How to Get Licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in Florida

Рет қаралды 3,405

5 жыл бұрын

In this 1-hour webinar recorded with a live audience of members of the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association (FMHCA), Aaron Norton, the President-Elect of FMHCA, provides an overview of the current requirements to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida, as well as the definition of mental health counseling in Florida, scope of practice, and licensure portability issues.
Disclaimers: Laws and rules change with time. The requirements covered in this webinar were current as of the recording on 12/14/18, but viewers should check the 491 Board's website to determine whether there have been any changes since the recording (www.floridasmentalhealthprofessions.gov).
UPDATE (8/4/23): Since this video was recorded, legislation was passed accomplishing the following:
1. Effective 7/1/25, pursuant to F.S. 491.005(4)(b)1, an individual must have a CACREP- or MPCAC-accredited degree in clinical mental health counseling to be eligible for licensure as a mental health counselor in Florida (though we have been advised that those who are approved as registered mental health counselor interns prior to that date will not have their educational requirement re-assessed when they apply for independent licensure).
2. Pursuant to F.S. 491.006, the licensed by endorsement requirements (for individuals licensed as a counselor in a state other than Florida) have been revised such that their specific graduate-level coursework is no longer reviewed.
3. Florida has now joined the Counseling Compact (www.counselingcompact.org), which will enable individuals licensed in any state that is part of the compact to apply for the privilege to practice in any other state that is part of the compact without having to get a license in any other state.

Пікірлер: 18

@expatladyinsaudi 4 жыл бұрын

I am unclear about if Registered interns must work in the same building/practice as their qualified supervisor. If we can hire private supervisors like through Motivo for example, how does the supervision take place in the same building?

@AaronNorton 4 жыл бұрын

Hello, and thanks for the question. To clarify, it is not true that registered interns must work in the same building/practice as their qualified supervisor. However, interns who work in private practice settings only (not agency settings) must have a licensed mental health professional on the premises while they are meeting with the clients. The licensed professional does not necessarily need to be their supervisor. Here is the exact verbiage from Florida Statute 491.0046(4)(c): "A licensed mental health professional must be on the premises when clinical services are provided by a registered intern in a private practice setting." On an unrelated note, I should add that if an intern uses a resource like Motivo for webcam supervision, remember that only up to half of the intern's individual supervision hours may be completed via webcam rather than in person per Rule 64B4-2.002(3), which reads "The supervisor and intern may utilize face-to-face electronic methods (not telephone only communication) to conduct the supervisory sessions; however, the supervisor and intern must have in-person face-to-face contact for at least 50% of all of the interactions required in subsection (1)"

@HammyGirl999 Жыл бұрын

@@AaronNorton Has this changed post Covid? Can everything be done remotely now with supervisor in a different city and building?

@LovintheLifeIGot 3 жыл бұрын

What if I have Noncacrep ms in psych..not all the classes but have been doing therapy for 12 years. Would I be eligible for registered intern? I never did an internship or practicum during school but started therapy and have been doing therapy since?

@AaronNorton 3 жыл бұрын

It doesn't sound like it. You would likely need to take some additional coursework, perhaps as a non-degree-seeking student, in order to obtain your license. However, if you have already been licensed as a counselor in another state, there is another pathway for you that is much easier due to the "licensure by endorsement" process that was revised just last year (after this video was recorded). Email me at me@anorton.com if you want to chat more about it.

@AaronNorton Жыл бұрын

No. You would take the exam while you are an intern.

@WhatsItLikeToBeEnlightened Жыл бұрын

great video... roughly speaking, what can a post-master's supervised intern expect to realistically be paid?

@AaronNorton Жыл бұрын

In my experience, I see interns in FL earning anywhere from as little as 30K a year to as much as 50K a year with most salaries between $40K and $47K a year. Pay is significantly better once an intern obtains full independent licensure, as many jobs will then start at around $50K a year. Many private practitioners with independent licensure earn $100K a year or more.

@WhatsItLikeToBeEnlightened Жыл бұрын

@@AaronNorton thank you... this video has been very helpful. i appreciate you posting it.

@AaronNorton Жыл бұрын

@@WhatsItLikeToBeEnlightened I'm glad it's helpful, but I want. you to know that a few things have changed since the video was recorded. I went ahead and added that information to the description of the video as an update.

@WhatsItLikeToBeEnlightened Жыл бұрын

@@AaronNorton thanks again!

@kobeplayeddefensetoo1351 Жыл бұрын

I sent an email with my info. I'm still waiting on a response.

@AaronNorton Жыл бұрын

Hello. Today, I got caught up on some emails that came within the past week, and it doesn't look like I have any requests left related to this video. Please check your inbox and let me know if you are missing a response from me.

@kobeplayeddefensetoo1351 Жыл бұрын

@@AaronNorton Question? So, I would need to pass the exam before I register as an intern?

@kobeplayeddefensetoo1351 Жыл бұрын

@@AaronNorton Thanks! I did receive your email this morning! Thanks again!