Psychology Schools and Colleges in Tennessee (TN)

Qualified psychologists play a vital role in Tennessee’s public health system, and the state works continuously to improve access to quality mental health care. Often these efforts benefit practitioners as well as patients. Tennessee was, for instance, one of the first states to formally allow licensed psychologists to practice telepsychology, which encompasses all psychological services delivered by phone or the internet. The move gives the state’s under-served and rural populations more care options, and providers more job security and flexibility. Tennessee also allows candidates with master’s degrees to enter the field, so long as they work under the direction of a licensed Health Service Provider. This tiered licensing approach allows psychologist to become more independent with training and experience.

According to research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Center for Education Statistics:

• Tennessee had 1,690 practicing clinical, counseling and school psychologists in May 2015, placing its psychologist-to-patient ratio 15 points below state needs.

• Licensed psychologists in Tennessee earned an average salary of $67,570 that same year.

• There were 35 psychology schools in Tennessee in 2016, including some with online learning options.

• Nine Tennessee psychology programs were accredited by the APA.

No matter where or how they work, however, all Tennessee psychologists are subject to the regulations governing their practice, beginning with licensure.

2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov.

Tennessee psychology licensing requirements

Pathways to psychologist licensure vary by state. Tennessee uses a tiered licensing system that allows one to treat patients with an approved master’s or doctoral degree, plus a minimum number of supervised clinical hours. A psychologist’s scope of practice increases with education and experience. For example, associate psychologists — officially called Certified Psychology Assistants — can practice with master’s degrees, under the supervision of fully licensed psychologists, who must hold doctorates. Licensed Health Service Providers (HSP) are required to have a doctorate and even more experience. An HSP license is mandatory for professionals treating functionally impaired and at-risk patients.

Candidates pursuing the Licensed Psychologist credential must:

• Earn a Ph.D. in psychology or an approved psychological specialty from a program accredited by the APA or designated by the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology/Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (NR/ASPPB).

• Complete one year of supervised experience, half of which must be completed post-doctorally. Candidates must meet all doctoral requirements and secure a provisional license before completing a post-doctoral practicum. HSPs must complete an additional year of supervised experience.

• Submit a complete licensing application, supporting documents and associated fees to the Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology (TBEP).

• Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology within one year of provisional licensing.

• Pass Tennessee’s Jurisprudence Exam. The TBEP offers this open-book exam once a month in Nashville.

• Acquire three professional references — two from licensed psychologists and one from an internship supervisor or director.

• Successfully complete a face-to-face interview with TBEP members.

Psychologists must renew their licenses every two years to continue practicing in Tennessee. This process requires professionals to submit a renewal application, pay associated fees and accrue at least 40 hours of continuing education units within the preceding two-year cycle. Prospective psychologists can visit the TBEP online to learn more about initial and renewal licensing requirements for Certified Psychology Assistants, Licensed Psychologists, and Health Service Providers.

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