How we support our practicum students at the Vancouver Therapy Collective
Practicum students are at the center of how we deliver affordable therapy to clients in Vancouver and across British Columbia, and they play a critical role in how we continue to grow as an organization. From the beginning, our goal has been to create a supportive, inclusive, and practical environment for student therapists to learn.
Our model is built around matching practicum students with clients who are looking for low-cost counselling, and that structure has allowed us to support both students and the community in meaningful ways. It’s a model that works because it benefits everyone involved.
Here’s a closer look at what we offer our practicum students:
We help students build their caseloads quickly
We make sure practicum students have full schedules. Most fill up within a few weeks of starting. We actively connect them with people looking for affordable therapy, so students can focus on their sessions and not worry about finding clients. This gives students real-world experience from the very beginning.
We accept a range of availabilities from our students
Some students are available full-time while others can only do a few hours a week. That’s fine with us. We work with the availabilities that students have. Our goal is to support learning, not restrict it.
We offer in-person and online options
Our offices are located in the heart of Kitsilano and include private, comfortable therapy rooms that practicum students are free to use. For those offering online therapy, we provide all the technology they need to work from home or from our space. Whether clients prefer to meet in person or online, students are supported in offering care in both settings. This flexibility helps students meet the needs of their clients while building a schedule that works for them.
We provide supervision and advanced trainings
Every practicum student at VTC receives regular one-on-one supervision to help them grow clinically and personally. We also run group supervision sessions where students can learn from each other, share experiences, and build community. On top of that, we offer access to specialized training on topics like handling ADHD, trauma, and other areas that often don’t get covered in depth during academic programs. These supports give students the tools they need to feel more confident in their work.
We value collaboration
VTC offers a young, vibrant, and team-oriented culture. Practicum students are included in staff meetings, social events, and ongoing conversations about how we work and how we can grow. We see students as part of our team, not just temporary learners. Their ideas, feedback, and perspectives are welcome, and we encourage them to shape the space around them. We believe the best learning happens when people feel like they belong.
We offer long-term opportunities after graduation
Many of our practicum students are offered the opportunity to stay with us as associate therapists after they graduate. For those who are interested, we offer help with building a brand, developing a marketing strategy, and starting a private practice. We also offer continued access to our office space, community, and client referrals. Students who stay with us continue to receive the support they need to grow their practice.
We embrace diversity
We believe that a strong therapy collective reflects the diversity of the community it serves. We are proud to work with practicum students from many different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. This diversity helps us offer more inclusive care to clients and creates a richer, more dynamic learning environment for everyone involved.
We offer real support
Therapy work can be hard, especially when you’re just starting out. As a result, we make sure students have people to turn to, whether it’s for clinical questions, emotional support, or practical help.
About the Vancouver Therapy Collective
The Vancouver Therapy Collective is a team of counsellors, practicum students, and supervisors offering affordable mental health support across British Columbia. We focus on making therapy accessible by providing low-cost sessions both in person at our Kitsilano office and online. Our collaborative model is built around community care, inclusion, and training the next generation of therapists.
