Dr. Lakisha Brimage
Hello, my name is Dr. Lakisha Brimage, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Kentucky, a Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health Service Provider in TN and an ordained minister. In 2023, I received a PSY.D in Behavioral Health Leadership and graduated with a M.ED with a concentration in Counseling and Human Development in 2013. Over the span of my career, I have been afforded the opportunity to work with individuals from various backgrounds and walks of life, to include children, teens, military service men/women and their families, veterans, military servicemembers, civilians, and department of correction inmates. Working with such a diverse population allows me to become more cognizant of our differences but also more enlightened of our interconnectedness. I work with individuals who are experiencing with various concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, career challenges, ADHD, crisis issues and other difficulties that may impair their ability to function in certain areas. With the help of client-centered individualized therapy and a combination of therapeutic approaches, collaboratively the client and I will work together in closing the gap between where they are right now in their life and where they want to be in the future. My goal is to provide you with the tools, strategies, and skill sets that are needed to address challenges and barriers that often interfere with obtaining your overall goal and future results. I believe that you have the power to accomplish your goals but may require some support, and that’s what I am here to do! It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Linda Hazel
I am licensed in Tennessee with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma, & abuse. I also have experience working with intimacy related issues. 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.
Philip Nicholas
As a licensed therapist serving Tennessee, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on addressing challenges such as trauma, addiction, social anxiety, and life transitions. I have extensive experience working with young adults, veterans, first responders, and individuals processing grief, attachment issues, and personal growth. My therapeutic approach is rooted in compassionate, evidence-based practices that honor each client's unique journey. I understand the profound impact of life's challenges and provide a supportive, non-judgmental space for healing and transformation. Whether you're struggling with mood disorders, relationship dynamics, or seeking personal development, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional expertise. Drawing from a comprehensive background in mental health counseling, I offer targeted support for individuals seeking to overcome isolation, rebuild self-esteem, and develop healthier coping strategies. My goal is to empower you to create meaningful, sustainable change in your life.
Janet Ferrell
Hello, I'm Janet Ferrell. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Mental Health Service Provider additionally. I have worked in mental health for over 30 years in a variety of settings. I have worked with individuals with addiction issues, domestic violence, mental health issues, inpatient and outpatient treatment. I have a background of working with adolescents and adults but not small children. I have experience in many types of therapy but excel in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I enjoy mindfulness and guided imagery techniques. I believe therapy must be individualized to the client and not a one fits all experience. We are all unique and special in our own ways. I strive to create a safe space where the client feels comfortable opening up. I hope to hear from you so we can start the journey of therapy together. It takes a brave person to pursue change but I believe if that is your goal it can be achieved.
Shea Witt
I am a counselor licensed in Tennessee with over 6 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and ADHD. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. My counseling style is solution-focused, direct, warm, and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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!
Joseph Valletti
Hey, I think it’s time for a deep breath! The more we chase speculation the more we turn those things into a mental drain. Most of us just need to slow things down and relax, to let our natural gifts come to the surface. Sometimes the assets in our toolboxes get a little rusty. I can help you re-discover them for current and upcoming challenging scenarios. For over 30 years my client base has encompassed individuals, couples, and families in a number of diverse areas. I have counseled in homes, organizations, schools, places of worship, and the military. Ten years of international experience allows me to assess relationships from a variety of diverse angle. I prefer to work with my clients in the present and future. It was Winston Churchill’s wife that said “ You are strong because you are imperfect, you are wise because you have doubts.” So being imperfect and having doubts is important. I'd like to think I’m practical and motivating, with a dash of humor. I'm available Monday - Friday with my pre-set days/times from the AM: 5:00, 6:15, 7:30, 8:45, 11:30 and in the PM: 12:45, 2:00, 3:15, 4:30. And also Saturday: 5:00, 6:15, 7:30, 845. All in CST time zone. My clients set their own day/times with the BetterHelp Scheduler. And upfront I don't do in-session therapy by "text only." Clients and I can text each other between sessions as needed. Folks after 30 years of walking down this career path I know at this time in my life what I'm good at, and ones that I'm moving on from. As a result I have a narrow range of clients. I have been involved with all the noted areas below – believe I’ve left behind a good tradecraft in those areas that covered many years. My best interests are with you - giving you the best service you deserve. So based on the above, I’m don’t take clients in the following areas: pornography, ADHD, domestic violence, clients 29 and below, anxiety, A&D&Vape, anxiety, LBGTQ, pre-marital counseling, suicidal ideation (under a year), and those wanting live chat therapy only. A&D&Vape, anxiety, MOST IMPORTANT, on the first session - the use of a firehose strategy doesn’t work out for the both of us. You know the firehose – info bombarding because you want to get me up to date, an emotionally charged dump of data that I can’t keep up with – a waste of the first session. I need you to entrust your case to me - everything will come to the surface soon; but there’s a method for that. To me the first session is important - the last thing I want to do is waste our time. I look forward to talking with you!
Juanita Gamache
"No shame or judgment" we all need a safe place to unpack our thoughts, feelings, and experiences. None of us gets through life without support, connection, and understanding. I want to create that place for you. I want to help you be understood, resource you with options, and be with you on your healing journey. Today is a new day. I look forward to talking with you and meeting you. Online virtual connecting by video or phone is a great way to feel safe, both physically and socially. With any digital video or audio device you can be in your car, at a park, at a cafe, or on your sofa and have instant connection with me-someone trained and licensed to help you process and sort out whatever uncertainties you may have. Step one is admitting you need help, that is your strength today. To walk toward life requires courage. Contact me. A three stranded cord is not easily broken: you, me, and your Faith!
Sandra Graham
I am licensed in Tennessee and Kentucky with 25 years of professional work experience. My career has entailed work in a residential setting (RTC) working with children and adolescents ages 5 to 17, with co- occurring disorders, emotional, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental challenges. In addition to providing services in a RTC, I also have experience in outpatient community mental health, and home based counseling. My clinical skill set consist of assisting clients cope with anxiety, loss and grief issues, issues with self esteem, depression, trauma, relationship issues & family issues. In addition to the aforementioned I also have experience with providing services for military children and families. I believe that you are the expert of your own story and that you have many existing strengths that will assist you in overcoming the things that challenge you. Taking the step to start therapy can take courage, and I am proud of you for such bravery. I look forward to cheering you on as you become your best version of your true authentic self.
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.
Brandon Byrd
As a licensed therapist serving Tennessee, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My professional approach centers on helping clients develop resilience, self-understanding, and meaningful personal growth. I have extensive experience addressing challenges like depression, social anxiety, career transitions, anger management, and interpersonal communication difficulties. My therapeutic practice focuses on creating a compassionate, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences and develop healthier coping strategies. I'm particularly skilled in supporting individuals working through self-esteem challenges, attachment issues, and post-traumatic stress. My goal is to empower clients to cultivate self-love, overcome isolation, and build more fulfilling connections with themselves and others. Drawing from evidence-based techniques, I collaborate with clients to develop personalized strategies that promote emotional healing and personal transformation. I understand that each person's journey is unique, and I'm committed to providing tailored, supportive guidance that respects your individual path and potential.
Brandi Lightsey
As a therapist licensed in TX, TN and VA, I bring over 15 years of experience working in mental health across crisis intervention and inpatient psychiatric hospital settings. Throughout my career, I have provided therapy to individuals navigating acute distress, complex diagnoses, and life-altering transitions. My work has placed me on the front lines of the mental health system, where I’ve seen firsthand both its potential to help and the ways it can overwhelm and fail the people it’s meant to serve. I am a strong advocate for my clients. I believe therapy should be collaborative, transparent, and grounded in respect for each person’s lived experience. Many of my clients come to me feeling confused, unheard, or worn down by the psychiatric system. I help them make sense of that chaos — whether that means understanding diagnoses, navigating treatment options, or reclaiming a sense of agency in their care. Many individuals living with grief find comfort in working with a therapist who brings both professional training and personal understanding to the therapeutic space. I experienced the sudden loss of my brother as a young adult and later supported a close friend throughout a multi-year cancer journey. These experiences shaped my deep respect for the complexity of grief, resilience, and the emotional impact of life-altering transitions. While each person’s path is unique, I strive to offer a grounded, compassionate presence where clients feel supported, understood, and never alone in their healing process.
NaaDzama Ashby
As a licensed therapist serving Tennessee, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on empowering clients through challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and workplace stress. I bring a compassionate, culturally responsive approach that honors each person's unique experiences and identity. My therapeutic work focuses on helping clients develop self-love, improve communication, address social anxiety, and work through feelings of isolation and shame. I'm particularly committed to supporting women, multicultural communities, and individuals experiencing life transitions, workplace difficulties, and family dynamics. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. My goal is to walk alongside you as you discover your strengths, heal from past challenges, and move toward a more fulfilling life.
Ramona McKinney
As a compassionate therapist, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's many complex challenges. My approach is rooted in understanding the unique experiences of each person, with a particular focus on addressing stress, anxiety, family dynamics, trauma recovery, and navigating significant life transitions. I offer a supportive and empathetic environment for clients dealing with a wide range of concerns, including communication difficulties, feelings of isolation, personal growth, and emotional healing. My expertise spans working with diverse populations, including, children and young adults, individuals experiencing midlife challenges, and those navigating complex family relationships. My therapeutic approach is holistic and person-centered, drawing from evidence-based practices to help clients develop effective coping strategies, work through difficult emotions, and rediscover their own personal strength. I'm committed to creating a safe and understanding space where individuals can explore their challenges; heal, learn, and grow from their experiences, and move towards meaningful personal growth and live a full life. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, relationship issues, grief, or seeking guidance through life's many transitions, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with compassion and professional support.
Pennie Leggett
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist with 18 years of experience. I am devoted to living this precious life well and to support others to do the same. The focus of my practice is to help others identify the habits and patterns operating in their lives that are not working in their best interests, then support them to find freedom from them, so that they are no longer haunted by the past or paralyzed by fears of the future, but rather are then free to pursue their hopes and dreams. Together we can allow the sirens of our symptoms to guide us toward health and wellbeing. No matter the journey, "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes"- Marcel Proust. Cultivating awareness we can transform our lives by listening to our bodies, exploring the beliefs that drive our actions, and learning how to choose how we respond to difficult situations rather than kneejerk reactivity
Find a Therapist Near You in Unicoi , Tennessee
Finding a licensed therapist near you in Tennessee can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
Tennessee is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in Tennessee, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in Tennessee (TN). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
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 on BetterHelp support adults across Tennessee with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Tennessee
When searching for a therapist near me in Tennessee, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across Tennessee, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across Tennessee.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in Tennessee want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Tennessee
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in Tennessee without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in Tennessee (TN)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
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 vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
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 private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.