Psychology in Tennessee: Learn About Becoming a Psychologist in PA

Updated September 13, 2022 · 1 Min Read

Explore our guide on psychologist licensing in Tennessee, average psychologist salaries in the state, and options on how to help Tennessee residents access psychological services.

Psychology.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

Credit: Malcolm MacGregor | Moment | Getty Images

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.

Psychologist Salaries in Tennessee
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.

Latest Posts

Discover Online Programs by Specialty

Find the psychology program that best fits your career plans and budget.