Many people think that mental illnesses are “all in your head” or that only weak people have mental health issues. They may tell you that it will go away if you just ignore it. These are all untrue and no matter what kind of mental health condition you have, you need treatment to feel better. Luckily, Shelbyville has some of the best therapists in the state. 

Shelbyville is the “Walking Horse Capital of the World,” and is the home of the Tennessee Walking Horse industry. In fact, every year there is a celebration to award the breed’s grand champions. However, those with mental health disorders like depression or anxiety may have a hard time enjoying anything so they need to get treatment from one of the Shelbyville counselors today. 

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Dr. Laurie Miles

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TN, Shelbyville
Counselor License Type(s): DSW ,LCSW,CSAT
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
30 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Tennessee and Kentucky and I have 30 years of experience working with individuals I understand that seeking help can be an anxiety-provoking situation and I am dedicated to treating each person with respect and compassion, so that you can reach your interpersonal goals quickly. I am also a Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist (CSAT) and use evidenced based assessment methods and treatment strategies to help individuals quickly establish sobriety and begin the recovery process. I am a directive therapist and I will utilize objective and concrete goals to help you achieve your goals. My intervention methods are trauma focused to address family of origin and attachments issues, as well as the trauma of partner betrayal. I also utilize the Internal Family Systems model to address trauma and foster Self-Leadership. My sessions are either live video or phone , so please check my schedule My availability for sessions is generally 10 am until 3pm (central time) and sessions are 45 minutes long. Please reach out to me so we can discuss how best to met your needs.

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Dr. John Slate

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TN, Shelbyville
Counselor License Type(s): PhD,LPC,MHSP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
45 years of experience

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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Kristina Kerr

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TN, Shelbyville
Counselor License Type(s): LCP-MHSP, LPCC, NCC, MAC, CCTP, AS, C-DBT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

Hi, my name is Kristina Kerr. I received my Bachelor's in Psychology from Butler University and my Master's in Counseling from Trevecca University. I am a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor in TN and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in KY. I am also a Masters Addictions Counselor and a Clinically Certified Trauma Professional so I am very comfortable working with clients who have issues related to addiction and trauma or both. I have worked in the mental health field with a wide variety of clients and populations for the past 20 years. I enjoy providing individual counseling to people dealing with a wide variety of diagnoses from the DSM-5 such as Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Substance Use Disorders, etc. as well as issues particular to the individual such as low self esteem, anger management, stress management/reduction, relationship issues, parenting struggles, and other issues that may come up during the therapeutic process. I view all my clients through the lens of the person centered concept of unconditional positive regard. This means I show unconditional positive acceptance and regard towards all my clients in the therapeutic process. I strive to provide a safe space for the individual to work through the issues they may be struggling with or symptoms they would like to get a better handle on related to a DSM diagnosis without judgement or fear of condemnation. I like to establish a therapeutic rapport by meeting the client wherever they are at and building a mutual relationship based on trust, openness, and respect. I utilize a variety of therapeutic evidence based concepts such as CBT, DBT (which I am certified in), Motivational Interviewing, Stages of Change, Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma Therapy, and general coping skills to address specific symptoms or issues that you may be struggling with. I use whatever concept(s) the client is comfortable with or feels works best for them. This includes incorporating different principles or concepts from the evidence based techniques listed above to fit the particular issues you may be struggling with at different points in the therapeutic process. Due to this, I feel I use more of an intergraded approach when it comes to doing therapy because my goal is to use the techniques or concepts that work best for the client to heal and grow as a person and achieve the outcome they want from engaging in therapy. I look forward to meeting you and working with you to help you reach the goals you would like to in therapy!

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Steven Shampain

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TN, Shelbyville
Counselor License Type(s): MA, LPC-MHSP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor- Mental Health Service Provider in Tennessee with over 7 years of experience in private practice and hospital settings. My experience includes Individual, Family, and Group Counseling. My therapeutic model is best described as Integrative, drawing from a variety of models including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic, Person-Centered, and Narrative. I have worked with Anxiety and Depression, as well as Family, Relationship, Substance Abuse/Dual Diagnosis, LGBTQ+, and Life Adjustment issues. Working together we can achieve the life you envision and deserve. We'll explore the experiences that have made you uniquely who you are, while gaining insight and understanding of your experiences and the perceptions that have influenced who you have become. From my experiences I have come to realize we are made to be in relation with ourselves and others. Through this connectedness we find peace, joy, purpose, and meaning in our lives while gaining deeper understandings of self and others. I look forward to helping you discover a deeper understanding of self as you achieve the changes you seek.

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Treasure Bell

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TN, Shelbyville
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepression
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Tennessee with more than six (6) years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with 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 counseling to achieve a more fulfilling and happy life and to take the first steps toward change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. This is my second career. After being an educator for 14 years, I went back to school to get my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. After earning my degree, I worked in the field while studying to take my licensure exam. Once I received my license, BetterHelp became my platform of choice.

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Kelly Geelan

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TN, Shelbyville
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesEating disordersSelf esteemCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed clinical social worker in Tennessee with 4 years of professional work experience. I background is from Vanderbilt University Medical Center as well as fellowship training in Boston, MA. I have experience in many mental health areas from working in an inpatient setting. I especially enjoy helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, eating disorders, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I fully believe that anxiety can be extremely impairing and try to break the thought with clients that it’s “just anxiety”. 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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Michelle Hernandez

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TN, Shelbyville
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida and Tennessee. I have over twenty years of experience in the field of social work and 8 years as a licensed clinician. I have provided clinical services to individuals of all ages presenting with a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and family issues. As a Florida native I have gained an appreciation for the diverse cultural population within our community. I also lived abroad immersing myself in multiple cultures. With these experiences I have developed cultural competence in which I have the ability to understand, communicate with and effectively interact with people across cultures. I am well versed in several counseling techniques with an emphasis in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and have a compassionate approachable demeanor. A top priority for me is to meet you where you are and calibrate treatment and my approach too what will work best for us as we work together to meet your goals. It takes a lot of strength and will power to work towards a more fulfilling life. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you.

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Franklin Vergeson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TN, Shelbyville
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Tennessee with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Patricia Tingler-Baker

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TN, Shelbyville
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.

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Lolitia Medley

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TN, Shelbyville
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
5 years of experience

I am Licensed Professional Counselor with 5 years of work practice. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, low motivation, low self esteem, and low 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.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Shelbyville

Finding the best therapist close by in Shelbyville can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists in Shelbyville that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Shelbyville. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Shelbyville, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Shelbyville region and in the state of Tennessee. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Shelbyville or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Shelbyville therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Shelbyville area offering:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Shelbyville, elsewhere in Bedford, or in the greater state of Tennessee. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Shelbyville area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Shelbyville therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Shelbyville due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Shelbyville may not take health insurance, some in the state of Tennessee may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Tennessee you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). 

How is a licensed therapist on this Shelbyville online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Shelbyville, Tennessee working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. Therapists have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, therapists here all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Shelbyville psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Shelbyville above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Shelbyville provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Shelbyville?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Shelbyville therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of Shelbyville therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Shelbyville therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in TN, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 37160 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Shelbyville counselor?

Before seeing your Shelbyville therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Shelbyville therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Shelbyville licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find with a Shelbyville counselor can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Shelbyville, Tennessee can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Shelbyville has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform for Shelbyville, Tennessee

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of Shelbyville therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Shelbyville.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Shelbyville:

37160, 37161, 37162

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