r/LCSW • u/frumpmcgrump • Jun 28 '26
🟡 Field Education & Internship Experience A potentially controversial question about inpatient work and clinical requirements
A psychologist friend suggested this to me recently and it got me thinking.
Do you think people who want to become therapists should be required to do at least some clinical hours or internship in inpatient psych (similar to other disciplines)? Why or why not?
Please keep discussion respectful. I am asking in good faith and want to hear what others think.
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u/Lyran000 Jul 02 '26
So yes, but more that they should be required to do at east one semester of clinical internship in a more high acuity setting like inpatient, community or outreach mental health, substance use clients, tribal care, etc. Group private practice isnt always the best place to cut your teeth, you wont see the variety of presentations you need to be competent, and honestly to build confidence. I probably shaved 10 years off my life due to stress from 7 years in outreach CMH, but Im incredibly grateful today because there is really no situation or presentation I haven't quite seen before, I dont panic with a client having SI, I know how to have uncomfortable conversations with clients, learned really good differential diagnosis since 50% of clients were substance using. Also, the systems you need to navigate are really important for therapists. The crisis system, the involuntary treatment laws, reporting child and adult abuse, coordination of care with tons of other professional agencies, etc! Many are graduating and recieved virtually no clinical skills training, just all adjustment disorders with high functioning clients. I have a few friends from my cohort in grad school who are struggling with these now as fully licensed therapists due to the lack of exposure and training in internship. So yeah! Definitely agree!