What is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern?

In the state of Florida, a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (RMHCI) is a master’s-level clinician who has completed all educational and training requirements for licensure and is now in the process of completing post-graduate supervised clinical experience, as mandated by law. This title is governed under Florida Statutes Chapter 491, which regulates all licensed clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and mental health counselors. 

According to Florida Statute §491.005(1)(c) and §491.0045, an individual may become a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern if they meet the following criteria:

• Hold a master’s degree or doctoral degree from a program accredited by CACREP, or determined by the Board to be equivalent.
   
• Have completed at least 60 semester hours or 80 quarter hours of graduate-level coursework in specific content areas, including counseling theories, human development, diagnosis, treatment planning, ethics, and practicum/internship experiences.
   
• Submit an Application for Intern Registration to the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling.
   
• Enter into a Board-approved supervision arrangement with a qualified licensed supervisor (Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist).
   
• Be registered and approved by the Board prior to beginning any clinical work toward licensure.
• STILL ACCEPTS INSURANCE
   

The registered intern must then complete:

• A minimum of 2 years of post-master’s supervised experience (equivalent to 1,500 direct client hours and 100 supervision hours).
   
• Pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
   

These requirements are outlined in the Florida Administrative Code Rule 64B4-3 and §491.0045, F.S. (Florida Statutes).

For full legal reference please search for:

• Florida Statute 491.0045 – Intern Registration Requirements
   
• Florida Statute 491.005 – Licensure by Examination

Choosing to work with a Registered Intern means you are receiving care from a counselor who:

• Has completed an accredited graduate education in counseling;
   
• Is actively pursuing advanced clinical licensure;
   
• Is receiving regular supervision from an experienced licensed professional;
   
• Practices under strict ethical, legal, and clinical standards;
   
• Brings current, research-informed techniques and perspectives to the therapy room.
• Still accepts insurance 

For example, Keenan Crowley holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and is registered as an intern with the Florida Department of Health under the supervision of a Qualified Supervisor. Supervision includes review of clinical cases, ongoing evaluation of skills and competencies, and oversight of clinical documentation to ensure ethical compliance.