Working with an intern for testing, neurofeedback or counseling services
FAQ
Our clinical supervisors go through lengthy interview process to find the best intern candidates to join our team each year. We accept those who support MVP's ethical and social values while encompassing the qualities to provide the best client care possible. Below are answers to frequently asked questions we are asked about working with an intern. We hope this supports you in making an informed decision that fits your needs.
Licensed Psychologists have completed their doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), finished all required supervised training hours, and passed national and state licensing exams. They practice independently and often have many years of clinical experience.
Psychologist Candidates (sometimes called postdoctoral fellows or doctoral candidates, depending on stage) have completed their doctoral degree and are accruing required supervised hours toward full licensure. They provide services under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
Doctoral Interns are advanced doctoral students completing their final clinical training before earning their degree. They have completed graduate coursework and practicum training and provide services under close supervision by a licensed psychologist.
All clinicians — at every level — are trained in evidence‑based approaches and practice under ethical and professional standards.
Policies can vary depending on the agency and the type of benefits being requested. In many cases, psychological testing conducted by an intern is supervised and co‑signed by a licensed psychologist, which can meet requirements.
However, some agencies (including certain disability determinations) may require the evaluation to be conducted or formally signed by a fully licensed psychologist.
If you are pursuing disability benefits, we recommend letting us know in advance so we can ensure your evaluation meets the necessary documentation requirements.
Intern services are offered at a reduced rate because they are still in training and practicing under supervision.
While interns are highly trained and closely supervised, they have not yet completed all requirements for independent licensure. Offering services at a lower fee helps increase access to care while maintaining high clinical standards.
Clients benefit from:
- Evidence‑based treatment
- Careful case consultation
- Ongoing supervision by a licensed psychologist
It allows us to expand access while preserving quality.
Supervision is a structured and required part of advanced clinical training.
- Doctoral interns receive regular, scheduled individual supervision each week, often along with group supervision and case consultation. Those who complete testing administer assessments they have competency in independently. If they don't yet have competency in a test that is part of the assessment process, their supervisor, a licensed psychologist administers the test. All data and the report are reviewed by a licensed psychologist and diagnoses are made collaboratively with the supervising psychologist.
- Psychologist candidates also receive ongoing supervision as required by state licensure regulations. When completing an assessment with a psychologist candidate cases are reviewed and discussed with the supervising licensed psychologist.
Supervision includes case review, treatment planning, ethical guidance, and diagnostic consultation. This means clients often benefit from the perspective of more than one experienced professional on their case.
That’s completely understandable. Choosing a provider is an important decision.
Our licensed psychologists are available for individuals who prefer a fully licensed provider or who may have particularly complex diagnostic or legal needs.
At the same time, many clients with complex presentations work very successfully with interns or candidates. These clinicians receive close supervision and thoughtful case consultation to ensure high‑quality care.
If you’re unsure which level of provider is the best fit, we’re happy to discuss your needs and help guide you toward the right match.
All of our interns complete formal neurofeedback training before working with clients. In addition to their training, every neurofeedback session conducted by an intern is closely overseen.
Client session data is reviewed regularly by either Dr. Steffanie Stecker or Michele Flynn. Interns also participate in weekly supervision meetings where all cases are discussed to ensure thoughtful clinical decision‑making and high‑quality care.
Neurofeedback services provided by interns are part of a structured training model that includes consistent oversight and consultation.
Interns are trained to administer and collect brain mapping (qEEG) data. However, they do not independently interpret the data or select treatment protocols.
Brain maps are artifacted, reviewed, and interpreted by Michele Flynn or Dr. Steffanie Stecker, both of whom have more than 11 years of experience in neurofeedback and have trained numerous providers in the field. Treatment protocols are selected by these experienced clinicians to ensure accuracy and clinical appropriateness.
This layered review process helps maintain consistency and quality in care.
Neurofeedback is a non‑invasive training process designed to support the brain’s natural learning and regulation. With the training and oversight structure we have in place, we have not experienced a situation in which a client’s brain was “messed up.”
That said, neurofeedback is individualized, and clients may occasionally notice changes as their brain adapts. If anything ever feels uncomfortable or unexpected, we pause the training, review the data, and adjust as needed. Ongoing monitoring and supervision are built into every case to prioritize safety and responsiveness.
Your comfort and well‑being are always central to the process.
Our counseling interns are advanced graduate students who are completing either a doctoral degree in clinical or counseling psychology (PhD or PsyD) or a Master’s degree in counseling or a related mental health field.
By the time they begin seeing clients, they have completed graduate coursework in areas such as diagnosis, treatment planning, ethics, multicultural competence, and evidence‑based therapeutic approaches.
All interns provide services under the supervision of a licensed psychologist or licensed professional counselor and follow the same ethical and professional standards as all clinicians in our practice.
Before joining our practice, interns are trained in research‑supported treatment approaches and receive ongoing, structured supervision each week. During supervision, cases are reviewed, treatment plans are discussed, and clinical guidance is provided to ensure high‑quality, thoughtful care.
Because interns regularly consult with experienced licensed clinicians, clients benefit from both the intern’s direct therapeutic relationship and the additional oversight and perspective of a seasoned professional.
If you’re unsure whether working with an intern is the right fit, we’re happy to discuss your needs and help match you with the provider who feels most appropriate for your situation.
