At Lakeside Counseling, we believe that quality mental health care should be accessible to everyone. Intern therapy programs offer clients the opportunity to receive professional counseling services at a reduced rate while supporting the growth of future therapists.
Intern Therapists at Lakeside Counseling
No current interns on staff
Local Intern Therapists at Other Practices
Alexandra Golfis with Hopeful Texas
What is Intern Therapy?
Intern therapy is provided by graduate-level counseling interns who are completing their clinical training under the supervision of a fully licensed therapist. They have undergone extensive coursework, study, and practice via their Master’s degree programs and are working to gain more hands-on experience with clients. This means you receive compassionate, professional care at a reduced rate while supporting the next generation of skilled clinicians. Our interns are carefully selected, highly trained, and committed to providing evidence-based care.
Why Choose Intern Therapy?
Lower Cost – Sessions are available at a significantly reduced rate compared to fully licensed therapists.
Fresh Perspectives – Interns bring enthusiasm, the latest research, and evidence-based practices to therapy.
High-Quality Supervision – Interns receive direct oversight and guidance from experienced, fully licensed professionals.
Are Interns Less Competent or Not As Qualified?
No, being an intern therapist does not necessarily mean that a counselor is less capable or effective. It simply means that they are in the process of gaining the experience and supervision required to become licensed. Graduate level therapists are finishing up their master’s degree and have met the educational requirements necessary to be approved for working with real-life clients. They are committed to their profession and are actively working to build their skills and expertise. They are often enthusiastic, dedicated, and passionate about helping.
It’s important to remember that experience alone does not determine the effectiveness of a counselor. Factors such as empathy, communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and a genuine desire to help clients are crucial components of a counselor’s effectiveness. Decades of research and meta-analysis show that the relationship a client has with their counselor is just as, if not more effective in offering successful therapeutic outcomes than any specific modality alone. Put simply, finding a counselor who’s a ‘good fit’ for you is much more important than the counselor’s experience, certifications, licensure status, etc.
In many cases, clients may have very positive experiences working with interns who are dedicated to their growth and learning. So, while they may be newer to the field in terms of licensure, this does not necessarily translate to a lower quality of counseling services. It’s always a good idea to assess a counselor based on their individual qualities, approach, and the rapport you develop with them during the therapeutic process.
Is an Intern Therapist Right for Me?
Intern therapy is a great choice for individuals, couples, and families looking for affordable, compassionate, and professional mental health support. Our interns are trained in evidence-based techniques and work under the supervision of experienced licensed therapists to ensure quality care.
Intern therapy can be especially beneficial for those seeking generalized help with:
- Stress & anxiety – Managing daily worries, overwhelming emotions, or work/life balance.
- Depression & mood concerns – Developing coping strategies for sadness, loss of motivation, or emotional ups and downs.
- Relationship & family issues – Addressing communication challenges, conflict, or major life transitions.
- Personal growth & life transitions – Navigating changes such as career shifts, school stress, or identity exploration.
However, intern therapy may not be the best fit for individuals who:
- Require intensive or specialized care – If you are experiencing a severe mental health condition such as suicidal thoughts, psychosis, active addiction, or an eating disorder requiring medical intervention, you may benefit from a more specialized or higher level of care.
- Are in crisis or high-risk situations – If you need immediate intervention or crisis management, we recommend working with a fully licensed therapist or reaching out to emergency resources.
- Need court-mandated therapy or legal documentation – If your therapy is required for legal reasons, such as custody cases, court orders, or disability claims, a fully licensed provider may be necessary.
- Prefer an experienced, fully licensed clinician – If you feel more comfortable working with a therapist who has years of independent practice, we can help match you with a licensed therapist from our team.
If you’re unsure whether intern therapy is right for you, we’re happy to discuss your needs and help guide you toward the best option. Reach out today, and let’s find the right support for you!
