Student and Pre-Registration Intern Counselling
Affordable, Accessible Counselling in Nanaimo, Parksville, Campbell River, Port Alberni, Duncan, and Virtually Across BC
At Island Clinical Counselling, we believe financial circumstances should not prevent someone from accessing meaningful mental health support.
We offer two affordable counselling options: sessions with graduate-level counselling students completing their practicum and sessions with pre-registration interns who have completed their practicum and are approaching professional registration.
Both students and interns receive regular clinical supervision and are carefully selected for their skills, experience, professionalism, and commitment to providing compassionate, ethical care.
Understanding the Difference
Student Counsellors
Our student counsellors are graduate-level counselling students completing the practicum portion of their master's degree.
Before joining ICC, each student completes a thorough interview and selection process. We prioritize applicants who already have experience in helping professions and demonstrate the maturity, clinical judgment, and interpersonal skills needed to support clients effectively.
Students receive close supervision from experienced Registered Clinical Counsellors and approved clinical supervisors throughout their practicum.
- Regular student session: $70
- Pay What You Can sessions are available for clients who need additional financial flexibility
Pre-Registration Interns
Our pre-registration interns are further along in their professional development. They have completed their practicum and are typically only a few months away from becoming registered counsellors.
This transitional period allows interns to continue developing their clinical skills, build their caseloads, and receive ongoing supervision while completing the final requirements for professional registration.
Pre-registration interns may be a good fit for clients who want an affordable option while working with a clinician who has completed their formal practicum training and is approaching registration.
- $70 per session
Who Can Access Student and Intern Counselling?
Depending on the individual student or intern's training and areas of practice, affordable counselling may be available for:
- Children and youth
- Adults and older adults
- Couples
- Families
Our administrative team can help match you with someone whose experience, availability, and approach fit your needs.
Why Work With a Student or Intern?
There are many reasons clients choose to work with one of our students or pre-registration interns:
- They bring current, evidence-based knowledge from their recent education and training
- They receive regular clinical supervision and consultation
- Many have previous experience in helping professions
- They often bring curiosity, creativity, and fresh perspectives to counselling
- Sessions are offered at a reduced rate
- Clients contribute to the development of thoughtful and skilled future Registered Clinical Counsellors
Clients who work with our students and interns often tell us they feel supported, understood, and empowered throughout the counselling process.
Pay What You Can Program
Our Pay What You Can Program offers additional financial flexibility for clients working with participating student counsellors.
There are no application forms, no income verification, and no judgment. If you tell us that you need the program, you qualify.
How It Works
- Let us know when booking that you would like to access the Pay What You Can Program
- Choose a session fee that is manageable for you or your family
- That amount becomes your fee while you receive counselling through the program
- Our administrative team will update your account — no additional explanation or documentation is required
Pay What You Can counselling may be available for individuals, couples, and families, depending on the participating student's training and availability.
Insurance Coverage
Sessions with students and pre-registration interns are generally not eligible for reimbursement through extended health insurance plans because these clinicians are not yet independently registered.
If insurance coverage is important to you, please check your plan requirements or contact our administrative team. We can also help you explore options with one of our registered clinicians.
Ready to Book?
Not sure whether a student counsellor or pre-registration intern is the best fit for you? Our administrative team can help you choose an option based on your needs, preferences, location, and budget.
We're here to help you find counselling that feels both supportive and financially accessible.
Meet Our Current Students & Interns
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Student Counsellors
8$70 per session — Pay What You Can available.
Pre-Registration Interns
8$70 per session.
