Clinical Training: The Future of Care
Building a stronger mental health system doesn’t just mean expanding access to care; it 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 the biggest barrier 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.
At the same time, the impact of this program goes beyond individual sessions. Since 1982, Droste has trained emerging clinicians, helping them develop the skills, judgment, and self-awareness needed for ethical, effective practice. This work not only supports our clients today, but helps ensure there are more well-trained therapists available in the future.
High Standards and Collaborative Supervision
It is natural to have questions about working with a clinician who is still in training. At Droste, we take this responsibility seriously. We carefully consider clinical needs and fit before making a recommendation. Interns work under close ongoing supervision from our Executive Director, who actively guides their clinical work. This creates a layered model of care, where your treatment is supported by both your therapist and an experienced supervisor. The result is care that is thoughtful, responsive, and grounded in strong clinical practice with every treatment plan backed by decades of collective clinical experience.
Many clients also find that interns bring a high level of engagement, fresh perspective, and flexibility in scheduling, supporting the consistency and continuity that are so important in therapy. Other clients find that an intern has the personality or background they are looking for in a therapist.
The Intern Experience
Our clinicians-in-training are an integral part of our mission, and they often describe the environment at Droste as one that balances rigor with deep support:
“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.”
A Wide Range of Care Options
Expanding access to mental health care means offering options that meet people where they are. Whether you are looking for a licensed clinician or are interested in the high-quality, accessible care provided by our clinical interns, Droste offers a wide range of therapists to meet your specific needs.
If you are considering starting therapy, we encourage you to reach out. Our team will work with you to understand your goals and connect you with the provider who feels like the best match.
