Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Johnson City, TN covered by Cigna

I’m Amanda, and I became a therapist because I believe everyone deserves a place where they can show up exactly as they are. I bring warmth, authenticity, and even a bit of humor into the room when it feels right. I want you to feel genuinely seen—not judged—and supported in whatever you’re working through.

I’ve been in the counseling field for over 15 years and hold a PhD in Counselor Education from the University of Tennessee. My experience ranges from private practice and telehealth to correctional mental health, hospitals, and leadership roles in community programs. A. Simms Resume copy

I work with adults experiencing mood challenges, anxiety, identity concerns, life transitions, and LGBTQIA+ experiences, as well as individuals who are justice-involved or adjusting to major life changes. My approach integrates CBT, ACT, and Reality Therapy, giving us room to explore both deeper patterns and practical skills.

Clients describe me as encouraging, steady, and real—someone who helps them feel grounded and capable while taking meaningful steps toward a more balanced and authentic life.

Welcome! As a licensed marriage and family therapist my goal is to create a safe and warm environment so that my clients feel comfortable as we get to know each other. I enjoy working with individual adults who are dealing a wide range of stressors.

I believe the best mental health care begins with trust, compassion, and open communication. My goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where you feel comfortable sharing your experiences without fear of judgment.

I understand that reaching out for help isn't always easy, and I strive to meet each person where they are. Whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression, mood changes, life transitions, trauma, ADHD, or simply feeling overwhelmed, we'll work together to develop a treatment plan that fits your goals, values, and lifestyle.

I take a collaborative approach to care, combining evidence-based medication management with supportive therapy, education, and practical coping strategies. I want my clients to understand not only what we're treating but why certain treatments may be beneficial, so they feel informed and involved in every decision.

With years of experience in psychiatric care across inpatient and outpatient settings, I've worked with individuals facing a wide range of mental health challenges. I believe healing isn't about being perfect—it's about making meaningful progress, building resilience, and finding balance in everyday life.

My hope is that every client leaves our appointments feeling heard, respected, and supported.

My practice is a good fit for clients who are looking for:

• Compassionate, nonjudgmental care
• Medication management with education and shared decision-making
• Practical tools to manage symptoms and improve daily functioning
• A provider who listens and works collaboratively
• Long-term support focused on sustainable mental wellness

I look forward to partnering with you on your journey toward better mental health.

With over 30 years of experience as a therapist, I bring both deep expertise and genuine compassion to every client I work with. I specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety, trauma, alcohol and substance use, and relationship challenges.

I believe that healing begins in a space where you feel truly heard. My approach is rooted in warmth, patience, and a deep respect for your unique story. Whether you're carrying the weight of past experiences, struggling with how you cope day to day, or feeling disconnected in your relationships, you don't have to figure it out alone.

I believe that meaningful change happens in the context of safe, authentic relationships. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, or relationship challenges, my goal is to create a space where you feel genuinely heard, understood, and challenged in ways that promote lasting growth.

I earned my Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and work with adults, couples, and families. While relationships are a primary area of focus, I also work with individuals facing attachment wounds, overwhelming stress, emotional disconnection, and patterns that leave them feeling stuck. My approach is warm, collaborative, and practical. Rather than simply helping you manage symptoms, I want to help you understand what is driving them so meaningful change becomes possible.

It is my joy in life to help my clients re-discover their true self. We do this together by challenging old paradigms that get us stuck. As we uncover the true self, I will also help you develop new skills for coping as you move from surviving to thriving. I am a Master's level Professional Counselor, comprehensively trained in DBT, IFS, and NARM.

I came to therapy from the other side of it. Years ago, a workplace injury took away the career I'd built and — for a while — my ability to cope with much of anything. Rebuilding taught me what actually works: not inspiration, not willpower, but practical tools and someone willing to be honest with you about what's going on. I've been an LCSW since 2019, trained at the University of Tennessee, and I work exclusively with adults across Tennessee through telehealth. My clients deal with anxiety, ADHD, depression, grief, anger, trauma, and the particular weight of living with chronic pain alongside mental health struggles. I'm not a blank-slate therapist — I'm direct, I'll tell you what I'm observing, and I treat your goals as the actual point of the work

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist in the State of Tennessee. I have over 17 years of experience in the mental health field. I have worked in community, residential, and juvenile justice settings. I am passionate about working with those struggling with mood and anxiety issues, trauma, and anyone trying to move toward a healthier life. I specialize in Trauma, OCD, and Play Therapy.

Many people walk through life saying, “I’m fine. Everything is fine.” But often, fine is just a placeholder — a way to avoid feelings that feel too big, too inconvenient, or too overwhelming. FINE stands for Feelings In Need of Expression.

My work centers on helping clients safely express the emotions they’ve been holding in. One of my strengths is actively listening and creating a grounded, compassionate space where those unspoken feelings can finally come forward. We’re taught to suppress our emotions and push through, but those feelings don’t disappear. They settle into the body, they leak out in our interactions, and eventually they build — like pressure inside a volcano — until they erupt.

In therapy, you don’t have to hold it all together. You don’t have to pretend you’re fine. You get room to breathe, to feel, and to release what’s been stuck for far too long. My goal is to help you understand your emotional landscape, express what needs to be expressed, and move toward a life that feels more honest, grounded, and connected.