The state of Tennessee had 712 reported fatal overdoses in the year 2021.
That was a 15% increase over the previous year.
Like the rest of the country, Tennessee is in the midst of a national drug crisis.
So the need for help has never been greater.
Trained professionals are in demand to assist and support those with substance-use issues.
One of these professions is that of recovery coach.
Recovery coaches are professionals that are not only trained and educated in addition and recovery, but also have their own lived experiences with both.
Much of their job involves providing support and encouragement to those just beginning their journey of recovery.
A recovery coach works with people seeking to be, and already in recovery.
They are not a licensed therapist or counselor, but a paraprofessional that partners with people to help create comfortable, safe spaces in which to recover.
A recovery coach will also help identify strengths, interests, and goals for the future.
Other duties include helping to identify and cope with triggers, stressors, and to connect clients with treatment and support options.
A good recovery coach needs to be a good listener, be knowledgeable about addiction and 12-step programs, organized, and patient.
Read on for more information about becoming a recovery coach in Tennessee.
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Steps To Becoming A Professional Recovery Coach In Tennessee
In order to become a recovery coach in the state of Tennessee, you must follow these series of steps.
- Obtain a high school diploma or GED.
- Have lived experience with mental illness or substance use and recovery.
- Fill out the application for acceptance into the training course.
The application includes a series of personal questions that must be answered fully and truthfully.
Some of these include:
- What do you do to keep focused on your recovery?
- How do you deal with triggers?
- Describe your support system.
If your application is accepted, you will be informed of when classes begin.
- Complete the training program that is run by the Tennessee Department of Health.
- Pass the peer recovery exam.
- Apply for your certificate.
Schools/Agencies That Offer Professional Recovery Coach Training
1. The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse
About The Center
The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse is a state-funded agency that works with other nonprofits in the communities.
They work to plan, set policy, monitor, evaluate, and advocate for people that are struggling with mental illness, substance-use disorders, or co-occurring disorders.
They help develop programs and plans of action for people of all ages.
About The Course
In order to be accepted into the course, you must self-identify as a person in recovery and have at least 24 months of continuous recovery time.
You must have a high school diploma and fill out the application and questionnaire.
The course consists of 40 hours of classroom time, where students will role-play situations, receive and give feet, take part in group work, sec reflection, and take tests.
Topics of instruction include problem-solving, motivational techniques, wellness and recovery, communication, ethics, co-occurring conditions, and trauma-informed care.
There is no cost for the course.
Address: 500 Deadrick St.
Nashville, Tennessee 37243
Phone: (615)3473262
Website: https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health.html
2. The Copeland Center For Wellness And Recovery 
About The Center
The Copeland Center for Wellness is a group of nationwide centers that helps to train and educate individuals that wish to improve their understanding of certain health issues and help those that struggle with them.
They provide training, seminars, workshops, retreats, and speakers.
About The Program
Copeland provides a 2-week program for recovery coaches, in keeping with the standards of the Tennessee Department of Mental Health.
They use their patented and proven method of instruction called WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan).
The course is taught by peer instructors that use modeling as a way to teach new coaches.
Address: 500 Deadrick St.
Nashville, Tennessee 37243
Phone: (6157417693
Website: https://copelandcenter.com/content/tennessee
Recovery Coach Representative Schools in Tennessee – Summary Table
Top 2 Schools in Tennessee
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse | 500 Deadrick St. Nashville, Tennessee 37243, USA |
| The Copeland Center For Wellness And Recovery | 500 Deadrick St. Nashville, Tennessee 37243, USA |
Salary For Recovery Coaches In Tennessee
The average salary for a recovery coach in the state of Tennessee is $31,566 per year.
This is below the national average of $34,500 per year.
However, many coaches report making $35,000 per year or more.
The salary depends on experience, education level, and location.
The highest-paying cities In Tennessee include Nashville, Hendersonville, Franklin, and Memphis.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Professional Recovery Coachs in Tennessee
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Memphis | $31,820 |
| Nashville-Davidson | $32,014 |
| Knoxville | $31,504 |
| Chattanooga | $30,958 |
| Clarksville | $31,188 |
| Murfreesboro | $31,773 |
| Jackson | $31,580 |
| Johnson City | $29,885 |
| Kingsport | $29,997 |
| Franklin | $31,902 |
Regional Salary in Tennessee
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | 440 | $43,350 | - NA - | $76,370 | $18,730 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | 240 | $40,730 | - NA - | $73,810 | $20,360 |
| Cleveland, TN | 80 | $44,980 | - NA - | $82,210 | $27,200 |
| Jackson, TN | 130 | $43,200 | - NA - | $74,300 | $16,950 |
| Johnson City, TN | 110 | $59,810 | - NA - | $117,930 | $22,760 |
| Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA | 130 | $39,080 | - NA - | $61,760 | $22,760 |
| Knoxville, TN | 760 | $58,220 | - NA - | $107,480 | $19,170 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | 1,050 | $45,870 | - NA - | $77,280 | $22,360 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | 2,140 | $50,280 | - NA - | $80,590 | $23,350 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the certification test need to be taken again in order to gain recertification in Tennessee ?
No.
However, you must take at least 10 hours of continuing education and provide at least 25 hours of peer to peer support a year.
You will need to provide proof in order to renew your certificate each year.
Where can recovery coaches work in Tennessee?
Recovery coaches in Tennessee can work in a variety of settings, including the department of behavioral health, emergency rooms, detox centers, inpatient facilities, private practice, and veterans hospitals.
Can recovery coaches become therapists or counselors?
Yes.
Being a recovery coach is a great way to gain some of the experience necessary to become a counselor.
You will need additional training and education.
Do recovery coaches diagnose their clients?
No.
The role of the coach is to support and mentor.
Only a licensed therapist or counselor can diagnose people.
