From the rural landscapes of the Smoky Mountains to the urban bustle of Nashville, Tennessee has a lot to offer those considering a career in psychology. With almost half of all residents experiencing depression and anxiety in 2021, Tennessee demonstrates an increased need for mental health services.
Read on for more on psychologist licensing in Tennessee, the demand for psychology professionals, and expected Tennessee psychologist salary ranges.
| Job Title | Lowest 10% | Median Annual Salary | Highest 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical and counseling psychologists | $47,150 | $98,030 | $208,000+ |
| School psychologists | $47,580 | $62,070 | $93,710 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Online Doctorate Programs in Psychology
Psychologist Licensing in Tennessee
Psychologist licensing in Tennessee is regulated by the state's Board of Examiners of Psychology. Obtaining a psychologist license in Tennessee requires completing 3,800 supervisory hours, along with passing scores on two exams.
Tennessee honors license reciprocity by endorsement for out-of-state psychologists. Candidates must submit an application to the board, provide documentation of a passing Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) score and required supervisory hours, plus pay all mandatory application fees. Upon meeting these standards, successful candidates will be given the opportunity to take Tennessee's state-specific ethics and jurisprudence exam.
License Requirements
To obtain psychologist licensing in Tennessee, applicants must meet the state's criteria:
Graduate from an American Psychological Association-accredited or comparably accredited doctoral program. Complete 3,800 hours of supervised experience, half of which must be postdoctoral. Pass the EPPP and pay a $687.50 fee. Pass Tennessee's open-book Ethics and Jurisprudence examination. Submit an application to the Board of Examiners of Psychology, along with a $485 fee that includes fees for the application, licensure, and state exam. Submit to a criminal background check. Provide three letters of recommendation and two signed passport photos.
Demand for Psychology in Tennessee
Throughout the past 20 years, Tennessee has consistently seen growing rates of mental health issues and suicide. Statewide, a mere 15% of residents' mental health needs are met, exhibiting Tennessee's dire mental health care professional shortage.
Per a 2022 Mental Health America survey, Tennessee ranks in the bottom half of the U.S. regarding access to mental health care. With over 3 million Tennesseans residing in areas that lack adequate mental health professionals, the state has a high demand for licensed psychologists.
Tennessee's rural residents are particularly underserved, making them more susceptible to instances of suicide and opiate use. The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network recently received increased funds to assist in fulfilling their initiatives, including a task force specific to preventing suicide amongst the farming population.