you're pre-licensed & working hard to get those hours...

When we are finally set free from graduate school but still have close to 3,000 clinical hours to accrue before we can even take our licensing exam, the biggest question becomes...."where is the best place to do this?"...well, maybe that's the second biggest question after "HOW am I going to do this?"...LOL

We've all been there and while I "LOL'd" the situation you are actually in, I can only do that in hindsight because when I was in your shoes, I, too, felt it was no laughing matter! When the number 3,000 is taking up so much of your mental space, how can you begin to know the best choice for getting those hours as fast as you want to get them?! 

Working in a private practice or group practice is not typically the fastest way to get through those hours...they aren't typically set up for the type of volume that other places can provide. BUT...here's what a group practice CAN provide~

• a self-directed & flexible schedule that can meet your needs and lifestyle.
• an environment that is focused on self-care, support, and autonomy.
• a focus on one on one training and guidance by experienced, patient, and knowledgeable peers who actually remember and honor the place you're in at this moment.
• while a slower pace of work, a bigger opportunity for specializations and focused areas of interest.
• an invaluable opportunity to learn about private practice and what it takes to successfully have one.
• and much more... 

Of course, the fastest way to accrue hours is by working in a county clinic or agency where you are given a huge caseload and even huger (I know that's not a word but nothing else works) expectations and responsibilities. Many newly registered Associates take this route because on the surface it seems ideal. Plenty of clinical hours in a fast paced day with decent pay (and even benefits). Score! UNTIL....it begins to take the same toll it's taken on many many many who've come before you. Don't get me completely wrong, there are actual benefits from this type of environment. For me, it was getting invaluable experience working with many different mental health and life challenges and this fueled me until I literally felt that I was existing more on fumes than actual fuel and wasn't taking care of myself or my family in the ways that really mattered to me.

I'll be honest...I didn't know how my life could be exponentially better by not working in a clinic setting until after I was licensed because by leaving where I was, I was also letting go of insurance, a steady paycheck, and a skill I worked hard at perfecting and it all felt too scary. This is why I'm laying it out for you! 

If you are in a position where you can take a little more time getting your hours in order to gain experience in a different way, then this is for you! If you know that you aren't your best self in stressful or high pressure situation, then this is for you!  If your health, mental stability, relationships, and overall happiness in life matter more than getting your hours done as fast as possible, then, again, this is for you! 

If I can stress one thing, and one thing only to you, I would stress the importance of listening to yourself and your inner voice that's guiding this journey that you are on. No matter what, you WILL get those 3,000 hours completed. The most important part is HOW you choose to get them done because this will directly effect how you show up as a clinician, a friend, a loved one, and a person. It might not be an easy choice, but it is an important one and whichever way you go, just make sure you stay focused on how it feels for you! 

I'm guessing since you've read to this point, something I said hit home and you'd like to learn more. Yay! I'm so glad to hear it. Below are the basic job expectations for Associate positions. If you are interested in submitting your information for consideration, you can click the link at the bottom to complete the process.