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Marriage & Family Therapist License in Tennessee

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your Marriage & Family Therapist license in TN. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$250

Processing Time

4-8 Weeks

Exam Required

MFT National Exam

Difficulty Level

Medium

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your Marriage & Family Therapist license in Tennessee.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved Marriage & Family Therapist training program in Tennessee.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 5 required documents for your TN application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the MFT National Exam.

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the Tennessee licensing board and pay the $250 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 4-8 weeks in TN. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

Getting licensed as a Marriage & Family Therapist in Tennessee starts with meeting the educational prerequisites set by the TN licensing authority. Once you have completed your training, you will need to register for and pass the MFT National Exam. After passing, submit your application along with all required documents to the Tennessee state board.

Requirements

Tennessee has specific requirements for Marriage & Family Therapist licensure that applicants must fulfill. You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid government-issued identification. Educational requirements include completing an accredited program relevant to provide therapy to couples and families. A clean background check is mandatory in TN, and you must demonstrate good moral character. The MFT National Exam must be passed with a minimum score set by the Tennessee board.

Fees & Costs

The initial application fee for a Marriage & Family Therapist license in Tennessee is approximately $250. This fee covers the processing of your application and initial license issuance. TN also charges an examination fee which is typically paid directly to the testing provider. Late application submissions in Tennessee may incur additional penalties of up to $63.

License Fee Calculator — Marriage & Family Therapist in Tennessee

Base License Fee$250
Estimated Total$250

Renewal Process

Your Marriage & Family Therapist license in Tennessee must be renewed every 2 years. The renewal fee in TN is $150. Tennessee requires completion of continuing education credits before renewal. Submit your renewal application at least 30 days before expiration to avoid late fees. Practicing with an expired license in TN can result in fines and disciplinary action.

License Expiry Calculator — Marriage & Family Therapist in TN

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. Tennessee requires renewal every 2 years.

Additional Information

Working as a Marriage & Family Therapist in Tennessee offers numerous opportunities for career growth and professional development. TN has a robust job market for licensed professionals in this field. The state board actively works to streamline the licensing process while maintaining rigorous standards. Tennessee also participates in interstate licensing compacts, which may facilitate practice across state lines for qualified Marriage & Family Therapist professionals.

Document Checklist — Marriage & Family Therapist

0 of 5 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My Tennessee Marriage & Family Therapist License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) NoneAK does not recognize TN Marriage & Family Therapist license. Full re-application required.
Alabama (AL) NoneAL does not recognize TN Marriage & Family Therapist license. Full re-application required.
Arizona (AZ) PartialAZ requires additional exam or paperwork for TN license holders.
Arkansas (AR) FullAR accepts TN Marriage & Family Therapist license via reciprocity agreement.
Colorado (CO) NoneCO does not recognize TN Marriage & Family Therapist license. Full re-application required.
Delaware (DE) FullDE accepts TN Marriage & Family Therapist license via reciprocity agreement.
California (CA) PartialCA requires additional exam or paperwork for TN license holders.
Florida (FL) PartialFL requires additional exam or paperwork for TN license holders.

Where to File Locally in Tennessee

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

Nashville

500 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243

(615) 741-3449

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Memphis

125 N Main St, Memphis, TN 38103

(901) 576-6000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Knoxville

400 Main St, Knoxville, TN 37902

(865) 215-2000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Chattanooga

101 E 11th St, Chattanooga, TN 37402

(423) 643-7800

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Clarksville

1 Public Square, Clarksville, TN 37040

(931) 645-7444

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Official Tennessee Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the Tennessee state board. Regulations may change.

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Disclaimer

US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.