ADHD therapists and psychiatrists in Knoxville, TN

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.

At an early age most people are taught to be independent, strong, and self-sufficient. But, there are times in life when difficult situations can become overwhelming. During these difficult times in life some individuals do not realize that it is okay "Not to be Okay." Asking for help can be hard.

I have more than 25 years of experience assessing and treating adolescents, adults, and families. While I appreciate numerous approaches, my patients have stated that I provide a melding of both direct and indirect styles. In other words, my standard of care is challenging and supportive. More often than not, you won’t leave a session wondering what’s next.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I'm committed to providing a safe and nonjudgmental environment for exploring pathways to psychological and emotional healing. Specializing in Dialectical and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I believe everyone is worthy of love and happiness. I encourage people to see themselves through that same lens.

Choosing the right provider is an important step in your healing, and I strive to make that decision feel safe, supportive, and empowering. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who brings both professional expertise and personal understanding of mental health challenges into my work. I care deeply about creating a space where you feel genuinely heard, respected, and understood. I work with adolescents and adults ages 15 and older, helping individuals navigate concerns such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and feeling stuck. I offer both in-person services near Knoxville and telehealth across Tennessee to make quality care more accessible.

Shaped by own life experiences, I became a social worker to help people navigate the uncertainties of life. We have all gone through transitions in life from career changes to family changes. It can be really hard to do that alone. After earning my degree in social work, I dedicated my career to roles helping adults, youth, and family systems. I understand how difficult it can be to go through a separation/divorce, family changes, job changes, growing into teen years and added stress - especially while also trying to manage the day to day life. Ive been there myself! My mission is to foster hope, stability, a listening ear, and skills you can walk away with.

I began my counseling career as a school counselor. I have been an LPC/MHSP since 2010. I am an empty nester with three successful adult sons that I raised on my own. I am highly neurodivergent and gifted at the use of multiple modalities in treating complex trauma. This is NOT talk therapy. This a working collaboration. I meet my client where they are and challenge them to reach their goals.