RMHCI and LMHC Credentials in Florida

In Florida, RMHCI stands for Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern. It is the credential for someone who has completed a graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling and is completing the supervised clinical hours the state requires before becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).

The term intern

The word intern can suggest a student who is shadowing a professional, and that is not what the credential describes. An RMHCI has completed a full graduate program, is registered with the Florida Department of Health, and provides clinical therapy to clients. The period as an intern is spent accumulating supervised direct-client hours.

The role of supervision

Every case I see is reviewed under the clinical supervision of a Qualified Supervisor, who for me is Elizabeth Ann Mahaney, LMHC, through South Tampa Therapy. A fully licensed clinician reviews my clinical work, is available for consultation, and shares accountability for the care I provide. This is an added layer of oversight that independently licensed therapists do not have.

Considerations when choosing a therapist

Fees are sometimes lower than those of a clinician who has been in practice for many years.
Training matters, and I am trained in Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy, which I use as the foundation of my work.
Fit with a therapist depends on many things, including how understood you feel, and license level is only one of them.

If you have questions about my credentials or supervision, I am glad to answer them during a consultation call, and you can read more on the about page.

The term intern

The role of supervision

Considerations when choosing a therapist

Let's Talk