Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Healthcare
Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for marriage and family therapist in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Marriage and Family Therapist in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 1-18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 6
Marital and family therapy involves the professional application of psychotherapeutic family systems, theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families (in the context of family system theory and practice).
- 7
Be at least 18 years of age, be highly regarded in moral character and professional ethics, meet educational and experience requirements, and pass required examinations.
- 8
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:.
- 9
Two years of post-masters clinical experience consisting of at least 10 hours per week.
Exam and processing details
- pass required examinations
Continuing education and program notes
- CERTIFIED MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPISTS
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$45,660 median (28% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#48 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Be at least 18 years of age, be highly regarded in moral character and professional ethics, meet educational and experience requirements,...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required pass required examinations.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.; Marital and family therapy involves the professional application of psychotherapeutic family systems, theories and techniques in the deli...).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $45,660, Marriage and Family Therapists in Tennessee earn 28% below the national median of $63,780. Tennessee ranks #48 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$45,660Hourly estimate
$21.9528% below national median
Difference: -$18,120
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMarriage and Family Therapist Salary Ranking
#48 of 50 statesfor Marriage and Family Therapist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hawaii | $135,870 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $89,030 |
| #3 | Utah | $81,170 |
| #4 | Virginia | $80,670 |
| #5 | Oregon | $79,890 |
Nearby States Comparison
Marriage and Family Therapist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $45,660 | Degree required | State exam required | 1-18 years |
| Kentucky | $60,190 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $80,670 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $53,910 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $58,830 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $54,280 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 19 years |
| Mississippi | $51,260 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $47,090 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $64,900 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
"665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor", Na, 000TN-7243
Phone: N/A
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $364,200 | Specific course required | 1-18 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $54,040 | Degree required | 3 months |
| Audiologist | $89,670 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Marriage and Family Therapist in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Marriage and Family Therapists in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Marriage and Family Therapists.
What education do you need to become a Marriage and Family Therapist in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Degree required for Marriage and Family Therapist licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Marriage and Family Therapist salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Marriage and Family Therapists in Tennessee is $45,660. Salaries range from $31,000 (10th percentile) to $60,820 (90th percentile).
How does the Marriage and Family Therapist salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Marriage and Family Therapists in Tennessee earn 28% below the national median of $63,780, with a state median of $45,660.
How many Marriage and Family Therapists work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 2,590 Marriage and Family Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Tennessee from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Marriage and Family Therapists in Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Marriage and Family Therapist license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.