Behavioral Health Counselor Jobs in Tennessee
Behavioral health counselor jobs in Tennessee are in strong and steady demand, concentrated in community mental health centers, substance use treatment programs, hospital systems, and school-based behavioral health services, with openings at every level from entry-level case support through licensed clinical supervisors. Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville anchor the largest share of hiring, where established employers like Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Centerstone, and Helen Ross McNabb Center maintain consistent behavioral health counselor needs. Addiction counseling, trauma-informed care, and dual-diagnosis treatment are the specialties drawing the most consistent openings across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Pay rates from $51,000/yr. to $75,000/yr. depending on years of experience!
Centurion is proud to be the provider of comprehensive healthcare services to the Tennessee Department of Correction.
We are currently seeking a full-time Master's Level Behavioral Health Counselor to join our team at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution located in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Master's Level Behavioral Health Counselor works in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to meet the behavioral health needs of patients within a correctional setting. This includes managing case files, supervising intake and discharge, and overseeing treatment plans and patient progress.
- Masters level degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or related field from a CACREP accredited educational institution required
- Two years of experience required
- Must show active CPR and Basic Life Support certification
- Experience in a correctional setting preferred
- Must be able to pass a background investigation and obtain agency security clearance where applicable
Available Shift: Days, Monday-Friday
We offer excellent compensation and comprehensive benefits for our full-time team members including:
- Health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Generous paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Flexible Spending Account
- Continuing Education benefits
- Much more...
For more information, please contact: Patrick Jones at pjones1@teamcenturion.com
INDMHM
#PJ
See All 6 Behavioral Health Counselor Jobs in Tennessee
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Find JobsBehavioral Health Counselor Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Behavioral Health Counselor Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring


What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in behavioral health counselor jobs across Tennessee.
- Active Tennessee license as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a closely related behavioral health field
- Experience delivering individual, group, or family therapy in a clinical or community setting
- Familiarity with evidence-based modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy or motivational interviewing
- Ability to complete clinical documentation and maintain records in an electronic health record system
- Valid driver's license and willingness to conduct home visits or travel between Tennessee service sites
Behavioral Health Counselor Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a behavioral health counselor in Tennessee?
Becoming a behavioral health counselor in Tennessee typically requires a master's degree in counseling, social work, or a related field, followed by supervised clinical hours and a state-issued license. The Tennessee Department of Health licenses counselors at several levels, including Licensed Professional Counselor Mental Health Service Provider (LPC-MHSP) for independent practice. Candidates sit for a national clinical exam and submit an application through the Tennessee Board of Licensed Professional Counselors, Marital and Family Therapists, and Licensed Pastoral Therapists.
Which companies hire behavioral health counselors in Tennessee?
Employers hiring behavioral health counselors in Tennessee right now include Centurion Health, Covenant Health, and Essential HealthCare Solutions, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Tennessee's community mental health network, large hospital systems, and substance use treatment organizations collectively represent the most consistent long-term source of openings across the state.
Which Tennessee cities have the most behavioral health counselor jobs?
Cordova, Henning, and Wartburg have the most behavioral health counselor openings in Tennessee. Nashville leads because of its concentration of hospital systems, nonprofit behavioral health agencies, and state government facilities, while Memphis and Knoxville are home to major regional health networks and anchor community mental health centers that drive steady hiring in their surrounding areas.
Are there remote behavioral health counselor jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields because much of the work involves in-person clinical sessions, crisis response, and hands-on case management. About 0% of behavioral health counselor openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, with telehealth counseling roles accounting for the largest share of those opportunities.
How can I get hired as a behavioral health counselor in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a position as a behavioral health technician, case manager aide, or crisis support specialist while completing supervised clinical hours toward licensure. Large Tennessee employers like Centerstone and Helen Ross McNabb Center regularly hire pre-licensed candidates and provide structured supervision hours as part of employment. Completing a Tennessee-based practicum or internship placement during your master's program, and pursuing an associate-level registration through the Tennessee licensing board early, gives candidates a meaningful edge over those who wait until graduation.
Where can I find and apply to behavioral health counselor jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to behavioral health counselor jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your experience and credentials, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 6 Behavioral Health Counselor Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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