Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Tennessee

Hi, I’m Dr. Olamide Alabi, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a passion for helping people navigate mental health challenges. I have over a decade of experience in mental health and substance abuse treatment, working in hospitals, community mental health centers, and recovery programs.

I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Samford University and hold multiple degrees in nursing, law, and agricultural economics. My diverse background, having studied in Nigeria, and the U.S., helps me provide culturally competent and inclusive care.

I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard and empowered on their journey to wellness.

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.

I support individuals seeking healing, clarity, and empowerment as they navigate life’s most challenging moments. I work with young first‐time mothers, survivors of intimate partner abuse and sex trauma, first responders, veterans, caretakers, and professionals carrying heavy emotional loads. My approach is nurturing and strength‐based, blending therapeutic support with life‐coaching strategies that help you rebuild confidence, manage stress, and reclaim your sense of self. You deserve a safe, compassionate space to grow, and I’m here to help you move forward with purpose and resilience.

There’s much more to your story.

I believe therapy should be a place where you feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. Drawing on decades of experience, I provide a compassionate, practical, and holistic approach to therapy. I began my work as a spiritual and addictions counselor in 1981 and became a state-licensed mental health therapist in 2007. Since then, I have partnered with individuals, couples, families, and groups to help them build on their strengths, clarify their values, and create lasting change.

Before moving into private practice, I spent 20 years serving the Cleveland, Tennessee community as an outpatient therapist with Volunteer Behavioral Health.