Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Cookeville, TN covered by Aetna

Maybe you’re the person who holds everything together, but inside you feel anxious, overwhelmed, stuck in your head, or exhausted from trying so hard to get things right. Or maybe parenting is bringing up emotions and patterns you never expected. I work with adults navigating anxiety, trauma, ADHD, perfectionism, relationships, and parenting. I’m an EMDR-trained therapist, and I’ll help you understand what’s happening underneath—not just manage what shows up on the surface.

Taking the first step toward better health is an act of courage, and I am here to support you every step of the way. As a board-certified physiatrist with 29 years of experience, I am committed to providing compassionate, personalized care that honors your unique story, background, and lived experiences. I take the time to truly understand who you are — your strengths, your challenges, and your goals — so that together we can build a care plan that is both meaningful and effective for your life.

Hi, I'm Dr. Deborah DeFrieze, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 15 years of experience helping people work through anxiety, stress, trauma, grief, depression, and life's hardest transitions. If anxiety or overwhelm has been running the show lately, I'm here to help you take the reins back — with a warm, honest, and practical approach.

My path to this work has been a rich one. Alongside my social work career, I spent 33 years in public education — as a teacher in both regular and special education, an assistant principal, a principal, and an assistant professor — and I served as a missionary in Africa for 18 months. Those experiences taught me to meet people where they are, across every walk of life and stage of change. I hold a Master of Social Work from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and a doctorate in education from the University of Georgia, and I'm also a Licensed Massage Therapist, which deepens my appreciation for the mind-body connection in healing.

I draw on evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, tailoring our work to what will help you most.

Are you feeling stuck in patterns that are hard to break—whether it’s addiction, codependency, or depression? You may feel overwhelmed, drained, or constantly putting others first while losing yourself in the process. I work with teens and adults across Tennessee who are navigating addiction, relationship patterns, and depression. Together, we create a supportive space where you can understand what’s driving these patterns and begin building a healthier, more balanced life.

You might look like you have everything together on the outside, but inside you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or mentally exhausted from carrying so much for so long. When you’re used to being the strong one, it can be hard to slow down or ask for help. You don’t have to do this alone. I provide a supportive space where you can understand your emotions, reduce stress, and begin moving toward feeling more balanced, confident, and in control.

Hi, I’m Dr. Olamide Alabi, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a passion for helping people navigate mental health challenges. I have over a decade of experience in mental health and substance abuse treatment, working in hospitals, community mental health centers, and recovery programs.

I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Samford University and hold multiple degrees in nursing, law, and agricultural economics. My diverse background, having studied in Nigeria, and the U.S., helps me provide culturally competent and inclusive care.

I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard and empowered on their journey to wellness.

Hi! I'm a dual-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner, with 6 years working as an APRN with adults and children. My focus is ADHD, burnout, stress, anxiety, and depression, you know, the stuff that shows up in daily life and makes everything feel harder than it should. I handle psychiatric evaluations and medication management, and I actually enjoy the process of figuring out what works for you, not just what works in general.

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.