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Offered in-person & online

Help for LGBTQ+ issues in Knoxville, TN

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance.

All Knoxville services

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686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting LGBTQ+ counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 15 therapists in Tennessee available for an online or in-person session.

Starting LGBTQ+ counseling

What is LGBTQ+ counseling?

LGBTQ+ counseling is a type of queer affirmative counseling dedicated to assisting individuals and couples in navigating the intricate intersections of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and mental health, with a primary goal of fostering well-being, self-acceptance, and affirming a client's life experiences as a queer individual. Although not all LGBTQ+ individuals seek specialized counseling, a substantial number discover vital support and empathy within these inclusive and affirming therapeutic settings.

How does LGBTQ+ counseling work?

Thriveworks LGBTQ+ counseling in Knoxville, TN typically begins with an initial assessment to understand your specific needs. LGBTQ+ counselors aim to create a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for anyone within the LGBTQ+ community by encouraging self-acceptance and offering an understanding of your identity and experiences. The therapy addresses issues like coming out, discrimination, mental health challenges, and gender transition, and provides support for LGBTQ+ relationships.

Why is LGBTQ+ counseling important?

LGBTQ+ counseling is incredibly important because it can help queer individuals accept their identity, learn self-love, and give them important tools for facing the challenges of being a queer person in today's society, among many other benefits. LGBTQ+-affirming therapists can understand the unique perspective and experiences of queer individuals as they help them process past trauma, address family conflicts, treat issues with anxiety, and more.

Is LGBTQ+ counseling conducted in person or online?

Thriveworks LGBTQ+ counseling in Knoxville, TN is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does LGBTQ+ counseling last?

The number of sessions for LGBTQ+ counseling depends on the specific needs and goals of the individual. It could encompass a relatively limited series of sessions or extend into a longer counseling plan. The precise quantity and duration of sessions typically emerge through collaborative discussion with the counselor, taking into account the client's progress and their therapeutic objectives.

Need more help deciding?

“I literally cannot imagine a world in which I tell my family I like women. My mother and siblings would be fine, but the older generations of my family might actually refuse to speak to me. It’s hard to pretend, but I also don’t want to upset family gatherings, because we’re really close and see each other a lot.”
–Kacey

“I was lucky. Coming out to my parents was easy. What’s been unexpectedly difficult is dealing with everyday people who assume you’re straight unless you tell them otherwise. I’ve got coworkers trying to set me up with women, and I don’t know how many times I can explain that I’m not interested. It just gets kind of tiring. Gender is tough.”
–Leo

If you’re reading this, then congratulations: You’ve taken the first, most essential step in changing your life for the better — deciding to give counseling a try. Therapy is not “one size fits all,” however. It’s critical that you meet with a counselor who understands the unique challenges and experiences you face as someone who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning. At Thriveworks Knoxville Counseling, we have talented, affirming clinicians on staff who fit exactly that description, and their sole purpose is to help you realize a happier, more fulfilled life.

Thriveworks was founded on the belief that everyone can benefit from addressing their mental health concerns with a professional therapist, much in the same way that people benefit from visiting a medical doctor to address physical needs. We believe so much in the ability of counseling to impact your life for the better that we want to make that benefit as accessible to you as possible. There are no waiting lists to see a Thriveworks Knoxville counselor. No leaving awkward personal messages on an impersonal answering machine. Just caring, confidential help — as soon as you ask for it.

Reach out to us today and begin your path of relief, healing, and growth into a more realized and balanced version of yourself.

What Does LGBTQ Counseling Look Like?

Each counseling session will be different because each person is different. While one person may be struggling with gender issues, another person may be struggling with depression. No matter the situation, struggling with LGBTQ issues alone can feel very painful and isolating.

As your therapist and ally, we want to address your life’s challenges within the context of your whole person — your physical, spiritual, emotional, social self. And as someone who identifies as LGBTQ in a society that has not always been so accepting of alternative lifestyles, your sexuality becomes a significant element of what makes you who you are. And who you are is a beautiful, brave individual with a host of personal issues — just like everyone else.

In many ways, LGBTQ counseling is similar to other types of counseling. We’re here to help you find your way to your best self. When you come in for your first appointment, we will build rapport with you and get to know as much about you as possible. What are you passionate about? What do you like to do? What do you want your life to be like in one, five, or 15 years? What are you most afraid of? Do you have any unaddressed past hurts?

Thriveworks Knoxville LGBTQ counseling — or counseling of any kind at Thriveworks Knoxville — is not about answering the question “What’s wrong with me,” but instead focuses on seeking and practicing a healthy, positive lifestyle. One way we do that is by identifying the unique strengths that you inhibit, and teaching you how to leverage them in such a way that they help to progressively improve your daily life.

You and your counselor will work together on setting short- and long-term goals, as well as identify the steps you can take to start making progress immediately, in a calm, comfortable environment where it’s safe for you to talk openly about your life — free from the fear of judgment.

Topics we commonly work with in LGBTQ counseling include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety and stress
  • Past trauma and abuse
  • Family concerns
  • Self-esteem issues
  • Healthy communication
  • Transcending gender roles
  • Dating and other relationships
  • Dealing with discrimination and non-acceptance
  • Gender and sexual identity

Though it’s our priority to help you live a happy, healthy life, it’s up to you what that looks like. The most important thing is to be authentic to who you are. That may or may not involve a big “coming out” announcement; if it does, we’re here to help you develop a strategy for sharing your sexual identity with your chosen audience in a way that is as comfortable for you as possible. But, if the issues you are dealing with have more to do with healing past traumas or self-esteem issues, at Thriveworks Knoxville we are well-versed in helping patients cope with those issues. Many have sought help and successfully improved their mental health. We would be grateful to have the opportunity to work with you as well.

Seek Out the Best Life Offers

There are many counseling options available, but Thriveworks Knoxville counselors are experts in the field. We work regularly with LGBTQ patients, so we’re familiar with your unique situation. It’s important to us that you get the help you need, when you need it, so we don’t use a waiting list, and we can usually see you within 24 hours. If you’re in crisis, you’ll have access to your clinician via phone and email. Don’t hesitate to contact us—your mental health is our number one priority.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Knoxville therapists and counselors accept 22 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee | BCBS

  • BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Medicare Advantage

  • Caresource

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

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Self-pay costs at Knoxville
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.6 Thriveworks Knoxville reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
I saw Justin for assistance with OCD. He showed me how to look at things in a way that did not allow my OCD to take over. I will would highly recommend him.
Read more I saw Justin for assistance with OCD. He showed me how to look at things in a way that did not allow my OCD to take over. I will would highly recommend him.
Knoxville Feb 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have been taking my 7 year old grandson to see Justin. He had horrible anxiety. It saddened us to see how bad it was. He had developed tics. Justin was absolutely wonderful with him. He has overcome most of his fears and tics have went away. I would highly recommend Justin.
Read more I have been taking my 7 year old grandson to see Justin. He had horrible anxiety. It saddened us to see how bad it was. He had developed tics. Justin was absolutely wonderful with him. He has overcome most of his fears and tics have went away. I would highly recommend Justin.
Knoxville Sep 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Going to Thriveworks for the past year and a half has been the most rewarding counseling experience I’ve had. Seeing Lindsey has had the single biggest impact on my emotional and mental health, especially in healing from past childhood abuse and trauma, and ongoing PTSD. Out of multiple counselors in two states, Lindsey Chandler is by far the one with whom I’ve felt the most accepted, supported, and encouraged by. I am grateful for the Thriveworks space, as it is not at all clinical nor intimidating, but entirely warn and welcoming. It is nearly a scent-free environment, which is vital for the comfort of any highly sensitive persons. I choose to drive an hour from home each visit specifically to stay loyal to a place where I finally feel safe and valued—where in the past commuting five minutes from home to work with a therapist felt like a chore and an ordeal—and I will continue to do so as I work further toward a healthier me.
Read more Going to Thriveworks for the past year and a half has been the most rewarding counseling experience I’ve had. Seeing Lindsey has had the single biggest impact on my emotional and mental health, especially in healing from past childhood abuse and trauma, and ongoing PTSD. Out of multiple counselors in two states, Lindsey Chandler is by far the one with whom I’ve felt the most accepted, supported, and encouraged by. I am grateful for the Thriveworks space, as it is not at all clinical nor intimidating, but entirely warn and welcoming. It is nearly a scent-free environment, which is vital for the comfort of any highly sensitive persons. I choose to drive an hour from home each visit specifically to stay loyal to a place where I finally feel safe and valued—where in the past commuting five minutes from home to work with a therapist felt like a chore and an ordeal—and I will continue to do so as I work further toward a healthier me.
Knoxville Jan 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr Neal has helped me more in the last 2 months than any other therapist in the last 5 years. Therapy has become a joy instead of a chore. :)
Read more Dr Neal has helped me more in the last 2 months than any other therapist in the last 5 years. Therapy has become a joy instead of a chore. :)
Knoxville Dec 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Justin Hall is an excellent therapist. Very easy to talk to and genuinely concerned with the patient.
Read more Justin Hall is an excellent therapist. Very easy to talk to and genuinely concerned with the patient.
Knoxville Nov 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Amanda Gilliam has been such a blessing in helping my daughter deal with her anxiety issues. My daughter is much stronger and confident now thanks to Amanda's expertise,dedication, and just willing to talk about whatever my daughter wants to talk about! Great person to call if you in know someone dealing with anxiety!
Read more Amanda Gilliam has been such a blessing in helping my daughter deal with her anxiety issues. My daughter is much stronger and confident now thanks to Amanda's expertise,dedication, and just willing to talk about whatever my daughter wants to talk about! Great person to call if you in know someone dealing with anxiety!
Knoxville Oct 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
My son saw “Mrs. Amanda” as he affectionately called her shortly after my marriage ended in a high conflict divorce. My son was 6 years old at the time, so it was difficult for him to process his feelings without knowing how to communicate with us. Amanda Gilliam was always there to listen and provide outlets for him to speak openly about his feelings in a way that could be understood. She is top knotch in my book and I would highly recommend her as a professional!
Read more My son saw “Mrs. Amanda” as he affectionately called her shortly after my marriage ended in a high conflict divorce. My son was 6 years old at the time, so it was difficult for him to process his feelings without knowing how to communicate with us. Amanda Gilliam was always there to listen and provide outlets for him to speak openly about his feelings in a way that could be understood. She is top knotch in my book and I would highly recommend her as a professional!
Knoxville Oct 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I was in sessions with Justin for about a year and highly recommend him. He has a deep grasp of psychology that he is constantly refreshing and renewing, and he was able to help me a lot in understanding what was driving the emotions and feelings of myself and close family members. He was a great help.
Read more I was in sessions with Justin for about a year and highly recommend him. He has a deep grasp of psychology that he is constantly refreshing and renewing, and he was able to help me a lot in understanding what was driving the emotions and feelings of myself and close family members. He was a great help.
Knoxville Sep 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling Knoxville is located off of N Peters Rd and Market Pl Blvd, across the street from Market Place Shopping Center. Our other neighbors include Block Advisors, Geosyntec Consultants, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Red Roof PLUS+ & Suites Knoxville West - Cedar Bluff. The closest bus stop to our building is N Peters Rd EB @ Market Place Blvd.

Phone number

(865) 290-2278

Languages spoken by TN providers

  • English
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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