1. Nashville OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center (NOATC)
Credentials: Dr. Amy Mariaskin, PhD, Director and Licensed Clinical Psychologist. 13 years of experience treating OCD, anxiety, and related disorders. Internship and post-doctoral work at University of Florida. Adjunct professor at Vanderbilt University providing supervision to graduate doctoral students. Faculty for International OCD Foundation’s Behavior Treatment Training Institute. Licensed in Tennessee and Delaware.
Specialization: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders including social anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety, specific phobias, and related conditions across the lifespan.
Therapy Approaches: Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) as first-line treatment for OCD, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Evidence-based treatments vetted by research.
Populations Served: Adults and children with OCD and anxiety disorders. Serves middle Tennessee area.
Background: Founded in 2018 to provide high-quality, evidence-based care for OCD and anxiety to middle Tennessee. Practice treats individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, religious background, gender identity, sexual orientation, or nation of origin. Dr. Mariaskin also served three years as Clinical Co-Director at an intensive treatment facility treating OCD, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Approaches clinical work with mixture of compassion, creativity, and curiosity.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person sessions at Nashville office.
Location: Nashville, TN
Contact: https://www.ocdnashville.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to begin treatment.
2. Nashville Psych
Credentials: Dr. Daniel Goldstein and Dr. Amy Goldstein, founders. Team includes Dr. Nisha Bhatt, Helen Tarleton MS LCSW, Lyndsay Wilson LPC-MHSP, Caty Pooley LPC-MHSP, Natalie Cox MA, Brian Murphy LPC-MHSP, Dr. Neva Murray, and Dr. Mark Simpson.
Specialization: Depression, anxiety, ADHD and developmental disorders, bipolar disorder, relationships, grief/loss, divorce, learning disorders, LGBTQIA issues, men’s issues, women’s issues.
Therapy Approaches: Variety of effective approaches utilized by therapists based on education and experience. Evidence-based treatments tailored to individual needs.
Populations Served: Children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
Background: Nashville-based private psychology practice centrally located near downtown Nashville, Vanderbilt University, Green Hills, Music Row, Belmont University, and Belle Meade. Offers individual therapy, child therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, family therapy, comprehensive psychological evaluations, and career counseling.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person sessions at Nashville office.
Location: Nashville, TN (central location near Vanderbilt University)
Contact: https://www.nashvillepsych.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice for consultation.
3. Dr. Mara Fleischer
Credentials: Licensed Psychologist with nearly ten years of in-depth experience from nation’s leading institutions.
Specialization: Anxiety, depression, mood disorders, weight management, bariatric surgery assessment.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with focus on mood, anxiety, and weight management.
Populations Served: Adults seeking CBT for anxiety, depression, and weight-related concerns.
Background: Nashville-based psychologist specializing in CBT. Offers individual and group therapy, bariatric surgery assessment, and general consultation. Treatment options tailored to individual needs.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person and telehealth options available.
Location: Nashville, TN
Contact: https://www.marafleischer.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to find treatment option that’s right for you.
4. McClaren Counseling
Credentials: Shari McClaren, Licensed Professional Counselor.
Specialization: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationship issues, life transitions.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as primary modality. Short-term, problem-focused form of behavioral treatment helping people see difference between beliefs, thoughts, and feelings.
Populations Served: Individuals with clearly defined behavioral and emotional concerns who would benefit from structured, goal-oriented therapy.
Background: Practice focused on CBT to help free clients from unhelpful patterns of behavior. CBT grounded in belief that person’s perception of events determines emotional and behavioral response. Cognitive reconstructing through various CBT techniques helps adjust thoughts that influence emotions and behavior. Sessions structured to ensure therapist and client focus on session goals for productive treatment.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person sessions at Nashville office.
Location: Nashville, TN 37204
Contact: https://mcclarencounseling.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice for consultation.
5. Freeman Mental Health Program
Credentials: Team of qualified mental health professionals and therapists experienced in evidence-based treatments.
Specialization: Anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, mood disorders, stress management.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), psychodynamic therapy, family and couples therapy.
Populations Served: Individuals seeking anxiety treatment and comprehensive mental health services in middle Tennessee.
Background: Offers comprehensive mental health services including outpatient programs, residential treatment programs, partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). MBSR program combines mindfulness meditation and awareness practices to help manage stress and anxiety. Practice provides complimentary and confidential evaluations, testing, and assessments for anxiety disorders.
Insurance Accepted: Private health insurance coverage accepted. Copays typically range from $20-$60 per session depending on insurance plan. Insurance verification recommended before starting treatment.
Session Format: Multiple levels of care including outpatient, IOP, PHP, and residential options.
Location: Nashville, TN (Middle Tennessee)
Contact: (615) 879-3582 | https://freemanhealthpartners.com
Initial Consultation: Contact for complimentary evaluation and assessment.
Mental Health Industry in Tennessee
Average Therapy Session Costs
Individual therapy sessions in Nashville range from $125 to $200 per session depending on provider credentials and experience. Licensed Professional Counselors with Mental Health Service Provider designation (LPC-MHSP) typically charge $100 to $150 per session. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) charge similar rates. Licensed Psychologists with doctoral degrees generally charge $150 to $250 per session. Psychiatrists may charge $200 to $400 for sessions including medication management.
State Licensing Requirements for Psychologists
To practice as a licensed psychologist in Tennessee, professionals must complete a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) from an APA-accredited or Board-approved institution. Candidates must accumulate supervised professional experience including predoctoral internship and postdoctoral supervised hours. The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) with minimum passing score is required. The Tennessee Board of Examiners in Psychology administers licensure. Continuing education requirements apply for license renewal.
Telehealth Regulations
Tennessee permits licensed psychologists to provide telehealth services to clients located within the state. Tennessee is a member of PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact), allowing psychologists with E.Passport credentials to practice telepsychology across member states. Providers must use HIPAA-compliant platforms.
Mental Health Parity Laws
Tennessee law requires health insurers to provide coverage for mental health conditions. The federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) applies to group health plans. Tennessee has worked to strengthen parity enforcement in recent years.
Professional Organizations
The Tennessee Psychological Association (TPA) represents psychologists statewide, offering continuing education, advocacy, and professional resources. The Tennessee Counseling Association serves licensed professional counselors. The International OCD Foundation has faculty connections through Dr. Mariaskin at NOATC.
Workforce Availability and Wait Times
Nashville has a growing mental health workforce with programs at Vanderbilt University, Lipscomb University, and other institutions. Wait times for new patients typically range from one to four weeks depending on provider and specialty. Specialized OCD and anxiety treatment may have variable availability.
Common Mental Health Concerns
In Nashville, commonly treated conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, trauma/PTSD, relationship difficulties, and concerns related to the city’s entertainment and music industry pressures. The city’s rapid growth has also contributed to adjustment and stress-related concerns.
State-Funded Mental Health Resources
Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services oversees community mental health programs. Mental Health Cooperative serves the Nashville area providing crisis services and community mental health treatment. Tennessee Statewide Crisis Line offers 24/7 support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ERP and why is it the first-line treatment for OCD?
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a specific form of CBT that is considered the gold-standard treatment for OCD. ERP helps individuals reduce symptoms by gradually engaging with distressing triggers while reducing compulsive behaviors. Research consistently shows ERP to be highly effective. Dr. Amy Mariaskin at Nashville OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center specializes in this approach.
What does the MHSP designation mean in Tennessee?
MHSP stands for Mental Health Service Provider. In Tennessee, Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) must obtain the MHSP designation to practice independently in clinical mental health settings. The designation indicates additional training and supervision in mental health service provision.
Are there intensive treatment options for anxiety in Nashville?
Yes, Freeman Mental Health Program offers multiple levels of care including Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), and residential treatment for anxiety. Cambridge Psychology Group and Nashville OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center also offer more intensive treatment approaches for complex cases.
What connection does Nashville OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center have to the International OCD Foundation?
Dr. Amy Mariaskin serves as faculty for the International OCD Foundation’s Behavior Treatment Training Institute, indicating deep expertise in OCD treatment and involvement in training other clinicians. This connection represents a commitment to evidence-based OCD treatment at the national level.
How do I find a therapist near Vanderbilt University?
Nashville Psych is centrally located near Vanderbilt University, making it convenient for students and faculty. Dr. Amy Mariaskin at NOATC is also an adjunct professor at Vanderbilt, providing supervision to graduate doctoral students. Many Nashville therapists are accessible to the Vanderbilt community via telehealth.