Therapy That Fits Your Budget: Why Seeing a Psychotherapy Intern Might Be the Best Decision You Make
by Meagan Woodhouse, MBA, RP Qualifying
Getting help for mental health shouldn’t be so hard, but for many in our community, it still is. We know that in Canada there continues to be a need for access to mental health services (Moroz, Moroz, & D’Angelo, 2020). Some of the reasons that people are not accessing counselling include long waitlists and cost barriers. We believe that one solution to these barriers includes reduced-cost counselling.
What is reduced-rate counselling?
Reduced-rate counselling, also known as affordable or low-cost therapy, is offered by Master-level intern therapists at rates lower than those of regular treatment. The intern receives supervision from a registered mental health professional, ensuring their work is upheld to both ethical and professional standards, thereby providing the client with the best possible care.
Benefits of reduced-rate counselling:
1. Accessibility. Interns often have more flexibility in their schedules for clients, making it easier to book an appointment. Additionally, interns often have smaller caseloads and can dedicate more time to clients.
2. Reduced financial burden. Everyone deserves access to mental health support. Interns can offer more affordable prices for therapy. Where there is a financial barrier to therapy, such as low-income families, students or individuals without employer benefits, interns provide an option to counselling.
3. Up-to-date knowledge. Interns have the most recent academic knowledge, coming fresh out of school, they are using evidence-based research in their approach to therapy.
4. Supervised care. Interns are supervised by an experienced supervisor, ensuring clients are supported and guided. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring interns are holding ethical and professional standards. This is like getting two therapists for the price of one!
5. Motivated and enthusiastic. Interns have a strong passion for their work and are motivated to do a good job.
6. Contribution to training. By working with an intern therapist, you are able to contribute to their learning and training. This helps them build their skills and experiences for future clients once they are fully licensed, and helps the community have more mental health professionals.
Access to affordable therapy can help those who need it. It’s a great opportunity to explore therapy with minimal commitment—perfect for anyone curious but held back by financial or scheduling concerns. If you’ve ever thought about trying therapy, now might be the right time to take that first step.
Offerings at Calming Tree Counselling – Reduced Cost Therapy – Meagan Woodhouse, Registered Psychotherapist Qualifying
References
Moroz, N., Moroz, I., & D’Angelo, M. S. (2020). Mental health services in Canada: Barriers and cost-effective solutions to increase access. Healthcare Management Forum, 33(6), 282–287. https://doi.org/10.1177/0840470420933911