Recently, during a consultation call, a prospective client asked me about my professional status. I am an intern at P.S. Therapy. That much she understood. What she wanted to know was: What exactly does that mean? What would be the difference for her, if any, between working with a licensed clinician and working with a clinical intern?

I was glad she asked; I’d already given the question a lot of thought. The truth is, there are real benefits to seeing an intern. There can be drawbacks to consider as well, and the parameters are slightly, if not really noticeably, different. In any event, it’s important to be upfront and transparent, so that the person seeking help can make an informed, wise decision about their care—one that’s best for them.

Toward that end, and in the therapeutic spirit, here’s a question-and-answer, a kind of FAQ, on what it means to have an intern for a therapist.

What is an intern?

A clinical intern is a graduate student who has advanced to a stage in their development at which they are honing their therapeutic skills. They’ve gained the fundamental practical and theoretical knowledge. Now they are seeing and treating a host of clients. 

Do interns work on their own?

Yes and no. If you see an intern, when you show up for therapy you’ll be seeing only that person. No one else will be in the room—whether it be a Zoom room or an actual one. Behind the scenes, however, your therapist is being supervised by a seasoned therapist. This means that your therapist is receiving regular expert guidance (under full confidentiality) on your case. In addition, most interns also review their cases with a faculty supervisor, which is yet another seasoned clinician. You can think of it as three therapists for the price of one.

What do interns bring to the work that others may not?

Since interns are still in graduate school, they’re being exposed to and trained in the most up-to-date developments and techniques in the field—and they’re often learning from top researchers and clinicians. Their relative newness to the field also means that interns tend to be brimming with enthusiasm for the work. And interns tend to see fewer clients per week than other therapists, which means that they can devote more attention to each case. 

Do interns cost the same as other therapists?

Interns cost less per session than seasoned therapists. This makes them a good option for those who have to be particularly conscious about fees. 

Should I see an intern?

You should do what feels right for you. The most important thing in psychotherapy is the relationship. Talk to your potential therapist first. Every therapist, intern or not, is different, with their own background, style, and approach. If you feel comfortable—if you feel that you will connect, feel heard, and be productively challenged—then you’re likely to benefit. The choice is all yours.