Best Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Tennessee, Ranked (2026)
Top APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs (PhD and PsyD) in Tennessee for 2026, with cohort sizes, the 3,800 supervised hours (1,900 internship + 1,900 post-doctoral), EPPP plus the open-book Tennessee Jurisprudence Examination, and Tennessee's PSYPACT membership since July 2021.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee has roughly 8 APA-accredited doctoral psychology PhDs plus 1 PsyD on contingency. Top-ranked anchor is Vanderbilt University Clinical Science PhD (dual APA + PCSAS accreditation; nationally top-ranked). University of Tennessee Knoxville runs two APA-accredited PhDs: Clinical (continuously since 1949) and Counseling (since 1980, the FIRST APA-accredited Counseling Psychology program under the scientist-practitioner-advocate / SPA training model; recipient of the 2012 APA Innovation in Graduate Education Award). University of Memphis runs three APA-accredited PhDs: Clinical (continuously since 1972, reaccredited 2025 for maximum 10 years through 2035, Academy of Psychological Clinical Science member), Counseling (since 1989), and School Psychology (since August 2014). Tennessee State University (HBCU) runs Counseling Psychology PhD (APA-accredited since March 10, 2000). East Tennessee State University runs Clinical PhD (since April 17, 2012, rural behavioral health and integrated primary care focus). Austin Peay State University runs the only Counseling Psychology PsyD in TN, "Accredited, on contingency" following Fall 2024 site visit; inaugural class graduated August 2025.
- Tennessee licenses psychologists through the Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology under TCA Chapter 1180-02. Required supervised experience is 3,800 hours total: 1,900 hours internship plus 1,900 hours post-doctoral supervised experience.
- Exam sequence is the EPPP (ASPPB exam, $687.50 fee) plus the Tennessee Jurisprudence Examination: open-book, 2-hour exam on TN legal/ethical standards; must score 90% or above to pass ($100 fee).
- Fees: Application $175 + licensure $200 + state regulatory $10 + jurisprudence $100 = roughly $485 in application-side fees, plus $687.50 EPPP. Biennial renewal $225.
- Tennessee is a PSYPACT state. Tennessee enacted PSYPACT via HB 1414, effective July 1, 2021. TN was an early enacter relative to most states. TN LPs holding the E.Passport plus APIT can practice telepsychology and limited in-person practice across all 40+ PSYPACT member states.
- Tennessee has no state income tax. Psychologist take-home pay is materially higher than equivalent salary in income-tax states (only federal income, Social Security, and Medicare deductions apply).
- Tennessee psychologist wages run roughly at or slightly below national medians. BLS Tennessee OEWS shows Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033) at a state mean of approximately $85,560. Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin median is $93,670; Memphis $87,120; Knoxville $84,340; Chattanooga $82,890.
- Argosy University Nashville closed March 9, 2019 after parent Dream Center Education Holdings entered federal receivership. APSU's new Counseling Psychology PsyD (on contingency since Fall 2024 site visit, inaugural class graduated August 2025) fills the Nashville-area PsyD gap. HCA Healthcare is headquartered in Nashville, one of the largest health systems nationally.
Tennessee runs a deep psychology training landscape distributed across the state's three major urban anchors (Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville) plus East Tennessee. Vanderbilt University Clinical Science PhD is the top-ranked program in Tennessee with dual APA + PCSAS accreditation and the clinical scientist model. Department of Psychology + Department of Psychology and Human Development (Peabody College) jointly administer the program. Tuition is fully funded with a 5-year guaranteed stipend ($34,000 to $38,000/year), full tuition scholarship, health insurance, and a $2,000 one-time start stipend. GRE required.
University of Tennessee Knoxville ("The Tennessee Model") runs two APA-accredited PhDs: Clinical Psychology PhD (continuously APA-accredited since 1949, one of the longest in the country, with concentrations in Child Clinical and Clinical Health) and Counseling Psychology PhD (APA-accredited since 1980, the first APA-accredited Counseling Psychology program under the scientist-practitioner-advocate / SPA training model; recipient of the 2012 APA Innovation in Graduate Education Award; next site visit 2025).
University of Memphis runs three APA-accredited PhDs: Clinical Psychology PhD (continuously since 1972, reaccredited 2025 for the maximum 10-year term through 2035, Academy of Psychological Clinical Science member), Counseling Psychology PhD (since 1989), and School Psychology PhD (since August 2014). The Memphis Clinical PhD does NOT consider GRE for any psychology graduate program.
Tennessee State University (HBCU) in Nashville runs the Counseling Psychology PhD APA-accredited since March 10, 2000, most recently reaccredited 2018 for 10 years (next review ~2028). The program is ASPPB-designated and listed in the National Register of Health Service Psychologists. East Tennessee State University in Johnson City runs the Clinical PhD APA-accredited since April 17, 2012 (reaccredited for maximum 10 years; rural behavioral health and integrated primary care focus; MA awarded en route; GRE not considered). Austin Peay State University in Clarksville runs Tennessee's only APA-accredited PsyD (Counseling Psychology), "Accredited, on contingency" following Fall 2024 site visit; inaugural class graduated August 2025.
The Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology licensure path under TCA Chapter 1180-02 requires a doctorate from an APA-accredited (or comparably accredited) program, 3,800 total supervised hours (1,900 internship + 1,900 post-doctoral), the EPPP (passing scaled score 500), and the Tennessee Jurisprudence Examination (open-book 2-hour exam, 90% passing). Fees total roughly $485 application-side plus $687.50 EPPP. Biennial renewal is $225. Tennessee has been a PSYPACT state since July 1, 2021 via HB 1414. Combined with no state income tax, HCA Healthcare HQ in Nashville (one of the largest US health systems), Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and the strong regional VA training network (Tennessee Valley VA Nashville/Murfreesboro, Memphis VA, Mountain Home Johnson City VA), Tennessee offers strong career economics despite below-average BLS wages.
APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Tennessee
All 9 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vanderbilt University | ~$2,419 per credit hour (2025-26); fully funded with 5-year guaranteed stipend ($34,000 to $38,000/year) + tuition scholarship + health insurance + $2,000 one-time start stipend | On-campus | |
| 2 | University of Tennessee Knoxville (Clinical PhD) | ~$18,730 per year (in-state, $639 per credit) | On-campus | |
| 3 | University of Tennessee Knoxville (Counseling PhD) | ~$18,730 per year (in-state) | On-campus | |
| 4 | University of Memphis (Clinical PhD) | ~$12,057 per year (in-state, $553 per credit) | On-campus | |
| 5 | University of Memphis (Counseling PhD) | ~$12,057 per year (in-state) | On-campus | |
| 6 | University of Memphis (School PhD) | ~$12,057 per year (in-state) | On-campus | |
| 7 | Tennessee State University | ~$11,188 per year (in-state, $497 per credit) | On-campus | |
| 8 | East Tennessee State University (ETSU) | ~$11,979 per year (in-state, $488 per credit) | On-campus | |
| 9 | Austin Peay State University (APSU) | APSU public university rates | On-campus |
Vanderbilt University
In-State
~$2,419 per credit hour (2025-26); fully funded with 5-year guaranteed stipend ($34,000 to $38,000/year) + tuition scholarship + health insurance + $2,000 one-time start stipend
Out-of-State
Same with full funding
Length
5 years guaranteed funding + 1-year APA-accredited internship
Field Hours
1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum
Concentrations
- APA-accredited AND PCSAS-accredited (dual accreditation; top-ranked nationally)
- Department admits ~15 to 20 students across all six specializations; Clinical Science cohort is small subset
- GRE required (must be less than 5 years old)
- Fully funded with 5-year guaranteed stipend ($34,000 to $38,000/year)
- Embedded in Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC); Academy of Psychological Clinical Science member
University of Tennessee Knoxville (Clinical PhD)
In-State
~$18,730 per year (in-state, $639 per credit)
Out-of-State
~$37,631 per year (out-of-state, $1,650 per credit)
Length
5+ years including 1-year internship
Field Hours
1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at the UT Psychological Clinic
Concentrations
- Continuously APA-accredited since 1949, one of the longest in the country
- "The Tennessee Model" scientist-practitioner training framework
- GRE optional/not required (consistent with UTK psych admissions policy)
- Two concentrations: Child Clinical Psychology and Clinical Health Psychology
- Embedded UT Psychological Clinic plus Knoxville-area health system placements
University of Tennessee Knoxville (Counseling PhD)
In-State
~$18,730 per year (in-state)
Out-of-State
~$37,631 per year (out-of-state)
Length
5 to 6 years + 1-year APA-accredited internship
Field Hours
1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum
Concentrations
- The FIRST APA-accredited Counseling Psychology program under the Scientist-Practitioner-Advocate (SPA) training model
- Recipient of the 2012 APA Innovation in Graduate Education Award
- APA-accredited continuously since 1980; next site visit 2025
- GRE optional for 2026 cycle (admissions weight: research/clinical experience, fit, recommendations, GPA, interview)
- Application deadline December 1
University of Memphis (Clinical PhD)
In-State
~$12,057 per year (in-state, $553 per credit)
Out-of-State
~$16,477 per year (out-of-state, $787 per credit; very low out-of-state premium)
Length
5 to 6 years + 1-year APA-accredited internship
Field Hours
1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at the Psychological Services Center
Concentrations
- Continuously APA-accredited since 1972; re-reviewed 2025 for the maximum 10-year term through 2035
- Academy of Psychological Clinical Science member
- Cohort of 5 to 9 students per year; admitting for Fall 2026
- GRE NOT required and not considered for any psychology graduate program at Memphis
- Distinctively low out-of-state tuition premium ($553 in-state vs $787 out-of-state per credit)
University of Memphis (Counseling PhD)
In-State
~$12,057 per year (in-state)
Out-of-State
~$16,477 per year (out-of-state)
Length
~4 years for students entering with master's (3 years coursework + 1 year internship)
Field Hours
1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum
Concentrations
- APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD since 1989
- Cohort of 7 to 8 students per year
- Scientist-practitioner training model
- ~4 years for master's-entry students; longer for direct-from-bachelor's
- GRE not required (department-wide policy)
University of Memphis (School PhD)
In-State
~$12,057 per year (in-state)
Out-of-State
~$16,477 per year (out-of-state)
Length
~5 years (97+ semester hours); 1-year internship required
Field Hours
1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum
Concentrations
- APA-accredited School Psychology PhD since August 2014
- 97+ semester hours over ~5 years
- 1-year APA-accredited internship required
- GRE not required
- Application deadline December 1
Tennessee State University
In-State
~$11,188 per year (in-state, $497 per credit)
Out-of-State
~$23,808 per year (out-of-state, $1,128 per credit)
Length
Mean 4.25 years, median 5 years (master's required for admission)
Field Hours
1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum
Concentrations
- APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD since March 10, 2000; reaccredited 2018 for 10 years
- Tennessee State University is an HBCU (Historically Black College and University)
- ASPPB-designated AND listed in the National Register of Health Service Psychologists
- Master's degree required for admission
- Mean time to degree: 4.25 years (median 5 years)
East Tennessee State University (ETSU)
In-State
~$11,979 per year (in-state, $488 per credit)
Out-of-State
~$27,081 per year (out-of-state, $1,329 per credit)
Length
5 years post-baccalaureate including 1-year internship; MA awarded en route
Field Hours
1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum
Concentrations
- APA-accredited Clinical Psychology concentration effective April 17, 2012; reaccredited for maximum 10 years
- Distinctive rural behavioral health and integrated primary care focus
- GRE NOT considered; should not be submitted
- MA awarded en route to PhD
- Johnson City location with placements across East Tennessee and Mountain Home VA
Austin Peay State University (APSU)
In-State
APSU public university rates
Out-of-State
Out-of-state APSU rates
Length
3 years residence (coursework/practica/dissertation) + 1-year internship
Field Hours
1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum
Concentrations
- Tennessee's ONLY APA-accredited PsyD program
- "Accredited, on contingency" following Fall 2024 APA site visit
- Inaugural class graduated August 2025
- Fills the Tennessee PsyD gap created by the March 2019 Argosy Nashville closure
- Director: Dr. Valerie Leake; 3-year residence + 1-year internship structure
How to Become a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Tennessee
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Licensing Board
Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology, Department of Health
(615) 532-5132
Tennessee regulates psychologists through the Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology under the TN Department of Health, governed by Rules at TCA Chapter 1180-02.
Education requirement is a doctoral degree from an APA-accredited (or comparably accredited) program.
Required supervised experience is 3,800 hours total: 1,900 hours internship plus 1,900 hours post-doctoral supervised experience.
Exam sequence is the EPPP (ASPPB exam, $687.50 fee, passing scaled score 500) plus the Tennessee Jurisprudence Examination: open-book, 2-hour exam on TN legal and ethical standards; must score 90% or higher to pass ($100 fee). The open-book format is distinctive nationally; most jurisprudence exams are closed-book.
Fees: Application $175 + licensure $200 + state regulatory $10 + jurisprudence $100 = roughly $485 in application-side fees, plus $687.50 EPPP. Biennial renewal $225. Total timeline from start of bachelor's through full licensure typically runs 7 to 9 years.
Supervised pre-doctoral internship (1,900 hours)
Supervised practice during the doctoral program under faculty and site supervision; not a separate Board credential
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: Not applicable
Licensed Psychologist
Independent practice, mental health diagnosis and treatment, psychological testing and assessment, supervision of trainees, expert testimony, telepsychology under PSYPACT for TN LPs holding APIT
Hours
3,800
Duration
1,900 hours internship + 1,900 hours post-doctoral supervised experience
Exam: EPPP (passing scaled score 500) + Tennessee Jurisprudence Examination (open-book, 2 hours, 90% passing, $100)
Tennessee does not offer automatic reciprocity but allows licensure by endorsement for out-of-state psychologists who hold a current valid license earned through requirements substantially equivalent to Tennessee. Out-of-state applicants must complete the Tennessee Jurisprudence Examination.
Tennessee is a PSYPACT member state. Tennessee enacted PSYPACT via HB 1414, effective July 1, 2021. TN was an early enacter relative to most states. TN LPs holding the E.Passport and APIT (Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology) through ASPPB can practice telepsychology and limited in-person practice across all 40+ PSYPACT member states. See TN Multistate Regulations page.
Clinical Psychologist Salary in Tennessee
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
Tennessee psychologist wages run roughly at or slightly below national medians. Tennessee has no state income tax, which materially improves take-home pay compared to income-tax states (only federal income, Social Security at 6.2%, and Medicare at 1.45% apply). The BLS Tennessee OEWS shows Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033) at a state mean of approximately $85,560.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033)
National median: $96,100
Top metro: $93,670 (Nashville); $87,120 (Memphis); $84,340 (Knoxville); $82,890 (Chattanooga) (Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin)
School Psychologists (SOC 19-3034)
National median: $84,940
Top metro: Senior steps vary by district (Metro Nashville Public Schools and Memphis-Shelby County Schools)
Psychologists, All Other (SOC 19-3039)
National median: National mean ~$120,000
Top metro: HCA Healthcare HQ creates I-O and consulting opportunities (Nashville)
Tennessee Clinical Psychology Job Market and Top Employers
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
Tennessee has a deep psychology employment market distributed across the state's three major urban anchors (Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville) plus Chattanooga and East Tennessee. Major employers fall into five buckets.
Health systems: HCA Healthcare (HQ Nashville at One Park Plaza; one of the largest health systems nationally), Vanderbilt University Medical Center / VUMC (Nashville; flagship academic medical center running the Vanderbilt-VA Psychology Internship Consortium), Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare (Memphis), Ascension Saint Thomas (formerly Saint Thomas Health, Nashville), Erlanger Health System (Chattanooga, including Children's Hospital at Erlanger), Covenant Health (Knoxville), Baptist Memorial Health Care (Memphis), and Le Bonheur Children's Hospital (Memphis).
TN Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services state psychiatric hospitals: Middle Tennessee Mental Health Institute / MTMHI (Nashville, 221 Stewarts Ferry Pike; serves 18 Middle TN counties with 232 psychiatric beds including a 30-bed Forensic Services Program; opened 1995), Western Mental Health Institute (Bolivar, 11100 US Highway 64), Memphis Mental Health Institute (Memphis), and Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute (Chattanooga, 100 Moccasin Bend Road; serves 52 East TN counties, founded 1961). Lakeshore Mental Health Institute in Knoxville closed in 2012.
VA system: VA Tennessee Valley Health Care System / TVHS (two campuses: Nashville adjacent to VUMC + Alvin C. York Campus in Murfreesboro ~37 miles from Nashville; APA-accredited doctoral internship; partners with Vanderbilt-VA Psychology Internship Consortium), VA Memphis Healthcare System (Memphis), and VA Mountain Home Healthcare System (Johnson City; serves East TN, an ETSU placement partner).
State government: TN Department of Health, TN Department of Children's Services, TN Department of Correction.
K-12 public school districts: Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Knox County Schools (Knoxville), Hamilton County Schools (Chattanooga), and other large districts statewide.
Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs
Tennessee State Loan Repayment Program (TSLRP): Administered by TN Department of Health. Health Service Psychologists explicitly eligible. Up to $50,000 for initial 2-year service obligation at qualifying public/non-profit primary care entity in a federally designated HPSA. Contact: health.tslrp@tn.gov, (615) 741-5887.
Tennessee Mental Healthcare Loan Repayment Initiative: HB 7035 (2023-2024 session) establishes loan forgiveness for psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors. TN Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services administers the related Pathways Behavioral Health Scholarship for graduate students serving community behavioral health agencies under state contract.
NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Federal program. Health Service Psychologists eligible at NHSC-approved HPSA sites in TN. Up to $50,000 for 2-year full-time at HPSA score 14+ (varies).
VA Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): VA-employed psychologists at Tennessee Valley VA (Nashville/Murfreesboro), Memphis VA, and Mountain Home VA (Johnson City) can qualify for EDRP awards up to $200,000 over 5 years.
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): TN LPs at qualifying nonprofit/government employers (VA, TN DMHSAS state hospitals, public schools, FQHCs, state universities, 501(c)(3) hospitals) qualify for PSLF after 120 qualifying payments under an income-driven repayment plan.
How to Choose a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program in Tennessee
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
Choosing a Tennessee clinical psychology doctoral program comes down to five levers: funding (Vanderbilt fully funded, plus several public university PhDs with assistantship support), training model (clinical-science PhD vs counseling PhD vs scientist-practitioner-advocate vs Counseling PsyD), geography (Nashville vs Memphis vs Knoxville vs East TN vs Clarksville), specialization (UTK Counseling's SPA model, ETSU's rural focus, TSU's HBCU credential), and the no-state-income-tax advantage. Here is how to actually narrow it down.
If you want a top-ranked, fully funded Clinical Science PhD: Vanderbilt Clinical Science PhD is the top-ranked program in Tennessee with dual APA + PCSAS accreditation, full 5-year guaranteed funding ($34,000 to $38,000/year stipend + tuition + insurance + $2,000 start stipend). GRE required.
If you want APA + PCSAS dual accreditation: Vanderbilt is Tennessee's only PCSAS-accredited program.
If you want a scientist-practitioner-advocate Counseling Psychology PhD: University of Tennessee Knoxville Counseling PhD is the FIRST APA-accredited program under the SPA training model (since 1980), recipient of the 2012 APA Innovation in Graduate Education Award. Distinctive nationally.
If you want a Counseling Psychology PhD at an HBCU: Tennessee State University Counseling Psychology PhD (since March 2000) is Tennessee's HBCU APA-accredited Counseling Psych PhD. ASPPB-designated and National Register listed. Master's required for admission.
If you want a rural behavioral health and integrated primary care focus: East Tennessee State University Clinical PhD (since April 2012) is the only APA-accredited Clinical PhD in Tennessee with explicit rural behavioral health and integrated primary care focus. GRE NOT considered. Johnson City location with Mountain Home VA placement.
If you want a Clinical Psychology PhD with low out-of-state tuition premium: University of Memphis Clinical PhD (continuously since 1972, reaccredited 2025 for 10 years through 2035, Academy of Psychological Clinical Science member) charges $553 per credit in-state and only $787 per credit out-of-state - distinctively low premium nationally. GRE not considered.
If you want a Counseling PsyD in Tennessee: Austin Peay State University (APSU) Counseling Psychology PsyD is Tennessee's only APA-accredited PsyD program. CAVEAT: Currently "Accredited, on contingency" following Fall 2024 site visit. Inaugural class graduated August 2025. Verify current status with the program and APA before enrolling.
If you want maximum PSYPACT leverage and no state income tax: Tennessee has been a PSYPACT state since July 2021 and has no state income tax. TN LPs with APIT can practice telepsychology across all 40+ PSYPACT member states. Combined with HCA Healthcare HQ in Nashville and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Tennessee offers strong career economics.
Caveats worth knowing before applying: Argosy University Nashville closed March 9, 2019; APSU's new Counseling PsyD (on contingency) fills the Nashville-area PsyD gap. Vanderbilt does NOT offer a separate APA-accredited School Psychology PhD (only Clinical Science is APA-accredited at Vanderbilt). Tennessee Tech University does NOT have an APA-accredited doctoral psychology program (Counseling and Psychology Department is master's-only). Lakeshore Mental Health Institute (Knoxville) closed in 2012; do not target it as an employer.
Related Pages
Counseling Programs in Tennessee
CACREP-accredited counseling programs and the Tennessee LPC-MHSP license, a master's alternative to the 7-year clinical psychology doctorate
MSW Programs in Tennessee
CSWE-accredited social work programs and Tennessee LCSW licensure
ABA Programs in Tennessee
BACB-verified course sequences and Tennessee BCBA practice for students considering applied behavior analysis
Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs by State
Browse APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs (PhD and PsyD) in every state
Sources
- APA Commission on Accreditation, Accredited Programs Directory
- Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology
- TN Rules Chapter 1180-02 (Psychology Board)
- TN Multistate / PSYPACT Regulations
- PSYPACT, Compact Map
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS Tennessee Estimates
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Psychologists
- Tennessee State Loan Repayment Program (TSLRP)
- NHSC Loan Repayment Program
- TN Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services - Hospitals