Getting Therapy in Tennessee: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tennessee Therapy Made Accessible: Therapy Is Your Right

Tennessee is a large state, with Nashville being its bustling hub. In today's world, therapy is more accessible than ever before. Whether you prefer in-person sessions or virtual therapy, help is available. From trauma-informed therapists to child psychologists and mental health nurses, professionals across the state are working to ensure therapy is available for everyone. Fortunately, Tennesseans can choose between visiting a therapist's office or having therapy from the comfort of their home.

Why Therapy Is Needed in Tennessee (and Everywhere)

Mental health needs are widespread, and Tennessee is no exception. Did you know that people in Tennessee suffering from depression make an average of 10 ER visits each year? Despite these challenges, nearly 31% of adults in the state need therapy but haven't sought help due to barriers like accessibility or stigma. Alarmingly, 18% of high school students in Tennessee have considered suicide. However, there is hope—Tennessee has over 1,900 qualified mental health professionals ready to help.

Across the country, many Americans have expressed a need for mental health care but hesitate to seek therapy for various reasons. Some of the most common obstacles include:

Barriers to Therapy in Tennessee

1. Insurance Coverage: Healthcare can be expensive, and without insurance, many people cannot afford therapy. While most major insurance plans are accepted in Tennessee, there are still gaps in coverage that can prevent people from seeking help. Common insurances accepted in Tennessee include Ambetter, Alliant Health Plan, Cigna, Oscar Insurance, UnitedHealthcare, and Ascension.

2. Lack of Specialized Therapists: Some individuals need therapy tailored to a specific disorder. However, there may not be enough specialists available, and waiting lists can be long. While working with a general therapist may be more affordable, it may limit the number of sessions available, especially if the therapist has a full schedule.

3. Mental Health Stigma: Despite progress in mental health awareness, stigma still prevents many people from seeking help. This societal issue continues to create barriers for those in need of therapy. Open and honest conversations about mental health are essential to combat stigma and encourage individuals to seek the help they deserve.

In-Person vs. Virtual Therapy: What Works for You?

When it comes to therapy, you want to choose what’s best for your needs. Whether you prefer the personal touch of in-person sessions or the flexibility of virtual therapy, both options are effective. Here’s a breakdown of each:

In-Person Therapy

Tennessee has more than 30 mental health clinics, offering a variety of options for in-person therapy. Depending on your location, you may only need a short drive to your session. Remember to arrive at least 15 minutes early to avoid any delays.

Virtual Therapy

Virtual therapy offers unmatched convenience. You can attend your sessions from the comfort of your home or anywhere you feel safe and at ease. Virtual therapy is just as effective as in-person sessions and offers the added benefit of flexibility, making it easier for clients to fit therapy into their busy lives. Tennessee therapists prioritize client care and are willing to accommodate your schedule.

The New Has Come: Receive The Right Help

A Tennessee therapist cares about the people from Tennessee or not.  At Henderson Counseling Services, we have the best Trauma-Informed Therapist and Christian Counselor in Tennessee for you. Kirk Henderson is your guy and is a Tennessee Therapist with the heart to serve you and journey you towards healing. If you have decided to live a life healed from your trauma, treat depression and manage anxious thoughts,  book our services here.

Christian Counselor for Trauma Therapy and Recovery

In our previous blog, we talked about how trauma is universal - it’s not picky about who it comes across. Whether it be young or old, these ages are prone to trauma. Most of our traumas are deeply rooted in childhood which is carried into adolescence then adulthood.  Teenagers are also in the phase of their lives where they are exposed to new things and meet people of different backgrounds. They tend to be traumatized by a lot of people. Our lives have been exposed to many other forms of trauma and most of us are handling trauma very differently. What people don’t know about trauma is that it can turn into ugly ways if not treated well. Psychologically speaking, trauma refers to the emotional, psychological, and physiological response towards a deeply upsetting and shaking scenario or circumstance. In other words, trauma is what you keep in your inner self, the deepest, darkest secrets that you keep within your soul and sometimes you think that it’s better off not dealing with it, but the truth is, you need to deal with the ugly. You need to deal with trauma and Christian Counseling can help you.

Christian Counseling for Trauma Recovery

Trauma doesn’t just "go away" on its own—you need to deal with it. Oftentimes, people make mistake in believing that they can heal trauma by themselves. While we appreciate the initiative for intentional healing, trauma needs to be resolved not just by oneself but with the help of a qualified mental health professional. In this case, a Christian Counselor can help.  Trauma,  left unaddressed, can affect relationships, careers, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. A Christian Counselor can guide you towards your healing journey. Here is why they are unique from other mental health professionals:

• Christian Values - Christian Counseling gives you the privilege to learn Christian values from counselors who are in the faith. It doesn’t matter if you believe in God or not. If you are struggling with your faith, they can uplift you while providing a solid treatment plan against your trauma. Christian Counselors are here to help and can give you a wisdom or two.

• Faith-Based Point of View - If you are a Christian believer yourself, you would find comfort and insight when in session with a Christian Counselor. If you do not share the same faith, that is fine. This is an opportunity to learn the Christian faith while you undergo your healing journey from trauma.      

• Strong and Genuine Support - as Christian Counseling progresses in treating your trauma, your Christian Counselor is committed to supporting and lifting you. Your struggles are met with compassion when you areworking with a Christian Counselor and no judgements are passed no matter your background. What you get is a good support system that is unwavering through the times.

• Qualified and licensed therapists - Christian Counselors are quality mental health professionals. They are educated, trained, and licensed therapists who can treat you holistically no matter the background. The integration of faith-based principles into the therapeutic process can give them an edge in providing you with a holistic healing experience.

• No Prejudice in your past- some people who suffer from trauma can only recall bits and pieces of what happened probably because of the bodily shock they experienced which jogged their memory. If they undergo therapy or counseling, they will have to deal with their past by recalling these events no matter how disturbing they are or uncomfortable they seem.

It is a different experience when you choose to undergo therapy with a Christian Counselor. There is this unique and compassionate care that you have in store when you choose to be under a Christian Counselors’ wings.

Christian Values on Recovery from Trauma: The Old Has Gone

If you’re not a Christian and you’re wondering what values that will be taught to you from someone who is a trueChristian both spiritually and professionally, check this out: 

• Integrity of Character - the best way to heal is to be honest with yourself. Your Christian Counselor would guide you to come into terms with your past and how you should deal with it. Your counselor would emphasize how important it is to show integrity - it’s when you are honest with yourself even if others are not looking, it’s like thinking “Am I true to myself even if others are not watching me?” or “Am I being real when others ask me how I am?”. More importantly, when you develop integrity of character, you are more self-aware especially when coming into terms with yourself. You will be much more aware of your feelings and know how to handle them.

• Love - the opposite of love is hatred. Whoever wants to undergo therapy must learn to love, and not just to be loved. To love is an action word, a continuous sacrificial decision to look out and provide support for another person. A Christian Counselor can show you love so you can experience it and share it to others too. You cannot give what you don’t have, so allowing your counselor to love you holistically by giving you the care and attention you need will lead you to love other people, too.

• Faith - now if you’re not familiar with Christian faith, this will be something new to you. Christian Counselors believe that there is a good thing happening to a person who wants to be changed and it requires faith to see things happen. If you are a believer and you want your healing journey from trauma to be founded in the Word of God, then you can expect your Christian Counselor to lift your faith.

• Forgiveness - when a person is heavily traumatized, it's almost impossible to forgive the people who have been involved in the hurt. While the rest of the world would tell you to NOT forgive, a Christian Counselor would have the possibility to change your perspective. To heal from trauma is not just dealing with it, but it’s also allowing yourself to undergo the process of forgiving those who hurt you. It might not be easy nor would make sense for you to do as you embark on your healing journey, but ultimately, forgiveness is not for them, it’s for you. Your Christian Counselor can shed some light on this area.

• Self-Control - this is a highly underrated skill that most people are trying to have. The ability to control one’s emotions, habits, and reactions is quite a rare sight to see. A Christian Counselor can help you exercise control over every aspect of your life so you can take hold of your future. Self-control can improve oneself and your relationship with others.

The New Has Come: Receive A Christian Counselor’s Help

True healing is possible because, with God, nothing is impossible. Christian Counselors are always here to help. At Henderson Counseling Services, we have the best Christian Counselor in Tennessee for you. Kirk Henderson is a compassionate trauma-informed therapist and Christian Counselor with the heart to serve you and journey you towards healing. If you have decided to live a life healed from your trauma, book our services here.