Making a decision to meet with a professional therapist is a bold step that shows your readiness to embrace peace and mental well-being.
Mental health problems are on the rise, which does not come as a surprise given the challenges the world has faced these past couple of years. According to the World Mental Health Organization (WHO), one of the leading causes of disability is depression with 50% of those affected not receiving services. The American rate of adults experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression rose 25% during the COVID-19 pandemic alone.
Let’s also be reminded that therapy sessions are not only meant for people with a diagnosable mental health disorder. You can opt for therapy services if you are stressed, going through some issues in your relationship, or simply need to unburden your mind. Many clients seek services to have a neutral party to help them walk through their thoughts.
With demand for therapy increasing daily, the need for effectively trained therapists is on the rise. At Simplicity Psychotherapy, we do not underestimate the importance of therapy in helping the Black community achieve a healthy mental state. To make therapy easily accessible to everyone regardless of their barriers to treatment, we offer the services of interns through our Counselor Intern Program. We strongly recommend considering interns when seeking mental health services.
In this blog post, we will highlight what you stand to enjoy when you opt for the services of a counselor intern.
Who Are Counselor Interns?
Counselor or Therapist Interns are masters level graduate students supervised practice of skills learned in their mental health counseling program. Interns have completed their academic studies as therapists and must complete clinical experience hours before they are awarded their degree.
Interns are actively engaged in completion of hours of required professional training this includes sitting face to face with clients as well as attending trainings and receiving supervision. Upon completion of internship, students qualify for the first step in clinical licensure.
Reasons to Consider Seeing A Therapist Intern
Having decided to see a therapist, the next step is to determine which therapist to work with. We recommend that you include therapist interns in your option. While the first option that would come to mind is a licensed therapist, it is also a great choice to seek the service of a therapist intern. These professionals are ready and willing to help you work through difficult emotional, mental, and relational difficulties
If you're wondering why you should consider seeing a therapist intern, below are some valid reasons for you to:
Therapist Interns Are Supervised Closely By Licensed Therapists:
I often joke that clients get two therapists for the price of one when receiving services from counseling interns. Two clinical supervisors (on-site and at school) are usually assigned to guide and monitor interns. Both supervisors are licensed therapists with many years of experience. All cases are reviewed by the supervisors, thus keeping the therapist intern on the right track.
This means that if you visit a student intern, you are not just getting counseling from a therapist but two or three therapists. Multiple perspectives mean better care for you.
Interns provide Affordable Therapy:
In exchange for clinical experience, interns provide services on a sliding scale rate. If you are looking for a low cost therapy option, a therapist intern will likely fit your budget perfectly well. Interns fees are often as low as a health insurance copayment. Receiving counseling from an intern can be a great way to access mental health services without worrying too much about the cost.
Therapist Interns Handle Fewer Cases:
Interns carry smaller caseloads as they actively work to develop their specialty and improve their skills. Because fewer cases are assigned to them, interns have more time and energy to dedicate to your case. This means that student interns have more time to prepare for sessions and they often have more flexible appointment times.
Therapist Interns Are Equipped With Up-to-date Techniques:
Another great thing about opting for interns for your therapy sessions is that these interns have fresh skills, techniques and methods to help you achieve your goals. Remember that they had recently completed their academic studies; all they need to do is complete their clinicals. Get ready to experience an effective therapy session with an intern.
Interns are Energetic and Enthusiastic:
After several years of reading theories and practicing skills on their peers, interns are eager to help clients towards healing. The energy they bring into the field is fierce and you will be able to feel their activeness when engaging during sessions.
Bonus Reason: Many Interns Aren’t Newbies:
Most assume interns are young kids with no life experience, but this is not necessarily the case. Many mental health counseling students are nontraditional students working towards a second career. Some interns have the unique experience of working in supportive roles within the mental health field and have returned to school to obtain education towards licensure. While they may lack some of the credentials you may be looking for, it's also important to point out that their skill set and capabilities may still be suitable for your situation.
It is important to remember that years of clinical experience is just one tool in a therapist’s tool kit. Good therapists often possess an intuitive ability to provide good therapy. Their education and skills simply enhance their professional skills and promote ethical and clinically sound behaviors.
Every good therapist was once an intern.
Ready to Level Up And Help A Young Therapist Grow?
Schedule a Consultation with one of our Therapist Interns Today
I’m Rayvéne Whatley a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. I enjoy empowering you to remove the mask of other people’s expectations and have the audacity to be yourself. I have a particular passion for Black man and women cope with anxiety and challenge expectations by reexamining beliefs that no longer suit their desires.
Note: While the information above is intended to provide insight as you begin your journey they are not intended to replace the guidance of a trained professional. Exploring these concerns in the presence of a licensed counselor or other licensed professional may provide deeper insight and assist in managing more multifaceted concerns that may arise.