Working with a Mental Health Counselor (MHC) Intern

by Kat Pearl, EdM, MA, MHC Intern

If you're considering starting therapy and have come across the opportunity to work with an intern at a therapeutic clinic or practice, you might be wondering what exactly that entails. As a Mental Health Counselor (MHC) intern, I am here to clear up any confusion around this and encourage you or someone you know to give it a try.

Affordability and Accessibility
One of the biggest advantages of working with an intern is the reduced cost of their therapy sessions. Therapy sessions with interns are generally more affordable than with fully licensed professionals, which makes mental health services accessible to a broader population. The lower fees encourage more clients to seek therapy, providing interns with a diverse range of clinical experiences. The lower fees may also be beneficial for clients who are finding it difficult to find a provider who is in-network with their insurance plan and are also unable to afford the costs of out-of-network benefits. While the cost is lower, it’s important to note that the quality of our care remains high due to the rigorous supervision and oversight provided by licensed, well-vetted supervisors.

Flexible Scheduling
Interns often offer more flexible scheduling options as they build their client base and gain experience. In our post-pandemic world, finding therapists who are both available and affordable can be challenging. Interns are eager to fill their hours and do not keep as large of a caseload as many licensed clinicians, helping to solve availability issues. This flexibility can be especially beneficial for clients with busy schedules, those who need appointments outside of typical office hours, or those who have rotating schedules preventing them from keeping the same appointment time each week.

Up-to-Date Knowledge and Fresh Perspectives
Interns are immersed in the latest research, techniques, and trends in mental health due to their recent or ongoing education and training. We are often open to trying new or innovative therapeutic techniques and approaches, which can be beneficial for clients who are looking to explore fresh perspectives. Our passion and enthusiasm for our work drive us to apply our skills and knowledge diligently. This can bring a dynamic energy to therapy sessions, fostering a creative and open-minded environment for exploring mental health concerns.

Diverse Backgrounds and Unique Perspectives
Many interns have years of related work experience in various roles, such as rehabilitation counselors, school counselors, school psychologists, vocational counselors, or other positions that provide a broad understanding of mental health care. These diverse experiences allow us to bring unique perspectives to our internship sites, enhancing our ability to connect with and support clients. Our varied backgrounds enable us to draw on a wide range of skills and insights, making our therapeutic approaches well-rounded and adaptable to different client needs.

Comprehensive Supervision
As an intern, I am supervised by experienced, licensed professionals who provide regular guidance and oversight. This means clients working with interns benefit from the expertise of both the intern and their supervisors. This meticulous training process often includes weekly supervision meetings, case discussions, collaborative problem-solving, group consultation, and ongoing professional development opportunities. Close supervision ensures that interns adhere strongly to ethical standards, resulting in high levels of professionalism and care. Clients can feel confident that they are receiving quality care, as all intern activities are closely monitored and guided by seasoned professionals.

Personal Growth and Development
Working with an intern can be a collaborative and growth-oriented experience. Clients play a significant role in the professional development of interns, creating a rewarding therapeutic relationship. Interns are dedicated and committed to their professional growth, ensuring they are well-prepared to become effective, compassionate, and knowledgeable mental health counselors. This mutual growth fosters a unique and empowering dynamic in the therapeutic relationship, where both client and intern learn and evolve together.

Incorporating Coping Skills and Exercises
As an MHC intern, I am also enthusiastic about integrating practical coping skills and exercises into our sessions. Here are a few techniques you might encounter:

1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Techniques to help you stay grounded, present in the moment, and reduce anxiety.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Techniques (CBT): Strategies to challenge and change unhelpful thinking patterns.
3. Relaxation Exercises: Progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery exercises to reduce stress.
4. Journaling: Encouraging self-reflection and tracking progress.
5. Breathing Exercises: Simple practices to manage stress and improve emotional regulation.​

Ultimately, MHC interns bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm while working diligently to support their clients' well-being. Benjamin Franklin once said: "Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn." I believe that this quote perfectly captures the essence of the therapeutic process with an intern. By involving clients in their journey, both the intern and the client learn and grow together. If you're looking for affordable, flexible, and high-quality mental health care, working with an intern like myself might be the perfect fit. Let's embark on this journey together and explore your potential for growth and healing.

Author

This blog article was written by Kat Pearl, EdM, MA, MHC Intern, a Mental Health Counseling Intern at Healing & Growth Counseling. Kat has many years of experience as a certified school psychologist, and decided to go back to school to become a Mental Health Counselor so that she could work with people outside of the school setting to help them achieve their goals and heal from their past. Kat is an active yogi and long distance runner who engages in her own daily practice of meditation and mindfulness. She incorporates a variety of techniques into her routine, including breathwork, guided visualization, and mindful movement, in order to stay grounded and centered. 

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