Working with a therapist can help you learn to manage life's challenges and achieve more positive outcomes. If you’re interested in starting therapy, consider an online platform like BetterHelp.
With BetterHelp, you can get mental health care from a licensed professional counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, or other provider from the comfort of home at a time that works for your schedule. Plus, you can change therapists anytime for no fee until you find a provider with whom you have a successful therapeutic relationship.
While BetterHelp does not currently provide group therapy, the providers on the platform have extensive experience providing individual therapy. A BetterHelp counselor can guide you through the therapeutic process and help you overcome a range of life difficulties, from managing the symptoms of bipolar disorder or mood disorders to improving low self-esteem.
If you’re looking for an online therapist, TN has many options. The following providers are licensed and qualified to provide online therapy across the state of Tennessee. Connect with a therapist below to start learning the coping strategies you need to navigate the challenges in your life.
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Cindy Cothran
Hello, starting therapy can be tough and I hope to make the first steps easier if possible. It is my belief that therapy can be a place of emotional refuge and I work hard to let each person know that their best interest comes first. I hope that through understanding and gentle humor, we can find connection and work on the challenges that brought you to seek a therapist. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, a loss, life changes, trauma or some other circumstance, I hope to support and help you through the situation. I have been a therapist for more than 15 years and in that time I have honed a flexible set of therapy skills that I adapt to match your personal life goals. No matter which therapeutic approach I am utilizing, my style is always sincere and wholehearted. I believe in the goodness of all people and that we are all worthy of respect. I do lean toward evidenced-based therapeutic approaches and I am trained in a variety of models/ techniques. If I had to describe my therapeutic style in a few words, I would say that I am an attachment-based therapist with an eclectic therapy style as I draw from such approaches as mindfulness, solution based therapy, cognitive behavioral approaches, Hakomi, somatic approaches and EMDR. I look forward to working with you as you take the next step to living the life you want to live!
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Jacqueline Thomas
I am licensed in Tennessee with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, sleeping disorders, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
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Dr. John Slate
I have been a counselor for over 45 years. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Mental Health Service Provider with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. My specialty areas include: working with adult children of dysfunctional families, addictions, PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationships, domestic violence, obsessive disorders, and schizophrenia. I have worked in a state-run mental health hospital, in an addiction treatment center, and in non-profit organizations. I recently worked as the clinical manager over two locations of 12 clinicians in private practice. I have been married to my wife for 50 years. Life has often been difficult and confusing for me; therefore, clients find me compassionate and non-judgmental. Perhaps you have issues that are overwhelming. I have discovered that it is never too late to change, to walk a more positive and happy life. Together, we can develop a plan and work through your stressful situations to recovery and healing.
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Dr. Gwendolyn Drake
I believe that a sense of compassion is essential in dealing with life's challenges, and I take my work and my clients seriously. Seeking help is difficult enough, and it's my job to make the process easier by offering my clients a warm, empathic, and safe place to address their challenges and concerns. If you are struggling with a particular issue, or simply looking for a safe place to express yourself, I'm excited to begin the process with you. I am a clinical psychologist with 17 years of experience, and am currently licensed in Virginia, Tennessee and Arkansas. I was excited to join the BetterHelp team because I have always believed that mental health services are more effective in a range of formats, and in a manner that makes them accessible anytime and anywhere. My areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, trauma, stress and adjusting to many of the challenges life throws our way. I utilize a client-centered approach (meaning that YOU are the expert on you) that will allow you to identify your own strengths and resources, as well as cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based and dialectical behavior therapeutic approaches. I look forward to speaking with you!
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Dr. Heide Schlack
Hello! I wish you well on your counseling journey. I am a licensed psychologist in the Middle Tennessee area and have been in the field of mental health for over 30 years. I see counseling as a partnership where I am a consultant. Everyone gets stuck at times. It can be very helpful to tell our stories to trusted others to work through our concerns. Family and friends can be helpful, and sometimes a trained counselor can offer unbiased, positive support. I often feel like an interviewer asking specific questions in a curious and non-accusing manner. You are the focus of my hour, and I want to learn as much about your story as I can. I also want to know where you want to take your story. Humor, curiosity, self-kindness, creativity and increased self-awareness (mindfulness) help in the process. Clients who do well are willing to entertain different perspectives of themselves and of their situations. New behaviors can be learned with practice. Sometimes what we mainly need to do is accept things we cannot change and let go of constricting beliefs and "rules" for ourselves. Sometimes our daily patterns are disconnected from our feelings and values. I try to help people gain more awareness of their feelings, life dreams and what is truly important to them. I offer systematic ways of exploring these issues and making plans to sort of knit together more coherently one's thoughts and feelings, past and present, and habits and values. We have self-healing capacities within ourselves that I try to facilitate and not get in the way of! I use strategies from cognitive-behavioral-mindfulness therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, narrative therapy and trauma-informed therapy. Exploring our past interpersonal patterns can help us redirect our social behaviors to more satisfying relationships. Sometimes I might act more like a coach to help you spring forward from the present. I love working with ADD/ADHD clients. Dealing with my own ADD, I know intimately the challenges, struggles and even the upsides of ADD! Finding creative, ADD-informed ways to manage our space and time is something I often do with clients. Other frequent issues are depression, anxiety, social anxiety , lack of motivation, self-doubt, communication and relationship issues, sleep and weight, work issues, trauma and loss. I am also comfortable working with the LGBQ+ populations, transgender dysphoria and clients in polyamorous relationships. I look forward to meeting new clients and do not take personally decisions not to return. There are a number of reasons for client choices. Like most relationships, including work colleagues, we look for compatibility. And sometimes we glean things from one-time meetings.
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Sandee Nebel
Hello, I am Sandee Nebel, MS, LMHC, LPC, LPC-MHSP, LCMHC, CEDS-S. RYT. (licensed in 4 states) Are you struggling with feeling stuck or with adjustment and resistant to change? There are so many changes universally right now and they can be overwhelming. Even adapting back to what we are referring to as "normalcy" is different and new, right? Or...do you have some issues with feeling confident in one or more areas of your life? I get it. Sometimes clients come to me for support and guidance with their relationships, yet their work situation is mostly satisfying. And still others would like to feel more comfortable in their family role, professional role, or even in their roles in general. I can help you with these struggles. They are challenging to work through on your own and getting some help from a professional can bring such relief. Especially if you have been feeling stuck for awhile now, I can help you move past any traumas that may be holding you back. Sometimes you may not even realize that something from your past is re-playing in the present. I use eye movements in a form of reprocessing called Accelerated Resolution Therapy. It is similar to EMDR, except it is known to be faster (as in you're not re-experiencing trauma for long) and we clear past traumas in a solution focused format. I am certified as a Master ART Therapist. If you are someone who has been in therapy before, or are reaching out for help for the first time and you are ready to try to make lasting change, I am the type of therapist who will encourage you along your path. It will sometimes be a few steps forward and one or two back in the process of personal growth. As an experienced and compassionate therapist for 18 years, I aim to help my clients walk through life situations, over the bumps in the road, as you continue to keep moving forward, getting better and feeling better. In therapy, I use the treatment modalities that best resolve my clients’ issues. If you are experiencing a lot of stress and feeling anxious, I may use mindfulness skills from my training as a yoga teacher to alleviate the discomfort you are feeling. I provide therapy tools (Yoga, Accelerated Resolution Therapy) for you to apply on your own, too. If you are struggling with making changes, whether it is to cut back on alcohol, eat or sleep better, have better relationships, or move into a new career, I use motivational interviewing. I use all evidence-based therapies, matching the solution-focused theory to the problem, meeting you where you are at. I really look forward to my work each day, am basically tireless whether I am providing therapy, training to new therapists, or leading a workshop or seminar. I make time for my relaxation, learning, and taking good care of myself, so I can enjoy my own relationships and my career to the fullest.
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Mary Agnes "Maggie" Thompson
I am licensed in Tennessee with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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Andria Howard
I am licensed in Tennessee as a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Mental Health Service Provider with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients in a community mental health setting with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. I have a recurring schedule weekly on BetterHelp, but I am also open to whatever works for your schedule if you let me know what you need. I am so excited to meet you and I look forward to working with you!
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Todd Wainman
I am licensed in Tennessee with 3 years of professional work experience. I have also been counseling as a Military Chaplain for almost 20 years. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Soncharre Hodges
I am licensed in Tennessee with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & depression. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
How can a counselor support you?
Therapists can practice many types of counseling, from marriage and family therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They may also assist you with symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety.
Therapists may help you set and achieve career goals, work on current issues you may be facing, or address your past. Over 3,973,341 people live in TN, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for local licensed professionals may help you find mental health support for personal growth, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health concerns. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek support from one of BetterHelp's licensed providers above.
The mental health field can include psychiatric medication management, online therapy, marriage counseling, couples therapy, clinical social work, licensed counseling, and other mental health services in person and online. Seeing a licensed provider can help you navigate mental health conditions and life circumstances through mindfulness and other specialized techniques.
Please note that a BetterHelp therapist does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.
Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor?
People reach out for mental health support for a variety of reasons. Many individuals work with a counselor for general life advice, while others may attend therapy for a specific concern. Whether you live in a large city or a smaller county, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.
The mental health therapists in Tennessee support clients with varying issues through therapy, such as:
- Challenging situations or life stressors
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression or depressive conditions
- Adjustment issues
- Emotional support for a terminal illness
- Chronic pain emotional support
- Grief
- Personality disorders
- Trauma
- Relationship conflicts and concerns
Finding a therapist that takes new clients in online therapy can be the first step in finding a treatment plan that works for you. Your therapist can provide a safe space for you to focus on self-care and well-being.
If you're interested in speaking to one of the therapists above or being matched with a counselor in 24 to 48 hours, consider signing up for BetterHelp. BetterHelp has over 35,000 providers, including those listed above.
Emergency services to contact in a crisis
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use the BetterHelp site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line<:Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Some of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section below.
How much does a therapist cost?
Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location.
BetterHelp offers payment plans of $60 to $90 per session, charged monthly in a lump sum. You can also take advantage of this pricing on one of BetterHelp's sister platforms, like ReGain for couples or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19.
Many therapists may be upfront about their pricing and whether or not they take health insurance from the beginning. Additionally, some in your area may offer a sliding scale plan to allow those with lower incomes to pay less for therapy. However, services online can often save individuals a few hundred dollars per month.
When should I get a therapist in Tennessee?
Mental health services and mental health providers may help you navigate various concerns. You do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy; You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A counselor may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Mental health issues don't always present as a crisis. Many professionals provide talk therapy and support for life transitions, skills learning, relationship problems, or life coaching. Online therapy sessions can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.
Does insurance cover the cost of therapy?
Different counseling services can vary in cost. Therapists must apply to accept insurance through insurance companies, which may take time and money, so not every therapist offers services through insurance. If you cannot find a therapist that accepts your plan, BetterHelp may be cheaper than visiting an in-person therapist.
Is online therapy the safe option?
Online therapy through BetterHelp and its sister platforms is safe. Therapists are licensed, experienced, and vetted before being contracted with the platform. If you experience any concerns with your therapist, you change your counselor through the platform or app at any time.
Popular cities in Tennessee
- Nashville, TN
- Memphis, TN
- Knoxville, TN
- Chattanooga, TN
- Clarksville, TN
- Murfreesboro, TN
- Franklin, TN
- Jackson, TN
- Johnson City, TN
- Bartlett, TN
- Hendersonville, TN
- Kingsport, TN
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