A Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (RMHCI) is a mental health professional who has completed their educational requirements and is in the process of obtaining the necessary supervised clinical experience to become a fully licensed mental health counselor. RMHCIs work under the supervision of a licensed mental health counselor, psychologist, or other qualified professional as they gain the practical experience needed to qualify for licensure.
The specific requirements to become an RMHCI vary by state, but generally include obtaining a master's degree in counseling or a related field, completing a certain number of supervised clinical hours, and registering with the appropriate state board or licensing agency. Once registered, RMHCIs must work under supervision for a designated period of time, adhering to the state's guidelines and requirements for supervision and clinical experience.
RMHCIs provide a range of mental health services to clients, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and psychotherapy, under the guidance and direction of their supervisor. The goal of this supervised experience is to help the intern develop the skills, knowledge, and competence necessary to become a fully licensed mental health counselor.
In summary, a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (RMHCI) is a mental health professional working under supervision to gain the necessary clinical experience to become a licensed mental health counselor. They provide mental health services, including assessment and treatment, to clients under the guidance of a qualified supervisor.