What Are The Benefits of Seeing a Student Intern?

At The Growth & Wellness Therapy Centre we regularly take on student interns from a variety of graduate programs. Many of our students are from the University of Toronto’s Master of Social Work program, though we also occasionally take on students from other schools including Wilfrid Laurier University and Yorkville University.

Sometimes clients call to inquire about services at our centre and are surprised when our intake team recommends a student clinician. Today we’re going to talk about some of the benefits of seeing a student, and some of the reasons you might want to consider it!

1: They are available at a reduced fee

The number one reason clients tend to show interest in seeing a student is because of the fees. A full clinician at our office can cost between $120 to $180 an hour depending on the service, and that isn’t always an accessible price for clients. Our student interns are able to see clients for $30 an hour, and sometimes even offer spots pro bono.

2. They have support and supervision from a senior clinician

All of our students work under the direct supervision of at least one clinician, which means they (and by extension you!) have consistent access to all the knowledge, resources and strategies their supervisor has learned over their years of practice.

3. You’ll be able to access continuous care

Since our office takes on new students throughout the year that means that even when your current student clinicians graduates (generally after 4 months to 8 months) they will be able to help transition you to a new student clinician in the clinic. You will be welcome to stay in the clinic seeing our student clinicians for as long as you feel it necessary.

4. You’ll be playing a part in helping them grow

As the client of a student intern you get to play a part in helping to develop their clinical skills and style. Students only learn in practicum through experience, and they are all extremely greatful and respectful of those who are willing to work with them as learners.

5. All of our students are amazing

We do a thorough screening and interview process with all of our potential student interns, which means the ones who make it through are the ones we feel are best equipped to support you. We often look for students with a focus in areas where there is a need for lower cost services (for example around trauma, disordered eating or personality disorders) and don’t allow them to work with clients until we feel confident in their skills and abilities. Additionally as all of our interns are graduate students it means they already have at least one other degree, and often have experience working in the field already.

If reading this has opened your mind to the idea of seeing one of our student interns, we invite you to check out the profiles of our current interns here, and then reach out to the office at info@growthwellnesstherapy.com to book your free consult.

About the Author

Katherine Hall, MSW RSW, is a Registered Social Worker at the Growth and Wellness Therapy Centre focused on trauma and suicidality