Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee
Title 0450 - Counselors and Marital/Family Therapists
Chapter 0450-03 - General Rules Governing Clinical Pastoral Therapists
Section 0450-03-.04 - QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSURE

Universal Citation: TN Comp Rules and Regs 0450-03-.04

Current through April 3, 2024

(1) Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapist by Examination. Prior to submitting an application each of the following qualifications must be met by a candidate for licensed clinical pastoral therapist:

(a) Be at least 18 years of age.

(b) Provide evidence that he is highly regarded in moral character and professional ethics. Such evidence shall include at least two original letters written within the preceding 12 months from professionals attesting to the applicant's personal character and professional ethics. The letters must be submitted on the signator's letterhead.

(c) Education. The educational requirements must be completed prior to the date of application.
1. One hundred twenty (120) graduate semester hours from a recognized educational institution of which sixty (60) graduate semester hours shall be in a course of studies in clinical pastoral therapy, as follows:
(i) At least 15 hours in core clinical theory;

(ii) At least 15 hours in pastoral counseling theory; and

(iii) At least 15 hours in areas of specialization such as, but not limited to, psychodynamic psychotherapy, marriage and family therapy, cognitive therapy, or behavioral therapy.

(iv) At least nine (9) of the 120 hours must relate specifically to the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.

2. The awarding of the master of divinity (M. Div.) Degree or its equivalent as designated by the Board.

3. The awarding of an advanced degree (either a master's or doctoral degree) in pastoral therapy or a closely related field.

4. Completion of a practicum consisting of at least one (1) unit of full-time clinical pastoral education in a program accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education.

5. Completion of a two (2) year internship in an approved training program in clinical pastoral therapy.

(d) Has provided a minimum of one thousand four hundred (1,400) hours of pastoral therapy with individuals, couples, families and/or groups while receiving a minimum of two hundred seventy (270) hours of supervision of such therapy with an approved supervisor.

(e) Pass the written and oral examination pursuant to Rule 0450-03-.08.

(2) Licensed Clinical Pastoral Therapist by Endorsement. Individuals seeking licensure by endorsement must meet the following qualifications under subparagraph (a) or (b).

(a) Fellow or Diplomate of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors.
1. Be at least 18 years of age.

2. Must provide evidence that he is highly regarded in moral character and professional ethics. Such evidence shall include at least two original letters written within the preceding 12 months from professionals attesting to the applicant's personal character and professional ethics. The letters must be submitted on the signator's letterhead.

3. Pass the written and oral examination pursuant to Rule 0450-03-.08.

(b) Certified as a clinical member of AAPC.
1. Be at least 18 years of age.

2. Submit documentation that he has been engaged in the full- time practice of clinical pastoral therapy for at least five (5) years subsequent to that certification. Such documentation shall include two (2) affidavits signed by certified mental health professionals and notarized, attesting to the applicant's period of service as a clinical pastoral therapist or pastoral counselor.

3. Must provide evidence that he is highly regarded in moral character and professional ethics. Such evidence shall include at least two original letters written within the preceding 12 months from professionals attesting to the applicant's personal character and professional ethics. The letters must be submitted on the signator's letterhead.

4. Pass the written and oral examinations pursuant to Rule 0450-03-.08.

(3) Clinical Pastoral Therapist by certain professional experience or by licensure in certain other professions. Until January 1, 2006, the Board will license as a clinical pastoral therapist any applicant who fulfills at least one (1) of the following requirements:

(a) Currently certified as a clinical pastoral therapist. Such certification must be lawfully issued by the Board and not be suspended or revoked;

(b) Documents, as provided in part 0450-03-.05(4) (e) 1., satisfaction of the requirements of T.C.A. § 63-22-203(1)-(4);

(c) Documents, as provided in part 0450-03-.05(4) (e) 2., current active status as a fellow or diplomate of AAPC and being actively engaged in the practice of pastoral psychotherapy for at least five (5) years prior to January 1, 2003.

(d) Documents, as provided in part 0450-03-.05(4) (e) 3., having received a graduate theological degree from a recognized educational institution and being currently licensed in Tennessee as a psychologist designated as a health service provider, a professional counselor designated as a mental health service provider, a marital and family therapist, a clinical social worker, or an alcohol and drug abuse counselor, and, in addition, documents being actively engaged in the practice of clinical pastoral therapy for at least five (5) years prior to January 1, 2003.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-5-202, 4-5-204, 63-22-102, 63-22-201, 63-22-203, 63-22-205, and 63-22-206.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Tennessee may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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