PSA

PSA

Important Update for Registered Interns in Private Practice

We are pleased to share an important regulatory update that will impact many Registered Mental Health Counselor Interns practicing in private practice settings.

Effective July 6, 2026, the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling amended Rule 64B4-2.002 to clarify the meaning of "on the premises"for registered interns.

What Changed?

Previously, Florida law required registered interns working in private practice to have a licensed mental health professional "on the premises" while providing clinical services. This language created significant barriers for interns providing services from home offices or other remote locations.

Under the revised rule, the phrase "on the premises" now includes:

A licensed mental health professional being present and available to the registered intern via telehealth or other synchronous electronic means, provided that the telehealth protocol and safety plan between the intern and qualified supervisor address these arrangements.

What This Means

This rule change creates a pathway for registered interns in private practice to provide telehealth services from a home office or other remote location without requiring a licensed mental health professional to be physically present, provided that:

• A licensed mental health professional is available through telehealth or another synchronous electronic method.

• The intern and qualified supervisor have a telehealth protocol and safety plan that addresses this arrangement.

This clarification removes a longstanding obstacle that affected many registered interns and private practices across Florida.

Please note: This update is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Registered interns and qualified supervisors remain responsible for complying with all applicable Florida statutes, administrative rules, board requirements, and supervision standards.