Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Nashville, 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.

My current treatment focuses/ training are for perinatal mental health, and Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT). I'm passionate about working with the BIPOC population, LGBTQ+ population, teens, young adults, and older as they learn how to navigate life’s challenges and transitions. I'm dedicated to working with those of various backgrounds and walks of life.

Wife. Mother. Therapist. Navigator. I value my authentic self and believe we all can trace life’s imprints to dive into the core of who we are versus what life has conditioned us to be. I hone in on my abilities to help all you navigators explore whichever capacities it is that you seek to grow through, heal from, or transition into. You are not just another name, but a whole light. We are all perfectly imperfect. I truly believe you can become stronger through a healthier relationship with yourself and others when equipped with the proper navigational tools.

Hi, I’m Ashton, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

I provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care for those seeking clarity, relief, and a sense of steadiness in their lives.

Great to meet you!

I am a board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner that has a passion for mental health. I believe that everyone should have access to high quality care when it comes to mental disorders. I specialize in adults who struggle with ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and mood disorders.

Hunter has a passion for walking with others and being an empathetic presence, and believes that humans are created to need supportive relationships and connection.

Hunter received his Bachelor’s Degree from Harding University in Bible and Ministry and his Master of Marriage and Family Therapy from Fresno Pacific University.

My name is Lacey Jackson, LCSW. I have been in private practice for 5+ years. My priority is to connect with clients while creating a trusting and comfortable environment.

I get it—feeling stuck in the same old patterns, craving deeper connections, and wondering how to even begin to break free can be exhausting. If you’re anything like the people I work with (and honestly, like I once was myself), you’ve probably spent a lot of time thinking, “Something has to change... but what?” That’s where I come in.

I’m so excited that you found me and we get to do this journey together! What a privilege to walk by your side as you courageously take those first steps towards health, healing and wholeness. I’ve been a therapist for almost 10 years and have practiced in a variety of clinical settings. I’ve held space for clients and therapists experiencing the crushing pain of trauma and taught them skills to restore hope. I would love to join you as we learn how to do hard things together!