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Offered in-person & online

Our therapists offer PTSD & trauma therapy in Knoxville, TN

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

All Knoxville services

Connect with a therapist, psychiatrist or counselor near you
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605 people sought PTSD/trauma therapy help at Knoxville in the last year

Discover how starting PTSD/trauma therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee | BCBS, +18 more
Military / Veteran, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Men’s Issues, +14 more

Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee | BCBS, +14 more
Military / Veteran, Domestic Abuse, Narcissism, LGBTQIA+, Coping Skills, +17 more

Hello, I am glad that you are here! As you work with me, you will see that I am very liberal, non-judgmental, and inclusive to all cultural and racial... Hello, I am glad that you are here! As you work with me, you will see that I am very liberal, non-judgmental, and inclusive to all cultural and racial identities. Clients often want to work with me because I have a holistic approach to therapy and teach a wide variety of skills. I am of the LGBTQIA + community and specialize in issues that arise in this population, including religious persecution. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee | BCBS, +17 more
Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, +5 more

As an individual who has experienced anxiety and depression, I understand the value of having support to help you navigate through these issues. I wo... As an individual who has experienced anxiety and depression, I understand the value of having support to help you navigate through these issues. I would love to be that support for you and walk alongside you as you become the best version of yourself! Read more

Starting PTSD/trauma therapy

What is PTSD/trauma therapy?

At Thriveworks, PTSD/trauma therapy involves dedicated efforts to address and navigate through past and/or recent traumatic events. Therapists specializing in trauma create a secure environment to process and heal from these experiences, aiming to reduce trauma-related symptoms and enhance overall quality of life.

How does PTSD/trauma therapy work?

Our Thriveworks providers use PTSD/trauma therapy treatments like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing EMDR, CBT, and exposure therapy with the goal of helping clients process the traumatic events they have experienced so that they can to start feeling safe and secure again.

Symptoms of PTSD

The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can vary but often include:

  • Flashbacks and distressing memories of the traumatic event
  • Nightmares and sleep disturbances
  • Intense anxiety and irritability
  • Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
  • Negative changes in mood and thought patterns
  • Increased arousal, like difficulty concentrating or exaggerated startle response

How do you overcome PTSD triggers?

The best way to overcome PTSD triggers is to seek the assistance of a professional therapist, such as those at Thriveworks, who can help you to understand and treat your PTSD triggers.

What type of therapist is best for PTSD?

In most cases, a therapist who specializes in PTSD/trauma therapy is the best type of mental health professional to address the symptoms of PTSD.

Is PTSD/trauma therapy conducted in person or online?

PTSD/trauma therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long should you go to therapy for PTSD?

If a client is working through a single traumatic event that occurred as an adult, trauma or PTSD therapy may only take a few months, but in general, it can take a year or more to effectively treat trauma symptoms and PTSD. The duration of treatment is highly dependent on the client and the severity of their symptoms.

How successful is therapy for PTSD?

The success rate of therapy for PTSD depends entirely on the individual's symptoms, commitment to attending sessions, and personal abilities.

Need more help deciding?

Sebastian, backed against a metal door in a crowded New York City subway car, felt his heart begin to race. As feelings of fear intensified he did what anyone would do in danger: at the next stop, he rushed from the train and ran home. Sebastian was not in danger, however. He was dealing with a panic attack and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Sebastian had served in the US military and saw combat. When he returned to the safety of his home, Sebastian was still struggling. Sebastian Junger told his story to Vanity Fair because he wanted others to know that it is okay to reach out for help. PTSD is a difficult mental health disorder, but it has treatments. Sebastian reached out for help. He worked with a therapist and received treatment for his PTSD.

“Trauma is hell on earth. Trauma resolved is a gift from the gods.”
― Peter A. Levine

For some people, PTSD develops soon after a trauma. For others, it does not start for months or years after the danger and trauma have passed. Whenever or however it shows itself, it is important for those who suffer to know that it is okay to speak openly about what they have experienced. It is possible to resolve the difficult symptoms of PTSD, and often, a skilled therapist can guide that process.

Thriveworks Knoxville offers PTSD therapy. We have worked with many people who have survived traumatic events and who are ready to heal and move forward with their lives.

Risk Factors for PTSD

Some people develop PTSD while others do not, and mental health professionals are still looking for answers as to why. There are a few things therapists know. First, PTSD has nothing to do with being strong. Second, there are known factors that raise an individual’s risk for developing PTSD. Those risk factors include…

  • Experiencing an acute or long-lasting trauma.
  • How a person’s brain functions—regulating and releasing the hormones that allow them to respond to stress and danger.
  • Family history: genetics and history of mental health disorders (especially anxiety and depression).
  • The intensity and kind of trauma that was experienced.
  • Other times of trauma in an individual’s life, especially childhood abuse.
  • Being in a job that has an increased risk of trauma, for example, military personnel, ER doctors, first responders, et cetera.
  • A history of addiction or substance abuse.
  • Inadequate social-emotional support systems, and lack of support from friends and family members.

There are a number of traumatic experiences that can turn into PTSD. No list could contain them all, but a few examples include combat exposure, physical assault, receiving a threat, being bullied, sexual violence, child abuse (emotional, physical, or sexual), being diagnosed with a terminal illness, living through an accident (fire, car wreck, and more).

PTSD Signs and Symptoms

PTSD’s signs can be organized into four separate groups:

Re-experiencing the Trauma
Some people relive the event, over and over again. People can have these re-experiences at any moment, and they often arouse feelings and images of the event—the panic, horror, and fear can easily come flooding back. For example, PTSD can cause people to…

  1. Live with regular nightmares and night terrors that feel real.
  2. Have flashbacks and intrusive memories, feeling as if they are truly in the event.
  3. Develop triggers—smells, sights, and sounds that can bring the event back to the forefront of their experience.

Situational Avoidance
PTSD can also look like avoidance. People may rearrange their whole lives to avoid anything associated with the trauma. Unfortunately, when this occurs, people may also be cutting out positive and beneficial experiences as well. For instance, in order to avoid any reminder of the trauma, people may…

  1. Keeping clear of crowds or when in a crowd, never allowing oneself to feel trapped.
  2. Refusing to drive or ride in a car (especially if the trauma involved transportation like an auto accident).
  3. Avoiding TV shows, the news, movies, and more.
  4. Keeping away from anything remotely associated with the event.

Negative Impact on One’s Feeling and Beliefs
Trauma can change how people view themselves, the world, and the event. People who have lived through trauma may come to believe…

  1. That every relationship is not safe, and all people are untrustworthy.
  2. That they cannot or should not speak openly about the trauma.
  3. That the world is always dangerous.

Hyperarousal
Trauma can leave people alert to every potential danger that may or may not be lurking. Often, people are irritable, nervous, or angry after living through trauma. They may also…

  1. Experience trouble sleeping.
  2. Experience trouble concentrating.
  3. Startle at loud noises or surprises.
  4. Feel trapped or confined.

Scheduling an Appointment for PTSD at Thriveworks Knoxville

While reading about PTSD, did you recognize anything? If so, think about seeking help. Thriveworks Knoxville offers treatment for PTSD, and we have appointments available. When you call our office, a scheduling specialist will answer—we do not have a voicemail. New clients often have their first appointment the day following their first call. We also offer evening and weekend sessions, but we do not keep a waitlist. We accept many different insurance plans. Let’s work together. Call today.

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

Show more
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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