Glossary
Pre-licensed associate
A pre-licensed associate is a clinician who has finished their graduate training and is practicing under the supervision of a fully licensed clinician while accruing hours toward independent licensure.
Scope
Associates provide therapy legally and are closely overseen by a licensed supervisor. They are often more available and lower-cost, which is why they're an important part of access to care.
Why it matters when choosing a therapist
Supervised does not mean unqualified — it means early-career and overseen. Kairn lists associates plainly with their status shown, never disguised as fully licensed.