B-767 Captain reported a TAT probe failure message during climb. The Captain returned to the departure airport and landed safely.

Narrative

Pushback of aircraft; all operations were normal from taxi to initial takeoff. I was PF and upon rotation; we got an EICAS message 'TAT (Total Air Temperature) Probe' followed by 'Autothrottle Disc'. At that point; I removed all automation and hand flew the aircraft. We leveled off at 6000 ft and I requested FO to the QRH checklist for those 2 EICAS messages. We reported to ATC that we needed to remain at 6000 ft and for delay vectors to work the issues; we did not declare an emergency. Working through the non-normal checklist; it noted 'Flight in icing conditions can result in erroneous TAS; TAT; SAT; ECON SPD; and LRC SPD data'. Also noted was LNAV and VNAV inop. Our planned route of flight was indeed going to be through icing conditions as there was a large system moving through midwest areas. We were able to contact dispatch over SAT phone and describe our situation however; the call was dropped. A second attempt resulted in the same outcome and call was dropped. I consulted the crew (we did have a third seat deadheader on board) and we all agreed the best decision would be a return to ZZZ. Shortly thereafter we received an ACARS message from dispatch requesting we return to ZZZ. Other than the previously discussed non-normals; we returned to ZZZ and landed without any other incident. Cause: Unknown mechanical issue with TAT probe heat.