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Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Memphis, TN


Top addiction and substance use disorder therapists and psychiatrists in Memphis, TN
Headway connects Memphis residents struggling with substance use, alcohol, or behavioral addictions to 405 licensed providers specializing in evidence-based recovery approaches like CBT, motivational interviewing, and harm reduction. Our providers offer flexible virtual or in-person sessions with free consultations and availability within two weeks.
I received my master degree from the University of Memphis in May 2009. I immediately started working with a variety of clientele. I have extensive experience with trauma related care, attachment trauma, anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse disorders, grief/bereavement and life transitions. I have worked in the community, in schools, worked with clients privately and worked with clients in therapeutic/recovery courts. I have experience with children, adolescents, and adults ranging from ages 5-80. I have three certifications in trauma informed care.
I’ve got tools to help you feel more balanced and in control! I work with adults and I’m passionate about supporting first responders (IAFF-trained and always learning!) and anyone navigating addiction. I have a masters in clinical counseling with a specialization in trauma and addiction. Think of me as your partner in creating calm, confidence, and positive change—in a totally judgment-free zone.
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.
I want you to know that you’ll be met with respect, compassion, and understanding. With over 30 years of total experience and 19 years as a Licensed Professional Counselor, I’ve worked with individuals facing Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Depression, and stress. I believe in creating a safe, supportive space where you can be open and honest. We’ll work together at a pace that feels right for you, focusing on growth, healing, and practical tools for moving forward.
I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I treat a wide range of mental health challenges including anxiety and stress, mood disorders, trauma, depression, coping with chronic illness, military family life, and life transitions. I have 30 years of working with service members, families and support system members.
I am available to care for individuals who require non-standard and flexible appointment hours including evenings; and, with a focus on working adults/professionals, students, elderly, those with challenges due to their illness, and so forth. I am also open to taking on patients who need continuity of care after discharge from inpatient care. I am capable of providing on the spot medication management including deprescribing/tapers, addressing interactions, taking over from primary care provider for more advance regiment, etc ...
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.
Loving someone who struggles with addiction can quietly take over your whole life. You worry constantly, you smooth things over, you set a boundary and then talk yourself right out of it, and somewhere along the way you lose track of your own needs. If that's you, I understand it in a way that goes beyond training. Alongside my years as a counselor, I've spent more than two decades in the Al-Anon community, and I work with adults who are worn down from caring for, worrying about, or trying to fix someone they love. You don't have to keep carrying it alone.
I'm a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) and Board Certified Hypnotherapist based in Madison, TN, with 16 years in practice. I hold a Master's in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and am a certified hypnotherapist through the National Guild of Hypnotists. I'm also an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, so I train and supervise other clinicians in addition to seeing clients myself.
I work with adults and families around addiction, trauma and PTSD, and impulse control disorders, along with anxiety, low self-esteem, mood disorders, OCD, relationship issues, and compulsive or disruptive patterns. Hypnotherapy and Internal Family Sytems are my favorite modalities.
I offer both in-person sessions (at Watershed Wellness Cooperative in Madison) and telehealth, with daytime, evening, and weekend availability.
I believe therapy works best when you feel truly seen, heard, and safe. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the understanding that meaningful change happens at your pace.
I work with individuals who are navigating anxiety, stress, life transitions, and patterns that no longer serve them. Together, we explore what’s getting in the way and build tools that feel practical, supportive, and sustainable in real life.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply curious about understanding yourself more deeply, therapy can be a space to slow down, reconnect, and move forward with greater clarity and self-compassion.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience supporting adults as they navigate life’s challenges, heal from trauma and grief, and work toward greater emotional well-being. At the heart of my work is a deep belief that every person carries strengths, resilience, and the capacity for meaningful change—even during the most difficult seasons of life.
Therapy is not about fixing you—it is about supporting growth, increasing self-awareness, and improving overall life wellness.
Whether you are seeking support for long-standing concerns or navigating a current life transition, therapy can be a space to reconnect with yourself, restore balance, and move forward with clarity, confidence, and hope. You do not have to do this alone.
About our therapists who can help with addiction and substance use in Memphis, TN



- 100%Substance use / addiction
- 97%Anxiety
- 96%Depression
- 91%Stress management
- 85%Trauma

- 99%Aetna
- 93%Cigna
- 87%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 67%Ascension
- 52%BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee

- 99%English
- 1%Spanish

- 80%Online only
- 20%In-person or online

- 73%Woman
- 27%Man

- 37%Licensed Professional Counselor Mental Health Service Provider
- 37%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 12%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
- 9%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 3%Psychologist

- 99%Individual therapy
- 41%Family therapy
- 33%Couples therapy
- 13%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions


Find the right addiction counselor for you
Headway makes it easier to find support for overcoming addiction — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Addiction Therapist in Memphis
Searching for addiction therapists in Memphis starts with finding someone whose experience matches the type of support you want. Addiction care can include support for alcohol use, drug use, sexual behavior concerns, gambling, or other behavioral patterns. Some therapists use motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use, or harm reduction-informed approaches. If medication may be part of your care, you may also want a psychiatrist or other prescriber on your care team.
Memphis has a range of addiction therapists, but the right fit depends on more than specialty. Consider whether you prefer in-person sessions near your neighborhood or virtual appointments that widen your options across Tennessee. Look for therapists who are accepting new patients, offer appointment times that fit your schedule, and clearly describe their approach to addiction recovery. Reading therapist bios can help you see whether they use a direct, nonjudgmental style and have experience with the concerns you want to address.
Addiction therapy in Memphis can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand what you may pay before you book. Headway helps you find addiction therapists who accept a wide range of insurance plans, show available appointment times, and offer profile details that make comparing fit easier. You can browse therapists, review bios, and book directly when you’re ready.
If you or someone you know is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms — especially from alcohol or benzodiazepines — talk to a medical provider or seek emergency care before starting outpatient therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or substance use and is in a crisis, immediately reach out to:
* 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 * SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357), free, confidential, 24/7 * Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741
If you're already taking psychiatric medication and considering switching providers, talk to your current prescriber before changing or stopping any medication — most psychiatric medications shouldn't be stopped abruptly. Anyone experiencing thoughts of self-harm or in acute crisis should call 988 or go to the nearest emergency department rather than wait for an outpatient appointment.
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