Online Therapy In Tennessee

In Tennessee, the regulation of therapists and other mental health practitioners is structured to ensure that professionals are adequately educated, trained, and adhere to high ethical standards, thereby providing competent and ethical care. Oversight and regulation are provided by the Tennessee Department of Health, which houses various boards responsible for the licensure and regulation of specific mental health professions. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the regulatory environment for mental health practitioners in Tennessee:

Licensing and Certification

1. Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) with Mental Health Service Provider (MHSP) designation: The Tennessee Board for Professional Counselors, Marital and Family Therapists, and Clinical Pastoral Therapists oversees LPC licensure. Requirements include a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling or a related field, completion of supervised clinical experience, and passing the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). The MHSP designation requires additional training and experience in diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.
2. Licensed Marital and Family Therapists (LMFTs): LMFT candidates must hold a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related discipline, complete a period of supervised clinical practice, and pass the national examination administered by the Association of Marital & Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
3. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs): The Tennessee Board of Social Worker Licensure regulates LCSW licensure. Applicants need a Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program, two years of postgraduate supervised clinical social work experience, and must pass the ASWB clinical level examination.
4. Licensed Psychologists: The Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology oversees the licensure of psychologists. Requirements include a doctoral degree in psychology, completion of an internship, one year of postdoctoral supervised experience, and passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).

Continuing Education

All licensed mental health professionals in Tennessee are required to complete continuing education (CE) credits for license renewal. The specific CE requirements vary by profession but typically include ethics, law, and various topics relevant to clinical practice.

Ethics and Professional Conduct

Mental health practitioners in Tennessee must adhere to the ethical standards and codes of conduct as defined by their respective professional boards. These standards cover client welfare, confidentiality, professional competence, and ethical boundaries. Ethical violations can lead to disciplinary actions, including fines, suspension, or revocation of licensure.

Additional Certifications

While not required for basic licensure, mental health practitioners may pursue additional certifications in specialized areas of practice, such as addiction counseling, play therapy, or trauma-informed care. Pursuing these certifications typically requires further education, training, and examination.

Regulation and Oversight

The Tennessee Department of Health and its respective boards are responsible for the regulation, licensure, and oversight of mental health practitioners in the state. These entities ensure that practitioners meet the required standards for education, experience, ethics, and continuing education, and they handle licensure applications, renewals, and disciplinary matters.

Tennessee’s regulatory framework for mental health practitioners aims to protect the public by ensuring that professionals are qualified, ethical, and competent. Practitioners are encouraged to stay informed about changes in laws, regulations, continuing education opportunities, and best practices within their field.

Check your state's regulations to learn about your local regulations.

‍