02/21/2026
At Center of Resilience Counseling we are proud to announce the addition of Angie to our team!
Here is Beyond the Title: What Is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern?
Hi everyone! I’m Angie, and I recently joined the team at the Center of Resilience.
From the moment I started here, I’ve felt so honored to be part of a practice that is genuinely committed to growth and healing.
Danielle was kind enough to let me introduce myself and tackle a question that pops up a lot when people are looking for support: "What exactly is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern?"
If you’ve been scrolling through therapist bios and saw those letters - RMHCI - and felt a little confused, you aren't alone. Let’s break down what that title actually means for you and your care.
It’s More Than Just a Title
In the state of Florida, the path to becoming a licensed counselor is rigorous. By the time someone becomes a "Registered Intern," they’ve already crossed some major finish lines.
To get this title, a counselor has to:
Complete a Master’s Degree: This involves 60+ credit hours of intensive graduate coursework.
Put in the Hours: Before even graduating, we complete a 700 hour practicum and internship, working directly with people in a clinical setting.
Register with the State: Once the degree is in hand, we apply to the Florida Board to become "Registered Interns."
The "Intern" part of the title can be a bit of a misnomer because it sounds like we’re still in school. In reality, we’ve finished the books. We’re now in the "on the job" training phase to become fully licensed, which requires an additional 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience.
Think of It Like a Medical Residency
The best way to picture an RMHCI is to compare it to a medical residency.
Just as a doctor finishes medical school and then spends a few years in a residency to hone their skills under the guidance of senior physicians, an RMHCI is a professional who has the education and the degree but is working toward full licensure under the wings of an experienced supervisor.
The Benefits of Working with an RMHCI
You might wonder, "Why choose an intern over someone who has been licensed for twenty years?" There are actually some unique advantages to working with someone at this stage of their career:
Fresh Perspectives: We are fresh out of grad school, which means our brains are packed with the latest research, evidence based practices, and modern therapeutic tools.
Two Brains Are Better Than One: When you see an RMHCI, you’re essentially getting the expertise of two people. We meet regularly with a fully licensed supervisor to review our work, consult on treatment plans, and ensure you’re getting the best care possible.
High Energy and Dedication: We are deeply invested in our clients. Because we are building our practice and working toward a major milestone, we bring a high level of focus and care to every session.
In many ways, it really is the best of both worlds: you get a counselor who is up to date on the latest science, backed by the wisdom of a seasoned pro.
Let’s Connect
Starting therapy is a big step, and you deserve to feel confident in the person sitting across from you. If you have more questions about what it’s like to work with a Registered Intern, or if you're ready to start your journey, I’d love to chat.
If you would like to set up a free 15 minute consultation email angie@centerofresilience.org.
Let’s see how we can work together toward your goals.
