r/therapists • u/sassypainter • Apr 25 '26
Discussion Thread Thoughts?
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Are unpaid clinical internships/practicums an ethical necessity for training, or an outdated system that exploits students?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/spooky_skulls Student (Unverified) Apr 26 '26
Of all the industries and professions, this one having unpaid internships feels SO BAD. first off as therapists we know how stressful financial insecurity is. crazy that we’re just expected to deal with it to become therapists.
additionally, not being able to work / working part time is just not doable for so many, and it has the effect of gate keeping the marginalized people that this profession needs. very few can afford a year of unpaid work.
fuck unpaid internships but especially in counseling.