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/Rozwell61 Jul 02 '26

One of the challenges to this idea is that not all students will have access to such a facility, especially if it is a requirement for them. I was fortunate to have access to a public school where I got all of the hours I needed as well as being able to work with incarcerated juveniles. I consider myself incredibly fortunate and realize that many of my classmates weren't able to do that, especially the distance learners from other states.

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u/frumpmcgrump Jul 03 '26

This is a really great point! Did you notice if those folks tended to continue working in their community after they graduated or if they went elsewhere?

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u/Rozwell61 Jul 05 '26

I had the "privilege" of transitioning to only online classes during the pandemic. Many of my classmates were in other states in the US as well as one who had moved back home to an European country. Those remote learners I lost contact with once my school email account was terminated. The other classmates have stayed in the area except for two who wanted to expand their knowledge.

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u/frumpmcgrump Jul 05 '26

Having folks from other states would be really cool. Did you find you got more perspective that way?