Practicum and Internship
Clinical training is where counseling students begin transforming knowledge into practice. Through supervised practicum and internship experiences, Stetson students work alongside experienced professionals in community agencies, healthcare systems, private practices, integrated behavioral health settings, and school systems. These experiences provide opportunities to develop counseling skills, strengthen professional identity, and serve diverse individuals, couples, families, and communities while receiving ongoing support from both site supervisors and counselor education faculty.
Clinical Training at a Glance
- 800+ clock hours for CMHC/MCFC
- 300+ direct client contact hours
- 200 relational hours for MCFC
- 10–25 hours per week on site
- Approved sites across Central Florida
Hatters Behavioral Health Coalition
The Hatters Behavioral Health Coalition (HBHC) is a federally funded training initiative that prepares counseling students to provide integrated behavioral health services in high-need communities. Through interdisciplinary training, community partnerships, and specialized clinical placements, HBHC supports students in developing the skills needed to work collaboratively within healthcare and community-based settings. Eligible students may receive stipend support while participating in integrated care placements and specialized professional development experiences.
Learn More About HBHCApplication Deadlines
Spring Entry: Nov. 1 Summer Entry: April 1 Fall Entry: July 1
General Clinical and Course Requirements
CMHC and MCFC majors
- 800 total hours with a minimum of 300 direct client contact hours. The balance of the hours are indirect and includes supervision and various other activities.
- Practicum requires 10-15 hours per week; 200 total hours (minimum 40 direct hours)
- Internship I requires 20-25 hours per week; 300 total hours (minimum 130 direct hours)
- Internship II requires 20-25 hours per week; 300 total hours (minimum 130 direct hours)
- Advanced Study MCFC: of the 300 direct client contact hours, a minimum of 200 direct hours must be relevant clinical relational work (e.g., couple family therapy) over the entirety of the clinical experience.
Dual Majors (CMHC/MCFC)
- 1400 total hours with a minimum of 520 direct client contact hours. The balance of the hours are indirect and includes supervision and various other activities.
- Practicum requires 10-15 hours per week; 200 total hours (minimum 40 direct hours)
- Internship in CMHC requires 20-25 hours per week; 400 total hours (minimum 160 direct hours)
- Internship in MCFC requires 20-25 hours per week; 400 total hours (minimum 160 direct hours)
- Internship in CMHC/MCFC (COUN 520) requires 20-25 hours per week; 400 total hours (minimum 160 direct hours)
- Advance Study Dual Majors: of the 520 direct client contact hours, a minimum of 200 direct hours must be relevant clinical relational work (e.g., couple, family therapy) over the entirety of the clinical experience.
Preparing for Practicum
Plan Ahead
- Begin planning 9–12 months in advance
- Attend pre-practicum orientation
- Review manual and checklist
- Apply by the practicum deadline
- Interview professionally with sites
- Complete site onboarding/background checks
Questions?
Contact the Clinical Coordinator, Dr. Brooke Bugni with any questions about practicum and internship.
Email Dr. BugniBackground Checks
Most sites will require some form of a background check that must be completed before final acceptance. Students are responsible for any costs related to a background check. Stetson does not provide background checks for practicum or internship students. For Level II background checks, contact your local police department.