Working with an Intern
Deciding who to see for therapy can be a challenge. There are many factors to consider, from finding a good fit, to therapeutic approach, with logistics like schedules and cost playing a significant role. The decision is complex. Add in the possibility of working with an intern to the mix and even more questions arise.
We created this FAQ to answer some of these questions, both around qualification and logistics.
We are excited to have Wendy Roman on board with us. Wendy is a Masters-level intern and comes to us with significant experience working with families and young people. Her care for others is evident through her work in social service roles, coaching and advocating for families. She works with folks ages 5 and up, all the way through adulthood. She also co-facilitates our high school group.
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Q: Does this person have enough experience to help me?
A: All of our interns are excelling in their study of therapy and often have other work experience that directly informs how they show up to your therapy. Interns are directly supervised by seasoned therapists and are being trained using the latest data and evidence-based practices. We screen all new clients to be sure the therapist we assign will be appropriate for them. This includes clients who see our interns.
Q: I have BCBS PPO; How much will my therapy cost?
A: Given the level of oversight and support given to our interns, we are able to bill your BCBS PPO as in network. Call the number on the back of your card and find out more about your costs related to outpatient mental health care.
Q: I don’t have BCBS PPO. How much will my therapy cost?
A: By utilizing interns we are able to provide high-quality therapy at a significantly reduced cost for those without insurance. Please contact our office for specific rates. Please note that the intern rate ends on June 1st 2023 and your fee will increase. At that time you will be provided with alternative care options should those better suit your needs. In order to utilize reduced intern fees, clients will need to sign an insurance waiver.
Q: How long will I be able to meet with my intern therapist?
A: You will be able to meet with them up until the appointed time for them to exit their internship here (unless they will be staying on with us after that). Prior to your ending with your intern therapist, you will be provided with options to continue your care, either with your intern therapist if they continue with the practice or another clinician on the team. Please keep in mind that if you are paying our reduced out of pocket rate for an intern your costs will go up when the intern transfers you or their role changes to staff therapist.
Q: Why did my intern ask to record our sessions?
A: Intern therapists are receiving one-on-one weekly supervision. As a part of their learning, some of their sessions are monitored or reviewed by their supervisors. Often short clips of sessions are highlighted to focus on one area of clinical practice and support your intern’s education. Please see the Recording Consent for more details on how we handle recording sessions at the practice.
If you have questions not answered here, please ask via our contact form.
DISCLAIMER: The sole purpose of this post is to keep individuals informed of Starks Therapy Group's events, provide useful information related to mental health issues and provide thoughtful content related to self care and mental health. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any mental illness. This post is not monitored daily and is used for information sharing only. If you wish to communicate directly with someone at Starks Therapy Group, please call (708) 689-3055‬. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911.
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