In life, it can feel like you're a train that has no destination. Sometimes, you may be chugging along, but you don't know where. A counselor based in Chattanooga can help your mental health and help you reach a goal so that your train is running strong and is in the right destination.

Chattanooga is known for its song Chattanooga Choo Choo, which is about the train that runs through there. A counselor can make sure your choo choo train is heading to its destination at top speed. Speak to a counselor to get started improving your own train.

This is Dr. Laurie Miles's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Laurie Miles

Offering therapy in TN
License: 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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Jamil Matthews

Offering therapy in TN
License: LCSW,LMSW,MBA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesDepression
4 years of experience

I am a clinical social worker licensed in Tennessee with over 4 years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, dialectical and solutions focused therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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This is Dr. Heide Schlack's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Heide Schlack

Offering therapy in TN
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionADHD
25 years of experience

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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Amy Flores

Offering therapy in TN
License: LCSW, MBA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
5 years of experience

Hello, my name is Amy Flores and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, currently licensed in Tennessee. For the last 5 years, I have been helping children, adolescents, and families in a therapeutic position, but I have 10 years of experience working with behavior and social/emotional challenges. I do utilize a strengths-based, client-centered, or a solution-focused approach, but I incorporate other interventions, to facilitate desired goals and provide opportunities for healing and/or support (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, mindfulness, music therapy, etc.). I have experience with anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, ADHD, behavioral and Couples/family challenges. I appreciate this step you are making and I take this search for support very seriously. I believe we all have unique strengths, but sometimes life challenges our belief in ourselves and we doubt our capabilities. I am here to help you recognize those strengths again and help you get to the path you have been wanting. You have already done the first step and I would be honored to help with the next steps. If given the opportunity, I feel we can build a trusting rapport, which would provide you with an environment and a new hope that can help you accomplish your therapeutic goals. I look forward to working with you.

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This is Jana Dobesova's avatar and link to their profile

Jana Dobesova

Offering therapy in TN
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Welcome to my profile. I am glad you are here. First, I want to tell you a little bit about myself to help you decide if I am a good fit for you. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee with 10 years of experience as a therapist. I know life can be scary and overwhelming at times. I am here to walk alongside you as you bravely face stress, anxiety, depression, trauma or anger issues. I believe that together we can start an exciting journey of tapping into the many strengths that will help you become the person you want to be. That means that perhaps you want to happier, more confident, more at peace with your past, and an overcomer. It is okay to be brave and scared at the same time. 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. In my therapeutic approach I believe that it is important to focus on what you can control as opposed to what you can't control in your life. What you think about yourself and others is very powerful and these thoughts can affect your emotions and actions. I have also seen great changes from using expressive therapies, such as sandtray and drawings but "talk therapy" is a great tool of change as well. I am a Registered Play Therapist- Supervisor, Certified Parent-Child Interaction Therapist and Within Agency Trainer (excellent for childhood behavioral issues). I have received trainings in Theraplay (caregiver-child attachment based therapy) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I received my Master's in Counseling from East Tennessee State University in 2013. I cannot wait to meet you and start this exciting process of change with you toward the life you want.

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This is Dr. Shari Barfield's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Shari Barfield

Offering therapy in TN
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
20 years of experience

Hi! My name is Dr. Shari Barfield, but most people call me Dr. Shari. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama and Tennessee, with almost 20 years of professional work experience. I earned a doctorate in human services and have a masters in clinical mental health counseling. I hold the National Certified Counselor, Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner credentials. 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. My role is to help you identify your strengths and challenges, and collaboratively create goals to help you in taking steps needed to find a more fulfilling and happier life. I am here to support you in your journey

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Jason Fox

Offering therapy in TN
License: LPC,MHSP
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changesCoachingADHD
17 years of experience

Hello! My name is Jason Fox and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Mental Health Service Provider designation in Tennessee (LPC,MHSP) I have 17 years experience in mental health. I practice primarily cognitive behavioral therapy. I focus on trying to teach people that we need to think and act better first in order to feel better. I have experience working in crisis and crisis supervision. I have worked with clients as young as 5 and as old as in their 80's. I have seen a lot of different things over the years and the most important thing to me as a therapist is to meet clients where they are at and to have a positive working relationship with them to help them get to where they are going. It is often difficult to begin the journey of therapy and I am glad you are considering it. Most people come to therapy hoping to try and fix something in their life that does not seem to be working so well. I will work with you to try and discover what all is going on and how we can work together to help you be the best self you can be. I believe in focusing on building small, easy to learn coping skills and taking consistent baby steps towards your goals. The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.

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This is Dr. Richard Highland's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Richard Highland

Offering therapy in TN
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementDepression
27 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 27 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & anger management. I also have experience working with depression. 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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This is Katherine "Kate" Williams's avatar and link to their profile

Katherine "Kate" Williams

Offering therapy in TN
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
14 years of experience

Hello! First of all, congratulations for taking the courageous step of considering counseling. For many of us, there are barriers that make us hesitant to seek treatment. You've had the courage to make it this far, and together, we can empower you to achieve your therapy goals and feel better in your life. I've been a counselor for 14 years, and have worked in a variety of settings, including mental health care, schools, nursing homes, a military installation, and non-profit organizations. I am currently licensed in both Indiana and Kentucky. I have experience with every age group from infants to a 104 year-old, and have helped people address a variety of struggles, from severe and chronic mental illness to anxiety, depression, PTSD and trauma issues, to simply trying to adjust to new life circumstances or cope with the deployment of a loved one. With children, I have helped families work through issues of depression, anxiety, ADHD, Autism, IDD, ODD, PTSD, changes in behavior, and much more. My style of therapy is warm and interpersonal. I want to come alongside you on your journey to help empower you and help you find the tools you need to cope with the struggles you are facing. I am strengths-based and positive, and plan treatment and goals around what you want to achieve through therapy. I am respectful and non-judgemental, period. I look forward to getting to know the beautiful person God created in you, and empowering you to achieve your mental health goals!

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This is Whitney Allman's avatar and link to their profile

Whitney Allman

Offering therapy in TN
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

Hey I am Whitney and thrilled to be your therapist! I enjoy working with people from various different backgrounds and believe in the empowerment model which focuses on the persons strengths. I’m a licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Tennessee with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. This is a judgement free zone. Looking forward to working with you on this journey.

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How to find counseling in Chattanooga

Finding the best therapist close by in Chattanooga 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 that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Chattanooga. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Chattanooga, 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. 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 to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Chattanooga or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers 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 Chattanooga area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy 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 Chattanooga, elsewhere in Hamilton, or in the greater state of Tennessee.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

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

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Chattanooga due to a higher cost of living. 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 Chattanooga 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 BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Tennessee you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

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

Therapists in Chattanooga, 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. They 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, they 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 psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

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

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Chattanooga 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 lead by a therapist in Chattanooga helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Chattanooga 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.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

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 Chattanooga therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

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

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a 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 are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist 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 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 Chattanooga 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 lot of people in TN, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles 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 37419 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

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

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy 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, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. 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 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 therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, 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 feedback and advice. A Chattanooga 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 through therapy 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.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy 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 professional 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 Chattanooga, 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.

Chattanooga has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy 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?

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

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

Take some time today to learn more about the team of 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 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 Chattanooga.

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

37343, 37350, 37351, 37363, 37401, 37402, 37403, 37404, 37405, 37406, 37407, 37408, 37409, 37410, 37411, 37414, 37415, 37416, 37419, 37421, 37422, 37424, 37450

Popular cities near Chattanooga, TN

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