In Tennessee’s mental health system, a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) is a designation for individuals who meet established state criteria to provide certain services. This status signifies that a professional has a foundational level of education and experience in the mental health field. The following sections explain the requirements to achieve this status, the application process, the scope of services, and how credentials are maintained.
What is a QMHP in Tennessee?
A Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) is an individual who meets specific criteria set by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS). This is not a license, but a designation that qualifies an individual to perform certain functions within state-licensed or funded agencies. The QMHP status ensures a consistent standard of care and professional background for those delivering mental health services.
Tennessee’s regulations define a QMHP by listing various licensed professionals who can be considered for this status.1Justia Law. Tennessee Code § 33-1-101 – Title Definitions These include licensed professional counselors (LPCs), social workers, psychologists, marital and family therapists, and certain psychiatric nurses. The designation recognizes that the individual possesses the necessary background to work with people experiencing mental health challenges.
Becoming a QMHP: Requirements and Documentation
To be recognized as a QMHP, a candidate must possess a specific educational foundation and professional experience. While the designation encompasses various professionals, each licensed role has its own academic requirements. For example, becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) requires a master’s degree of at least 60 graduate hours in counseling or a related field from an accredited institution.
In addition to academics, Tennessee mandates a period of supervised experience in the mental health field. To earn the LPC designation, an individual needs a minimum of two years of post-master’s supervised clinical experience. This work must involve direct service to clients and be supervised by a qualified and approved professional.
Proper documentation is necessary to prove these qualifications. Applicants must prepare a package that includes official academic transcripts to verify their degree and coursework. They also need letters from supervisors that detail their supervised work experience, including the number of hours and nature of their duties. A criminal background check is also a standard requirement.
Applying for QMHP Designation in Tennessee
The application process is often managed through the specific agency or employer that requires the QMHP designation, which then verifies credentials based on TDMHSAS standards. For licensed professionals, the application for licensure with their respective state board serves as the primary validation of their qualifications. This includes boards such as the Board for Professional Counselors, Marital and Family Therapists and Clinical Pastoral Therapists.
After submitting the application and supporting documents, there is a review period. During this time, the board or agency will verify the applicant’s credentials, including their education, supervised experience, and the results of their background check. The timeline for this review can vary, and the applicant may be contacted if additional information is required. Upon successful review, the individual is granted their license or recognized as meeting QMHP standards.
Services Provided by QMHPs in Tennessee
Qualified Mental Health Professionals in Tennessee are authorized to provide a range of mental health services. Their scope of practice includes conducting behavioral health assessments, developing treatment plans, providing case management, and performing crisis intervention. QMHPs work in various settings, including community mental health centers, hospitals, and other agencies that contract with the state.
The specific services a QMHP can offer are influenced by their underlying professional license. Tennessee has a two-tiered licensing system for counselors. A professional with a basic Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license has a limited scope of practice compared to one with the Mental Health Service Provider (LPC/MHSP) designation.
To diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, a counselor must obtain the LPC/MHSP designation. Earning this requires completing 3,000 hours of post-master’s clinical experience, with 1,500 of those hours in direct client contact, and passing an additional clinical examination.
QMHPs are not authorized to prescribe medication, as this function is reserved for medical doctors, psychiatrists, or psychiatric nurse practitioners with prescribing authority.2Justia Law. Tennessee Code § 63-7-123 – Certified Nurse Practitioners – Drug Prescriptions They must operate within the boundaries set by their license and state regulations.
Maintaining and Verifying QMHP Credentials
Maintaining QMHP status in Tennessee requires adherence to the ongoing requirements of the professional’s specific license. This involves completing a certain number of continuing education units (CEUs) each renewal cycle to ensure professionals stay current with the latest developments and ethical standards in the mental health field. For instance, LPCs must complete a specific amount of continuing education to keep their license active, which in turn upholds their QMHP qualification.3TN.gov. Continuing Education
Employers and clients can verify an individual’s professional license through the online license verification system provided by the Tennessee Department of Health.4State of Tennessee. License, Permit, Registration Search This public-facing portal allows anyone to look up a professional by name to confirm their license is active and in good standing. This transparency helps ensure accountability and public trust.