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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VaKendall Long
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 19 years of experience in the social work field. I have over 12 years of experience providing counseling and mental health services. I have extensive knowledge working with individuals who have experienced some type of trauma or mental health crisis; specifically, individuals who have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, and anger issues. I enjoy working with a diverse clientele; I enjoy helping people in general navigate through life challenges. My theoretical orientation in therapy is Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Solution Focused Therapy. My counseling style is very laid back; I launch from a strength perspective; always exploring the strengths of the individual. I believe in work life balance. Some of my self-care activities include tennis, exercise, travel, prayer, music, and spending time with family & friends.
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Kelly Bellis
Hello, and welcome to BetterHelp! I commend you for taking this step to reach out and improve your quality of life. I know from experience that it takes courage to initiate change and ask for help, and I’m so glad you’re here. My name is Kelly, and I am a licensed counselor in both Tennessee and Iowa. I obtained my undergraduate degree in Psychology, and I completed my Master’s degree in Professional Counseling in 2004. For more than 15 years I have been in the counseling field, and offering help and hope to others has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I have experience working with varying ages, backgrounds, and presenting problems. Some of the issues I have seen the most frequently include depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts, and life transitions. I have also been trained in EMDR, a therapy model that is helpful with reprocessing trauma and improving cognitive distortions. I consider my approach to be eclectic and tailored to each individual’s needs and goals. I incorporate elements of person-centered and solution-focused therapy along with some cognitive-behavioral strategies. However, I truly believe that the most important factor in therapy and the best indicator of success is the client-counselor relationship. I strive to display warmth, empathy, compassion, genuineness, and acceptance with each person I am privileged to serve. My desire is to work with you to help you live your best life, maximizing the strengths you already have and making positive changes in your need areas. I would like to assist you in improving your insight and empowering you to achieve lasting personal growth. I believe there is always hope, and sometimes a fresh, unbiased perspective is invaluable. I am really looking forward to being part of your journey toward greater health and wholeness.
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Dr. Karen Kearby
Hello! My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, positive psychology, and rational-emotive counseling. I am eclectic and emphasize a holistic approach to mental health. I hold a doctorate in Psychology and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-MHSP) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) with 5 years of experience. I have worked in a myriad of settings to include: private practice, prison/jail and military installations. I have served children, adolescents, adults, couples, and groups to deal with self-esteem issues, depression, anxiety, partner relational problems, anger/stress management, trauma, and life adjustment issues. My approach emphasizes the mutual development of goals for therapy and provision of ongoing evaluation of the therapeutic approach. My theory is that when people have hope and can learn to challenge and replace irrational thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes, people are free to experience change. I provide individuals with a warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment-a safe place to explore the issues that may be preventing you from living the life you want. It is my passion to guide you during difficult times and help you take a step into the future. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you! “In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety.” -Abraham Maslow
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Clarence "Rick" Haynes
Hello and welcome! I'm glad you made the decision to seek help. You did the right thing. My name is Rick Haynes. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience helping people solve life's problems. I am certain that with time and working together, I can help you as well. Life can be challenging and overwhelming at times making us feel depressed and anxious. Frequently, our mind seems to have a mind of its own, dwelling on worry and indecision. At those times, we suffer emotionally and aren't at our best either at home or work. Our self-esteem takes a hit, and we feel defeated. By reaching out for help, you have taken the first step toward feeling better. I believe a trusting therapeutic relationship forms the basis for someone to share thoughts and emotions and change her or his life for the better. Our sessions will provide you a safe place to explore your emotions and solve problems. Our starting point will be where you are now, work at pace you find comfortable, and discover ways for you to take charge and begin to feel better. You may feel stuck today, but with effort you will get unstuck. I find a combination of interventions from cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness exercises, and supportive psychotherapy to be most helpful to clients. In concert, this skill set helps a person change how they think, which changes how they feel and behave. We will set goals and solve problems in this practical hands-on manner. When you are ready, I may ask you to keep a journal of your thoughts. Awareness of your thinking patterns will be essential. If my experience and approach is what you are searching for, I would welcome the opportunity to work with you.
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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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Elizabeth Windley
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Tennessee with 27 years of professional work history. I have experience helping clients cope with grief, loss and life changes. I am experienced working with concerns of motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I believe in treating others with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Your sessions are personalized to meet your specific needs and goals. Therapy can take courage to reach out for help, begin the steps of change for a happier more filling life. I am here to support & empower you on this journey.
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Marylyn Bowman
I am licensed in Tennessee with 30 years of professional work and 12 of those years experience working with veterans in Virginia. I am a warm and compassionate human being who believes in the healing power of laughter. I have experience in helping clients coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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. The first step may be the scariest but the rewards are amazing. I believe each of has the ability to turn our wounds into an unshakeable strength.
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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.
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Khelsea Walker
Are you new to therapy or seeking to start again? Take back control over your life. Servicing individuals and families for over 10 years in therapy; mental health, professional and substance abuse counseling I can help you start your journey today . There is a safe space for you here, whether your narrative is searching for personal growth, or insight into life circumstances, having a safe environment that is reflective and guided by professional support helps you regain control. As a licensed clinician my goal is to help you understand negative feelings, repressed emotions, and resolve internal psychological conflicts. With several dedicated approaches and interventions that incorporate mindfulness-based stress reduction, CBT, person and meaning. I will work with you to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I hope to start this journey with you.
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Rachel Woody
I am licensed in Tennessee with 5 years of professional work experience in the school setting with children and youth. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes - specifically adjusting to life changes in becoming a parent. 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!
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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