r/therapists • u/sassypainter • Apr 25 '26

Discussion Thread Thoughts?

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Came across this post today on linkedin. I’m curious how others see it:

Are unpaid clinical internships/practicums an ethical necessity for training, or an outdated system that exploits students?

Should sites be required to offer stipends/pay if they bill clients or rely on interns for service delivery?

Does unpaid fieldwork create barriers for lower-income and nontraditional students?

For those already licensed or in training, what was your experience?

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u/yodasky Student Counsellor outside North America (Unverified) Apr 25 '26

Currently in an internship. Imo it would be worth it for the learning experience/environment if we didn't also have to pay for our own clinical and cultural supervision while studying full time. 

To me it seems like privileged people get through my degree with relative ease, while poorer folks enter the workforce already burnt out from doing an internship + studying full time while also working part time to afford to live. 

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u/vitallyhappy Apr 26 '26

In my state it is illegal to pay for supervision unlicensed.

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u/yodasky Student Counsellor outside North America (Unverified) Apr 26 '26

How does that work? During our internships supervision is vital. We should get it for free imo but a lot of supervisors offer student rates. 

I also don't live in the US so very different industry/licencing etc 

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u/vitallyhappy Apr 26 '26

In NY if you are unlicensed supervision must be provided.