10 Reasons to Choose an Intern as your Therapist
Picture this: you’re on a quest for the perfect therapist, dialing every counseling office in town, only to be hit with the frustrating news that every therapist is swamped and sporting waitlists longer than you can imagine.
Unfortunately, welcome to the new wild world of therapy.
You’re anxious because you need support ASAP, and you’ve heard horror stories about waitlists stretching for weeks if your therapist is the equivalent of a unicorn in their field. Hold on! The office you’re chatting with suddenly drops a great news—they have an intern who’s ready to start next week.
Exciting, right? You’re all set to schedule an appointment until they casually mention that this intern is fresher than a mint on your pillow and can only stick around for a few months. Cue the hesitation. In your head, you’re screaming:
“I need a pro, not an amateur!”
So, you decide to go back to square one, dial more numbers, join more waitlists, and basically sit by the phone like a teenager who just gave out their digits to their crush.
But here’s the plot twist:
Yes, interns might be green around the ears, and their availability could be shorter than your attention span during a long meeting. But—and here’s the kicker—there’s a treasure trove of awesome and unexpected reasons why teaming up with an intern as your therapist might just be the jackpot for you as the client.
Before we jump into all the fun stuff, let’s first unravel the mystery of what exactly an intern is and how they might be your golden ticket to Therapyland, different from the seasoned pros.
So… What is an Intern?
The word “intern” has different meanings depending on which state you live in. In some states we serve, like Florida, an intern has already graduated from their Master’s degree program and completed internships and practicum requirements. They are then required to work independently for several years under a qualified licensed supervisor.
In other states, like New York, interns are budding counselors, having successfully completed all the coursework for their related mental health Master’s Degree Programs and are now in the final phase of their training, which includes their internship requirement. Prior to this, they’ve gained hands-on experience by working with clients during a field experience often referred to as a ‘practicum.’ The internship represents the last step before graduation and receiving their limited license.
During their internship, interns benefit from extensive supervision. This means they have one or more licensed professionals regularly observing and providing valuable feedback and guidance on their work. This is just one of the many reasons why choosing an intern as your therapist can be an excellent decision.
Here at Find Peace Counseling, we interview and select our interns based on their experience level and ability to connect with clients.
10 Awesome Perks of Choosing an Interning Therapist
1. No Wait List: Begin Your Journey Today 🚀
When you choose to work with an intern therapist, you’re in for a treat because you can get started right away. In today’s mental health landscape, nearly every therapist seems to have a waiting list. Nowadays, the demand for mental health support has skyrocketed to the point where you might find yourself contacting a dozen therapists. Although Find Peace Counseling has shorter wait lists then other offices in the area, our interns are typically available in just 1 week!
2. Reduced Fees When Needed 💰
We understand that therapy costs can be a concern for many clients. The good news is that when you work with an intern, fees are more flexible. However, we want to emphasize that this reduced fee is offered on a case-by-case basis. It’s there to provide support to those who may not be able to afford their regular copay or self-pay rate.
3. Boundless Enthusiasm 🌟
What word sums up interns best? Excitement! These folks are bursting with enthusiasm, brimming with energy, and thrilled to put all their recent education to work with their clients. Their zest for the profession means they’re more than willing to dive into a new book, explore fresh training, or delve into alternative approaches they haven’t tried yet.
4. Personalized Attention 🤗
Interns typically handle a smaller case load compared to limited or fully licensed therapists. This translates to fewer clients on their plate, allowing them to focus more attention on each individual. They have the time to plan and prepare extensively between sessions, giving you even more thoughtful care without breaking the bank.
5. Supervision Spotlight: Enhancing Therapeutic Care 🔄
Interns receive a substantial amount of supervision. Most interns clock in 2.5 hours of supervision each week, split between their on-site supervisor and their University. This supervision provides a space to consult with peers, process their cases, and seek guidance. They receive feedback from fellow interns and their fully licensed supervisor(s).
Ethically, this situation raises concerns because the most skilled therapists understand that each client presents unique learning opportunities, and it’s unwise to presume we possess all the answers. The path to uncovering what we don’t know involves engaging in dialogue with our peers who possess that knowledge. All sessions and personal information are kept confidential during consultations.
Receiving feedback and being exposed to different perspectives from colleagues are essential for a therapist’s professional growth, enabling them to refine their skills and excel in their craft. Interns stand out in this regard, as they not only benefit from a more frequent feedback loop but also tend to be highly receptive to constructive input.”
6. Cutting-Edge Training (Evidence-Based Practices) 📚
Interns arrive with the latest training in evidence-based practices fresh from their graduate programs. This is a substantial advantage, especially considering that many mental health licenses in some states don’t mandate continued education, and many therapists don’t actively pursue it.
7. Fresh Perspective 🌐
Intern therapists are like blank slates—eager to learn about everything. They don’t have specialties, so they approach each case with curiosity and an open mind. With their additional free time, they conduct extra research and preparation between sessions. They’re also up-to-date on the latest research in psychology and counseling. Moreover, they have no preconceived notions about you based on past client experiences.
Interns are here with a clear mission: to learn, provide support, create a nurturing environment, offer education and practical tools, all while carving their unique path as therapists
8. Willingness to Explore 🌍
Interns don’t have established specialties or preferred approaches, which means they’re willing to try whatever works best for you! While experienced therapists might resist altering their approach or style, an intern will take your feedback seriously and explore your suggestions. They’ll put in the effort to address your concerns in ways that more established therapists might not.
9. Short-Term Focus ⏳
Internships are typically shorter in duration, lasting between 10-24 months. While some clients may be hesitant about entering a therapeutic relationship with a predetermined end date, there are significant benefits to short-term therapy. It can push you to address challenges and implement changes more quickly compared to longer-term therapy, where it’s easier to procrastinate or avoid difficult issues.
Short-term therapy can be especially beneficial if you’re new to therapy. Collaborating with an intern serves as an excellent introduction to therapy, allowing you to discover what suits you best within a therapeutic relationship. It’s an opportunity to discern the qualities you should seek (or steer clear of) when reviewing therapist profiles and seeking the right counselor for your needs. Find Peace Counseling will also work with you to plan for a therapist you can transition to the day your intern is no longer available! So we have long term options starting with an intern as well!
10. Helping Them Build Their Skills! 🛠️
And of course, last but not least, one great reason to work with an intern as your therapist is to help them become a better counselor!
To be good at their trade, they need experience. Lots of it. And, of course, we all know how important it is to have skilled mental health professionals. By working with an intern, you’re helping them to improve their skillset and be a better therapist for you and all of the clients to follow you.
Voila! You’ve just uncovered 10 fantastic reasons why teaming up with an intern could be a rewarding choice.
Now, it’s crucial to acknowledge that not all situations are one-size-fits-all, and interns may not be the perfect match for everyone. At Find Peace Counseling we have a diverse group of therapists with a variety of training and expertise. If one therapist or intern isn’t a good fit for you, we can transfer you to someone else!
An intern can be an excellent option, offering immediate assistance, cost-effective services, boundless enthusiasm, and adaptability in your journey toward mental health and improved relationships.
And if things don’t quite click, that’s perfectly okay! You can contact our office at 631-204-3434 and we can transfer you to another therapist. Remember, it’s crucial to find the right personality fit between you and your therapist, so keep that in mind as you navigate this important journey.😊🗺️
