My experience with Greater Lakes Mental Healthcare during my internship process was extremely…read moredisappointing and emotionally exhausting. I entered the experience excited to learn, grow professionally, and receive guidance as a Clinical Mental Health Counseling student. Unfortunately, my experience did not feel supportive, educational, or encouraging.
A large part of my concerns involved the supervision and overall communication I experienced, specifically involving the main supervisor, Bill, and Duc Cao. During meetings, Duc Cao often appeared supportive and at times seemed to come to my defense in conversations involving Bill. However, what was communicated to me verbally during meetings often did not align with what was later documented. This created significant confusion, stress, and a growing sense of mistrust throughout the internship process.
As a student trying to learn and grow professionally, it was extremely difficult navigating an environment where I felt I was receiving mixed messages and inconsistent communication. Rather than feeling guided and mentored, I frequently felt overwhelmed, emotionally distressed, and uncertain about where I stood.
One thing I found especially concerning was the apparent focus on whether or not I planned to pursue licensure after graduation. In my opinion, no supervisor should hold concerns, bias, or negative assumptions toward an intern based on their future career decisions or whether they choose to pursue licensure. An intern's long-term career plans do not determine their value, professionalism, or dedication within their school program, and those decisions should never be used against them in an internship setting.
As a nontraditional student who has spent years working toward my education while balancing family, work, and community responsibilities, this experience had a significant emotional impact on me. Internship placements should be environments where students can safely ask questions, learn from mistakes, and develop professionally through honest and transparent supervision. Instead, this experience negatively affected my confidence, emotional well-being, and trust in the process.
I believe mental health organizations, especially those involved in training future professionals, should place a strong focus on transparency, ethical supervision, supportive leadership, and consistent communication. Students deserve to feel respected, supported, and safe within their learning environments.
I sincerely do not want another intern to experience the confusion, stress, and emotional exhaustion that I experienced throughout this process. My intention in sharing this review is not to attack anyone personally, but to encourage reflection and improvement in how interns and developing professionals are treated and supported moving forward.
Despite this experience, I remain passionate about the counseling profession and committed to helping others. I simply believe honesty, accountability, and ethical mentorship are essential when working with future mental health professionals.
