We heard from young people who said they wanted to choose their counselor instead of being told who to go to. Tap anything that sounds like you below — the list updates as you go — or skip it and just browse everyone.
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24 therapistsShowing everyone
Danielle Taylor-Peoples
LCSW, LSSW
Eight years helping teens untangle anxiety, tough experiences, and big feelings, with a plan that fits you.
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Danielle Taylor-Peoples
LCSW, LSSW
Meet Danielle. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed School Social Worker with over eight years supporting children, teens, and families. She earned both her bachelor's and master's in social work from the University of Memphis.
How she can help. Danielle uses different approaches depending on what works best for you: connecting your thoughts, feelings, and actions (CBT), managing big emotions without feeling overwhelmed (DBT), or focusing on your strengths and what's already working (Solution-Focused).
In her free time. Traveling, music, sporting events, and adventure: zip lining, snorkeling, jet skiing.
CBTDBTSolution-Focused
Dr. LaTraci Aldridge
“Dr. A”
A high school counselor too, so she gets the academic side and the emotional side of school at once.
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Dr. LaTraci Aldridge
“Dr. A”
Meet Dr. A. Dr. Aldridge has worked with young people since 2006. A native Memphian who loves being from Memphis, she feels most inspired working with youth who struggle with barriers. It's a joy to see them overcome.
How she can help. Being a school counselor lets her help you navigate the academic side as well as the emotional side of high school. She aspires to create an atmosphere that fosters growth, accountability, and nurturing, working with you to see your own strengths.
In her free time. Music, cooking, and dancing. She hopes to bring dance into her practice one day.
Strengths-BasedSchool Support
Brandon Williams
“Mr. B”
You drive your own treatment. Works with ages 10–24 on anxiety, depression, and anger.
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Brandon Williams
“Mr. B”
Meet Mr. B. A country boy from Moscow, TN, 45 minutes outside Memphis, and the youngest of three. A graduate of the University of Memphis School of Social Work who enjoys working with youth ages 10–24.
How he can help. Brandon has worked in a children's hospital, a residential setting, and out in the Memphis community. His approach: every youth is uniquely their own person with the capacity to shape their future. In sessions he lets the youth drive their treatment and gives them a voice.
In his free time. Traveling, the beach, new restaurants, Grizzlies games, bowling, and karaoke.
Youth-LedTalk Therapy
Brittany Washington
Social Worker · Veteran
Believes you have to understand your story before you can change your future.
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Brittany Washington
Social Worker · Veteran
Meet Brittany. A country girl from the Mississippi Delta. Growing up in an impoverished area motivated her to pursue a career where she could create change within systems. Through her experiences as a veteran, student, and professional, she came to understand the importance of being prepared to endure life's ups and downs.
How she can help. Passionate about working with those who experience trauma, addiction, and anxiety. Her approach is well-rounded as someone who has also experienced the effects of complex systems. She'll work with you to address your root concerns from all angles.
In her free time. A foodie who loves all genres of music. She once recorded a gospel album in 8th grade.
Trauma-InformedSystems-Aware
Nakita Odom
LCSW
Nearly 20 years in. Honest, supportive, empowering, safe. You don't have to clean it up before you bring it in.
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Nakita Odom
LCSW
Meet Nakita. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly 20 years of experience helping young people feel seen, understood, and supported. She wants you to know: your feelings are real, your voice matters, and healing is possible.
How she can help. Therapy with Nakita is real, grounded, and judgment-free. Whether you're carrying grief, trauma, anxiety, or just trying to hold it together, she'll help you sort through it. She uses EMDR to help your brain process painful memories so they don't feel as strong or scary anymore.
Her vibe, in a playlist. 'Get By' – Talib Kweli · 'Broken Clocks' – SZA · 'Pieces of Me' – Ledisi · 'Survivor' – Destiny's Child.
EMDRTrauma-Informed
Tony Thomas
LCSW · Veteran
Didn't choose therapy; therapy chose him. Sees counseling as a team effort.
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Tony Thomas
LCSW · Veteran
Meet Tony. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Memphis native who graduated from Southwind High School, then Lane College and Union University. Tony feels he didn't choose therapy; therapy chose him, and that helping others is the most rewarding career.
How he can help. Tony uses a psychoanalytic talk therapy approach to help youth solve problems, teaching strategies to change negative thoughts and build self-awareness. He respects each person's uniqueness and creates a safe space to share feelings.
In his free time. The gym, new restaurants, traveling, his dog Blossom, and sports. A proud military veteran and member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
Talk TherapySelf-Awareness
Nikeisha Royston
Licensed Social Worker
Grew up on some of the same streets you did. A space to drop the baggage, rest, and recharge.
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Nikeisha Royston
Licensed Social Worker
Meet Nikeisha. Nikeisha grew up in Memphis, right here in some of the same streets and areas as some of you. Despite the challenges of being a teen mother, she attended the University of Memphis and holds several degrees. She knew early she wanted to be a social worker after seeing how they made her own life better.
How she can help. Her goal is a safe space where you can let your guard down and take off the masks we all wear. She works with youth on real-life problems: being bullied, making hard choices, school stress, peer pressure, and surviving the streets of Memphis.
In her free time. "What free time? Lol" Traveling, reading, and walks in nature by the Mississippi River.
Real-TalkCoping Skills
Ekinia Dillard-Cole
“Kenya”
Helps you find calm in situations that would otherwise feel overwhelming.
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Ekinia Dillard-Cole
“Kenya”
Meet Kenya. Ekinia (or Kenya, as many of her clients call her) is from Memphis, native to Shelby Drive. Her aspiration to become a therapist stems from her desire to support mental well-being and challenge the stigma surrounding it.
How she can help. With a natural gift for compassion and empathy, she provides a nonjudgmental zone where you can express yourself without fear of criticism. Growing up can be intimidating, so she helps you develop tranquility through relaxation techniques and stress management.
In her free time. Music, travel, dance, and moments in nature, plus volunteering, embodying her commitment to giving back.
RelaxationStress Management
Brittany Perry
“Ms. Perry” · 12+ yrs
Helps you analyze where you've been and gather the coping skills for where you're going.
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Brittany Perry
“Ms. Perry” · 12+ yrs
Meet Ms. Perry. A Memphis native with a bachelor's from the University of Memphis and a master's in Social Work from Union University. Over 12 years of social work experience across child welfare, school social work, and psychoeducation.
How she can help. When life begins to happen, we can become confused and overwhelmed, experiencing anxiety, depression, and grief. Ms. Perry provides a safe, non-judgmental, confidential space to discover or rediscover the person you're meant to become.
In her free time. Movies, family and friends, traveling, concerts, and binge-watching. You can always catch her laughing at the joys life brings.
Coping SkillsPsychoeducation
LaVera McCaskill
School-Based Therapist
"If you have good thoughts, they will shine out of your face like sunbeams."
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LaVera McCaskill
School-Based Therapist
Meet LaVera. Born and raised in Clarksdale, MS, and a graduate of Jackson State University. She moved to Memphis 10 years ago to further her social work career. Her first job was as a school-based therapist, which she absolutely loved.
How she can help. LaVera often speaks about how the social worker she had as a teenager helped her navigate difficult times. She helps young people develop skill sets to overcome obstacles and regain control, with experience in depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, anger, and everyday stressors.
In her free time. Traveling with family and friends, basketball mom life, new restaurants, and TikTok with her daughters.
Skills-BuildingSchool-Based
Kimberly Jones
“Kim” · TF-CBT Certified
Nationally certified in trauma-focused CBT, and a big believer in laughing in session.
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Kimberly Jones
“Kim” · TF-CBT Certified
Meet Kim. Born and raised in Memphis. She started out dreaming of being a medical doctor but realized her real passion was mental health, switching from medicine to Sociology at the University of Memphis before earning a master's in Clinical Mental Health.
How she can help. As a Nationally Certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (TF-CBT), she has special training to help you heal from really hard experiences. She's also got your back on stress, anxiety, anger, and tough relationships. She knows life gets heavy, so she loves bringing laughter into sessions.
In her free time. The beach, weekend adventures, and a trip to Ireland she can't wait to top.
TF-CBTTrauma-Informed
Karla Lewis
“Coach Karla”
Uses songs and poetry to process feelings. Clients say caring, funny, easy to talk to.
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Karla Lewis
“Coach Karla”
Meet Coach Karla. Karla grew up in Memphis helping people with their problems even as a kid. She studied business at Fisk University and went into sales, but kept finding herself helping employees with personal challenges, so she went back for a second degree in counseling.
How she can help. Karla has helped many teens through parents divorcing, sibling conflict, test anxiety, and the loss of loved ones. She has special training in trauma and loves building self-esteem and confidence. She likes being creative in sessions, using songs or poetry to process feelings.
In her free time. Singing at church, modeling, writing, and hosting her TV show "Couch Convo With Coach Karla" on Xfinity Channel 17.
Creative ArtsTrauma Training
Brenda Flores
Terapeuta Bilingüe
Sesiones en español o inglés. Therapy can't be all serious; you have to have fun.
Español▶ Video
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Brenda Flores
Terapeuta Bilingüe
Meet Brenda. Born and raised in Mexico, Brenda arrived in Memphis at age 10. It was important to her to become accustomed to the culture while keeping her native culture and traditions. She went to Ole Miss hoping for dental school, then found psychology and sociology and knew therapy was her jam.
How she can help. Sessions tend to be interactive yet challenging. She uses a holistic approach with treatment models that focus on processing the thoughts and feelings that create emotional problems, whether a severe traumatic situation or a smaller stuck point.
In her free time. A foodie who likes anything spicy, plus gardening, photography, and travel.
BilingualHolistic
Jamil Matthews
LCSW · TN, MS, AR
Solution-focused. Helps you name your dreams and find the motivation to reach them.
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Jamil Matthews
LCSW · TN, MS, AR
Meet Jamil. A licensed clinical social worker in TN, MS, and AR. Originally from Nashville, he moved to Memphis and "really grew up." His first degree was in Sports Management from the University of Memphis, and he loves what sports do to bring people together. He returned for his MSW in 2017.
How he can help. "I'm a solution-focused therapist who enjoys helping people, especially youth, realize their goals and dreams. I have a unique way of working with young people to identify their dreams and their motivation to reach them. I help youth learn to heal and cope with trauma, anxiety, and depression."
In his free time. An avid sports fan. Go Grizz! Plus live music and the culture of the city.
Solution-FocusedGoal-Setting
Meghan Paige
LPC, NCC
Trauma-informed and somatic: breathwork and body awareness. Always advocating for queer youth.
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Meghan Paige
LPC, NCC
Meet Meghan. A Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor, born and raised in Memphis. After an AP Psychology course in high school she knew she'd pursue psychology, earning her bachelor's and a master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Memphis.
How she can help. "I use a trauma-informed approach: working with youth on what happened in the past and empowering them with tools to move forward. I bring a somatic experience into therapy using breathwork and psycho-drama. Together we'll recognize how trauma is stored in the body and release stagnant energies."
In her free time. Her garden, her dog and partner, local plant shops, and advocating for queer youth.
SomaticLGBTQ+ Affirming
Brandi Rhoden
MSW
Like the big cousin who actually listens instead of lecturing. You leave with tools you can actually use.
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Brandi Rhoden
MSW
Meet Brandi. "Hi, I'm Brandi. I'm from West Point, Mississippi, and I got my master's degree in Social Work from the University of Southern Mississippi. I've spent years sitting with young people who are carrying more than they should have to, dealing with big emotions like anger, anxiety, and feeling shut down or checked out. Some of the youth I work with have gotten into trouble at school or with the law and were told to come see someone. If that's you, I get it. I'm not here to judge you or fix you like something's wrong with you."
How I can help. "You ever feel like you go from zero to a hundred before you even know what happened? Or maybe you just check out, stop talking, stop caring, because that feels safer than dealing with it? Both of those make sense. Nobody handed you a manual for this. You're not broken, your brain just hasn't learned the tools yet, and that's what we'll work on together.
Think of me like that big cousin who actually listens instead of jumping straight to a lecture. I'll give you the space to say what's really going on, no rushing you, no judging you, but I'm also going to be honest with you. That's how you learn to trust the process, and trust yourself.
Once we figure out what's really going on, we'll work together to make sense of it. We'll slow things down so you can notice what you're thinking, what you're feeling, and what you end up doing. Those three things are connected, and once you can see how, you get to be the one calling the shots instead of your emotions running the show. I'll also help you find the words for what's really going on, because it's hard to speak up when you don't have the language for it yet. This isn't about somebody just nodding while you talk. You're walking out with tools you can actually use."
In my free time. "When I'm not in the therapy room, I'm probably trying to keep my plants alive. I am succeeding at this, by the way. I also spend a lot of time with my husband and two sons, we're always finding some new adventure to get into around the city. I am a new sports mom so it has been very exciting attending various sporting events and learning the rules of the sports my sons are involved in."
CBTAnger & Big EmotionsStraight Talk
Katheryn McLendon
LCSW · EMDR Trained
Coined "the teenage whisperer." Sand tray, art, and talk therapy, plus a therapy dog named Ginny.
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Katheryn McLendon
LCSW · EMDR Trained
Meet Katheryn. A licensed clinical social worker and seasoned therapist with extensive experience with children and teens. She owns the group practice Hope Evergreen LLC in Germantown and previously served as clinical director at Daybreak Treatment Center. She's been coined "the teenage whisperer" and connects well with adolescents who enjoy artistic expression.
How she can help. Trained in EMDR for trauma, DBT-informed for living in the moment and regulating emotions, and play therapy trained. She combines expressive therapies like sand tray and art therapy with traditional talk therapy for depression, anxiety, self-harm, and disordered eating.
Meet Ginny. Katheryn's dog is a therapy dog who loves helping youth in session, but can be put in her kennel if you'd rather she wasn't there.
EMDRDBTArt & Sand Tray
Dominique Clark
MSW
Finding the right therapist is like picking the perfect pair of jeans: it has to feel just right.
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Dominique Clark
MSW
Meet Dominique. Born in Jackson, MS, raised in Lexington, KY, and settled in DeSoto County to earn her MSW from the University of Memphis. The oldest of five siblings, a wife, and a mom who stays busy cheering on her son at high school sports.
How she can help. Lots of training and experience helping youth and families work through trauma, anxiety, and depression, all in a safe, judgment-free space. Growing up she faced her own challenges, which is why she cares so much about helping others through theirs.
In her free time. Baseball and football games, dancing until she's out of breath, books, and making funny TikToks with her son.
Judgment-FreeFamily Systems
Gabrielle Barton
MT-BC · Music Therapist
Brings your favorite music into session. Therapy is about growth, not perfection.
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Gabrielle Barton
MT-BC · Music Therapist
Meet Gab. Gab isn't just a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC). She's a music lover who believes in the power of a good song to change your mood, motivate you, and help you heal. Originally from St. Louis, she made Memphis home in 2021, with a degree in Music Therapy from Drury University, a psychology minor, and a certificate in holistic health.
How she can help. Music therapy uses music not just to make songs but to help with real-life struggles. She'll incorporate your favorite music into sessions to help you open up and reach your goals, taking a person-centered, holistic approach, plus ACT when exploring song lyrics and emotions.
In her free time. Coffee shops, thrifting, books, crocheting, and exploring Memphis.
Music TherapyACTPerson-Centered
Dr. Roneferiti Fowler
Licensed Therapist
Uses art and writing so you can talk things out even when words are hard.
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Dr. Roneferiti Fowler
Licensed Therapist
Meet Dr. Fowler. A licensed therapist who helps young people through life's hardest moments. She knows that change, grief, and big feelings can be a lot to carry, and you shouldn't have to figure it all out on your own.
How she can help. Dr. Fowler works with youth and families going through grief, trauma, stress, health problems, or big life changes. She especially enjoys teens and young adults because she knows this stage can be confusing and full of questions. She uses art, writing, and other creative ways to help you talk things out, even when words are hard. You don't have to be an artist. Just come as you are.
In her free time. Crafts, expressive art, chocolate, and finding new ways to connect with young people.
Expressive ArtsGrief & Change
Akosua Aggrey-Bekoe
Terapeuta Bilingüe · MSW
"I am here to listen and be there for you. You can talk to me about anything!"
Español▶ Video
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Akosua Aggrey-Bekoe
Terapeuta Bilingüe · MSW
Meet Akosua. Akosua grew up in Arkansas and moved to Memphis in 2010 to attend Rhodes College, graduating in International Studies in 2014. After two years in Nashville working with a variety of cultural groups, she returned to Memphis in 2016 and earned her MSW from the University of Memphis.
How she can help. She loves working with teenagers to address big life changes, emotions, anxiety, and depression, using different methods to help manage emotions, process feelings, and find solutions. With her caring heart and supportive personality, she creates a safe space for you to vent, grow, and work toward your goals.
In her free time. Reading, movies, music, and her dog Max. Currently reading Dracula as a recent gothic horror fan.
Life TransitionsEmotion SkillsBilingual
Mahdee Rasul
LPC · LADAC
You have a light in you that can shine through any darkness.
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Mahdee Rasul
LPC · LADAC
Meet Mahdee. A Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor dedicated to helping teens feel seen, understood, supported, and become the best versions of themselves that THEY want to be. He earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Memphis, but before college he lived his teen years in a country marked by apartheid, and has a deep understanding of how people can struggle or thrive in the best or worst conditions.
He knows that too often we are left feeling powerless, or blame ourselves for things outside our control. With the right support, you can build the life you want.
How he can help. Whether you are trying to understand who you are, manage stress and difficult emotions, strengthen your relationships, or build confidence in yourself, therapy can be a space to slow down and make sense of it all. Mahdee creates a safe, supportive, judgment-free environment where you can be yourself and develop the tools to move forward with clarity.
Sessions are grounded in authenticity, resilience and accountability, and in the belief that people are more than the hardships they have faced.
His playlist. A good window into the vibe of therapy with Mahdee: “Laugh Now Kry Later” · YG | “Finding My Way” · Ace Hood | “Go Get It” · T.I. | “Brother$” · DaWeirdo and Freddie Gibbs | “Ceremony” · Kevin Gates
In his free time. Mahdee is a student of the video game industry and has played just about anything you can think of on the PC he built himself. Comics, anime, Dungeons & Dragons: if it has anything to do with geek culture, he is your guy.
Substance UseIdentity & ConfidenceResilience
JI
Jordan Imler
Joining Youth Connect
Photo and full profile coming soon.
Profile coming soon
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Jordan Imler
Joining Youth Connect
Jordan is joining the Youth Connect roster. We are adding a photo, bio, and video introduction shortly.
In the meantime, Youth Connect can tell you more: text or call 901-710-8712.
KJ
Karen Jimenez
Joining Youth Connect
Photo and full profile coming soon.
Profile coming soon
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Karen Jimenez
Joining Youth Connect
Karen is joining the Youth Connect roster. We are adding a photo, bio, and video introduction shortly.
In the meantime, Youth Connect can tell you more: text or call 901-710-8712.
No exact matches, but you're not stuck. Try removing a filter, or text us at 901-710-8712 and a real person will help you find someone.
Crisis Support
In crisis? Help is available anytime.
If you or a young person need immediate support, please contact the numbers below. If you are in immediate danger or have a medical crisis, call 911.
Anytime
Call 855-CRISIS-1 (855-274-7471) or the Memphis Crisis Center at 901-274-7447. Text 988 or use the Lifeline Chat.
En Español
Llame al 988 y luego presione 2 para hablar con un consejero de crisis en español. Envíe la palabra AYUDA al 988.
LGBTQI+ (Under 25)
Call 988, press 3 for an LGBTQI+ crisis counselor. Text PRIDE to 988.
Next Step
Found someone? Let’s get you connected.
Once you know who you want as your therapist, register below. Youth Connect will reach out to you within 48 business hours.