What is an intern? There are two types of intern: a student intern and a registered intern. A student intern is in their last two semesters of completing their mental health master’s degree at an accredited university. Student interns have completed course work and are being put to the practice of counseling while being advised by their professors and supervisors. Registered interns are mental health professionals that have graduated from their masters program and are currently logging hours of clinical practice under supervision to be eligible to be fully licensed under the state’s licensing board.
It is an important decision to choose to partake in therapy. It is just as important choosing who your clinician will be. Often clients look to see the experience of the therapist, but there are many benefits in choosing an intern to help you on your journey to mental wellness.
1. Cost: Too often, the cost of therapy can discourage people from seeking support when they need it. With an intern, there is a reduced cost or sliding scale approach which helps reduce the amount you would pay for services, resulting in more opportunity for people to access therapy and an increased number of sessions for the same cost as a fully licensed therapist.
2. Supervision: All interns are mandated to be under the supervision of a fully licensed mental health professional. This translates as someone with experience working alongside your therapist to conceptualize your treatment plan and the interventions being offered. As opposed to only having one therapist, by having a supervised intern, you are able to have a team of mental health professionals taking your best interest into account. At GriefTREE, all of our interns are supervised by both a Thanatologist and a Trauma Specialized Therapist who have years of experience in the field.
3. Access to the most up to date research: Because interns have recently graduated or are still completing their masters program, they have access to the most up to date theories, interventions, and research. Interns also still have access to a plethora of professors as well to ask questions and gain insights that in turn are used to ensure comprehensive care. The clients of interns are sure to receive effective and efficient therapy that is backed by the most recent research. Our interns are informed and knowledgeable about how to approach their learning without using any identifying information so your confidentiality and privacy is always maintained at the highest standard.
4. Attention to detail and individualized care: Most interns have a smaller case load than fully licensed professionals. This enables them to spend more time researching ways to help YOU and completely tailoring your counseling experience to your issue, personality, needs, and time frame.
5. Fresh eyes and energetic: Lastly, interns are new to the field of mental health services. They have fresh eyes and are excited to begin counseling.
These benefits highlight why seeing an intern is an excellent option. We are dedicated to providing the best grief and trauma therapy and welcome any questions you may have about our interns and the counseling process with them. Learn more by contacting our office at 954-834-3570 or emailing us at info@grieftree.com
Written by Reva Erskine-Drash
