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.

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Donna Ford

Offering therapy in TN
License: LPC,MHSP,NCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
17 years of experience

My name is Donna, and I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Tennessee. I have over 16 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have worked in a variety of settings including residential, outpatient, inpatient, and in-home care. I have the most experience working with depression, anxiety, grief, and addictions. I use a person-centered, motivational, and integrative approach in treatment. This means I begin where you are and tailor the treatment approach to your needs. I primarily use evidence-based techniques including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused counseling. I would describe my style as warm, compassionate and supportive. Collaboration is important, together we can work on establishing concrete goals and steps for you to help overcome your current problems. I look forward to working with you to reach your emotional and mental health goals. Thank you for taking care of yourself and seeking the support you need.

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Brooke Word

Offering therapy in TN
License: Lcsw
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger management
15 years of experience

I am here to help people be their best self! My expertise lies with treatment of individuals – particularly adolescents and adults– to cope with a variety of issues. I have been practicing for 15 years helping clients and families cope with relational problems, domestic violence, disordered eating patterns and substance abuse. My experience has encompassed grief and/or loss, trauma, emotional regulation and behavioral issues. I enjoy working with people who feel “stuck” in their current lifestyle, and strive to provide them with helpful remedies to cope and improve their current journey.

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Angela Jackson

Offering therapy in TN
License: MA ,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Tennessee with national certification. I earned my M.A. degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University-Nashville. As a licensed mental health professional, I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults who are challenged with anxiety, depression, impulse control, communication and overall adjustment to life changes. My work with adults include group settings, couples and family counseling. Also, I am passionate about working with newly diagnosed patients with digestive diseases to address the initial adjustment, anxiety, and depression that comes with chronic illness and sudden life changes. While I provided services for a diverse group of clients, I extends my reach in underserved black communities and people of color offering support, psycheducation, and resources. I have served 12 years in the helping field blazing trails as a mentor, educator, advocate, therapist, clinical supervisor and recently aquired the title of author. My therapeutic approach is client-centered, solution- focused and humanistic in nature.

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Clifford Nathaniel

Offering therapy in TN
License: MA, LPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesDepressionADHD
25 years of experience

My name is Clifford Nathaniel and I hold a Masters in Counseling Psychology, from Trevecca Nazarene University. I graduated in August 1995, and was Licensed by the State of Tennessee Board of Health as LPC in January 2006. I have extensive experience in the treatment of mental disorders and mental illness, treating Anxiety, Depression, Childhood Disorders, Substance Abuse, and providing Group therapy. I've provided individual, family and couple therapy for the last 25 years, and provide training for community churches and local schools.

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Jodi Erion

Offering therapy in TN
License: LCSW,Jodi RAE ERION
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

Hi, my name is Jodi Erion. I am a clinical social worker licensed in Oregon and Tennessee with 5 years of experience working as a mental health therapist and over 11 years of experience working in the mental health field. I lived in Oregon for 17 years and moved to Tennessee in May, 2022. I have worked with clients who have a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, low self-worth, relationship issues, and life stressors. I have also worked with survivors of trauma and emotional abuse. I believe in treating clients with respect, dignity, and compassion. My approach includes dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, client-centered therapy, narrative therapy, and solution focused therapy. I am DBT certified and trained in trauma informed care. Together, we will customize your treatment plan to meet your specific needs. If you are ready to take the steps towards healing and relief, I am here to support you. As a mother with a newborn, chat and phone sessions will work best for me. I look forward to joining you on you journey!

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LaJoya McDonald

Offering therapy in TN
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas, and Missouri with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

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Pamela Williams

Offering therapy in TN
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCompassion fatigue
27 years of experience

I am licensed in Tennessee with 27 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression and losses. 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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Tamara Thomasson

Offering therapy in TN
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hi! My. name is Tamara and I am licensed in Tennessee with almost 20 years of professional work experience in the field. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.

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Amatullah Majeed

Offering therapy in TN
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Tennessee with 11 years of professional work experience. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Mary "Christine" Lawson

Offering therapy in TN
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
6 years of experience

Hello, I'm Christine, a Licensed Professional Counselor - Mental Health Service Provider (LPC-MHSP) with six years of professional experience. My work spans both Tennessee and international settings, providing me with a broad perspective on mental health and counseling. As a therapist, I have specialized in helping clients navigate a range of challenges, including stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, and depression. I believe in approaching each client with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, recognizing the uniqueness of each individual's experiences and needs. In our sessions, I will work collaboratively with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific goals and circumstances. I understand that taking the first step toward seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, and I am here to support you every step of the way. Together, we will create a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. My goal is to empower you to overcome obstacles, develop coping strategies, and achieve your full potential. If you're ready to take the next step on your journey to healing and growth, I am here to help. Please don't hesitate to reach out to schedule your first appointment. Remember, you don't have to face life's challenges alone—I'm here to support you.

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 37404 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 PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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

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