I will not likely add anything new to this discussion but simply mention that I supervise residents. In the group practice where I do this (besides seeing my own clients) the PRACTICE "advertises" the residents by letting the front desk weave into the first conversation with potential clients who call requesting help - information about who is available to address their needs. That would INCLUDE the residents who are available working in the practice.

The potential clients who call are informed about the difference between residents and licensed counselors; the financial costs the potential client must bear to do the counseling is distinguished from the costs of the licensed counselors, and other issues that are relevant.

Then the potential clients makes their own choices.

In essence the group PRACTICE does the work of advertising its services, puts its own web site on the web with the residents listed, and the supervision which the residents work under is clearly stated.

There is more I could say, but generally, this is what happens.

Depending on whether the residents wish to "specialize" in certain issues, or age groups, etc. - this can make a difference in the choices the potential clients will make.

Hope this helps clarify some pieces of how this can be useful.

Dan Towery MA ThM LPC CSOTP, Supervisor for Residents in Counseling

Riverside Counseling Center

703-724-0200