LGBT therapists in Clarksville, TN

I’m Amanda, and I became a therapist because I believe everyone deserves a place where they can show up exactly as they are. I bring warmth, authenticity, and even a bit of humor into the room when it feels right. I want you to feel genuinely seen—not judged—and supported in whatever you’re working through.

I’ve been in the counseling field for over 15 years and hold a PhD in Counselor Education from the University of Tennessee. My experience ranges from private practice and telehealth to correctional mental health, hospitals, and leadership roles in community programs. A. Simms Resume copy

I work with adults experiencing mood challenges, anxiety, identity concerns, life transitions, and LGBTQIA+ experiences, as well as individuals who are justice-involved or adjusting to major life changes. My approach integrates CBT, ACT, and Reality Therapy, giving us room to explore both deeper patterns and practical skills.

Clients describe me as encouraging, steady, and real—someone who helps them feel grounded and capable while taking meaningful steps toward a more balanced and authentic life.

I was born and raised in Montana and have a genuine passion for nature and the outdoors. I received my Bachelors in Psychology at Montana State University in 2001. I then pursued my Masters of Social Work degree and graduated in 2008 from the University of Montana. This graduate program had a focus on providing a social justice and integrated practitioner perspective. I have an eclectic style that can be tailored to each unique individual. My primary therapeutic methods include Mindfulness Based, Holistic, Exposure, Narrative, Cognitive and Behavioral, Strengths Based & Solution Focused Therapies. I provide a non-judgmental and compassionate environment that often helps people feel comfortable. A true passion of mine is structuring therapeutic activities for clients to express, process, increase self-awareness, and de-stress from life’s challenging and developmental experiences.

I am a LCSW with over 20 years of experience who works with clients as a partner in their healing journey. I have a PhD in Public Affairs with a social work emphasis, and teach issues of ethics, working with complex cases and use of technology. My background is diverse including working in community mental health, hospice and end of life care, oncology and medical issues, as well as working with gender and sexual minorities.

Sometimes your mind understands what’s happened, but your body still holds the impact. I’m trained in EMDR and Brainspotting, approaches that help gently process those deeper layers. My work integrates mindfulness and somatic awareness to support nervous system regulation, so change doesn’t just feel intellectual, it feels real, grounded, and lasting.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and guided by your strengths with a touch of humor and curiosity along the way. I believe real, meaningful change happens when you feel safe, heard, and empowered. Together, we’ll work on managing challenges, building resilience, and creating lasting changes that support your overall well-being.

We’ll celebrate your wins, big and small, and explore the tougher moments with care and understanding—so you never have to face them alone.

Your first session is a chance for us to get to know one another. Starting therapy can feel intimidating, and it’s okay to feel unsure or nervous. There’s no pressure to know exactly what to say or where to begin.

I believe therapy works best when there’s a strong, trusting relationship, so comfort and fit are important. During our first session, we’ll focus on building that connection and identifying goals together, so your therapy experience feels supportive, collaborative, and centered on you.

I’m a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner with experience in both private practice and community mental health settings. My background allows me to work with a wide range of individuals, from those navigating everyday stress and anxiety to those managing more complex mental health conditions.

I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) degrees from Middle Tennessee State University, Maryville University, and Murray State University. My training across both primary care and psychiatry allows me to take a comprehensive, whole-person approach to care.