Remote LCSW & LMFT Jobs in Tennessee

How To Become an LCSW or LMFT in Tennessee

How to Become an LCSW in Tennessee

Tennessee offers four licenses for social workers. Those with LCSW licenses are the only ones allowed to practice independently. A bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) from an accredited four-year college or university is the first step needed for that licensure. Once prospective remote LCSWs in Tennessee meet the preliminary requirements, you need to pursue the following:

• Education and additional coursework: Candidates must have a master’s degree in social work (MSW) or a doctoral degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) school,

• Experience: LCSW supervised work experience is another prerequisite for licensure. The candidate must complete 3,000 hours of direct clinical social work services to clients. One hour of supervision is required for every 30 hours of client contact.

• Exams: After earning the appropriate educational degree and meeting the Tennessee clinical experience requirements, you can submit an application for licensure to the Tennessee Board of Social Workers. When the Board approves the application, the candidate is eligible to take the national clinical exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). The exam’s 170 questions cover topics such as assessment, diagnosis, treatment, interventions, ethics, and values.

• Fees: Tennessee requires a $235 fee for LCSW licensure application and a $260 fee for the ASWB clinical exam. Additional fees are required for specialized certification.

How to Become an LMFT in Tennessee

Candidates for licensure as marriage and family therapists in Tennessee must earn a bachelor’s degree in a topic related to the behavioral sciences from an accredited four-year college or university. Once prospective remote LMFTs in Tennessee meet the preliminary requirements, you need to pursue the following:

• Education and additional coursework: You must earn a master's or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related topic. The program must include at least 300 hours of supervised practice or internship. In addition, you must have an identified supervisor to oversee the work required for full licensure.

• Experience: You must complete two years (a minimum of 1,000 hours) of clinical practice. A Board-approved supervisor must directly oversee 200 of those hours.

• Exams: After earning the appropriate degree and meeting the Tennessee clinical experience requirements, you can submit an application for licensure to the Tennessee Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board. Once approved, you are eligible to take the Marital and Family Therapy Exam developed by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).

• Fees: Tennessee requires a $210 fee for LMFT licensure and a $365 fee for the AMFTRB exam.

Requirements for Remote Mental Health Workers (LCSWs & LMFTs) in Tennessee

Once you earn your license as an LCSW or LMFT in Tennessee, you can decide which type of position suits you best whether you live in Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, Chattanooga, or anywhere else in the state.

If you want to become a remote LCSW or remote LMFT, there are plenty of full-time and part-time virtual work opportunities available throughout the state.

Here’s what you should know before applying for a role as a remote mental health therapist:

• Work-from-home therapist: Remote workers have a wealth of job opportunities because you can work for any employer in the state no matter where you live. You’ll work with your clients from your home through virtual therapy platforms over your smartphone, computer, or other device. All therapists can only treat clients in the state in which they are licensed, so LCSWs or LMFTs licensed in Tennessee must only accept clients from that state.

• Skills of successful remote therapists: Those who work remotely must know how to use the technology required for virtual sessions, testing, and evaluation. Before you offer virtual mental health therapy, you may choose to hone your verbal and listening skills through in-person sessions.

• Necessary documentation: When applying for remote jobs, be sure to update your resume and provide appropriate documentation showing your education and credentials.

• Additional training: Telemedicine companies often provide training to educate clinicians on how to use relevant technology and platforms, as well as best practices for good webside manner.

Companies hiring remote LCSWs and LMFTs in Tennessee often post open positions on job posting sites like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn, so this is a great place to start looking for virtual therapy work opportunities.