Therapy in Tennessee: Costs, Licensing & How to Find Help
A guide to therapy in Tennessee — costs, licensing requirements, telehealth rules, insurance coverage, and how to find a therapist.
$135
Avg. session cost
#37
MH ranking (of 51)
185
Providers per 100K
9.4%
Uninsured rate
Therapist Licensing Requirements
Overseen by the Tennessee Board of Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marital and Family Therapists, and Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapists.
| Credential | Title | Supervised Hours | Required Exams |
|---|---|---|---|
| LPC-MHSP | Licensed Professional Counselor - Mental Health Service Provider | 3,000 | NCE, NCMHCE |
| LCSW | Licensed Clinical Social Worker | 3,000 | ASWB Clinical |
| LMFT | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist | 3,000 | MFT National Exam |
| Licensed Psychologist | Licensed Psychologist | 4,000 | EPPP |
Therapy Costs in Tennessee
The average therapy session in Tennessee costs $135 — $40 below the national average of $175. Online therapy is typically 15% less.
| Metro Area | Average | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville | $150 | $115–$200 |
| Memphis | $130 | $95–$170 |
| Knoxville | $125 | $95–$165 |
Telehealth Rules in Tennessee
PSYPACT Member (since 2021)
PSYPACT member state. Out-of-state psychologists may practice via APIT. Other mental health providers must be licensed in Tennessee.
Audio-only therapy: Allowed
Medicaid telemental health: Covered
Consent: Informed consent required before telehealth; must include discussion of the nature and scope of the telehealth encounter.
Insurance & Parity in Tennessee
Parity enforcement: weak
Medicaid expanded: No (20 session annual cap)
Typical in-network copay: $25–$50
Major insurers: BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Ambetter
Crisis Resources in Tennessee
Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS)
Crisis Lines
Warm Lines (Non-Crisis Support)
Notable Programs
- Tennessee's Crisis Stabilization Units provide short-term residential crisis care across the state as alternatives to hospitalization.
- TDMHSAS operates a statewide crisis services continuum including mobile crisis teams in every region.
- Tennessee's CCBHC initiative expands access to comprehensive mental health services through community-based clinics.
Therapy Landscape in Tennessee
Tennessee's mental health system reflects the state's blend of major urban centers and vast rural stretches. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga have growing therapy communities, with academic medical centers like Vanderbilt University Medical Center anchoring specialty care. Out-of-pocket therapy costs in Tennessee are generally lower than the national average, ranging from $90 to $175 per session, making it one of the more affordable states for accessing care.
The Tennessee Department of Health licenses Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), Licensed Marital and Family Therapists, and psychologists. Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA, which limits coverage options for some low-income adults. However, TennCare — the state's Medicaid managed care program — does cover behavioral health services for those who qualify, and community mental health centers serve as a safety net across the state.
Finding a Therapist in Tennessee
If you have private insurance, start with your carrier's directory. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is the dominant insurer, along with Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Humana. For TennCare members, behavioral health services are managed through your assigned managed care organization.
Consider the type of treatment that fits your situation. CBT is widely available for anxiety and depression. Tennessee's music and arts culture has also fostered a community of therapists who incorporate music therapy and creative approaches. For trauma and PTSD, look for specialists trained in EMDR or CPT.
Barriers to Care
The lack of Medicaid expansion is Tennessee's most significant barrier to mental health access. Hundreds of thousands of adults fall into the coverage gap — earning too much for TennCare but too little for marketplace subsidies. This leaves many without affordable therapy options.
Rural Tennessee faces severe provider shortages. Appalachian communities in East Tennessee and Delta communities in West Tennessee have some of the fewest mental health professionals per capita in the Southeast. Stigma around mental health remains stronger in rural and faith-oriented communities, which can delay people from seeking help. The state has invested in telehealth expansion, but broadband infrastructure in rural counties lags behind.
Therapy in Tennessee typically costs between $90 and $175 per session. Nashville rates tend to be higher, while smaller cities and rural areas are more affordable. Many community mental health centers offer sliding-scale fees.
Yes. TennCare covers outpatient behavioral health services including individual therapy, group therapy, and crisis intervention for eligible members. Services are managed through TennCare's managed care organizations. Eligibility is more limited than in states that expanded Medicaid.
Yes. Tennessee permits licensed therapists to provide services via telehealth, including video and audio-only sessions. Major insurers and TennCare cover telehealth mental health services, though coverage details vary by plan.
Contact your local community mental health center, which offers services on a sliding-scale basis. Tennessee has a network of these centers across the state. Free clinics, university training clinics (such as those at Vanderbilt), and faith-based counseling services are additional options.
Use the Tennessee Department of Health license verification tool to search for Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, and psychologists by name or license number. This confirms active licensure and shows any disciplinary history.
Tennessee offers affordable therapy rates and strong specialty care in its metro areas, but the coverage gap and rural shortages present real challenges. Community mental health centers and telehealth are the most important pathways for residents who face barriers.