LGBT therapists in Knoxville, TN

Hi, I’m Maddy Egner, LPC-MHSP. I believe therapy works best when you feel truly seen, heard, and understood. My approach is person-centered, meaning I meet you where you are and tailor treatment to your unique needs and goals. I also believe humor can be healing — even in the midst of hard things — and I strive to create a space that feels both safe and authentic. A little laughter and (when appropriate) dark humor can really help us shift, take action, and grow.

I earned my degree from West Texas A&M University and am licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor – Mental Health Service Provider in Tennessee. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply ready for growth, I would be honored to walk alongside you.

***Please note, I only offer in person sessions on Mondays. I offer telehealth sessions Tuesday and Thursday. All initial free 15 consultations will be done via phone call.***

My specialty is adult love and creating bonding experiences in couples and families. I’m a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and an Addiction Specialist (LCAS). Helping people repair and reconnect after times of distress is my passion. I help people heal by increasing security, closeness and emotional connection in relationships. I help couples better understand their partners’ emotional responses, as well as their own. I also enjoy helping couples overcome addiction in relationships.

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with six years of experience helping adults navigate ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, substance use concerns, and personality disorders. I trained at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and have a background in neuroscience research, which shapes my practical, brain-based approach to care.

I believe people do best when they’re treated as whole humans—not just a diagnosis. I enjoy breaking down complex mental health concepts into clear, bite-sized explanations so patients understand why they feel the way they do and how treatment helps. My style is collaborative, direct, and supportive.

I’m comfortable working with complex or long-standing symptoms and don’t shy away from difficult cases. I also enjoy working with creatives in the Nashville community and understand the unique pressures that can come with creative work. My goal is to help patients feel empowered, informed, and supported as they move toward meaningful, sustainable change.

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.

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.

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.