especially when they’re marketed as replacements for friendship, support, or connection.

Human relationships are imperfect and messy, but they also involve mutuality, accountability, growth, and genuine care in ways algorithms cannot fully replicate.

Tomorrow’s fit check: doctoral regalia.