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Entry Level Psychologist Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Psychologist information

See Tennessee salary details

$40.4K

$139.8K

$282.3K

How much do entry level psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level psychologist in Tennessee is $139,824.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,400.00 and $202,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level psychologist do?

An entry-level psychologist is a fully licensed therapist or mental health expert that may still be getting mentorship and professional guidance from more experienced psychologists or counseling experts. In this career, you still have the same duties and responsibilities as any other psychologist. You make a diagnosis for a patient based on counseling sessions and then work with your patient to develop a treatment plant that fits their needs and goals. Only in certain limited cases, however, are psychologists allowed to prescribe medication to patients, and the requirements for that depend on the state in which you practice and whether or not you have taken coursework in pharmacology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level psychologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Psychologist, you need a foundational knowledge of psychological theories, research methods, and assessment techniques, usually supported by at least a master's degree in psychology or a related field. Familiarity with statistical software, psychological testing tools, and patient record systems is common in this role. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and active listening abilities help in building trust and rapport with clients. These skills and qualifications are crucial for providing effective support, conducting accurate assessments, and fostering client well-being.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level psychologists when transitioning from academic training to clinical practice?

Entry level psychologists often find the transition from academic settings to clinical practice challenging due to differences in pace, client diversity, and the need for practical application of theoretical knowledge. Adapting to real-world cases, managing caseloads, and dealing with administrative duties like documentation can be initially overwhelming. However, most organizations provide supervision and mentorship to help new psychologists develop confidence and refine their therapeutic skills. Open communication with supervisors and proactive participation in team meetings are vital for ongoing professional growth and support.

What is the difference between Entry Level Psychologist vs Mental Health Technician?

AspectEntry Level PsychologistMental Health Technician
Required CredentialsMaster's or Doctoral degree in Psychology, licensure often requiredHigh school diploma or associate degree; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, private practices, research settingsHospitals, mental health facilities, residential programs
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, mental health services, research institutionsBehavioral health facilities, hospitals, community programs
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in psychologyExploring support roles in mental health settings

Entry Level Psychologists typically hold advanced degrees and licensure, working directly with clients in clinical or research settings. Mental Health Technicians usually have less formal education, providing support and assisting licensed professionals in mental health environments. Both roles are essential in mental health services but differ in qualifications and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Psychologist jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Psychologist jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Psychologist jobs in Tennessee?

For Entry Level Psychologist jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Psychologist jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Psychologist jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Entry Level Psychologist jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Entry Level Psychologist job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Psychologist job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 13% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,824 per year, or $67.2 per hour.

Behavioral Health Specialist

Vanderbilt Health

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Performs clinical care tasks such as vital signs, phlebotomy, specimen collection, and point of care testing as directed by unit standards.

  • Assists patients with activities of daily living, including showering, oral hygiene, and laundry, and provides feedback on patient progress to healthcare professionals.

  • Independently leads coping skills groups and maintains a therapeutic environment conducive to healing and health promotion.


Vanderbilt University Medical Center rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 259 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Discover Vanderbilt Health: With eight hospitals and over 180 clinics, we are the region's largest comprehensive academic health system. Vanderbilt Health has a long tradition of providing world-class care to the people of the Mid-South, living out our mission of moving medicine forward through preeminent programs in patient care, education and research. Here you'll find a spirit of collaboration and a supportive community where your expertise is valued, your knowledge expanded and your uniqueness celebrated. We are committed to fostering an environment where talented, compassionate people are united in bringing the most advanced care to our neighbors throughout the region.
Organization:
Partial Hospitalized Program
Job Summary:
JOB SUMMARY
Performs duties of patient care necessary to implement individual treatment under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Provides the psychological, emotional and physical care and support required by each patient. Assists in maintaining the therapeutic environment of the clinical program with minimal guidance.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Performs clinical care consistent with the patient's treatment plan, including but not limited to vital signs, phlebotomy, specimen collection and point of care testing as directed by unit standards.
• Collects data to contribute to the assessment of individual strengths and limitations.
• Independently assists patients with showering, oral hygiene, laundry and other activities of daily living.
• Provides input to the patient's assigned nurse and other healthcare professionals assigned to the patient regarding patient's progress towards treatment goals.
• Promotes and maintains a safe environment conducive to healing and health promotion. Able to provide effective and therapeutic limit setting with patients with direction from other staff
• Assures orientation of newly admitted patient to the program and establishes a therapeutic relationship with the patients.
• Provides immediate feedback to the charge nurse about any safety concerns on the unit and offers potential solutions.
• Independently leads coping skills groups with patients
• The responsibilities listed are a general overview of the position and additional duties may be assigned.
TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES
• Facilitation of Positive Coping Strategies (Intermediate): Demonstrates mastery of facilitation of positive coping strategies in practical applications of a difficult nature. Possesses sufficient knowledge, training, and experience to be capable of successfully delivering facilitation services without requiring support and instruction from others. Able to train and educate by setting the example, giving technical instruction, providing leadership, and generally raising the level of performance of others while on the job.
• Human Growth & Development (Intermediate): Demonstrates mastery of human growth and development in practical applications of a difficult nature. Possesses sufficient knowledge, training, and experience to be capable of successfully delivering human growth and development services without requiring support and instruction from others. Able to train and educate by setting the example, giving technical instruction, providing leadership, and generally raising the level of performance of others while on the job.
• Patient Documentation (Intermediate): Demonstrates mastery of patient documentation in practical applications of a difficult nature. Possesses sufficient knowledge, training, and experience to be capable of successfully delivering patient documentation services without requiring support and instruction from others. Able to train and educate by setting the example, giving technical instruction, providing leadership, and generally raising the level of performance of others while on the job.
• Communication (Intermediate): Clearly, effectively and respectfully communicates to employees or customers.
Our clinical and nursing support roles are at the center of all we do, helping us be the world leader in advancing personalized health. We support each other and encourage excellence among all who are part of our workforce. High-achieving employees stay at Vanderbilt Health for professional growth, appreciation of benefits, and a sense of community and purpose. We support each other and encourage excellence among all who are part of our workforce.
Core Accountabilities:
* Organizational Impact: Performs tasks that are typically routine that may impact team's performance with occasional guidance. * Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Utilizes some discretion and research to solve routine problems. * Breadth of Knowledge: Applies knowledge of standards, established processes and procedure that apply to your own job. * Team Interaction: Provides guidance to entry level co-workers.
Core Capabilities :
Supporting Colleagues : Develops Self and Others: Continuously improves own skills by identifying development opportunities.- Builds and Maintains Relationships: Seeks to understand colleagues' priorities, working styles and develops relationships across areas.- Communicates Effectively: Openly shares information with others and communicates in a clear and courteous manner. Delivering Excellent Services: - Serves Others with Compassion: Invests time to understand the problems, needs of others and how to provide excellent service.- Solves Complex Problems: Seeks to understand issues, solves routine problems, and raises proper concerns in a timely manner. - Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Listens carefully to understand the issues and provides accurate information and support. Ensuring High Quality: - Performs Excellent Work: Checks work quality before delivery and asks relevant questions to meet quality standards. - Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Demonstrates basic knowledge of conditions that affect safety and reports unsafe conditions to the appropriate person or department. Managing Resources Effectively : - Demonstrates Accountability: Takes responsibility for completing assigned activities and thinks beyond standard approaches to provide high-quality work/service. - Stewards Organizational Resources: Displays understanding of how personal actions will impact departmental resources. - Makes Data Driven Decisions: Uses accurate information and good decision making to consistently achieve results on time and without error. Fostering Innovation : - Generates New Ideas: Willingly proposes/accepts ideas or initiatives that will impact day-to-day operations by offering suggestions to enhance them. - Applies Technology: Absorbs new technology quickly; understands when to utilize the appropriate tools and procedures to ensure proper course of action. - Adapts to Change: Embraces changes by keeping an open mind to changing plans and incorporates change instructions into own area of work.
Position Qualifications:
Responsibilities:
Certifications:
Work Experience:
Relevant Work Experience
Experience Level:
2 years
Education:
Graduate of an approved discipline specific program
This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which may include health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.
Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.

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