Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Knoxville, TN

I know that reaching out for help often feels like the hardest part. My goal is to make our first steps together feel safe, steady, and deeply human. I don’t just see a "client"—I see a person with a unique story, incredible resilience, and a longing to feel like themselves again. In our space, there is no judgment, only room for you to breathe and be heard.

I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I treat a wide range of mental health challenges including anxiety and stress, mood disorders, trauma, depression, coping with chronic illness, military family life, and life transitions. I have 30 years of working with service members, families and support system members.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 17 years of experience in nursing, beginning my career in 2007. As a 55-year-old African American female provider, I bring both clinical expertise and life experience into my practice, creating a compassionate and supportive space where patients feel heard, respected, and understood.

My approach to care is holistic and patient-centered, recognizing that mental health is influenced by emotional, physical, social, and cultural factors. I practice using a participatory and affirming style, partnering with my patients to develop treatment plans that align with their goals, values, and strengths. I believe in empowering individuals through education, collaboration, and encouragement.

While I strive to create a warm and supportive environment, I am also direct when needed, providing clear guidance and evidence-based treatment recommendations to support safety, stability, and long-term wellness.

My greatest strengths include empathy, active listening, cultural understanding, and a deep commitment to helping individuals improve their quality of life. I am passionate about supporting people on their journey toward healing, resilience, and mental well-being.

You may feel overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, past experiences, or relationship conflict that still affect how you show up in daily life and relationships. Many people reach out for therapy when trauma, depression, grief, or substance use begins to feel too heavy to manage alone. You may feel stuck in patterns of anger, conflict, or emotional pain and want a safe place to talk honestly about what’s going on. Therapy can be a space to slow down, make sense of what you’re carrying, and begin finding healthier ways to cope and move forward. I believe therapy works best when clients feel safe, understood, and respected.

I bring an open mind and an open heart when working with my clients. I want to help my clients understand that they are not a problem, but the problem is the problem. I respect my clients and work hard to make them feel heard. I work to support my clients in their circumstances and meet them where they are. I have training in EMDR and narrative therapy. I endeavor to provide treatment that is trauma informed. I use CBT skills as well as other interventions.

I am a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who provides medication management across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. I have experience treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, other mood disorders, trauma-related symptoms, irritability, impulse control concerns, behavioral issues, emotional dysregulation, psychotic disorders, and substance use disorders, as well as supporting individuals who are in recovery.

My background includes inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings and crisis intervention, allowing me to support individuals with both acute and ongoing mental health needs. I strive to create a supportive, respectful space where clients feel heard and understood. I also work with families and caregivers when appropriate to support continuity of care.