Should I See a Counseling Intern?
Far too often, mental health support is viewed as an option. Many people hesitate to seek therapy because they believe they cannot afford it. Others don’t bother engaging in counseling because they are unable to find a therapist with compatible availability. Or sometimes counseling is avoided because of the uncertainty of the counselor’s experience. If you have met resistance with any of these common arguments, keep reading! In this article, I will explore the benefits, qualifications, and considerations of seeing a counseling intern.
“Is a counseling intern qualified to help me?”
What is a counseling intern?
A counseling intern, also commonly called a counselor in training, is a graduate student in a clinical training program working toward full licensure. Counseling interns receive direct supervision from experienced licensed professionals in the field. Furthermore, interns also receive weekly faculty supervision.
Counseling interns provide individual counseling, mental health support, and evidence-based approaches similar to licensed therapists.
Benefits of seeing a counseling intern
There are so many benefits of seeing a counseling intern, but I will focus on four main benefits. The first benefit is affordability. Counseling interns often offer mental health counseling services at a lower cost or on a sliding scale. Compared to fully licensed therapists, you may save 50% or more by seeing a counseling intern.
A second benefit of seeing a counselor in training is fresh perspectives and current training. Counseling interns are in the thick of their educational process. So interns bring the latest research and therapeutic techniques to the counseling room. Even better, interns are passionately committed to client growth.
A third benefit of seeing a counseling intern is that they receive supervised support. Clients benefit from both the intern’s skills and their supervisor’s expertise. In addition to mandatory weekly supervision from a site supervisor, counseling interns also receive weekly group supervision from faculty at the university level. These extra layers of feedback enhance treatment quality you receive from an intern.
Finally, counseling interns offer more availability. This is often because interns are required to document a specific number of contact hours with clients. Their schedule is often more flexible and interns typically have no waiting list, as compared to licensed professionals.
Common concerns about seeing a counseling intern
Three main concerns potential clients usually have about seeing a counseling intern include:
- experience level
- effectiveness of therapy
- confidentiality and professionalism
Although counseling interns are still in training, as noted above, interns comply to supervision to ensure competency. Not only that, but some interns are coming to the table with prior life and career experiences that are unmatched by others.
Many counseling interns successfully help clients navigate mental health challenges. Some of these challenges include
- grief
- anxiety
- depression
- anger
- trauma
Counseling interns follow the same ethical guidelines and confidentiality standards as fully licensed therapists.
Who might benefit from seeing a counseling intern?
If you’re still wondering who is the best fit for seeing a counseling intern…just about anyone! Some people that benefit from receiving mental health counseling from an intern are:
- Individuals seeking therapy for the first time.
- Those looking for lower-cost counseling options in Alexandria, LA.
- Clients dealing with religious trauma, anxiety, grief, or personal growth concerns.
- People open to working with a newer therapist who has strong supervision and guidance from seasoned professionals.
How to find a counseling intern near you
One way to find a counseling intern locally is to inquire at local counseling centers, universities, or private practices. Many times private practices who have counseling interns will display this information on their websites. You can also check with local organizations that offer mental health support if they have any counseling interns.
You should see a counseling intern!
Counseling interns offer affordable mental health counseling options. They bring the most current research and counseling techniques to the counseling room, and are guided by licensed professionals. Counseling interns usually offer more flexible scheduling options, too!
Explore your options and ask around to find a counseling intern near you. If you’re considering therapy, you cannot go wrong by seeing a counseling intern!