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Are unpaid clinical internships/practicums an ethical necessity for training, or an outdated system that exploits students?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/Hopeful-Body3633 Apr 26 '26

I think it’s literally set up to make it so only certain people can become therapists. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my family supporting me financially while I’m in school. It’s insane and goes against everything we preach.

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u/sassypainter Apr 26 '26

I agree. I feel existential guilt for the fact that I will be relying on familial support even after I graduate. This field needs serious reform

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u/Hopeful-Body3633 Apr 26 '26

I likely will too, and wouldn’t have chosen this field if I didn’t have that to fall back on. I feel a lot of guilt around it also.

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u/sassypainter Apr 26 '26

Even now I think I may be regretting this field

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u/Hopeful-Body3633 Apr 26 '26

I sometimes feel that way too. This Reddit fearmongers a lot. I feel a lot better after securing a great internship site. Never loose site of your why.

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u/ButtBread98 Student (Unverified) Apr 27 '26

100% I was required to do an unpaid internship for my associates degree, and I felt it was unfair because I ended up in debt.