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In Tennessee, professional recovery coaches hold a pivotal position in offering invaluable non-clinical support to individuals on their journey to overcome addiction and achieve sustainable recovery.
As a recovery coach, your primary objective is to empower and motivate clients, giving them tools to conquer substance dependency.
This article aims to explore the field of recovery coaching in Tennessee.
Article Table of Contents
Defining the Role of a Professional Recovery Coach in Tennessee
Differentiating recovery coaches from therapists is essential, as recovery coaches do not provide clinical treatment.
Recovery coaches are equipped to work with individuals facing various forms of addiction, offering personalized assistance tailored to their specific needs.
The role of a recovery coach encompasses a range of vital responsibilities, including:
- Educating clients on essential life skills, such as fostering a healthy and balanced lifestyle through activities like cooking and cleaning.
- Collaborating with clients to establish realistic goals and develop actionable plans to achieve them.
- Conducting regular safety and wellness checks to ensure clients’ overall well-being throughout their recovery journey.
- Monitoring clients’ progress and holding them accountable for their actions and commitments.
- Facilitating access to additional recovery resources, including support groups, counseling services, or vocational training, based on individual needs.
- Upholding client confidentiality and adhering to HIPAA guidelines to maintain privacy and build trust.
- Engaging with clients and their families to provide comprehensive support and address any challenges or concerns that may arise.
Steps to Become a Professional Recovery Coach in Tennessee
If you aspire to become a professional recovery coach in Tennessee, consider following these steps:
1. Obtain a High School Diploma
Acquiring a high school diploma or GED is a foundational requirement to enter the field of recovery coaching.
2. Gain Practical Experience
Practical experience plays a vital role in developing the necessary skills for a recovery coach.
You have to accumulate at least 40 hours which is part of the training.
3. Get Certified
The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services oversees the Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) program.
There are a few other prerequisites for certification:
- Being at least 18 years old
- Being in recovery for at least 2 years
The recovery can be for one of the following issues:
- A mental illness
- Substance abuse
- A co-occurring disorder
4. Stay Informed and Engaged
To excel in your role as a recovery coach, it is crucial to stay updated on the latest advancements in the field.
Actively participate in educational initiatives and engage in learning opportunities to enhance your knowledge.
Training as a Professional Recovery Coach in Tennessee
What training options are in Tennessee you ask?
Let’s find out!
Tennessee Together 
This program offers 40 hours of training which are required for certification.
The course includes both theory and practice classes and it’s free of charge.
The theory part of the program covers topics such as:
- Recovery
- Communication
- Values
- Ethics
- Motivation
- Co-occurring disorders
- Trauma-informed care and wellness
The CPRS training course requires prospective recovery coaches to complete an online application.
Completing these personal questions will help assess your suitability for the Certified Peer Recovery Specialist program.
Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services 
The Department also offers a training class for future professional recovery coaches.
The program offers certification in 2 stages.
The first part of the program covers the actual training required.
In the second part, you’ll have to fill out a few more applications and once this part is completed, you’re a certified recovery coach.
The program is offered to everyone across the state.
Ed2Go 
The training program offered by Ed2Go is offered through the Southwest Tennessee Community College.
However, the program is offered entirely online, and the website provides all the information regarding the requirements you must meet to attend the classes.
This course has a duration of 60 hours and these will happen over a period of 6 months.
Students are eligible for a Certificate of Completion at the end of the training.
The certificate you obtain is not the same as the certification for the job.
Ed2Go also offers continuing education classes that are recognized by both NAADAC and IC&RC.
Recovery Within Reach 
Recovery Within Reach offers more than just training to those who want to become professional recovery coaches.
This specific course is offered for free across the state at various centers.
If the class is not accessible yet, you can request it.
The training itself is available to those who need certification as well as to those who are already certified.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services | 500 Deaderick Street Nashville, TN 37243 |
| Ed2Go | online |
| Recovery Within Reach | online |
| Tennessee Together | online |
Salaries for Professional Recovery Coaches in Tennessee
The income potential for recovery coaches in Tennessee is influenced by various factors, with experience playing a significant role in shaping earnings.
As recovery coaches gain more experience, their expertise and reputation grow, leading to increased earning potential.
Different regions may have varying demands for recovery services, resulting in different salary ranges.
To provide you with a comprehensive overview of the income potential for recovery coaches in Tennessee, we have compiled a detailed table below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Nashville | $32,014 |
| Hendersonville | $31,966 |
| Franklin | $31,902 |
| Memphis | $31,820 |
| Murfressboro | $31,773 |
| Germantown | $31,740 |
| Decatur | $30,717 |
| Jackson | $31,580 |
| Friendship | $31,580 |
| Knoxville | $31,504 |
Regional Salary in Tennessee
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | 90 | $63,620 | $30.59 | $109,760 | $33,750 |
| Jackson, TN | 30 | $41,840 | $20.12 | $61,620 | $25,410 |
| Johnson City, TN | 40 | $59,740 | $28.72 | $96,190 | $30,520 |
| Knoxville, TN | 140 | $52,520 | $25.25 | $110,550 | $24,820 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | 150 | $79,130 | $38.04 | $122,910 | $30,910 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | 330 | $67,980 | $32.68 | $126,080 | $34,090 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Does a Professional Recovery Coach Work in Tennessee?
These professionals can work in countless different recovery settings, such as:
- Treatment centers
- Alcohol and drug abuse services centers
- Detox centers
- Psychosocial rehab programs
- Inpatient clinics
- Community mental health agencies
- Nonprofit community organizations
- Veterans hospitals
- State and local governments
- Recovery courts
What skills do I need to become a professional recovery coach in Tennessee?
Any occupation is better suited for a certain set of skills.
Professional recovery coaches in Tennessee need:
- Very strong interpersonal skills
- Empathy
- Very strong communication skills
- Organization skills
- Commitment
Are professional recovery coaches similar to healthcare professionals?
Recovery coaches do not engage in diagnosing or treating individuals, as their role differs from that of therapists or healthcare professionals.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Professional Recovery Coach
Professional Recovery Coach by State