Therapists for college students near Nashville, TN

Hi there! I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in Knoxville who works with college students, young professionals, dating couples, marriages, and families. I provide counseling for both men and women, who need help with: anxiety, depression, stress, new romantic relationships, relational problems, communication, conflict resolution, physical intimacy issues, sexual health concerns, parenting concerns, family dynamics, addictions, career-path decisions, and life transitions. I want to offer compassion and hope for your unique journey. In session, I specialize in emotional and relational growth--helping individuals and couples grow in their interpersonal skills. I facilitate the Prepare/Enrich inventory for premarital couples, and hold a certificate in Christian Sex Therapy to professionally care for issues surrounding sexuality. I value treating clients in a holistic way, and use a variety of researched-based approaches to counseling: family systems, cognitive behavioral therapy, emotionally focused therapy, group therapy, and narrative therapy. I offer a faith-based perspective, while respectfully empowering clients to grow in their own values and interpersonal relationships.

I have 16 years of experience in counseling as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Mental Health Service Provider and a Licensed School Counselor in TN. In additional to supporting clients who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, I enjoy working with clients as they explore family system issues, stress, major life transitions like graduating from high school, marriage or divorce, and parenting. I am also experienced in academic and career planning for those interested in pursuing new opportunities. I utilize evidence-based interventions and comprehensive care planning with all of my clients. I also hold a certification as a yoga instructor which supports my ability to assist clients with embodied symptoms of stress, anxiety, and PTSD. My counseling technique includes strategies from CBT, DBT, solution focused, and mindfulness practices to best suit the needs of each individual client that I serve. I am passionate about helping others develop deeper self-awareness and live full and healthy lives.

Starting college is a huge transition, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Between new responsibilities, changes in relationships, and the pressure to figure out who you are and where you’re headed, it can feel like a lot. You might be dealing with anxiety, depression, stress from academic pressures, or even difficulties with peers or family. It’s a lot to juggle, and sometimes, it can feel isolating. I’ve had the privilege of working with many college students navigating these same challenges. Together, we’ll focus on strategies that help you manage stress, enhance your emotional well-being, and develop healthy coping skills. Whether you’re struggling with academic pressure, social anxiety, self-esteem, or simply figuring out your next steps, I’m here to help.

With over ten years of clinical experience, I recognize how academic stress can affect young adults. These challenges often impact individuals uniquely, depending on their backgrounds and identities. In therapy, I customize my approach to equip you with the tools and support necessary to reclaim balance and focus on your academic and social pursuits. Together, we will create a space to address these challenges.

Every name has a story and every story is worth telling. Finding the best fit for a new therapist can be challenging and scary as you step into a place of vulnerability. We all experience challenging seasons and chapters in our lives and sometimes we need support and guidance to navigate through them. I'm passionate about helping people write their own stories, learn how to move through emotions, embrace where they are at, and gain the skills to thrive and live life abundantly.

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I get it. It you're going through a lot each day, feeling like you have to be perfect at everything you try and always needing to make sure everyone else is happy. This can leave you feeling totally worn out, like you're constantly running on empty, and still that nagging feeling of "never enough" just won't go away. Maybe you're carrying worries and stress around with you all the time, and perhaps some tough things from the past are making things even harder. Please know that I see how much you're dealing with, and I'm here to help you find a way through this. Together, we can gently work on these patterns so you can start feeling less pressured and more truly content in your life. I focus specifically on helping people who struggle with perfectionism, people-pleasing, and that "never enough" feeling, along with related stress and anxiety. I understand how these issues connect for you. Clients often choose me because they feel truly understood and see a clear path towards lasting relief, not just quick fixes. Imagine finding a calm and comfortable space in your own home for our sessions. It will feel like a private conversation in a calm and comfortable space. We'll gently explore those habits of trying to be perfect and always saying "yes," understanding where they came from and how they affect you now. I'll listen with a warm and open heart, creating a safe space for you to share without judgment, all from the comfort of your surroundings. Together, we'll learn to set healthy boundaries, be kinder to yourself, and truly believe in your worth, right from where you feel most at ease. You'll gain simple ways to handle stress and worries. As we connect, you'll hopefully feel that pressure to be perfect ease, find it easier to say "no," and feel more calm and present in your day, leading to more energy and peace within yourself. For our sessions, imagine a calm and comfortable space around your school or in your dorm where you can truly feel safe and open up. Building trust is really important here; I want you to feel completely yourself, knowing I'm listening with genuine understanding and without judgment. That said, don’t think that I’m only here to provide the non-judgmental listening, I will give healthy pushbacks and help challenge those unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Together, we'll explore the issues that have been holding you back, understanding their roots and their impact. As partners, we'll work on setting healthy boundaries, cultivating self-compassion, and recognizing your inherent worth, empowering you with practical tools to handle stress and worries as you move towards a life with less pressure, more genuine connection, and a deeper sense of your own "enoughness."

Johanna believes in change. Her therapy is not just talking; it is working with you to achieve your goals and see results. Johanna has expertise working with anxiety, mood, and personality disorders. She also has many years working with clients struggling with disordered eating behaviors. Johanna has been trained in various methods to address trauma and the impact of trauma on clients' lives. Also, Johanna is licensed in several states, which allow clients to continue their therapy journey if you are a college student or need to travel for work. Johanna utilizes treatment modalities such as ACT, CBT, & DBT which aim to solve problems concerning overwhelming emotions, behaviors, and cognitions, while increasing effective skills. She is trained in EMDR which is a highly effective therapy addressing trauma issues. Also, her therapy utilizes a strength based approach, one that focuses on the positives. Johanna has nearly 20 years of experience in the mental health field working with a variety of clients. By combining a supportive approach with an accepting environment, she knows together you can meet your goals! Johanna looks forward to working with you! (She is licensed in the states of CT, FL, GA, IA, NC, SC, & TN.)

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James is accepting new clients at Serenity Counseling and Mediation Center, a trusted organization dedicated to providing compassionate mental health and mediation services in Gallatin, TN. To learn more about Serenity Counseling, its mission, and appointment scheduling, visit serenitycounselingtn.com. About Me: James Milbrandt is a graduate of Capella University, a CACREP-accredited institution, where he has earned his Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Prior to embarking on this educational journey, James spent over a decade in the music and entertainment industry as a Director of Information Technology. During this time, he honed his problem-solving skills, adaptability, and ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Driven by a deep passion for helping others overcome challenges and achieve personal growth, he is now dedicated to mastering the knowledge and techniques needed to provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care. As a proud Member of the American Counseling Association (ACA), the Tennessee Counseling Association (TCA), and the Tennessee Licensed Professional Counselors Association (TLPCA), James is excited to combine his diverse professional background with his growing counseling expertise to make a meaningful and lasting impact in his community. As a Post Master's Counselor, James is fulfilling the mandatory supervision requirements for professional licensure under Tennessee state guidelines.

Hi! I'm Ashley. I've been practicing Therapy for 10 years and am honored to have sat across from so many incredible souls. Life can be so beautiful. It can also be so incredibly hard and challenging to navigate. I'd love to support you as you seek healing and restoration. Having worked in this field for years, my specialties include anxiety, depression, eating disorders and body image, life adjustments, parenthood, infertility and perinatal support, and women's issues among other things.

Ashley Scott is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed to practice in Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Florida. She earned her Bachelors Degree in Sociology from Louisiana State University and continued at LSU to earn her Masters Degree in Social Work in 2013. Ashley specializes in working with clients with eating disorders of all ages, genders, and diagnoses and has been in that field for the past seven years. She has worked at higher level of care facilities (Residential, PHP, and IOP) and has also worked in the fields of adoption and foster care, offering therapeutic support to individuals and families. Ashley’s therapeutic style is warm and collaborative. Ashley likes to employ humor when appropriate and will be direct when needed, in order to build a strong and supportive environment with the client.

It’s not easy having feelings of “not belonging” and “not knowing how to fit in” – questioning “who am I” and “how can I be seen?” Wondering where your people are and then wondering “are these my people?” How to connect while allowing yourself to be vulnerable while allowing yourself to be safe while allowing yourself to experience the full experience of life … Mental / emotional health is a vital necessity for success in life; to be able to make clear decisions without doubt or fear or to practice compassion toward the self instead of letting insecurities take root or judging the self harshly. Symptoms of depression and anxiety can be debilitating and create interference in meeting daily demands – creating low motivation, low energy, a sense of excessive worry or irritability, struggling with concentration / focus or delaying making decisions; or becoming fearful of failing or of losing something valuable. My name is Laura, and I have over 25 years’ experience as a licensed mental health counselor; most of my focus has been on helping young adults make the transition from dependence to independence; to identify and support their own values and ideas for their own future. To assist the process of developing coping strategies to manage life and learning how to recognize and walk through emotional responses; I would like to be of assistance in helping you make the transition toward your mental health and recovery journey. I also have extensive experience in assisting individuals heal from traumatic events, to embrace a release from the emotional impact locked into the memories of the trauma. Providing an opportunity to allow the traumatic event to remain in the past and no longer interfere with your present. Please reach out to me via email or text me at 317-296-3279 if you have any questions and let's figure out how I may be of help to you.

Pursuing higher education, whether starting college, returning after time away, or continuing into graduate school, can be exciting and rewarding. Yet it can also bring stress, uncertainty, and moments of self-doubt. Balancing academic expectations, relationships, and personal well-being isn’t easy, and many students feel pressure to manage it all on their own. At Christina Cares Counseling, LLC, I offer a compassionate, supportive space for adults navigating the unique challenges of college and graduate life. Together, we can work through anxiety, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, burnout, and the struggle to find balance and direction. I bring over 15 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, independently licensed in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Tennessee. My goal is to help you reconnect with your strengths, build resilience, and find relief through honest conversation, understanding, and practical tools for growth. I also accept several insurance plans through Headway to make it easier to start therapy. These include: • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Connecticut (in Connecticut) • Quest Behavioral Health (in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Tennessee) • Cigna (in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Tennessee) • Carelon Behavioral Health (in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Tennessee) • Aetna (in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Tennessee) • Ascension (SmartHealth) (in Tennessee) …with more insurance options coming soon. You don’t have to do this alone; healing and change happen through connection, and therapy can be a place to find both.

Katherine is a warm and engaging therapist who values honesty and transparency in her interactions with clients. She is passionate about helping her clients achieve their goals and find joy in their lives. She believes that therapy is a collaborative process and works closely with clients to create a customized treatment plan that meets their unique needs. Having recovered from her own eating disorder, Katherine is able to bring a unique level of empathy and understanding to every session. Clients can expect to feel heard and validated but also pushed to confront their thoughts and behaviors in a supportive environment. Her encouraging approach helps clients feel comfortable opening up and sharing their feelings, and her humor adds a refreshing, lighthearted touch to the therapeutic process. Katherine earned her undergraduate degree in Sociology and Women and Gender Studies from Furman University and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of North Carolina. She has worked in all levels of care from outpatient to residential and most recently was the Program Director of a telemedicine Intensive Outpatient Program for Eating Disorders and the Director of Behavioral Health for a national telemedicine company. Katherine has over a decade of experience treating a wide range of issues including eating disorders, trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, personality disorders and substance use disorders. She holds independent licenses to practice Social Work in 15 states and is currently pursuing her Eating Disorder Specialist certification through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals.

Hi there! My name is Christie Cutshall, LCSW located in Eastern Tennessee with my husband, three bonus teenagers, and two dogs. When I'm not working, I enjoy hiking, spending time with my family, gardening, and cooking. As a graduate of East Tennessee State University, and a practicing social worker for the last ten years, I have gained valuable experience as a mental health clinician. In my experience, I believe growing requires changing and improving the environment in which we grow; only then can we truly thrive! In order to help clients live my best lives, I am passionate about helping them achieve their full potential.

Adjusting to life changes can be challenging, especially if feeling alone or unable to manage those changes. At Vibrant Women Wellness Counseling, we support teen girls and women as they go through life changes, difficulties with school and work, and relationship problems among other problems unique to women. We take a holistic (mentally, physically, and spiritually) approach to helping girls and women be their best selves. If you are interested to develop your vibrance please contact us. We would love to work with you and support on you on your path to wellness. We offer individual, couples, family, and group therapy. We also offer other opportunities to connect with others socially including in our open mic poetry events and in our book club meetings. Contact us for more information.

Ascending Self is a safe place where we will utilize the most effective, science-based, and relationally sound approaches to helping you heal while gaining understanding of self and relationships. If you're looking for a safe place to roll up your sleeves and get to work on understanding yourself in relationship to self, family, friends, and/or loved ones, this is the place. I offer my clients the best professional help with a balance of connection, support, and efficacy.

Hi! My name is Matthew Brown and I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I graduated with my MSN in 2022. I work with children starting at 6 years old all the way up to geriatrics. I am here to help you lead a more fulfilling life as we navigate this world of mental health. Let’s get started!

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