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Headshot of Christopher Atkins, LCSW

Christopher Atkins

Therapist
20 years of experience
  • Virtual & in-person
  • Anxiety, Depression, Sleep disorder, Relationship issues, Trauma
  • Individual therapy, Family therapy, Couples therapy

Great to meet you!

I’m an LCSW and trauma therapist. I help people who look “fine” on the outside but are carrying too much on the inside...trauma, grief, anxiety, burnout, or patterns that won’t loosen their grip no matter how hard you try.

I don’t believe in quick fixes or toxic positivity. Therapy here features practical tools, nervous-system-informed care, and real healing that fits your life. Together, we work proactively so you’re not just surviving the challenging moments, but reclaiming your sense of control, purpose, and relief.

Before private practice, I held leadership roles in federal service, helping transform how organizations approach resilience, mental health, and meaning at work. I’ve seen burnout and trauma from the inside, and I know how hard it can be.

I specialize in working with couples, teens, veterans, first responders, working professionals, and anyone navigating trauma, transition, or emotional overload. My work is trauma-informed and evidence-based, including EMDR and group trauma recovery, always tailored to your goals, not a one-size-fits-all model.

You don’t need the right words.

You don’t need a crisis.

You don’t need to have it all figured out.

You need a place to start, and you’re already here.

My approach to therapy

My approach is grounded in deep listening, trust, and collaboration.

I believe therapy is a space where you should feel seen—not just heard. That means I create an environment of safety, respect, and zero judgment. We’ll work at your pace, whether that’s processing trauma, reworking old belief systems, or simply finding your footing again.

I integrate EMDR, cognitive behavioral techniques, somatic awareness, and narrative work. I also believe in meeting people where they are, which means I welcome humor, silence, emotion, and complexity.

At its core, therapy with me is about helping you feel more at home in your own mind and body.

What you can expect from me

Clients often tell me they feel heard—maybe for the first time in a long time.

From our work together, you can expect to leave each session with greater clarity, self-awareness, and a renewed sense of agency in your life. Whether we’re exploring deep trauma, managing everyday stress, or making life decisions, you’ll walk away with practical tools, emotional insight, and a reminder that you’re not alone.

My goal is to help you build the emotional and mental resilience to navigate life’s challenges with more confidence and less self-judgment.

About me

  • I identify as
    Caucasian, Cisgender Man
  • My style is
    Open Minded, Solution Oriented, Empowering

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    20 years of experience
  • Training
    MSW (Master of Social Work) at The University of Michigan, PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
  • License type
    LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) (Tennessee)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey, Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania - Virtual National Network, Providence Health Plan

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Anxiety, Depression, Sleep disorder, Relationship issues, Trauma
  • More specialties
    Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Eating disorders, OCD, Family issues, LGBTQIA+, Stress management, Anger management, Panic disorders, Cultural & ethnic issues, End of life care, Grief or loss, Physical health issues, Men's issues, Identity issues, Transgender issues, Chronic conditions
  • Therapy methods
    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Structural Family, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Art Therapy, Relational, Gottman Method / Gottman Couples, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Gestalt, Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy, Problem-Solving Therapy (PST), Attachment Based, Solution Focused Couples Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Psychoeducational Family Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Biofeedback, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Critical Incident Stress Debrief (CISD), Positive Psychology, Bowen Family Systems
  • Care types
    Individual therapy, Family therapy, Couples therapy
  • Ages served
    Adults, Seniors, Infants / Toddlers, Adolescents, Children
  • Languages
    English
  • Location
    6857 Mountain View Road Ste 101
    Ooltewah, TN 37363