Jessica Bolin Edwards
Welcome! My name is Jessica and I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Tennessee. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, adoption, trauma, and parenting problems. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I have worked in a variety of settings including residential, mobile crisis, outpatient, and in-home. I feel like that is important to explain as, it means that I have had experience working with a broad range and severity of clinical issues. I have the most experience working with anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, family/relationship conflicts, life transitions, and complex trauma/abuse. My counseling 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 and rational-emotive counseling. At times, I do incorporate mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I believe in collaboration and working together to establish concrete goals and steps for you to help overcome your current concerns. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Dr. Heide Schlack
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.
Juanita Chism Doss
As a licensed therapist with over two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on helping clients navigate challenges related to depression, anxiety, stress, family dynamics, and mood disorders. I bring a compassionate and nuanced approach to therapy, drawing from years of clinical experience working with diverse populations. My goal is to create a supportive environment where individuals can explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and work towards meaningful personal growth. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by different age groups, I am particularly committed to providing thoughtful, tailored support. I believe in meeting each client exactly where they are, offering guidance that respects their individual experiences and strengths. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and person-centered, designed to empower clients to discover their own resilience and capacity for healing. I approach each session with empathy, respect, and a genuine commitment to supporting your journey towards emotional well-being.
Dr. Tara Harvey
Tara Harvey is an LPC-MHSP licensed in Tennessee, with 15 years of experience. Educational experience comes from the University of Tennessee, Lindsey Wilson College, and Berea College. Tara’s career has led her to a variety of mental health settings where she has practiced and taught in the therapeutic arena. Tara believes that through therapy, the mind, body, and spirit can be balanced and the difficulties of the past, present, and future can be managed. Using a variety of therapeutic techniques, including but not limited to, CBT, DBT, Positive Psychology, and Person Centered therapy, Tara will work with you to find the therapeutic approach that best fits your needs and addresses your concerns. She specializes in adult and teen issues, interpersonal violence, trauma, anxiety, depression, addictions, PTSD, personal life transitions, and men transitioning from incarceration. Change begins from within and through the journey of therapy one can become their best self. Come see what that might look like for you! As Ghandi said “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Leigh Ann Whitus
I am so glad you are here and considering taking the first step in your therapeutic journey. Beginning therapy can feel intimidating, and my goal is to create a welcoming, supportive space where you can openly discuss life's challenges and feel comfortable being your authentic self. I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California and currently practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I believe therapy is most effective when it is a collaborative process, and I am committed to helping you feel supported, empowered, and encouraged as you work toward your personal goals and growth. I offer compassionate, individualized therapy for trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and family stressors. I use CBT, DBT, Narrative Therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches. Christian counseling is available upon request, and I provide culturally sensitive care to clients from diverse backgrounds. During our first session, we will explore what brings you to therapy, discuss your concerns, and begin identifying goals for our work together. My aim is to create a supportive, collaborative environment where you feel heard and understood.
Dr. Christopher Nickson
I am licensed in Tennessee with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Debra Fitzgerald
As a licensed therapist in Tennessee, I bring over two decades of compassionate clinical experience supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My approach is deeply rooted in understanding the unique emotional landscapes of each person who enters my practice. I specialize in addressing a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, stress, relationship dynamics, grief, substance use issues, and self-esteem challenges. My therapeutic work focuses on supporting individuals navigating grief and loss, social anxiety, substance use, body image concerns, and mood-related difficulties. With particular expertise in grief, midlife transitions, and caregiver stress, I offer a nuanced and empathetic approach to healing. I'm committed to creating a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. My practice embraces diverse perspectives and welcomes individuals from all backgrounds seeking understanding, healing, and emotional well-being. I strive to meet each client exactly where they are in their journey, offering compassionate guidance and evidence-based support.
Jessica Hemphill
I am licensed in Tennessee with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depressionm. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Nicholas Owens
I am a licensed therapist in Tennessee with several years of experience helping individuals navigate life's challenges. I have experience supporting clients dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, parenting concerns, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and depression. I believe in treating every person with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach is collaborative and tailored to your unique needs, strengths, and goals. Together, we will develop a treatment plan that reflects what is most important to you and supports meaningful growth and change. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and satisfying life takes courage. Whether you are facing a specific challenge or simply looking to better understand yourself, I am here to support, encourage, and empower you throughout your journey.
Teraysa Thompson
I am licensed in Tennessee with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.
Bradley Clayton
I am licensed in Tennessee with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, despression, concentration, & memory. I also have experience working with focus. 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.
Chelsea Prince
As a licensed therapist dedicated to supporting individuals through life's complex challenges, I specialize in helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, communication difficulties, and personal growth. My approach centers on empowering individuals to develop self-love, overcome feelings of guilt and shame, and build healthier emotional patterns. Drawing from my professional training and commitment to compassionate care, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal transformation. I understand that each person's journey is unique, and I'm passionate about providing personalized, affirming therapeutic support that honors individual strengths and experiences. My practice is rooted in evidence-based techniques that help clients develop practical skills for emotional well-being, improve interpersonal relationships, and build greater self-understanding. I believe in meeting each client exactly where they are, offering guidance that is both gentle and empowering.
Felisha Tillman
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor–Mental Health Service Provider dedicated to helping individuals heal, grow, and regain a sense of emotional stability. My approach is warm, direct, and trauma‑informed. I believe people don’t heal in isolation — they heal in safe, supportive relationships where they feel seen, heard, and understood. Clients often come to me when they feel overwhelmed, stuck, or exhausted from carrying emotional burdens alone. Together, we work to untangle the patterns that keep you in survival mode and build healthier ways of coping, communicating, and connecting. I integrate evidence‑based modalities including CBT, DBT, EMDR (trained), Motivational Interviewing, and trauma‑responsive care. My style is structured yet compassionate — I help you understand the “why” behind your emotions while also giving you practical tools you can use right away. My work is grounded in emotional safety and trust, cultural humility, strength‑based, client‑centered care, clear goals and measurable progress and a non‑judgmental, supportive therapeutic relationship. I support clients navigating: Trauma and PTSD, anxiety and chronic worry, depression and emotional numbness, grief, loss, and life transitions, shame, self criticism, and low self worth, relationship stress and family conflict, alcohol and substance use, burnout and compassion fatigue and identity development and personal growth I also have extensive experience in community mental health, crisis intervention, and integrated behavioral health settings. Therapy with me is collaborative, structured, and empowering. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of your emotional patterns, tools to regulate your nervous system, healthier boundaries and communication skills, space to process trauma safely, and support in rebuilding confidence and self trust My goal is to help you move from surviving to living with clarity, purpose, and emotional resilience. If you’re ready to begin your healing process, I would be honored to walk with you.
Sarah Culpepper
Life brings seasons of change that can feel overwhelming, lonely, or uncertain. Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, feeling isolated, or simply trying to find your footing, I provide a supportive, compassionate space to help you process your experiences, build resilience, and move forward with greater confidence and connection.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Unicoi, Tennessee
Finding a therapist near you in Unicoi, Tennessee starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. Tennessee is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In Tennessee, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Tennessee, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Tennessee
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In Tennessee, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in Tennessee
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Tennessee
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Tennessee through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
Therapists near you in Tennessee
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Tennessee, including residents in Unicoi.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Tennessee do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Unicoi, Tennessee
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Unicoi and the surrounding TN area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.