The Benefits of Working with A Student Intern Therapist
Published November 21st, 2024
3 min read
Student intern therapists can provide high-quality therapy and though they lack clinical experience they offer other benefits.
Written by Simon Spichak
You’re scrolling through a therapy clinic’s website and spot something strange. One of their staff members is offering services for much less than the other therapists. You take a closer look and see that they’re a student intern.
A student intern therapist is well on their way to becoming a registered psychotherapist or social worker. They’ve completed their coursework and are now getting to work hands-on with clients. Student interns are supervised by a full-fledged therapist, and though they lack clinical experience, there are many benefits to working with them.
What kind of supervision and guidance do student intern therapists receive?
To become practicing therapists in Ontario, students need 100 hours of supervision with a qualified therapist and need to practice therapy for 450 hours. Student intern therapists receive guidance on working with clients and training from their supervisors on different types of therapy, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT).
What are the potential benefits?
There are many reasons for people to work with a student intern therapist.
Interns cost a lot less than practicing therapists
Therapy with a student intern costs considerably less. Some student interns also offer a sliding scale. At Resolvve, therapy with a student costs $30.
Interns are easier to schedule an appointment with
Often, student interns will work more flexible hours than full-fledged therapists, especially as they’re working to finish up their qualifications and become registered. Many student interns will have less of a waitlist than other established therapists at the same clinic, making it easier to get an appointment.
Their education and training is up-to-date.
Though they may have less experience than other therapists, they have as much — if not more knowledge — about best practices. They’ve only recently completed their coursework and are learning from their supervisor, so they continue to stay up-to-date.
Interns can be more passionate and easier to connect with
People are very passionate about their jobs, especially early in their careers. Most student interns are extremely passionate and excited to help others. Some interns also come from diverse ethnic or cultural backgrounds, which may make it easier to connect with you.
Interns are supervised, so you can be sure you’ll get high-quality care
Student interns receive a lot of support and wisdom from supervisors who have years of experience. It’s like you’re working with a small team: If the student intern needs help or is unsure of something, they can reach out to their supervisor for support, and you’ll reap the benefits.
Making sure the therapist is the right fit
Make sure your therapist, whether a student intern or a registered psychotherapist, is the right fit for you.
Here are some examples of questions you might want to ask during a meet-and-greet or first session to see if they’re a match:
Have you treated others with the same problems or issues as me?
How do I know that the therapy is working?
What does a typical session with you look like?
How often will we need to meet?
What are your strengths and weaknesses as a therapist?
What is your overall philosophy when it comes to therapy?
When you’re ready to take the next step on your mental health journey, you can book a free consultation with one of our therapists today. Student interns charge $30, while our other therapists start at $100.
Please note that this post is written for educational purposes; it is not therapy. If you need to talk to a professional, please book a consultation with a psychotherapist through Resolvve.
