How to Become an LMFT in Tennessee: Complete Licensing Guide 2025
To become an LMFT in Tennessee, you need a master's or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy (or a closely related field), 1,000 hours of direct client contact over a minimum of two years with 200 hours of board-approved supervision, and passing scores on the national written exam (AMFTRB) and a Tennessee-specific oral exam. As of May 2024, Tennessee employs approximately 2,620 MFTs with a median annual wage of $47,510.
Marriage and family therapy represents a specialized helping profession focused on improving relationships and resolving conflicts within couples, families, and individuals. In Tennessee, becoming a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT) requires meeting specific educational qualifications, completing supervised clinical work, and passing rigorous state examinations. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of Tennessee's MFT licensing process.
The journey to licensure typically takes 8-10 years, from beginning your bachelor's degree to obtaining final licensure. While the path demands dedication, marriage and family therapists report high job satisfaction rates and strong employment prospects across Tennessee, from Memphis to Nashville to Knoxville.
Table of Contents
- General Qualifications for Tennessee LMFT Licensure
- Education Requirements
- Supervised Clinical Experience Requirements
- Examination Requirements
- How to Apply for Tennessee LMFT License
- License Maintenance and Renewal
- Tennessee MFT Salary and Employment Outlook
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
General Qualifications for Tennessee LMFT Licensure
The Tennessee Professional Counselors, Marital and Family Therapists, and Clinical Pastoral Therapists Board establishes all licensing requirements for marriage and family therapists practicing in the state. Before beginning the application process, you must meet these fundamental qualifications:
- Age requirement: Be at least 18 years old
- Character requirement: Demonstrate good moral and ethical character with no disqualifying criminal history
- Educational requirement: Complete a qualifying graduate degree program in MFT or a closely related field
- Experience requirement: Finish required supervised post-graduate clinical hours with direct client contact
- Examination requirement: Pass the national written exam (AMFTRB) and Tennessee-specific oral examination
It's illegal to practice marriage and family therapy in Tennessee without proper licensure. The state takes unauthorized practice seriously, with potential civil and criminal penalties for violators.
Education Requirements for MFT Licensing in Tennessee
Tennessee requires completion of at least a master's or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a closely related field that meets board-defined content requirements. While accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) is highly preferred and streamlines the approval process, it's not mandatory. The board evaluates non-COAMFTE programs on a case-by-case basis to ensure they meet Tennessee's educational standards.
Recommended Coursework Areas
While Tennessee doesn't mandate specific course counts, COAMFTE-accredited programs and board-approved curricula typically include coursework across several core areas. The following represents standard educational content you'll encounter in qualifying programs:
| Subject Area | Typical Coverage | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Human Development and Personality | Multiple courses | Lifespan development, personality theory, developmental psychology |
| Marriage and Family Studies | Multiple courses | Family systems theory, couple dynamics, family development |
| Marriage and Family Therapy | Multiple courses | Therapeutic interventions, treatment approaches, clinical techniques |
| Professional Ethics | Required course | AAMFT Code of Ethics, professional boundaries, legal responsibilities |
| Applied Professional Research | Required course | Research methods, evidence-based practice, outcome evaluation |
| Assessment and Diagnosis | Required course | Mental health assessment, DSM diagnosis, treatment planning |
| Practicum/Internship | Required component | Supervised clinical hours (COAMFTE requires minimum 300 hours) |
Note: These content areas reflect typical COAMFTE program requirements and board expectations, but Tennessee doesn't prescribe exact course counts. The board evaluates each program's curriculum individually to ensure adequate coverage of essential MFT content.
Finding Qualifying Programs
Tennessee students have several options for completing their MFT education. COAMFTE-accredited programs offer the most straightforward path to licensure, but graduates from other programs that meet board content requirements can also qualify. Many universities now offer hybrid or online MFT programs that combine virtual coursework with in-person clinical training. When selecting a program, verify its accreditation status and check with the Tennessee board if you're considering a non-COAMFTE program.
Learn more about Tennessee MFT degree programs and compare your options.
Supervised Clinical Experience Requirements
After completing your graduate degree, Tennessee requires a minimum of two years of supervised post-graduate clinical experience before you can become fully licensed. This requirement ensures you develop practical skills under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Direct Client Contact Hours
You must accumulate a minimum of 1,000 hours of direct client contact during your supervised experience period. "Direct client contact" means face-to-face time with clients engaged in therapeutic activities. These hours should represent a diverse range of clinical work:
- Individual therapy sessions with clients
- Couples therapy and relationship counseling
- Family therapy sessions
- Group therapy facilitation
- Initial assessments and treatment planning
- Crisis intervention services
Administrative tasks, case documentation, and non-clinical activities don't count toward your 1,000 direct contact hours.
Board-Approved Supervision Requirements
Throughout your clinical experience, you must receive at least 200 hours of board-approved supervision. Of these 200 hours, a minimum of 100 hours must be individual supervision (one supervisor working with one supervisee). The remaining hours can be completed through group or triadic supervision formats.
Your supervisor must be either a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT) with at least two years of post-licensure clinical experience, or another mental health professional approved by the board. Supervision focuses on reviewing your clinical work, providing feedback, addressing ethical concerns, and guiding your professional development.
The typical supervision ratio is approximately one hour of supervision for every five hours of client contact, though this can vary based on your developmental needs and supervisor's approach.
Documentation
Keep detailed records of all your clinical and supervision hours. The board requires specific documentation, including:
- Signed verification forms from your supervisor(s)
- Detailed logs of direct client contact hours
- Supervision session dates and content areas covered
- Employment verification from clinical sites
Examination Requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee uses a two-part examination process to assess your readiness for independent practice. You must pass both examinations to receive your license.
National Written Examination (AMFTRB)
The written component is the National MFT Examination administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). This computer-based test consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering:
- MFT theories and models
- Assessment and diagnosis
- Treatment planning and interventions
- Professional ethics and legal issues
- Research and evaluation
- Cultural competence and diversity
You must pass the written AMFTRB examination before scheduling your oral exam. The AMFTRB sets the passing score, which changes periodically based on statistical analysis. Most candidates receive their results within three weeks of testing.
Tennessee-Specific Oral Examination
After passing the written exam, Tennessee requires an oral examination administered by a committee approved by the board. While the board doesn't always publish detailed information about the oral exam process online, it generally involves an assessment of your clinical judgment, ethical reasoning, and professional knowledge.
Based on available information and candidate experiences, the oral exam typically covers:
- Content knowledge and interpretation: Your understanding of MFT theory, research, and practice
- Code of Ethics knowledge: Your familiarity with professional ethics standards and Tennessee-specific legal requirements
- Clinical application: Your ability to apply knowledge to real-world therapeutic situations
You generally need a score of at least 75% to pass the oral examination. The committee forwards their assessment to the board, which makes the final licensing decision. Contact the Tennessee board directly for the most current information about oral examination procedures and expectations.
How to Apply for a Tennessee LMFT License
Once you've completed all educational and experience requirements and passed both examinations, you can submit your license application to the Tennessee Department of Health.
Application Steps
- Gather required documents: Collect official transcripts, supervision verification forms, examination scores, and background check documentation
- Complete application form: Fill out the LMFT application through the Tennessee Department of Health portal
- Submit application fee: Pay the required licensing fee (check the current fee schedule on the board website)
- Undergo background check: Complete fingerprinting and criminal background investigation
- Await board review: The board reviews applications at regularly scheduled meetings
- Receive license: Upon approval, you'll receive your LMFT license number and certificate
Application Timeline
The typical application processing time ranges from 6-12 weeks after the board receives your complete application. Incomplete applications or missing documentation can extend this timeline significantly.
License Maintenance and Renewal
Tennessee LMFT licenses must be renewed every two years. Maintaining your license requires ongoing professional development and compliance with continuing education requirements.
Continuing Education Requirements
Tennessee requires Licensed Marital and Family Therapists to complete 20 continuing education (CE) hours per year, totaling 40 hours per two-year renewal cycle. Of these required hours:
- 3 hours must focus on ethics during each two-year period
- The remaining hours can cover clinical skills, theoretical approaches, specialized populations, research, or other professionally relevant topics
- CE providers must be approved by the board or meet board-specified criteria
Activities that typically qualify for CE credit include workshops, conferences, academic courses, webinars, and approved online training programs. Keep detailed records of all CE activities, including certificates of completion, course descriptions, and provider information.
Renewal Process
Submit your renewal application before your license expiration date, along with the renewal fee and documentation of completed CE hours. The board may audit CE compliance, so maintain organized records of all professional development activities for at least four years.
Tennessee MFT Salary and Employment Outlook
Marriage and family therapy offers rewarding career opportunities throughout Tennessee. Understanding salary expectations and employment trends can help you plan your professional path.
2025 Tennessee MFT Salary Data
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data), Tennessee employs approximately 2,620 marriage and family therapists. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and practice setting:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary (Tennessee) | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (10th percentile) | $31,000 | $14.90 |
| Early Career (25th percentile) | $38,600 | $18.56 |
| Mid-Career (Median) | $47,510 | $22.84 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $51,210 | $24.62 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $60,820 | $29.24 |
Tennessee vs. National Comparison
Tennessee's median MFT salary of $47,510 falls below the national median of $63,780. However, Tennessee's lower cost of living often results in comparable purchasing power. Major metropolitan areas like Nashville and Memphis typically offer higher salaries than rural regions.
Employment Growth
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 14% employment growth for marriage and family therapists nationally from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. This represents a national projection, and Tennessee-specific growth rates may vary based on local demand, insurance reimbursement policies, and regional mental health needs. Growing awareness of the importance of mental health and increased insurance coverage for therapy services drive this overall positive employment trend.
Practice Settings in Tennessee
Licensed MFTs in Tennessee work in diverse settings, including:
- Private practice offices (solo and group practices)
- Community mental health centers
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Family service agencies
- University counseling centers
- Employee assistance programs
- Residential treatment facilities
- Government and military programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee LMFT Licensing
How long does it take to become an LMFT in Tennessee?
The complete timeline typically spans 8-10 years. This includes four years for a bachelor's degree, 2-3 years for a qualifying master's or doctoral program, and a minimum of two years of supervised post-graduate clinical experience (1,000 direct client contact hours with 200 supervision hours). Some students accelerate this timeline through intensive programs or by completing clinical hours efficiently.
Can I get licensed in Tennessee with an online MFT degree?
Yes, Tennessee accepts online and hybrid MFT programs as long as they meet board-defined content requirements. COAMFTE-accredited online programs generally meet these standards. However, your program must include in-person clinical training components, as online-only programs without supervised practicum/internship experiences don't meet licensing requirements. Always verify that your program meets Tennessee board requirements before enrolling, especially if it's not COAMFTE-accredited.
What's the difference between an LMFT and LPC in Tennessee?
Licensed Marital and Family Therapists (LMFTs) specialize in relational and systemic therapy approaches, focusing on couples, families, and relationship dynamics. Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) receive broader mental health training covering individual therapy, career counseling, and various theoretical approaches. Under Tennessee law (TN Code § 63-22), both LMFTs and LPCs can diagnose and treat mental illness, but their scope of practice and training emphasis differ. LMFTs typically focus on relational issues, while LPCs may work with a broader range of presenting concerns.
Does Tennessee have reciprocity with other states for MFT licenses?
Tennessee doesn't have automatic reciprocity agreements, but you may qualify for licensure by endorsement if you hold an active LMFT license from another state. The board evaluates your out-of-state credentials to determine if they meet Tennessee's substantially equivalent requirements. You may need to complete additional coursework or supervision hours depending on your previous state's requirements.
How much does it cost to get licensed as an LMFT in Tennessee?
Costs vary throughout the licensing process. Expect to pay for your graduate degree tuition (varies by institution), the AMFTRB national examination fee (currently around $385), Tennessee-specific fees for the oral examination, initial application fees, background check costs, and eventual license renewal fees every two years. Total costs excluding tuition typically range from $500-$1,000.
Can I practice while completing my supervised hours in Tennessee?
Yes, but with restrictions. During your post-graduate supervised experience period, you can work in clinical settings under appropriate supervision. You cannot, however, present yourself as a "Licensed" MFT or practice independently. You might use titles like "MFT Intern" or "Marriage and Family Therapist in Training," depending on your employer and the board's current guidelines.
What continuing education is required to maintain my Tennessee LMFT license?
Tennessee requires 20 CE hours per year (40 hours per two-year renewal cycle), with 3 hours in ethics required during each renewal period. CE activities must be from board-approved providers or meet board criteria. Keep detailed records of all CE activities for at least four years in case of a board audit.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee requires a master's or doctoral degree in MFT or a closely related field meeting board content requirements; COAMFTE accreditation is preferred but not mandatory
- Post-graduation, you'll need 1,000 hours of direct client contact and 200 hours of board-approved supervision (100 must be individual supervision) completed over a minimum two-year period
- You must pass both the AMFTRB national written examination and a Tennessee-specific oral examination to receive your license
- As of May 2024, Tennessee employs approximately 2,620 LMFTs with a median annual wage of $47,510, with salaries ranging from $31,000 for entry-level positions to $60,820+ for experienced therapists
- National employment projections show 14% growth from 2022-2032, though Tennessee-specific rates may vary; the field offers strong career prospects for qualified therapists
- License renewal requires 40 CE hours every two years, including 3 hours in ethics
Explore Related Tennessee Psychology Licensing Guides
- How to Become a Psychologist in Tennessee
- Tennessee Licensed Professional Counselor Requirements
- Tennessee Social Work Licensing Process
- Marriage and Family Therapist Career Overview
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2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, School Psychologists, Psychologists-All Other; Psychiatric Techs; Psychiatrists; Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health and Mental Health Counselors; Marriage & Family Therapists; and Social Workers are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
Schools with MFT Degree Programs Accepting Students from Tennessee
