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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Rachel Van Dyk

Offering therapy in TN
License: MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

Life can be so hard. I know that it takes great courage to ask for help. I consider it one of the greatest honors of my life to be able to walk alongside people in the midst of their struggles through the field of counseling. I received my Bachelor's in Psychology and Master's in Professional Counseling at Liberty University. I spent 5 years counseling female and male college students surrounding numerous struggles. I then counseled in a private practice setting for 2 years and saw adolescents through senior adults. I have nearly 3000 clinical face-to-face hours counseling people in need. I have helped clients with Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Eating Disorders, Trauma, Spiritual Concerns, Adjustment Disorders, Relationship Conflict, and Family Issues. I typically include a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Attachment Therapy, and/or Emotion Focused Therapy to enter into a client’s story. I assess the depth of pain and impact the client’s history has had on one's current affect, thought processes, and relationships. I then utilize various tools to help clients continue to move forward in forming healthier behaviors, emotional responses, self-talk, and relationships. My goal is to empower the client to make decisions that lead to a hope filled future.

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Dr. John Slate

Offering therapy in TN
License: 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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Ronald Lawler

Offering therapy in TN
License: Licensed Professional Counselor
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
20 years of experience

We all go through difficult times. Sometimes we go through circumstances that put us in emotional crucibles that need to be nurtured, explored and worked through. Are you feeling overwhelmed or dominated by a circumstance in your life? Are you in a circumstance with your spouse or children that seems to be taking a lot of energy, consequently causing other areas in your life to be compromised? I specialize in working with individuals and families in transition. I also have significant experience working with individuals that have issues with addictions, depression, anxiety, and spiritual conflict. I have a direct, nonjudgmental approach in therapy, assisting my clients with finding practical methods to facilitate healing and growth. Treatment has to be individualized and progressive. Change is a process, not an event. I will walk with you through the process. My goal is to empower individuals and families to live more abundantly.

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Charles Bellefant

Offering therapy in TN
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Tennessee with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & anger management. 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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Laura Cartwright

Offering therapy in TN
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTBipolar disorderDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Tennessee with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbt-related issues, & bipolar disorder. 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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Robert Price

Offering therapy in TN
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficulties
30 years of experience

I am fully licensed in Tennessee and Kentucky, have telehealth permits with South Carolina and Florida, and have 30 years of professional work experience in virtually all settings and modalities. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, anger management, & motivation, substance use issues,self esteem, and confidence. I have worked with all age groups from ages 3 through 70. 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, and we will formulate realistic goals with concrete, measurable outcomes. 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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Deborah Butler

Offering therapy in TN
Stress, AnxietyCoping with life changes
41 years of experience

I am licensed in Tennessee with 41 years of professional experience in a variety of work settings which required expertise in order to help others learn anxiety and stress management, conflict resolution, interpersonal effectiveness, feelings management, communication skills, decision making, goal setting processes, time management, assertiveness, and leadership skills. Regarding adults I specialize in women's issues. I have found that managing change (as in the transitions involved in career searches, new relationships, losses, aging, “empty nest”, etc.) are challenging and often involve learning new coping/effectiveness skills. I am a Certified Tele-Mental Health Provider in regard to virtual counseling and have found Telehealth can be very effective. Sessions are generally scheduled starting at 9am CST (10 am EST) with the last appointment at 6pm EST (5pm CST) on Tuesdays and Thursday with Saturday morning appointments available. There may be openings at the same hours on other weekdays arranged upon request. Messaging on your page is checked at least every other day and worksheets plus other Better Health resources are utilized as well as other articles as needed. Therapy is adapted to your needs and preferences-there are many strategies available and we need to find what works best for you. I look forward to going with you on your journey toward health and working on your goals! 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Julia "Julie" Rotella

Offering therapy in TN
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementCoachingADHD
33 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Tennessee and have held my licensure for 28 years. I have 33 years of professional work experience in both the public and private sector. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, & executive and professional coaching. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I believe compassion and self-compassion are critical components to creating a sense of wellness. I consider myself a Mindfulness Based Therapist and feel this is the best approach to letting go of the past as well as any fears or worries about the future as we strive to fully integrate ourselves within the present. It's really as simple as recognizing where you are at currently and then taking it one goal at a time to get to a place of wholeness and wellness. I am certified in Mindfulness and Well-Being Specialization through Rice University , and I hold a certification in Post Graduate Trauma Treatment awarded by the University of Tennessee, College of Social Work. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and vulnerability so be proud for getting started! Would love to start collaborating with you and to be a part of your journey!

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Kathryn Elliott

Offering therapy in TN
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Tennessee with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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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Courtney Porter

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

I am licensed in Arkansas, Tennessee and Texas with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, and depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How to find 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 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 Shelbyville. 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 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. 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 Shelbyville 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 Shelbyville 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 Shelbyville, elsewhere in Bedford, 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 Shelbyville area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Shelbyville 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 Shelbyville 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 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 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 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. 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 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 lead by a therapist in Shelbyville 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 Shelbyville 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 Shelbyville 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 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 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 37162 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 Shelbyville 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 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 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 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 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 Shelbyville.

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

37160, 37161, 37162

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