Depression Therapists in Knoxville, TN
See all therapists in Knoxville
Scott Hendrix
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I love diversity, focus on the LGBTQ community and many others. I have specific experience working with law enforcement/public safety professionals and in programs specifically designed for individuals from the healthcare, transportation/railroad, and aviation industries with mental health/substance use disorders. I treat most conditions, but typically treat individuals, couples, students, and adolescents living with trauma/PTSD, ADHD/ADD, anxiety,
depression
, personality disorders, religious trauma, sexual addictions, and anger management concerns. Visit www.truthlightcounseling.com to see if we're a good fit!

Dr. A. Nikki Hilton
Psychologist, PhD, LHSP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I have had the pleasure of working with 17-75 year-olds from various ethnicities, genders, & sexual identities for over 10 years on issues including grief,
depression
, anxiety, codependency, trauma, & self-worth.
I offer a non-judgmental space where we will work together, &, with patience, accomplish the change that you want in your life. There is nothing more rewarding for me than identifying the strengths in the individuals that I work with &, ultimately, witnessing their transformations. I have specialized training & experience in Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma and grief therapy. If you are grieving, I know that you need to be heard & validated; you need someone willing to be with you in your pain, & who will not attempt to fix the unfixable.

Whitney R Biggs
Counselor, MA, LPC-, MHSP
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
It takes courage to do what you are doing, and I commend you for taking the first step. Fear, anxiety, grief, and
depression
are emotions that we all experience. They aren’t unusual, but at times they can feel like a runaway train, stealing your thoughts, time, energy and happiness. I work together with my clients on managing and regulating these overwhelming thoughts and emotions, and help them to draw from their own strength to live a life that’s purposeful and fulfilling according to their values. You are the expert on you, and I will be there to give insight, feedback, and offer new perspectives and coping skills.
Not accepting new clients

Laura Kaplan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Do you wonder where it all started? Do you ever think there could be a better way? In our work together we will look back at patterns, struggles and pain to trace the development of anxiety,
depression
, panic or other mental illness in your life. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I use my experience and training to help clients make the connection between their current struggles, and patterns that stretch back through their lives. Whether we are focused on the issues in the present, symptoms of anxiety or
depression
, or working through past trauma, the goal is to find strength and peace to live our best lives.

Amber Fortenberry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Do you struggle with anxiety,
depression
, or wonder where you “fit in?” Do you struggle getting out of bed, have trouble falling sleep, or find yourself crying or “blowing up” more often? You may be feeling isolated from your friends and family, or have a difficult time reaching out to your social supports. Maybe you are often feeling emotionally exhausted and mentally drained by routines that you used to accomplish with ease. Are you struggling to adapt to the increasingly chaotic world around you, or are you feeling a sense of loss for the life you had before the pandemic?

Affinity Counseling - Stacy M Hernandez AAIT Cert.
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, AAIT-
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Hello! I'm Stacy and I am passionate about working with female adults and adolescents struggling with
depression
, anxiety and the many things life throws at us. To achieve this, I utilize a therapeutic approach called Acceptance and Integration Therapy. Being a certified AAIT (Acceptance and Integration) therapist has allowed me to help clients heal, identify goals and quickly relieve psychological suffering.

Sharon Britt
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified
Verified
Sharon takes a holistic approach to helping others and specializes in supporting those who struggle with anxiety, grief, substance abuse,
depression
, anger management, and trauma.
Sharon is a mental health services provider that demonstrates an unwavering commitment to helping others with over 30 years of experience. She’s served clients in a variety of community and mental health settings such as agency outpatient, private practice and those coming from residential settings. Sharon has enjoyed working with adolescents, adults and families. She also has extensive experience within the foster care and adoption system.

Ben Marlow
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I have experience in substance abuse,
depression
, anxiety, bipolar disorder, anger management, grief, assertiveness skills training.
I understand that life doesn't always go as we planned. But unwanted changes don't define us. I see adaptation as one of our greatest abilities. I believe that we are all are entitled to unconditional positive regard and to be met where we are at in the quest to live our best life. I use a cognitive behavioral approach to increase insight and help you bring about your own positive changes.

W. Allen Burt, Ph.D.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
Psychotherapy is a process leading to the recognition of one's true self. As difficulties begin to "make sense," how to tackle personal problems becomes clearer. No one's
depression
, relationships, anxiety, or self-esteem difficulties are exactly like anyone else's. That is why understanding one’s unique life is more helpful than a diagnosis. Current problems are often influenced by past experiences which can then become generalized assumptions about life and others. It is important to separate assumptions from the truth. Good therapy results in personal understanding, but more importantly, a greater sense of being alive.

Katie Wheeler
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, MHSP
Verified
Verified
Have you experienced a trauma in your life which you are finding to be difficult to cope with? Are you noticing your past wounds are impacting who you are today? Moving forward after a traumatic event can be difficult. I aim to provide my clients with a secure and accepting environment. My ideal client would come to session ready to process difficult things while they curl up on my couch and feel at home in my office space. Although I have seen clients of all ages and diagnoses, I feel the most comfortable with teen and adult aged clients who are currently experiencing PTSD, anxiety, and/or
depression
.
Not accepting new clients

Kristin N Lewis
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
****not currently able to accept new patients**** I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist with 13 years' experience in the field. Throughout my training and career, I have enjoyed working with clients who have struggled with a variety of concerns, including trauma,
depression
, anxiety, substance use, and problems with relationships. I see therapy as a safe place to learn to manage difficult emotions and overcome challenging situations.

Susan Wendy Hundley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSSW, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in the areas of
depression
, infertility, anxiety, addiction, relationship issues/boundaries, and grief. I am an advocate for those I work with, empowering them to find strength within themselves to become successful independently. However, I also enjoy problem solving and supporting self-determination. I am a realist, meaning that I do not expect that life will become easy or happiness will be immediately achieved, but I also feel nothing is insurmountable. I work tirelessly to improve the lives of the individuals and couples who see me because this is my passion.

Nicola Bone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Nicola has experience working with individuals, couples, and families who have wrestled with pain inflicted by trauma, chronic and/or life-threatening diseases, grief/loss, anxiety,
depression
and the slow perpetual build up of life stress.
Nicola has encouraged individuals in the pursuit of personal growth and healing for more than 20 years. Having worked in a variety of settings, including the District Attorney’s Office in Atlanta, GA, Loudon County School systems, private practice, and most recently in hospice settings working alongside patients and families, Nicola has learned about the resilience of the human spirit – acknowledging that this resilience springs forth only after pain.

Lydia Cole
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I myself am someone who has come to manage my own chronic
depression
and anxiety, and this has instilled a passion for working with these issues.
I believe that your therapist is not the expert on your life, goals, and aspirations, but rather a mental health partner who comes alongside you to help you navigate life's struggles and celebrate life's joys. You may be facing the deepest lows of
depression
, the rollercoaster of anxiety, or any range of mental health struggles, but I believe there is hope for your future and would be honored to join you in your journey to finding and actualizing that future.

Kenneth Williams
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified
Verified
We all experience anxiety,
depression
, grief, and loneliness at times. And we all struggle with memories from childhood that greatly influence our thinking. These things make up many of the stories we use to control how we feel about the quality of our lives. Changing those stories can help you build the life you desire.

Esmilsa Alford-Christian
Licensed Professional Counselor, MHSP, NCC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Not accepting clients at this time! Seeking help can be scary, but the decision to initiate therapy is an important step. Often, we struggle in silence, feeling alone, overwhelmed with
depression
& anxiety.

Justin R Hall
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMHSP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Justin Hall is a licensed professional counselor with a mental health service provider designation and over a decade of experience in the helping professions. He is a Knoxville native, and he obtained his Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Tennessee. Justin has been a successful psychotherapist in outpatient, hospital, residential and crisis settings; providing services to individuals and couples. He is experienced with and is absolutely driven in helping his clients address
depression
, anxiety, and relationship issues. Justin writes letters for emotional support animals.

Lori Ramsey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified
Verified
Lori Ramsey has 20 years of therapeutic experience specializing in treating anxiety,
depression
, trauma, grief, and chronic life stress. Lori's work is built on her philosophical foundation that all people can feel better. Lori uses this belief along with the client's own strengths, to help clients improve relationships, extinguish negative behaviors, and establish healing so they may live more fulfilled and productive lives.
Waitlist for new clients

Elizabeth A Woodward
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, T-LPC, T-MHSP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I work with adults, teens, preteens, and children starting at 6 years old. Many of my clients are looking for coping skills to aid with mood disorders, conduct issues, or impulse-control disorders, such as anxiety,
depression
, behavior problems, and ADHD. Some want to work through trauma or grief. Others have less common problems. However, all are looking to make a change, but they do not know how to or do not want to do it on their own.

Angela Obear
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
1 Endorsed
I specialize in working with issues of grief and loss, trauma, abuse, life transition, guilt, shame, family conflict, relationship conflict, mood disorders, anxiety and
depression
, and codependency, etc.
The decision to come to counseling is an important step and I understand that participation in counseling is an incredibly brave act. My goal is to create a safe, comfortable space for you as we work together to find solutions, relief, and balance in your life. Through my own experiences in counseling and in counseling others, I have come to believe that hope, redemption, acceptance, and inner peace can become a part of every person's story. My approach to counseling is collaborative, holistic, and interactive.
See more therapy options for Knoxville
Depression Therapists
What is the goal of therapy for depression?
Therapy for depression has several major goals. One is to relieve the mental pain of depression, which distorts feeling and thinking so that sufferers cannot see beyond their current state of mind or envision feeling better. Another is to give people the mental tools to recognize and correct the kinds of distorted thinking that turn a problem into a catastrophe and lead to despair. Therapy also teaches people how to process negative emotions in constructive ways, so they have more control over their own emotional reactivity. And it helps people regain the ability to see themselves positively, the motivation to do things, and the capacity for pleasure.
What happens in therapy for depression?
Perhaps most important, no matter the type of therapy, patients form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Patients learn to identify and to challenge their own erroneous beliefs and thoughts that amplify the effects of negative experiences. They learn to identify situations in which they are especially vulnerable. And they learn new patterns of thinking and behaving. They may be given “homework” assignments in which they practice their developing skills. In addition, good therapists regularly monitor patients to assess whether and how much the condition is improving.
What therapy types help with depression?
Several types of short-term therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioral activation (BA) is a form of therapy often used in conjunction with CBT; it focuses on engagement in rewarding activity as a pathway to changing negative feelings and disturbed mood. Another widely used approach is interpersonal therapy (IPT), which targets the social difficulties that both give rise to and get exacerbated by depression. Therapists may combine approaches as needed.
Can therapy for depression be done online?
Studies have found that online therapy can be highly effective for treating depression, although it may be more challenging to build a good therapist-patient alliance on screen than in person—at least at first. However, online therapy can offer considerable advantages. Accessibility and convenience are tops among them. Some people actually find it easier to talk about problems online than in person. While online therapy typically limits visibility of facial expression and body gestures that give important nonverbal cues to a patient’s state of mind, it can give therapists a glimpse into a patient’s world and life, providing information that can be highly useful in guiding therapy.
How effective is therapy for depression?
Many studies show that therapy is highly effective provided that patients complete the prescribed course of therapy, commonly 16 to 20 sessions. Over the long term, it is more effective than medication and the effects are more enduring. As a result, psychotherapy has the power not just to relieve current suffering but to prevent future episodes of the disorder. Therapy reverses the dysfunction in neural circuitry that disposes individuals to a negative view of themselves, the world, and their future and they acquire coping techniques, problem-solving skills, and understanding of their own vulnerabilities that are useful over the course of a lifetime.