Your mental state can be a struggle when it comes to achieving wellness. Stress, anxiety, self-doubts, and other challenges can bring you down. One way you can fix this is by talking to a counselor. A counselor based in Knoxville can help you maintain peace of mind when the challenges seem too strong. 

Knoxville is known for being the spot to go if you want to explore the Smokey Mountains. However, if you want to climb your own mental mountain, and reach the top, a counselor can help you improve your mental state and allow you to scale your mountain no matter its height.

This is Dawn Brown's avatar and link to their profile

Dawn Brown

Offering therapy in TN
License: MA, LPC, NCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

ABOUT ME Hi, my name is Dawn Brown. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor as well as a Board Certified Counselor and have been working in my field for more than 25 years. The bulk of my career was spent with people struggling to find themselves or may need a path to (re)discover their capabilities. This may be due to issues involving depression, anxiety or trauma. I enjoy working with individuals, couples and families, as well with people over a wide array of ages. I find that there is such a pre-conceived notion about those who may need to reach out to a mental health care professional that I look to put clients at ease. Whether the situation involves family, depression, relationships, grief, anger, work,, etc. As a result, I believe in using a solution-focused approach, which allows us to quickly get to the root of the presenting problem. Cognitive behavioral therapy or more simply, how we think impacts how we behave, is what I most often use. As every situation and individual is unique, I also have other methods to assist in evaluating and exploring obstacles. Most recently, I worked on a military installation providing counseling to soldiers and their families. I spent many years in a brick and mortar private practice, but now welcome and look forward to the opportunity to help those who may be less comfortable in an office setting. I offer phone and video sessions only. I earned my Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University (St. Charles, MO), have earned a certification in Telemental Health Counseling and Supervision and have a certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. SPECIALTIES • Stress & Anxiety • Relationships • Trauma & Abuse • Depression I also have experience in Family, Grief, Intimacy-related, Sleeping difficulties, Anger, Self-esteem and more

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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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Shontrice Hansen

Offering therapy in TN
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
14 years of experience

I am an LPC with over 10 years of counseling experience. I enjoy working with clients of all ages who need help navigating this obstacle we call life. I have experience working in individual and family therapy, through struggles of depression, anxiety, anger, behavior problems, grief, stress, relational conflicts, and traumatic events. I am flexible with office hours, to meet the needs of my clients as best as possible. With training in various therapeutic approaches, I am able to build a plan for my client based on their particular needs including use of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), Strength Based, and Motivational Interviewing. I'm passionate about helping people find freedom and growth, mending areas that you feel broken in. I strive to teach clients how to live in true vulnerability where they feel accepted and can grow in their relationships. You and your mental health are worth it, it would be my privilege to assist you in the process of understanding more about yourself and taking steps towards healing.

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Laura Harris

Offering therapy in TN
License: LPC/MHSP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
5 years of experience

I believe each person has their own unique needs and challenges, I am spiritual not religious understanding some of the challenges of people with religious background, I am empathetic to all races, genders, circumstances and ages working with adult clients. I offer judgment free sessions to help you process and learn coping skills that work for you. We can create a treatment plan that address your unique challenges, I look forward to meeting and working with you. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with Mental Health Service Provider qualifications for the state of Tennessee known as LPC/MHSP. I have the unique perspective of life experience that includes, graduating North Miami High with my GED, Veteran of the US Coast Guard, raised 5 children as a single mother, got my BS in Management Information Systems , worked 4 years as a trouble shooter for Dell, 17 years for the VA as a Certified Nursing Assistant for 14 years and Peer Support Specialist 3 years, 1 year training with Dr. Wright in Florence SC as a therapist, 2 years for Rapha Centre as a therapist and 2 years independent practice on Betterhelp and Psychology Today. Graduated with honors as a generalist therapist from Capella University a CACREP accredited school that prepared me to work with a variety of mental health challenges. I have experience working with issues including and not limited to Grief, Trauma, relationship, and work challenges. I utilized Acceptance and Commitment, Person Centered, Narrative, Gestalt, Motivational Interview and other techniques as needed, I am here for you.

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This is Dr. James Arnett's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. James Arnett

Offering therapy in TN
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesGriefCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am a Counseling Psychologist with over 10 years experience providing therapy services. I have worked extensively with clients on issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma and the impact of growing up in an unsafe environment, family conflict, and a host of other problems. I have a penchant for working with young adults as most of my work has taken place on college campuses, but I have also conducted therapy in substance abuse treatment facilities and in domestic violence centers. I have also worked and lived abroad, and have an understanding of acculturation concerns and culture shock. I practice therapy from a collaborative standpoint, where my responsibility is to create a atmosphere of trust and acceptance whereby you can feel comfortable talking about the good, the bad, and the ugly. I strive to truly understand each person's unique circumstances, including how they got there and where they want to go, I enjoy the metaphor that, for therapy, the client drives the car while I sit in the passenger seat. You direct the session and I navigate where I think we can go to find a better way. I respect all my client's and their decision to open up to me or anyone else. If we work together, I hope I am able to help, and if not, point you in the right direction. Cheers, James

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Carrie White

Offering therapy in TN
Stress, AnxietyLGBTADHD
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Tennessee and Oregon with 15 years of professional work experience and have worked in a variety of settings with all different populations. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, and am a certified ADHD specialist. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I view therapy as a collaborative approach between therapist and client and will tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I tend to use a lot of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in my practice but from other modalities that might be helpful for you. 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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This is Aimee Pierce's avatar and link to their profile

Aimee Pierce

Offering therapy in TN
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee with more than 15 years of professional work experience in private practice, school and parochial settings. I have worked with individuals and families dealing with parenting challenges, family conflicts, coping with major life changes, and situational depression. Every client is unique and brings their own set of strengths and challenges to therapy, with that in mind I pull from a few different evidence-based approaches to therapy to fit each client. Cognitive therapy, Acceptance-Commitment therapy, EFT and psychoeducation are commonly used. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking a step toward change and healing through therapy takes courage, and I am honored to be a support to clients in that process.

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Adam Naylor

Offering therapy in TN
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Tennessee (LPC-MHSP) and nationally certified (NCC) with five years of professional experience. I work with people dealing with addiction, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma. I believe in treating everyone with respect, and I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more integrated and fulfilling life. I will meet you where you are and I will provide encouragement, challenge and support in lieu of your unique circumstances and goals.

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This is Sandee Nebel's avatar and link to their profile

Sandee Nebel

Offering therapy in TN
License: LMHC,LPC,CEDS-S
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseEating disordersSelf esteem
19 years of experience

Hello, I am Sandee Nebel, MS, LMHC, LPC, LPC-MHSP, LCMHC, CEDS-S. RYT. (licensed in 4 states) Are you struggling with feeling stuck or with adjustment and resistant to change? There are so many changes universally right now and they can be overwhelming. Even adapting back to what we are referring to as "normalcy" is different and new, right? Or...do you have some issues with feeling confident in one or more areas of your life? I get it. Sometimes clients come to me for support and guidance with their relationships, yet their work situation is mostly satisfying. And still others would like to feel more comfortable in their family role, professional role, or even in their roles in general. I can help you with these struggles. They are challenging to work through on your own and getting some help from a professional can bring such relief. Especially if you have been feeling stuck for awhile now, I can help you move past any traumas that may be holding you back. Sometimes you may not even realize that something from your past is re-playing in the present. I use eye movements in a form of reprocessing called Accelerated Resolution Therapy. It is similar to EMDR, except it is known to be faster (as in you're not re-experiencing trauma for long) and we clear past traumas in a solution focused format. I am certified as a Master ART Therapist. If you are someone who has been in therapy before, or are reaching out for help for the first time and you are ready to try to make lasting change, I am the type of therapist who will encourage you along your path. It will sometimes be a few steps forward and one or two back in the process of personal growth. As an experienced and compassionate therapist for 18 years, I aim to help my clients walk through life situations, over the bumps in the road, as you continue to keep moving forward, getting better and feeling better. In therapy, I use the treatment modalities that best resolve my clients’ issues. If you are experiencing a lot of stress and feeling anxious, I may use mindfulness skills from my training as a yoga teacher to alleviate the discomfort you are feeling. I provide therapy tools (Yoga, Accelerated Resolution Therapy) for you to apply on your own, too. If you are struggling with making changes, whether it is to cut back on alcohol, eat or sleep better, have better relationships, or move into a new career, I use motivational interviewing. I use all evidence-based therapies, matching the solution-focused theory to the problem, meeting you where you are at. I really look forward to my work each day, am basically tireless whether I am providing therapy, training to new therapists, or leading a workshop or seminar. I make time for my relaxation, learning, and taking good care of myself, so I can enjoy my own relationships and my career to the fullest.

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This is G Keilan Rickard's avatar and link to their profile

G Keilan Rickard

Offering therapy in TN
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesGriefDepression
12 years of experience

I am a licensed psychologist in Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with lgbtqia+ related issues, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, and coping with grief & loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will collaborate to meet your unique and specific needs.

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How to find counseling in Knoxville

Finding the best therapist close by in Knoxville 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 Knoxville. 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 Knoxville, 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville, elsewhere in Knox, 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 Knoxville area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Knoxville 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville, 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville 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 37996 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville, 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.

Knoxville 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 Knoxville.

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

37901, 37902, 37909, 37912, 37914, 37915, 37916, 37917, 37918, 37919, 37920, 37921, 37922, 37923, 37924, 37927, 37928, 37929, 37930, 37933, 37939, 37940, 37950, 37995, 37996, 37997, 37998

Popular cities near Knoxville, TN

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