should I use an unlicensed therapist?

[LuckyNicki]

So I contacted a therapist that will run me around $140 a session zZz.

Thats a bit much but she said that her interns who she supervises that are unlicensed but have completed 3000 hours of clinical work will run me at a more affordable hourly, which is $50.

Any warnings or advice regarding using an unlicensed therapist intern?   


Thank you bpdfamily.

[numb_buddha]

So I contacted a therapist that will run me around $140 a session zZz.

Thats a bit much but she said that her interns who she supervises that are unlicensed but have completed 3000 hours of clinical work will run me at a more affordable hourly, which is $50.

Any warnings or advice regarding using an unlicensed therapist intern?   


Thank you bpdfamily.

Of course it depends on the intern and the skills they bring to the table. When it comes to something like BPD, however, I would be skeptical that the intern would know enough about it. That said, you could teach them a lot. 

[LuckyNicki]

Funny you say I can teach them a lot.  I feel like I know so much about BPD.  Lol. I've literally spent last few months reading about it.  

Sadly there were days where I was in bed all day reading about it.   ooh the things love makes you do.

[Unleashed]

We saw marriage counselors.

#1) unlicensed, ok, but did not really recognize and fix anything, very low cost.

#2) licensed, cocky, pro woman, idealistic, lacking in knowledge, actually gets stumped by me= bad, high cost.

#3) licensed, doctorate fellow, near retirement, pretty well saw divorce and said it very quickly.

Apart from that I place little value in licensing. I'd assess the individual.  3000 hours is a lot.  Was reading a counselor's magazine once (early for T appointment... . ) and read an opinion that the rookies think they can label and fix everything.  The older ones accept the limits of repairs.  I think that it true, accept it for what it's worth.  Also, despite my christian leanings, be careful getting a religious counselor, i.e. one who is providing a spiritual service and cannot charge insurances.  That track of counselors can vary widely, if you get a bad one, the advice may be idealistic and authoritative.  Not only inconsistent with my faith, but un-doable.  Only accept advice which can actually manifest in your heart and actions.

Licensed counselors may get in the insurance, but the intern's $40/hr rate is a co-pay = about the same.

[iluminati]

IIRC, there's no laws about who can call themselves a psychotherapist.  Now there are licenses for being a licensed clinical social worker, but that has nothing to do with therapy, per se.  Granted, you would prefer the more experienced person, but everyone has to start somewhere.

[Lamaiel]

Therapists are most definitely not created equal, we all know that.  For me, the best avenue to find a therapist is via referrals and recommendations.  Talk to a few people you trust and see if you can gather some information. 

In my area (Midwest) it seems your typical therapist charges around 100-140 bucks an hour.  Many times you can use that as a gauge of quality.