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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 365 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 am dedicated to providing an inviting and purposeful service for each client. I have been practicing therapy for 5 years. I have a background in using CBT, DBT techniques, solution focused practices.
If you are looking to develop a greater understanding of yourself, a situation, or are looking for tools to better navigate life, we may be a fit.
I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with six years of experience helping adults navigate ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, substance use concerns, and personality disorders. I trained at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and have a background in neuroscience research, which shapes my practical, brain-based approach to care.
I believe people do best when they’re treated as whole humans—not just a diagnosis. I enjoy breaking down complex mental health concepts into clear, bite-sized explanations so patients understand why they feel the way they do and how treatment helps. My style is collaborative, direct, and supportive.
I’m comfortable working with complex or long-standing symptoms and don’t shy away from difficult cases. I also enjoy working with creatives in the Nashville community and understand the unique pressures that can come with creative work. My goal is to help patients feel empowered, informed, and supported as they move toward meaningful, sustainable change.
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.
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.
Sharmen Rutherford is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Mental Health Service Provider, Internationally Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and a Ketamine Integration Therapist. She is currently accruing hours to earn her Certified Eating Disorder Specialist credential through the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals and has completed Vital’s Psychedelics Assisted Psychotherapy and Ketamine Integration Therapy Program.
With more than 17 years of professional clinical experience in the counseling field, Sharmen has helped clients facing addiction and substance use disorders, anxiety, co-occurring disorders, depression, eating disorders, trauma, PTSD, self-harm, school pressures, relationship issues, loss and grief. It is her passion to provide college students, young adults, women, and men with the tools and resources that they need to cope and make a better life for themselves.
Sharmen holds a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Alabama. She has provided mental health services to adolescents and adults for numerous local mental health organizations, including an alternative school, the Alabama Department of Mental Health at Taylor Hardin Secure Medical Facility, two residential substance abuse treatment facilities, and a halfway house.
Sharmen is a former Advisory Board member and a Board of Directors member for 3 years for the Alabama School of Alcohol and other Drug Studies. She is also a former Board of Directors Hospitality Chair and Secretary of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals for the Alabama Chapter.
Launched in June 2018, Sharmen is also the founder of All Things New Counseling Services, LLC located in Johnson City, Tennessee.
Kayla, a licensed Clinical Social Worker with a background in community mental health, recognized the profound disparities in access to mental health care within BIPOC communities. Inspired by a vision of creating a space where healing is both inclusive and affordable, she founded Helen’s Project with the belief that everyone deserves access to quality mental health support, regardless of their background or financial situation.Helen’s Project operates on the principle that culturally competent and empathetic mental health care is essential for holistic well-being. The organization collaborates with a diverse team of mental health professionals who not only possess clinical expertise but also understand the unique cultural nuances and challenges faced by the BIPOC community.
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, TN
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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