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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Debra Shelton
Welcome! It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take those first steps towards change - I’m glad you are here. The courage you are now using to seek help can lead to great rewards and I would be honored to work with you. I’m a licensed therapist with 20 years of experience and have been providing services for Betterhelp for the past 5 years. Regardless of your situation, (whether you just feel stuck or are trying to manage some big challenges in your life) counseling can be helpful and rewarding. My approach combines principles of different therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavior therapy and humanistic counseling. In plain English, that means I believe you have the answers within you and we can work together to uncover them and to find solutions. I work with you to understand how your challenges developed, but I also help you learn new problem solving skills that you can apply to future challenges. We may look into the past sometimes in order to help you gain insight into your challenges and we will try on some new perspectives and new behaviors in an effort to bring about positive changes in your life. Together, we will determine the goals you want to achieve and from there we will collaborate on how to tackle each of them. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you.
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Dawn Brown
ABOUT ME Hi, my name is Dawn Brown. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor as well as a Board Certified Counselor and have been working in my field for more than 25 years. The bulk of my career was spent with people struggling to find themselves or may need a path to (re)discover their capabilities. This may be due to issues involving depression, anxiety or trauma. I enjoy working with individuals, couples and families, as well with people over a wide array of ages. I find that there is such a pre-conceived notion about those who may need to reach out to a mental health care professional that I look to put clients at ease. Whether the situation involves family, depression, relationships, grief, anger, work,, etc. As a result, I believe in using a solution-focused approach, which allows us to quickly get to the root of the presenting problem. Cognitive behavioral therapy or more simply, how we think impacts how we behave, is what I most often use. As every situation and individual is unique, I also have other methods to assist in evaluating and exploring obstacles. Most recently, I worked on a military installation providing counseling to soldiers and their families. I spent many years in a brick and mortar private practice, but now welcome and look forward to the opportunity to help those who may be less comfortable in an office setting. I offer phone and video sessions only. I earned my Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University (St. Charles, MO), have earned a certification in Telemental Health Counseling and Supervision and have a certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. SPECIALTIES • Stress & Anxiety • Relationships • Trauma & Abuse • Depression I also have experience in Family, Grief, Intimacy-related, Sleeping difficulties, Anger, Self-esteem and more
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Janine Best
I am licensed in Tennessee with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.
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Jenna Smith
I am licensed in Tennessee with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, & depression, as well as, various other life stressors. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. My goal is to help my clients find their best self and set goals that help them reach that person they want to be, as well as, identify ways to cope more effectively with life situations and stressors. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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Shaye "Pennington" Skye
I am licensed in Tennessee with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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! If you are in the Nashville area and interested in-person therapy, I am currently accepting clients for my private practice, Blue Haven Therapy. To set up a free consult please fill out the form on my contact page here - www.shayepennington.com If you are a college student in the Nashville area and interested in in-person therapy, I am currently accepting clients for a branch of my practice for students, Campus. To set up a free consultation please fill out the contact form here - www.campustherapyspace.com
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Dr. Edward Varner
I am a licensed professional counselor and mental health service provider. I have been licensed in the state of Tennessee since 2020. I began counseling, however, when I became a Chaplain in the Army in 1993. I finished my Master of Divinity and completed a year-long clinical training with a neuropsychiatrist. From here I was stationed in Japan for six years and worked with many multicultural clients (Korean, Philipino, Japanese, and blended families.) I then went to Fort Hood Texas for six years and counseled soldiers and families. I pursued a master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Doctorate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I now work in private practice in areas of trauma, depression, anxiety, couples therapy, manic depressive disorder, personality disorders, autism, ADHD, and some LBGTQ+ issues.
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Tara Seay
I am licensed in Tennessee with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, bipolar disorder, & depression. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Trisha Maslakowski
I am licensed in Tennessee with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

Amanda Grace Hallock
I am licensed in Tennessee with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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. 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.

Julie Tademy-Thorpe
I am licensed in Pennsylvania with over 15 years of work experience in the mental health field, including 4+ years of clinical experience in an evidence-based model. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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
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- Clarksville, TN
- Murfreesboro, TN
- Franklin, TN
- Jackson, TN
- Johnson City, TN
- Bartlett, TN
- Hendersonville, TN
- Kingsport, TN
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