In a recent meeting held on May 15, 2025, the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling addressed a significant case involving the potential revocation of a therapist's license due to hiring an unlicensed intern. The atmosphere was charged as board members deliberated the implications of the case, which highlighted the delicate balance between professional responsibility and the complexities of grief counseling.

The discussion began with a recommendation for a $1,000 administrative fine and revocation of the therapist's license. The board emphasized that revocation is a standard penalty for such violations, reflecting the seriousness of unlicensed practice in mental health care. The therapist, who had been under scrutiny for hiring an intern who misrepresented her qualifications, defended her actions by stating that she had relied on the intern's claims of licensure.

As the conversation unfolded, board members expressed concern over the therapist's hiring practices and the ethical responsibilities that come with managing a clinical practice. One board member pointed out that the therapist had a duty to verify the intern's credentials, a task that could have been easily accomplished. The therapist acknowledged her oversight but argued that her intentions were to help clients during a challenging time, emphasizing her commitment to the community and the pro bono work she had undertaken.

The board ultimately moved towards a compromise, suggesting a one-year suspension followed by a year of probation, rather than outright revocation. This decision was influenced by the therapist's demonstrated commitment to improving her practices and the potential negative impact on her clients if she were to lose her license entirely. The board also mandated continuing education requirements to ensure that the therapist would be better equipped to manage her practice in the future.

As the meeting concluded, the board's decision underscored the importance of accountability in mental health professions while also recognizing the need for compassion and understanding in cases of honest mistakes. The outcome serves as a reminder of the critical role that licensed professionals play in safeguarding the well-being of their clients and the standards that govern their practice.