While I agree that the Residency process can be long and difficult due to heavy caseloads and low wages, I do not believe this as proposed is the solution.

The Residency experience is a time for pre-licensed clinicians to learn, grow, polish skills, and develop their professional Counselor identity. Running a private practice, even a solo practice not easy, and I just don’t believe new therapists are ready for that yet. Spend the time during Residency doing what it was designed for: learning and sharpening clinical skills while providing an invaluable service to clients. 

What we should be fighting for is for more insurance companies to allow our residents to see their members, but I digress.