When you begin therapy in Virginia, you may notice that providers use different professional titles such as Intern, Resident, Supervisee, or Licensed Therapist. These titles reflect different stages of education, supervision, and licensure—but don’t mean a difference in care quality or client worth. So what are the differences?
🟦 INTERN
(Graduate Student in Counseling, Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, or Psychology)
Who they are
An Intern is an undergraduate- or graduatelevel student completing a required clinical internship as part of an accredited bachelors, master’s or doctoral program. Interns have not yet graduated and are gaining supervised clinical experience as part of their education. All of You Counseling only hires graduate-level interns.
What this means for clients
Interns do not practice independently
All services are provided under close, ongoing supervision
Supervisors review cases, documentation, and treatment planning
Care follows the same ethical and legal standards as licensed practice
Why clients choose interns
Services are often more affordable or slidingscale
Clients benefit from high levels of oversight, and the supervisor’s experience
Interns bring current training and careful attention to care
🟨 RESIDENT
(Counseling Resident, MFT Resident, or Psychology Resident)
Who they are
A Resident has completed graduate education and is registered with the Virginia Board of Counseling as a Resident in Counseling or Resident in Marriage & Family Therapy, or with the Virginia Board of Psychology as a Resident in Psychology. Residents are completing required postgraduate supervised clinical hours toward full licensure.
What this means for clients
Residents provide therapy directly but must receive supervision
Supervisors regularly consult on treatment and ethical issues
Residents must meet strict state requirements for training and oversight
Why clients choose residents
Fees are often lower than fully licensed therapists
Residents can accept some insurances under the supervisor’s credential, if their supervisor accepts insurance
Residents have completed formal education and are building experience
Clients benefit from both therapist care and supervisory input
🟨 SUPERVISEE
(LCSW Candidates)
Who they are
A Supervisee in Social Work is a clinician who has completed graduate education and is practicing under a formal supervision agreement approved by the Virginia Board of Social Work. They are working toward Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) status. A Supervisee is the Social Work equivalent of a Resident, with the same benefits for clients.
🟥 LICENSED THERAPIST
(LPC, LCSW, or LMFT)
Who they are
A Licensed Therapist has completed all education, post-graduate supervised experience, and examinations required by Virginia and holds an active, unrestricted license.
What this means for clients
Licensed therapists practice independently
They may diagnose and treat without supervision
They often have significant postgraduate experience
They are eligible to accept insurance, if they choose to
With additional experience and training, they may supervise interns, residents, and supervisees
Does a Therapist’s Training Stage Affect Care Quality?
All therapists—interns, residents, supervisees, and licensed providers—must meet Virginia’s legal and ethical standards. Differences relate to experience level, supervision requirements, and cost, not safety requirements or professionalism.
Many clients receive excellent care from therapists at each of these stages of a clinician’s career.
Choosing the Right Fit for You
There is no single “best” option. Consider:
Budget and insurance coverage
Comfort with supervision
Complexity of your concerns
Personal preference for experience level
Practices can help match you with a provider who meets your needs.
Client FAQs About Therapist Credentials
Is it safe to work with an intern, resident, or supervisee?
Yes. All are legally authorized to provide services under Virginia law and are supervised by licensed professionals.
Will my sessions be reviewed?
Possibly. Supervisors may review notes or discuss cases for training and quality assurance, while maintaining confidentiality.
Will a supervisor attend my sessions?
Usually no. Most supervision happens outside sessions. You will be informed if live or recorded supervision is planned.
Are interns or Residents/Supervisees less qualified?
They are at different stages of training, not lower quality. All provide care within approved scopes of practice. Some may have opted to take specialized training that can make them especially qualified to work with certain clients, or to treat certain conditions.
Why are fees sometimes lower?
Reduced fees reflect training stage and supervision requirements, not lower standards of care.
Can I change therapists?
Yes. You may request a different provider at any time.
Who do I contact with concerns?
If you have concerns about the right fit of your therapist, or about the quality of your care, you may speak with your therapist, their supervisor, or practice leadership. If you have concerns about possible safety or legal violations, you can additionally contact the appropriate Virginia licensing board.
Professional Disclosure & Supervision Statement (Virginia)
Therapist Credentials and Licensure Status
Your therapist’s professional title reflects their stage of training and licensure in the Commonwealth of Virginia. All services provided comply with Virginia law and applicable professional ethical standards.
Provider roles may include:
- Undergraduate Intern
- Graduate Intern
- Resident in Counseling (LPCResident)
- Resident in Marriage & Family Therapy (LMFTResident)
- Resident in Psychology
- Supervisee in Social Work
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)
Your therapist will identify their credentials upon intake and upon request.
Supervision Disclosure
Interns, Residents, and Supervisees are required to practice under licensed supervision approved by the appropriate Virginia licensing board. Supervision may include case consultation, documentation review, and treatment planning guidance.
Confidentiality in Supervision
Supervisors are legally and ethically bound to maintain confidentiality. Information shared is limited to what is necessary for professional consultation and quality of care.
Client Rights
Clients have the right to:
Ask about credentials and supervision
Request to speak with a supervisor
Request a different provider
File concerns with practice leadership or licensing boards
📚 Sources (Virginia Specific)
- Virginia Board of Counseling — Licensure and Residency Requirements for LPCs and LMFTs
- Virginia Board of Social Work — Supervised Practice and LCSW Requirements
- Virginia Administrative Code (18VAC115) — Supervision, Scope of Practice, and Titles