TruPath Center for Restoration is pleased to announce the grand opening of its new trauma‑informed, faith-honoring counseling center in Murfreesboro.
TLPCA members are warmly invited to join us as we celebrate the launch of this restorative community space.
📅 Date: March 23, 2026
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM CT
📍 Location: 150 Uptown Square, Murfreesboro, TN
🎀 Hosted by: Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce
Guests will have the opportunity to tour the new space, meet the TruPath team, and connect with fellow professionals committed to ethical, compassionate mental health care. Light refreshments will be served.
https://trupathcenter.com/
There are some red flags here just to clarify. If I am not mistaken while one is under supervision one cannot work for one’s self as a provider, one is not supposed to have clients directly pay them. Ones supervisor cannot work for one it is a conflict of interest. If the supervisor owns the practice then that is a different story.
Hi Lincoln,
Thank you for raising these concerns — I appreciate the opportunity to clarify, especially since Tennessee law can be confusing in this area.
1. Tennessee law does not prohibit an A LPC MHSP from practicing in a setting they own
There is no statute or rule in T.C.A. Title 63 22 or in the TN Board Rules 0450 01 that restricts an associate licensee from practicing within a business they legally own.
What the law does require is that an A LPC MHSP practice under supervision and that the supervisor “takes responsibility for the practice of the supervisee” during the supervised period (Rule 0450 01 .10(1)).
Ownership of the practice is not addressed or restricted anywhere in statute or rule.
2. Tennessee law does not prohibit clients from paying the practice directly
There is no statute or rule that requires clients to pay a supervisor or prohibits a supervisee from receiving payment for services.
The key requirement is that the supervisee practices under supervision and within scope — not that they be an employee of the supervisor.
3. The conflict of interest rule applies to supervisors, not supervisees
You are correct that a supervisor cannot be in a dual relationship that compromises their evaluative role.
This comes from the ACA Code of Ethics, Section F, which Tennessee incorporates into its rules (Rule 0450 01 .10(1)(d)).
This means:
• A supervisor should not be employed by the supervisee.
• A supervisor should not be financially dependent on the supervisee.
However, a supervisee owning a practice does not automatically create a conflict — the conflict exists only if the supervisor is subordinate to, financially dependent on, or evaluated by the supervisee.
In this case, the supervisor is not employed by the practice, does not work for the practice, and maintains full independent authority in the supervisory relationship. This is fully compliant with Tennessee rules and ACA ethics.
4. Tennessee law does allow an A LPC MHSP to hire independently licensed clinicians
Independently licensed LPC MHSPs practice without supervision, so there is no conflict with an associate licensee owning the business in which independently licensed clinicians practice.
This is consistent with T.C.A. 63 22 120 (scope of practice) and the Board’s definitions of supervision and independent practice.
In closing, I hope this helps clarify the legal framework — Tennessee’s rules are very specific about supervision requirements, but they do not prohibit associate licensees from owning a practice or receiving payment. I appreciate your concern for ethical practice and am always glad to discuss the statutes and rules that guide our profession.
Feel free to reach out to me directly anytime.
While it is an exciting venture to bring services to the middle Tennessee area, please be aware of not only T.C.A statutes and ACA Ethical guidelines but also Tennessee Board of Health’s (Board for LPCs, LMFTs, and LPTs) rules and regulations. You mentioned T.C.A., however, TN Board of Health guides the practice of healthcare professionals and has specific rules and regulations for LPCs that govern our field. Unless there has been a revision, certain policies may still be in effect regarding associates and private practice.
The Board has a specific policy regarding practice setting titled, “Policy on LPC Clinical Setting Requirements” here: https://www.tn.gov/health/health/licensure/pct.html. The Board is also a helpful, informative resource for practice questions and ethical dilemmas specific to Tennessee professionals. Our profession evolves constantly, so it might be helpful to connect with the Board as policies adjust and are revised as the needs of the community shift.
Thank you all for the thoughtful discussion and for your commitment to our profession. I’ve shared the information relevant to my licensure and supervision, and I’m comfortable with where things stand.
Our grand opening took place yesterday, and it was a beautiful day of connection and community. I’m grateful for everyone who has supported this work and for those of you who took time to come out of your day to visit with us. It was a pleasure meeting you.
I look forward to continuing to serve alongside you all in Tennessee.