Mental Health Clinicians – West Hills Office
Amanda Gienow, M.Ed., A – LPC/MHSP
Assistant Clinical Director
Supervised by Dr. Destiny White
BA, Elementary Education, Tennessee Tech University
M.Ed., Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of Tennessee at Martin
Pursing PhD. in Counselor Education at Lindsey Wilson University
Hi, I’m Amanda—the Assistant Clinical Director at Herscher Counseling Associates and a therapist with a master’s in clinical mental health counseling. I also have a background in Montessori education, which shaped my deep respect for individualized, strengths-based approaches to growth and development—an outlook that continues to guide my therapeutic practice today. I draw primarily from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Relational Cultural Therapy (RCT), and I am also a certified AutPlay® Therapy provider.
My passion is supporting neurodivergent individuals across the lifespan—from age 3 through adulthood—on a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, behavioral challenges, executive functioning struggles, and life transitions. I strive to provide a neurodiversity-affirming space where clients feel understood, accepted, and empowered.
I also work extensively with LGBTQ+ and polyamorous/ENM clients, offering inclusive, affirming care around identity, depression, anxiety, religious trauma, and complex relational dynamics. Whether you’re navigating a life transition, processing emotional pain, or seeking deeper connection with yourself and others, my goal is to create a space where you feel safe, respected, and free to explore your story. My approach is grounded in compassion, creativity, and a deep belief in each person’s capacity for healing and growth.
– Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
– Relational Cultural Therapy
– Children, Adolescents, Adults, Geriatric
– Neurodivergence
– AutPlay Therapy Provider
– LGBTQ+, Non-Traditional Relationships (ENM)
– Immediate openings available
– Telehealth & In Person
– $130/hour individuals, $150/hour couples
– In Network Insurance: Cigna, Aetna, United Healthcare
Brad Watts, LPC/MHSP, CSOTP
MS, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Carson Newman
Hi, I’m Brad! Whether you’re struggling with past trauma, anxiety, depression, or difficult relationships, I am here to work with you. I understand that starting therapy can feel scary and intimidating, and my goal is to walk alongside you and empower you to live your fullest life and become your healthiest self.
I am trained as a trauma specialist with over 10 years of experience supporting clients who are navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, the lasting effects of trauma, and addiction. I am also trained in EMDR, TF-CBT, and CBT, and I use a variety of evidence-based techniques to meet the unique needs of each client I work with. Life can feel overwhelming at times, and I find great joy in partnering with my clients as they make changes they once thought were impossible.
In addition to my clinical work, I am the author of Sibling Sexual Abuse: A Guide for Confronting America’s Silent Epidemic, where I bring awareness to a rarely discussed but deeply important issue. This work reflects my passion for helping individuals and families heal from trauma and create safer, healthier relationships.
I believe that therapy is a true collaboration, where you are the expert on your own life and experiences. My role is to provide guidance, tools, and support so that you don’t have to carry your burdens alone. If you’re ready to take the next step, I would love to connect with you. Please reach out by phone or email—I look forward to walking this journey with you.
– EMDR, Trauma Focused -Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
– Children, Adolescents, Adults
– Sibling Sexual Abuse
– Anxiety & Trauma
– Psychosexual Assessments
– Immediate openings available
– Telehealth & In Person
– Some evening availability
– $150/hour individuals, $175/hour couples
– BCBS, Cigna, and Aetna insurances
Ainsley Stephens, MS, LPC/MHSP, NCC
BS, Psychology, minor in Human Services, University of Georgia
MS, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of Tennessee
Hi, I’m Ainsley! I am a therapist with my Master of Science in Counseling with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
My passion for working with children and adolescents inspired me to pursue specialized training in human development, trauma counseling with children, child-centered play therapy, and grief counseling. I have experience in both private practice and school-based settings, where I have worked with clients of all ages on concerns such as depression, anxiety, grief, and anger management. In a school internship, I provided child-centered play therapy (CCPT) to children in Pre-K through 2nd grade, supporting those exhibiting high levels of aggression through a therapeutic play-based approach.
I take a person-centered approach to counseling, grounded in the belief that every individual has the capacity for healing and growth. I collaborate with clients to meet them where they are in their journey and tailor the counseling process to their unique needs and goals. When working with children, I primarily utilize child-centered play therapy, an approach that recognizes play as a child’s natural form of communication and a powerful avenue for healing. I strive to create a counseling space that is supportive, accepting, and empowering, where clients feel heard and valued.
– Child-Centered Play Therapy
– Person-Centered Therapy
– Children, Adolescents, Young Adults
-Trauma, Anger, & Behavioral Challenges
– Immediate openings available
– Telehealth & In Person
– Self-pay: $125/hour individual
– In Network Insurance: Cigna, Aetna, United Health Care
Derick Daniels, MA, A-LPC/MHSP
Supervised by Dr. Destiny White
BA, Psychology, Troy University
MA, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Liberty University
Hi, I’m Derick, a therapist with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I take a holistic approach to counseling, drawing on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, and a range of other evidence-based techniques to meet each client’s unique needs. I specialize in working with adults (18+) and couples, helping them navigate life challenges, transitions, and mental health disorders.
My goal is to create a safe, welcoming, and affirming space where clients can feel comfortable showing up as their authentic selves. I am committed to providing inclusive, affirming support for LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, neurodivergent clients, and anyone who sits across from me. I approach every client with cultural sensitivity, empathy, and respect. At the core of my work, I strive to help all clients recognize their strengths, confront their fears, understand their limitations, and move confidently toward their goals.
– Holistic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy
– Adults, Couples
– Neurodivergence
– LGBTQ+
– Immediate openings available
– Telehealth & In Person
– Self-pay: $125/hour individual, $150/hour couples
– In Network Insurance: Cigna, Aetna, United Health Care
Sabrina Evans, Ph.D, LPC/MHSP
PhD., Lindsey Wilson University, Counselor Education and Supervision
Hello, I’m Sabrina! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee with experience helping individuals navigate life’s challenges, heal from difficult experiences, and develop a stronger sense of who they are and who they want to become.
I work with clients across the lifespan experiencing a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, life transitions, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, identity concerns, and religious or spiritual struggles. I have a particular interest in helping individuals work through experiences that have left them feeling stuck, silenced, disconnected from themselves, or uncertain about their next steps.
Beginning counseling can feel vulnerable, and finding the right counselor matters. My goal is to provide a space where you can show up authentically, feel heard and understood, and explore what healing, growth, and a more fulfilling life might look like for you.
– Narrative Therapy
– Kids, Adolescents, and Adults
– Religious Trauma
– Immediate openings available
– Telehealth & In Person
– Self-pay: $125/hour individual, $150/hour couples
– In Network Insurance: COMING SOON
Catherine Nitz, M.Ed
Supervised by Dr. Destiny White
M.Ed., Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of Tennessee at Martin
Hi, I’m Catherine! I hold a master’s in clinical mental health counseling. My background in speech language pathology in rehab hospital settings helped bring clarity around what I truly find rewarding, empowering people to create a more peaceful and fulfilling life for themselves.
I take a person-centered approach to counseling and draw on other evidence-based humanistic, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and multicultural modalities. This includes recognition of the interconnected nature of a person’s mental health and the political and social forces around them. I value each client’s unique set of experiences and strengths while encouraging exploration of patterns that may be hindering their growth and confidence.
I work with clients ages 10 and older and strive to provide a comfortable, welcoming environment for ALL, regardless of social or cultural background, gender identity, affectional or sexual orientation, ability status, color, size, or shape.
– Humanistic, ACT
– Adolescents (10+) & Adults
– LGBTQ+-affirming
– Immediate openings available
– Telehealth & In Person
– Some evenings & weekends
– Self-Pay: $125/hour individual, $150/hour couple
– In Network Insurance: Cigna, Aetna, and United Health Care
Sami Ninis, MA,
LPC/MHSP
MA, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Liberty University
Hi, I’m Sami! I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and am actively pursuing my Licensed Professional Counselor, Mental Health Service Provider license in the state of Tennessee.
I have experience working with individuals facing a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, stress, life transitions, ADHD, PNES, and other concerns. I work with clients ages 13 and older and also welcome the opportunity to work with couples.
With a passion for meeting people where they are, I strive to provide support and guidance as clients move toward healing and personal growth. I believe that no one should walk through life’s challenges alone, and it’s my desire to be a compassionate companion on each person’s unique journey. My counseling style is holistic and person-centered, rooted in unconditional positive regard. I draw from an integrative framework that includes evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), tailoring my approach to meet each client’s needs. As a Christian counselor with a background in worship leading, I can also integrate faith-based perspectives into the counseling process for those who desire it, offering spiritual support alongside mental and emotional care.
I am committed to creating a safe, empathetic, and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings, gain insight, and discover practical solutions for a more fulfilling and balanced life.
– Christian Counseling
– Adolescents & Adults
– Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES)
– Immediate openings available
– Telehealth & In Person
– Some evenings
– Self-Pay: $130/hour individual, $165/hour couple
– In Network Insurance: Cigna, Aetna, and United Health Care
Graduate Clinicians - West Hills Office
Brianna Weidenbach
Graduate Clinician
Supervised by Dr. Herscher
Pursuing MSEd, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of Tennessee at Martin
Hi, I’m Brianna! I’m a counseling intern currently working toward my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Tennessee at Martin. I’m completing my clinical training at Herscher Counseling Associates under the supervision of Dr. Megan Herscher. I believe counseling can be an important opportunity to pause, reflect, and gain a better understanding of yourself and the experiences that have shaped you.
My approach to counseling is person-centered, meaning I value getting to know each client as an individual and understanding their unique perspective. I also integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients recognize connections between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and develop strategies that support positive change. I’m particularly interested in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, stress, trauma, grief, relationship concerns, life transitions, and personal growth.
I believe meaningful counseling begins with a genuine therapeutic relationship and a willingness to meet each person where they are. My goal is to provide a supportive environment where clients can explore difficult experiences, build self-awareness, recognize their strengths, and work toward the changes they want to see in their lives. I’m honored to have the opportunity to learn alongside my clients and support them throughout their counseling journey.
– Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
– Children, Adolescents, and Adults
– Individuals and Couples
– LGBQT+
– Self-pay: $70/hour individuals, $90/hour Couples
– In Network Insurance: Cigna, Aetna, United Healthcare
– Sliding Scale Available