Bridging the Gap: My Transformative Co-op Experience at Psychotherapy Matters
by Nandini Persaud
As a third-year psychology undergraduate, I’ve absorbed my fair share of Freud, p-values, and Pavlov’s dogs. But beyond the textbooks and lecture halls, I craved something more—a real-world co-op experience that could help shape my path toward becoming a therapist.
That’s why I chose the cooperative stream of my degree. I wanted more than just academic learning; I wanted insight into what my future could actually look like.
The Hunt for Meaningful Experience
Like many students, I quickly realized how hard it was to find placements that genuinely aligned with my goals. Most co-op roles seemed to focus on what I could offer the company, rarely on how they could support my growth.
As I was about to settle for “whatever I could get,” I stumbled upon a posting for a remote co-op position at Psychotherapy Matters (PM). Sure, the role was administrative, but what caught my eye was the organization’s mission of ensuring people get the best mental health care possible.
A quick Google search told me what I needed to know for the interview: a collaborative care platform that connects therapists, psychiatrists, and family doctors. Simple enough—or so I thought.
Learning Beyond the Job Description
Over four months at PM, I came to realize they were so much more than a catchy tagline. What I learned during this time far exceeded anything I had seen in my coursework.
I had always been laser-focused on my dream: helping people through one-on-one therapy. But I had never considered the broader ecosystem surrounding a client’s care. Questions I had never asked myself suddenly surfaced:
- What happens when my client needs a diagnosis I’m not qualified to provide?
- Who do I turn to for a second opinion?
- How do I support medication management?
- Where can I find a psychiatrist without a year-long waitlist?
A Front-Row Seat to Collaborative Care
PM didn’t just hand me a list of tasks—they encouraged me to get involved. I joined consults, team meetings, and onboarding sessions. I saw firsthand the care and thoughtfulness that went into every decision, from refining guidelines to launching new programs.
Working directly with Dr. Steingart on a special project allowed me to interview several PM-affiliated psychotherapists. Hearing their stories made the platform’s impact tangible—real people benefiting in real ways. I realized that even in my small role, I was contributing to a movement that’s reshaping mental health care in Canada.
Looking Ahead
My time at Psychotherapy Matters wasn’t just a co-op placement—it was a turning point. It expanded my understanding of what it means to truly support clients within the therapy room and the larger web of care. One day, I hope to return—not as a student, but as a fully trained psychotherapist. When I do, I’ll carry forward the lessons and inspiration PM gave me, striving to offer the very best care, just like they do.
To learn more about the Collaborative Care Model at Psychotherapy Matters, please visit: https://psychotherapymatters.com/our-services/