44 2024-2025 | Tennessee Career Guide Students contemplating a career in behav- ioral health will be embarking on a poten- tially rewarding and fulfilling path, espe- cially as the demand for mental health and substance abuse services in our state and nation has reached unprecedented levels. With this demand for services and providers comes unparalleled opportunities to meet those needs. Before you chose a career path in behavioral health, it’s important to ex- plore the commitment required— as well as the pros and cons of the profession— so that you can make informed decisions, assess your readiness, prepare for challenges, and commit to lifelong learning and growth. Which way to go? The field of behavioral health has diverse career paths -- therapists, counselors, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, psy- chiatric nurse practitioners, and others who specialize in helping others with men- tal illness, mental health challenges, ad- dictions, and substance use disorders. Each career path has its own educational re- quirements. For example, becoming a li- censed therapist typically requires a mas- ter’s degree in counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy, while becom- ing a psychiatrist requires a medical de- gree. These jobs also carry different scopes and responsibilities. Therapists primarily focus on providing counseling while psy- chologists may conduct assessments, re- search, and teaching. You’ll also want to consider potential work settings. Do you want to work in an addic- tion treatment facility, hospital, or mental health center? Do you eventually want to open a private practice? These are impor- tant considerations. Photography by Shutterstock® Profession Overview Work Sector: Healthcare Median Salaries in Tennessee: Psychiatrists: $205,000 Clinical and counseling psychologists: $109,670 School psychologists: $70,340 Social workers: $55,880 Substance abuse/MH counselors: $49,280 Substance abuse/MH social workers: $46,050 Marriage and family therapists: $44,380 Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistcis - May 2023 Information On This Career Provided By: The Tennessee Association of Alcohol, Drugs, and other Addiction Services (TAADAS) 1321 Murfreesboro Pike Suite 155 Nashville, TN 37217 www.www.taadas.org The Tennessee Association of Mental Health Organizations (TAMHO) 201 Seaboard Lane, Suite 100 Franklin, Tennessee 37067-2500 tamho.org Impacting people, families, and communities Behavioral Health Professionals
