Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0450-02-.04 - QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSURE

(1) Marital and Family Therapist by Examination. Prior to submitting an application each of the following qualifications must be met by a candidate for marital and family therapist.

(a) Be at least 18 years of age,

(b) The applicant shall provide evidence that he is highly regarded in moral character and professional ethics (rule 0450-02-.05),

(c) Education. The education requirement must be completed prior to the date of application.

1. Masters or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or equivalent from an institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools or by a comparable accrediting body.

2. The degree may be acceptable in a related subject field, so long as the degree contains the following coursework (all courses must be at least one semester in length):

(i) Human Development and Personality - 3 courses

(ii) Marriage and Family Studies - 3 courses

(iii) Marriage and Family Therapy - 3 courses

(iv) Research - 1 course

(v) Professional Ethics - 1 course

(vi) Assessment and diagnosis of cognitive, affective and behavioral problems and dysfunctions in the DSM IV T.R. (or its successor) nomenclature - 1 course

(vii) Supervised practicum/internship of no less than three hundred (300) hours which includes experience in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of cognitive, affective and behavioral problems or dysfunctions in the DSM IV T.R. (or its successor) nomenclature, pursuant to T.C.A. § 63-22-106.

(d) Two years of post-masters clinical experience consisting of not less than 10 hours per week pursuant to rule 0450-02-.14 and 0450-02-.05.

(e) Applicant shall pass examinations pursuant to rule 0450-02-.08.

(f) Until receipt of a license to practice as a Marital and Family Therapist, an applicant will be required to practice under supervision, pursuant to Rule 0450-02-.10.

(2) Upgrading from Certification Status to Licensure Status. Individuals certified on July 1, 1991, as marital and family therapists may upgrade from certification to licensure by any of the following methods:

(a) Providing to the board a copy of his current CMFT renewal certificate and complying with the requirements pursuant to rule 0450-02-.04(1) by submitting evidence of current AAMFT clinical membership status; or

(b) Providing to the board a copy of his current CMFT renewal certificate and submitting documentation that he has received 200 hours clinical supervision pursuant to rule 0450-02-.10; or

(c) Providing to the board a copy of his current CMFT renewal certificate and verification to the board's satisfaction that he has had 15 years of clinical practice as a certified marital and family therapist.

(3) Marital and Family Therapist Licensure by Reciprocity. Individuals seeking licensure by reciprocity must meet the following qualifications:

(a) Hold a current MFT certificate or license from another state;

(b) Meet licensure requirements pursuant to Rule 0450-02-.04(1)(a) through (d); and

(c) Pass the oral examination pursuant to Rule 0450-02-.08.

(4) Marital and Family Therapy by Endorsement. Individuals seeking licensure by endorsement must meet the following qualifications.

(a) Be at least 18 years of age.

(b) The applicant shall provide evidence that he is highly regarded in personal character and professional ethics.

(c) Have current certification by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy as a clinical member.

(d) Applicant shall pass examination pursuant to rule 0450-02-.08.

Notes

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0450-02-.04

Original rule filed April 29, 1992; effective June 13, 1992. Amendment filed October 18, 1995; effective January 1, 1996. Amendment filed August 20, 1996; effective November 2, 1996. Amendment filed November 21, 2001; effective February 4, 2002. Amendment filed January 26, 2006; effective April 11, 2006.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-5-202, 4-5-203, 4-5-204, 63-22-101, 63-22-102, 63-22-103, 63-22-104, 63-22106, 63-22-107, 63-22-110, and 63-22-116.