LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Cottontown, TN

Photo of Leslie Halpern, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Leslie Halpern
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Cottontown, TN 37048
Leslie is a LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist.
Leslie graduated from the Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program at the University of Tennessee in 2011. She is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LMSW) with the state of Tennessee. She works with individuals ages 16 and up, as well as family units. Leslie specializes in working with individuals who have experienced trauma and offers a judgment free environment to process even the most difficult events. She is skilled in helping to manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, attachment concerns, behavioral challenges, and the stress associated with chronic illness.
Leslie is a LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist.
Leslie graduated from the Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program at the University of Tennessee in 2011. She is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LMSW) with the state of Tennessee. She works with individuals ages 16 and up, as well as family units. Leslie specializes in working with individuals who have experienced trauma and offers a judgment free environment to process even the most difficult events. She is skilled in helping to manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, attachment concerns, behavioral challenges, and the stress associated with chronic illness.
(615) 805-6819 View (615) 805-6819
Photo of Robert Jackson IV, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Robert Jackson IV
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Cottontown, TN 37048
Robert Jackson IV is a black American cisgender male Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Tennessee who has worked throughout the social work field for 16 years. For the last eight years, Robert has been working exclusively as an outpatient therapist providing individual, marriage and family, substance-abuse, trauma, anger, and anxiety therapy for adults. He is optimistically helpful and very resourceful, while being very non-traditional and confrontational as well. LGBTQIA+ community are welcome. All races and religions are welcome as well.
Robert Jackson IV is a black American cisgender male Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Tennessee who has worked throughout the social work field for 16 years. For the last eight years, Robert has been working exclusively as an outpatient therapist providing individual, marriage and family, substance-abuse, trauma, anger, and anxiety therapy for adults. He is optimistically helpful and very resourceful, while being very non-traditional and confrontational as well. LGBTQIA+ community are welcome. All races and religions are welcome as well.
(629) 205-4051 View (629) 205-4051
Photo of Joy Austin, LPC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Joy Austin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LPC
Verified Verified
Cottontown, TN 37048
Joy Austin is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee who has been practicing since 2018. She earned an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. Joy is very open-minded and accepting of people from all walks of life, as well as all gender identities and sexual orientations. She has always been drawn to help people who feel as if no one really understands them and what they have been through. Joy uses play therapy with children and teens to help them explore their concerns in a safe and fun environment. She uses CBT when working with adults and is trained in EMDR with clients of all ages.
Joy Austin is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee who has been practicing since 2018. She earned an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. Joy is very open-minded and accepting of people from all walks of life, as well as all gender identities and sexual orientations. She has always been drawn to help people who feel as if no one really understands them and what they have been through. Joy uses play therapy with children and teens to help them explore their concerns in a safe and fun environment. She uses CBT when working with adults and is trained in EMDR with clients of all ages.
(615) 285-5649 View (615) 285-5649
Photo of Kari Barnes, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kari Barnes
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Cottontown, TN 37048
Kari Barnes is a Licensed Professional Counselor who received her Master's degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI in 2001. She has been a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2005 and is licensed in Wisconsin and Tennessee. Kari is currently working toward her doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology with a focus in the area of working with military service members. She is also working toward her Certified Mental Performance Coach certification in order to better serve athletes, military members, and those who are looking to specifically improve their performance in a specific area.
Kari Barnes is a Licensed Professional Counselor who received her Master's degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI in 2001. She has been a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2005 and is licensed in Wisconsin and Tennessee. Kari is currently working toward her doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology with a focus in the area of working with military service members. She is also working toward her Certified Mental Performance Coach certification in order to better serve athletes, military members, and those who are looking to specifically improve their performance in a specific area.
(615) 229-7414 View (615) 229-7414
Photo of Crystal Fondren, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Crystal Fondren
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Cottontown, TN 37048
Crystal Fondren is a Licensed Professional Counselor/Mental Health Service Provider, who has been practicing since 2014. She graduated from Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee with a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Crystal believes in providing a safe space for her clients to feel comfortable to open up with her. She is an excellent listener and can provide a deep range of interventions ranging from psychoeducation to high-level trauma interventions and reprocessing. Crystal's approach to treatment incorporates exploration of thoughts and behavioral patterns leading to deeper self-awareness.
Crystal Fondren is a Licensed Professional Counselor/Mental Health Service Provider, who has been practicing since 2014. She graduated from Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee with a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Crystal believes in providing a safe space for her clients to feel comfortable to open up with her. She is an excellent listener and can provide a deep range of interventions ranging from psychoeducation to high-level trauma interventions and reprocessing. Crystal's approach to treatment incorporates exploration of thoughts and behavioral patterns leading to deeper self-awareness.
(865) 345-5187 View (865) 345-5187
Photo of Britne Daughtdrill, LPC/MHS, Counselor
Britne Daughtdrill
Counselor, LPC/MHS
Verified Verified
Cottontown, TN 37048
Britne Daughtdrill, LPC Britne Daughtdrill is a Licensed Professional Counselor Mental Health Service Provider in Tennessee who started practicing in 2016. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Britne believes in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and doesn't believe in stigmatizing labels. Her approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and person-centered therapy. Britne tailors the dialog and treatment plan to meet a client's unique and specific needs.
Britne Daughtdrill, LPC Britne Daughtdrill is a Licensed Professional Counselor Mental Health Service Provider in Tennessee who started practicing in 2016. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Britne believes in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and doesn't believe in stigmatizing labels. Her approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and person-centered therapy. Britne tailors the dialog and treatment plan to meet a client's unique and specific needs.
(629) 258-7678 View (629) 258-7678

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Elliott Dombrosky, LADAC 2, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Elliott Dombrosky
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LADAC 2
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
White House, TN 37188
Hey there, great job at taking the time to focus on your self-care! I know this process can be scary but let’s see if we can walk through it together. I work with a wide variety of clients that have been affected by substance use & addiction(individual struggling themselves or their support systems & those affected by their use). Whether you’re not sure about this whole therapy thing or you know it’s time to make a change, you don’t have to figure out your next steps alone. I have experience in working with the LGBTQ+ community in providing gender & trauma informed care while working towards a happy and fulfilled life.
Hey there, great job at taking the time to focus on your self-care! I know this process can be scary but let’s see if we can walk through it together. I work with a wide variety of clients that have been affected by substance use & addiction(individual struggling themselves or their support systems & those affected by their use). Whether you’re not sure about this whole therapy thing or you know it’s time to make a change, you don’t have to figure out your next steps alone. I have experience in working with the LGBTQ+ community in providing gender & trauma informed care while working towards a happy and fulfilled life.
(629) 205-0610 View (629) 205-0610
Photo of Hollianne Heller, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional
Hollianne Heller
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
White House, TN 37188
I work with a variety of populations (ages 14 to older adulthood), using an eclectic approach to customize your therapeutic needs. Through a collaborative partnership, my goal is to ensure you maximize your counseling experience through behavior modification, coping strategies and other evidenced based techniques to reach your desired outcomes.
I work with a variety of populations (ages 14 to older adulthood), using an eclectic approach to customize your therapeutic needs. Through a collaborative partnership, my goal is to ensure you maximize your counseling experience through behavior modification, coping strategies and other evidenced based techniques to reach your desired outcomes.
(629) 230-3867 View (629) 230-3867
Photo of Sara Bowers, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sara Bowers
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
White House, TN 37188  (Online Only)
Life is messy, and we all need a safe space at times to talk through it. After 12 years of working with individuals and families, I have begun building a team of talented clinicians who are eager to help people live a fulfilling life. Rewired Health is currently accepting new clients for convenient, online therapy. Our team is trained to handle complex issues related to depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and much more. We are dedicated to building safety for our clients and helping them find the freedom and hope that comes with strong mental health.
Life is messy, and we all need a safe space at times to talk through it. After 12 years of working with individuals and families, I have begun building a team of talented clinicians who are eager to help people live a fulfilling life. Rewired Health is currently accepting new clients for convenient, online therapy. Our team is trained to handle complex issues related to depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and much more. We are dedicated to building safety for our clients and helping them find the freedom and hope that comes with strong mental health.
(615) 640-3403 View (615) 640-3403
Photo of Amy Ray, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amy Ray
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
White House, TN 37188
I have extensive experience working with adults and adolescents, (age 14 and up) dealing with anxiety, depression, anger issues, family conflict and difficult life transitions. I also have extensive experience helping individuals work through past trauma and PTSD symptoms.
I have extensive experience working with adults and adolescents, (age 14 and up) dealing with anxiety, depression, anger issues, family conflict and difficult life transitions. I also have extensive experience helping individuals work through past trauma and PTSD symptoms.
(615) 471-7466 View (615) 471-7466
Photo of John Barker, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
John Barker
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
White House, TN 37188
I have been licensed as a therapist for 14 years. I have done some type of counseling in the Nashville area since 2001. I know life is hard and it's never one thing that causes us to begin looking for help. Addiction, relationships stress, depression, anxiety and behavior issues are all catalysts for someone to begin a relationship with a therapist. I offer individual, couples and family therapy in a safe and confidential environment. I enjoy working with individuals and couples to see lives change and to see healing begin. I use solution-focused strategies reach goals that we set together.
I have been licensed as a therapist for 14 years. I have done some type of counseling in the Nashville area since 2001. I know life is hard and it's never one thing that causes us to begin looking for help. Addiction, relationships stress, depression, anxiety and behavior issues are all catalysts for someone to begin a relationship with a therapist. I offer individual, couples and family therapy in a safe and confidential environment. I enjoy working with individuals and couples to see lives change and to see healing begin. I use solution-focused strategies reach goals that we set together.
(615) 900-2401 View (615) 900-2401
Photo of Sara E Belk, BA , Pre-Licensed Professional
Sara E Belk
Pre-Licensed Professional, BA
Verified Verified
White House, TN 37188
Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey towards happiness and resilience? As an intern at The Healing Journey and a dedicated graduate student pursuing my MS in Clinical Counseling at Austin Peay State University, I am here to support you every step of the way. I specialize in working with individuals, children, families, and couples. I am passionate about helping clients navigate and heal from their past traumas. I believe in the power of resilience and the ability of every individual to create their own happiness. My goal is to empower you to overcome obstacles and build a fulfilling life.
Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey towards happiness and resilience? As an intern at The Healing Journey and a dedicated graduate student pursuing my MS in Clinical Counseling at Austin Peay State University, I am here to support you every step of the way. I specialize in working with individuals, children, families, and couples. I am passionate about helping clients navigate and heal from their past traumas. I believe in the power of resilience and the ability of every individual to create their own happiness. My goal is to empower you to overcome obstacles and build a fulfilling life.
(629) 276-3057 View (629) 276-3057
Photo of Scott McDougal, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Scott McDougal
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
White House, TN 37188
You feel different than others and there’s so much going on inside. Perhaps your thoughts and emotions are just too much. The people, places and activities that may have been fulfilling and safe in the past, are now what you would prefer to avoid. Others appear happy, but that same happiness feels beyond your reach. Maybe you recognize the need for some change, but enacting change seems impossible. Are you ready for your mind and body to be at peace in this chaotic world and to find your true self again? It is possible to access the wonder and creative energy of youth and to have a new understanding of your life.
You feel different than others and there’s so much going on inside. Perhaps your thoughts and emotions are just too much. The people, places and activities that may have been fulfilling and safe in the past, are now what you would prefer to avoid. Others appear happy, but that same happiness feels beyond your reach. Maybe you recognize the need for some change, but enacting change seems impossible. Are you ready for your mind and body to be at peace in this chaotic world and to find your true self again? It is possible to access the wonder and creative energy of youth and to have a new understanding of your life.
(615) 422-4615 View (615) 422-4615
Photo of Chelsea Begley, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Chelsea Begley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Hendersonville, TN 37075  (Online Only)
Right now, it probably feels like you’re holding onto water, trying to juggle all the roles you play. Spouse, partner, friend, parent, daughter, son, sibling, employee, and the list goes on. You feel like you don’t have a grip on your relationships with others, and it gets challenging trying to find a solution. There might even be different times when you suppress all the stress of this, or there might be other times when you say things to others you don’t mean. That is frustrating and hard.
Right now, it probably feels like you’re holding onto water, trying to juggle all the roles you play. Spouse, partner, friend, parent, daughter, son, sibling, employee, and the list goes on. You feel like you don’t have a grip on your relationships with others, and it gets challenging trying to find a solution. There might even be different times when you suppress all the stress of this, or there might be other times when you say things to others you don’t mean. That is frustrating and hard.
(615) 437-5039 View (615) 437-5039
Photo of Diana Glasser, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Diana Glasser
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
White House, TN 37188  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My goal as a counselor is to empower you to become confident, strong, and connected with yourself and others. I work with individuals to address issues including depression, anxiety, and trauma. With my background in health and nutrition as well as mental health, I am attuned to both emotional and physical distress. Together we will seek to develop the whole you, including your mental, emotional and physical self. We will find the puzzle pieces of the story your body shares with us. From day one, we will work tirelessly on achieving your therapeutic goals.
My goal as a counselor is to empower you to become confident, strong, and connected with yourself and others. I work with individuals to address issues including depression, anxiety, and trauma. With my background in health and nutrition as well as mental health, I am attuned to both emotional and physical distress. Together we will seek to develop the whole you, including your mental, emotional and physical self. We will find the puzzle pieces of the story your body shares with us. From day one, we will work tirelessly on achieving your therapeutic goals.
(615) 265-1073 View (615) 265-1073
Photo of Michelle Chowning, Pre-Licensed Professional
Michelle Chowning
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
White House, TN 37188
In my work, I believe in partnering with each client to understand their unique experiences and point of view. I provide a safe and nonjudgmental space to clients of all backgrounds in which we can explore issues of the past and present, as well as identifying personal strengths, values, and goals. In order to support the therapeutic process, I focus on exploring personal narratives, strengthening systems of support, and developing new communication and coping skills.
In my work, I believe in partnering with each client to understand their unique experiences and point of view. I provide a safe and nonjudgmental space to clients of all backgrounds in which we can explore issues of the past and present, as well as identifying personal strengths, values, and goals. In order to support the therapeutic process, I focus on exploring personal narratives, strengthening systems of support, and developing new communication and coping skills.
(615) 431-1688 View (615) 431-1688

Online Therapists

Photo of Megan Graf Thomas, LPC, MHSP, MA, SEP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Megan Graf Thomas
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, MA, SEP
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Franklin, TN 37067
I specialize in helping the LGBT community, people struggling with anxiety, and trauma survivors.
You know yourself best, and I hope to help guide you in the journey of improving your quality of life. We all need help from an outside perspective from time to time; I create a safe, non-judgmental, environment to help you with your goals. Battling anxiety? Wanting to grow into a more authentic you? Let's work together to meet these struggles head on.
I specialize in helping the LGBT community, people struggling with anxiety, and trauma survivors.
You know yourself best, and I hope to help guide you in the journey of improving your quality of life. We all need help from an outside perspective from time to time; I create a safe, non-judgmental, environment to help you with your goals. Battling anxiety? Wanting to grow into a more authentic you? Let's work together to meet these struggles head on.
(615) 488-8736 View (615) 488-8736
Photo of Cole G. Putman, MEd, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Cole G. Putman
Pre-Licensed Professional, MEd, NCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
I am passionate about working with queer folks in the South - individuals, couples, and parents of LGBTQIA+ persons.
As a therapist, I strive to create an environment for my clients that fosters acceptance and connection in a way that best supports their healing and their journey. It is one of the greatest honors of my life to walk beside my clients through sorrow, anxiety, joy – all the experiences inherent in being human. I seek to aid clients in recognizing their own strengths as well as assist them in developing new coping skills to meet life’s challenges. As a therapist, I aim to greet every client, every session with non-judgment, radical acceptance, and a genuine interest in their wellbeing.
I am passionate about working with queer folks in the South - individuals, couples, and parents of LGBTQIA+ persons.
As a therapist, I strive to create an environment for my clients that fosters acceptance and connection in a way that best supports their healing and their journey. It is one of the greatest honors of my life to walk beside my clients through sorrow, anxiety, joy – all the experiences inherent in being human. I seek to aid clients in recognizing their own strengths as well as assist them in developing new coping skills to meet life’s challenges. As a therapist, I aim to greet every client, every session with non-judgment, radical acceptance, and a genuine interest in their wellbeing.
(615) 219-2690 View (615) 219-2690
Photo of Gabriel Starner, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Gabriel Starner
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37212
My areas of special clinical interest include working with LGBTQIA+ clients, existential distress, religious trauma and abuse, ethical non-monogamy/non-traditional relationships, couple conflict, sex therapy, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.
I am a caring and empathetic person who has a heart for helping people. As a therapist I seek to work collaboratively with clients in establishing treatment goals. My hope is that clients will learn new and healthier ways of living and gain a greater ability to treat both themselves and others with compassion. It takes courage to step into the therapy room, so I work to provide a disarming and open space for clients to share. My curiosity guides me as I get to know people for who they are and I enjoy helping clients learn to think, feel, and act in new, productive ways to become the people they want to be.
My areas of special clinical interest include working with LGBTQIA+ clients, existential distress, religious trauma and abuse, ethical non-monogamy/non-traditional relationships, couple conflict, sex therapy, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.
I am a caring and empathetic person who has a heart for helping people. As a therapist I seek to work collaboratively with clients in establishing treatment goals. My hope is that clients will learn new and healthier ways of living and gain a greater ability to treat both themselves and others with compassion. It takes courage to step into the therapy room, so I work to provide a disarming and open space for clients to share. My curiosity guides me as I get to know people for who they are and I enjoy helping clients learn to think, feel, and act in new, productive ways to become the people they want to be.
(615) 471-6433 View (615) 471-6433
Photo of Glynn Griggs, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Glynn Griggs
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Brentwood, TN 37027
OTHER SPECIALTIES: LGBTQ Affirmative Counseling, exploring Spirituality vs.
As an artist, I understand the life-long vitality of artistic growth, & the importance of creativity to one’s perception of the world. As a professional counselor, I treat issues unique to artists, performers and other creative individuals. I encourage my clients to work with the highs/lows of the creative process, integrate them, and channel them appropriately through their art. Let’s explore ways to balance intense periods of creative work with healthy self-care and self-compassion. See more on my website on ways I can support you on your artist’s journey.
OTHER SPECIALTIES: LGBTQ Affirmative Counseling, exploring Spirituality vs.
As an artist, I understand the life-long vitality of artistic growth, & the importance of creativity to one’s perception of the world. As a professional counselor, I treat issues unique to artists, performers and other creative individuals. I encourage my clients to work with the highs/lows of the creative process, integrate them, and channel them appropriately through their art. Let’s explore ways to balance intense periods of creative work with healthy self-care and self-compassion. See more on my website on ways I can support you on your artist’s journey.
(615) 560-7143 View (615) 560-7143

See more therapy options for Cottontown

LGBTQ+ Therapists

Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?

Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.

Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?

Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.

How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?

You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.

How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?

Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.

Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?

While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.