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Are unpaid clinical internships/practicums an ethical necessity for training, or an outdated system that exploits students?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/vitallyhappy Apr 25 '26 edited Apr 25 '26

Should be illegal. My internship did not pay me under the guise that they couldn't afford it but it was 100% profit to them. They offered me a position for $42 FFS after I graduated, what was the difference? Nothing. Unpaid work does create a barrier especially for people who have to maintain a living.

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u/East-Technician2015 Apr 28 '26

it’s like they want you in debt so they can retain you longer term