Why YOU Should Consider a Practicum Student Intern as Your Therapist
So you have decided to begin therapy. That’s great! You have made a great first step in your mental health journey in your search for a therapist. Sometimes it can get overwhelming while looking for a therapist as you wonder what to look for and who is right for you. Something to consider is an intern as your therapist, also known as practicum students or student counselors.
What is a practicum student?
A practicum student, or counseling intern, is someone who is currently enrolled in a masters educational program training to become a counselor. To become a licensed professional counselor, they have to complete their masters, a board exam, and several thousand hours face-to-face with clients.
Here are some of the main reasons to consider an intern as your therapist:
Practicum intern students are closely supervised by an experienced, licensed professional counselor.
Practicum students are closely supervised by an experienced licensed professional counselor where they are training. The licensed professional counselor-supervisor (LPC-S) is fully licensed and has received training and credentials to help guide new counselors. The interns are also often gaining supervision through their educational programs. This supervision allows the students to review and consult on all of their cases, which means that you are not only getting one therapist working on your case, but two or three therapists whose time, expertise, and investment are applied to working with you in therapy.
Practicum Students are constantly learning new, up to date techniques
Practicum students are currently enrolled in Master’s education programs and developing their skills to best serve the community. In their programs they are learning how to provide clients with the best care with up-to-date theories and evidenced-based techniques and practices.
Practicum Students do not take insurance and are an affordable option
Interns are not fully licensed, and so they often work on a reduced or sliding-fee scale rather than charging an hourly rate equal to fully licensed therapists or working only with clients who carry health insurance. If you don’t have insurance, have an extremely high deductible, or choose to pay out of pocket for other reasons, interns offer Tier 1 services. Even though they are not fully licensed they are receiving supervision from a licensed professional counselor to provide you with the best care.
Restoring Hope Counseling has multiple practicum students on staff and if you would like to learn more about them visit our “Meet our Team” page or contact us for further information to help you find the best fit.
