Clinical Training: The Future of Care
Building a stronger mental health system doesn’t just mean expanding access to care, it also means investing in the people who provide it. At Droste Mental Health Services, our Clinical Training Program is one way we do both.
For many people, cost is one of the biggest barriers to starting therapy. One way we address this is by offering sessions with graduate-level interns, clinicians-in-training, at a lower cost than our traditional sliding scale, while still maintaining a high standard of care.
It’s natural to have questions about working with a clinician who is still in training. This is something we take seriously. Not every client is matched with an intern. We carefully consider each person’s needs and ensure that the level of care is appropriate. Interns work under close, ongoing supervision, with licensed clinicians actively guiding their work. This layered approach helps ensure that care remains thoughtful, responsive, and grounded in best practices.
For many clients, working with an intern can be a meaningful and highly supportive experience. Interns bring fresh perspectives, are deeply engaged in current clinical training, and often have greater scheduling flexibility, supporting consistency and continuity of care. Clients also benefit from a model in which their care is supported by more than one clinician, creating an added layer of thoughtfulness and collaboration.
At the same time, this work is an essential part of building a stronger mental health workforce. Since 1982, Droste has trained graduate-level interns, helping emerging clinicians develop the skills, judgment, and self-awareness needed for effective and ethical practice.
Interns themselves often describe the experience as both rigorous and deeply supportive:
“Droste has given me the opportunity to learn from a team of incredible clinicians who are committed to providing quality, accessible mental health care. I’ve been able to work with a diverse range of clients while being deeply supported in learning both the art and science of therapy.”
“This internship has been incredibly meaningful and rewarding. I feel challenged in ways that build both my confidence and competence, and supported by a team that encourages my growth every step of the way.”
During Mental Health Awareness Month, we are reminded that expanding access to care requires not only meeting today’s needs but also preparing the clinicians who will meet the needs of tomorrow. Our Clinical Training Program is one way we continue to do both.
If you are considering therapy and are open to working with a clinician-in-training, we encourage you to reach out to learn more about whether this option might be a good fit.
