Behavioral Health Therapist Jobs in Tennessee
Behavioral Health Therapist jobs in Tennessee represent one of the more active markets in the Southeast, with sustained demand from community mental health centers, hospital systems, and substance use treatment providers at every level from entry-level associate therapist through senior clinician. Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville lead hiring volume, with major employers such as Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Centerstone, and Frontier Health maintaining consistent openings across the state. The most in-demand specialties are trauma-focused therapy, substance use disorder counseling, and child and adolescent behavioral health. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Haven Nashville is opening soon and will be a brand-new inpatient dual-diagnosis treatment center dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. We are seeking dependable, patient-focused Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs) to help create a safe, structured, and supportive healing environment.
Schedules Available: Part-Time Weekends
Saturday & Sunday 7:00am - 7:30p or 7:00pm - 7:30am
Responsibilities
- Provide direct supervision and support to clients throughout the treatment day.
- Conduct patient safety observations and complete accurate documentation.
- Assist with admissions, discharges, and client orientation.
- Support clients with daily living activities and encourage participation in programming.
- Utilize de-escalation techniques and respond appropriately during crisis situations.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and therapeutic treatment environment.
- Communicate changes in client behavior or condition to the clinical and nursing teams.
- Assist with transportation and other operational duties as needed.
- Uphold confidentiality and comply with all company policies and regulatory standards.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required; college coursework in psychology, behavioral health, or a related field is a plus.
- Previous experience in behavioral health, substance use treatment, mental health, healthcare, or direct patient care preferred.
- CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
- Strong communication, observation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to remain calm, professional, and compassionate in fast-paced environments.
- Must be able to pass background screening and drug screening.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- BHT: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- drivers license (Required)
Work Location: In person
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Find JobsBehavioral Health Therapist Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Behavioral Health Therapist Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Insurance
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in behavioral health therapist jobs across Tennessee.
- Active Tennessee license as a Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related clinical field
- Experience delivering individual and group therapy in a clinical or community setting
- Proficiency with electronic health records and clinical documentation requirements
- Ability to conduct mental health assessments, treatment planning, and crisis intervention
- Familiarity with evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, or motivational interviewing
Behavioral Health Therapist Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a behavioral health therapist in Tennessee?
Becoming a behavioral health therapist in Tennessee requires a master's degree in counseling, social work, or a closely related field, followed by supervised clinical hours and licensure through the Tennessee Department of Health. Most practitioners pursue either Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Clinical Social Worker credentials, both of which require passing a national licensure exam and completing a supervised post-graduate internship. Some roles accept candidates who are actively working toward licensure under supervision.
Which companies hire behavioral health therapists in Tennessee?
Employers hiring behavioral health therapists in Tennessee right now include Optum, Vanderbilt Health, and Clarvida, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Tennessee's extensive network of community mental health centers, federally qualified health centers, and integrated hospital systems means openings appear consistently across both urban and rural parts of the state.
Which Tennessee cities have the most behavioral health therapist jobs?
Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis have the most behavioral health therapist openings in Tennessee. Nashville drives the largest share of postings due to its concentration of hospital systems, managed care organizations, and large outpatient practices, while Memphis and Knoxville generate steady volume through anchor institutions like Regional One Health and the University of Tennessee Medical Center and their affiliated community programs.
Are there remote behavioral health therapist jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, and more than most clinical fields, because teletherapy has become widely accepted for outpatient counseling and psychiatric services. About 30% of behavioral health therapist openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting how broadly providers have adopted telehealth platforms. Individual and group therapy sessions are most commonly offered remotely, while crisis work, assessments requiring in-person observation, and inpatient roles remain on-site.
How can I get hired as a behavioral health therapist in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for associate or pre-licensure therapist roles at community mental health centers, which are among the largest employers of early-career clinicians in Tennessee. Organizations such as Centerstone and Helen Ross McNabb Center regularly hire candidates who are working toward licensure under supervision. Completing a practicum or internship at a Tennessee behavioral health agency during your graduate program is the most effective way to convert to a paid position, and holding a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor credential can open additional entry points in substance use settings.
Where can I find and apply to behavioral health therapist jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to behavioral health therapist jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your credentials and preferred setting, and apply directly through each listing.
See All 67 Behavioral Health Therapist Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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