Outpatient Mental Health for Adolescents & Teens in Knoxville, TN
Choosing the right mental health treatment for your child can feel difficult and overwhelming. Embrace U’s intensive outpatient mental health programs in Knoxville, TN, provide life-changing treatment to adolescents and teens, including those living with learning differences.
We help adolescents (ages 10 to 18) who are experiencing:
- Severe symptoms of anxiety or depression
- Behavioral health challenges, including anger management issues, school avoidance, bipolar disorder, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts
- Neurodivergent mental health challenges
Our structured programs provide more support than a traditional therapist, but are less disruptive than a hospital stay or residential center. We also provide more parent support than other treatment centers.
Within our welcoming and safe environment, your child can develop the skills and coping mechanisms they need to manage symptoms, gain higher levels of function, and live a healthier life.
Call us at 833-733-4325 today to request a free mental health assessment!
How Embrace U Works
Reach out
Call our care team to learn more about Embrace U programs, insurance coverage, and answer any other questions you may have.
Get your free assessment
Come in for a free assessment. In a 60-minute session, we’ll review your child's unique needs and find the treatment program that’s right for them.
Life-changing treatment
Our evidence-based treatment programs set participants and their families up for long-term success. Learn more about our programs below.
What Is Embrace U?
Embrace U is an evidence-based, outpatient therapy provider designed to help people ages 10-18 gain control over the symptoms of a mental illness.
The Embrace U care team includes a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, licensed therapists, and registered nurses.
Our adolescent mental health clinics in Brentwood, Chattanooga, Collierville, Knoxville and Mt. Juliet offer life-changing treatment. Participants and their families gain the support they need through group experiences and structured individual and family therapy. Our therapy programs help adolescents develop coping skills, stronger self-esteem, and better ways to communicate.
Request Free Assessment
Embrace U
9724 Kingston Pike STE 704-705
Knoxville, TN 37922
833-733-4325
Located on Kingston Pike, behind Franklin Square, Embrace U’s Knoxville location provides an oasis to families seeking help for children and teens with mental health challenges.
Our Knoxville mental health clinic has a clean, modern feel, with bright, open spaces for group therapy sessions, private rooms for individual meetings, and a snack area. Our neurodivergent group room accommodates different sensory needs, learning styles, and communication preferences. You’ll find participant artwork covering many walls, along with comfortable couches and chairs.
Our services include intensive outpatient programs for teens and adolescent partial hospitalization programs.
Our Programs: Intensive Outpatient & Partial Hospitalization
We offer two structured programs for children and teens ages 10 to 18: intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization.
Participants in our intensive outpatient program (IOP) typically come to the clinic three or four times a week for group and individual therapy sessions. Our partial hospitalization program (PHP) offers more support. Participants in PHP visit us four or five times a week for longer therapy and individual sessions.
While your child’s treatment time may vary based on their unique goals and needs, the majority of participants attend our programs for six to eight weeks. Most start feeling better within two weeks of treatment, and experience lasting recovery after completing a program.
Our intake process includes:
- Determining your child’s diagnosis and treatment needs through a free psychiatric assessment.
- Discussing treatment goals and developing a plan specific to your family’s needs.
- Enrolling your child in one of our two programs (IOP or PHP) that combine group and individual therapy with medication management and family counseling. Our team includes psychiatric providers, licensed therapists, and a care coordinator.
- Providing ongoing support after program completion.
At Embrace U, your child can develop the skills and confidence they need to manage their mental health. Call us at 833-733-4325 today to request a free mental health assessment!
Mental Health Symptoms We Treat
Our outpatient mental health programs for teens and adolescents in Knoxville, TN, can help with:
- Anger management concerns
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorders
- Blended family issues
- Family and relationship issues
- Grief and loss
- Isolating behaviors
- Poor body image
- Post-traumatic stress disorders
- Psychiatric disorders
- School Avoidance
- Self-esteem issues
- Self-harm behaviors and thoughts
- Stress management issues
- Suicidal thoughts
Our neurodivergent program treats adolescents who experience the symptoms and conditions above, but also live with:
- ADHD
- ADD
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- OCD
- Tourette Syndrome
- Dyslexia, Dyscalculia
- Other learning differences
Our Programs
Embrace U offers two programs to help adolescents build coping and communication skills – Intensive Outpatient (IOP) or Partial Hospitalization (PHP), after an assessment by our psychiatric provider, your child will be admitted into one of our therapy programs based on their needs.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) 20+ Hours per Week
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) 10+ Hours per Week
Best for Adolescents Who:
- Miss school or extracurricular activities due to symptoms
- Experience physical symptoms such as stomach aches, nausea, headaches or unexplained pain
-
Recently visited an emergency room or
completed inpatient treatment
Best for Adolescents Who:
- Need more intensive treatment than one-on-one therapy
- Haven’t seen symptom improvement in regular care
- Were referred to IOP by a provider
What to Expect
- 5 days per week M-F
- 1-2 hours of education & therapeutic assignments
- 3 hours of group therapy daily
- Weekly individual or family therapy
- Weekly psychiatric nurse check-ins
What to Expect
- 3 to 5 days per week (M-F)
- Group therapy focused on coping skills
- Bi-weekly individual or family therapy
- Monthly psychiatric nurse check-ins
Our Programs
Embrace U offers two programs to help adolescents build coping and communication skills – Intensive Outpatient (IOP) or Partial Hospitalization (PHP), after an assessment by our psychiatric provider, your child will be admitted into one of our therapy programs based on their needs.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) 20+ Hours per Week
Best for Adolescents Who:
- Miss school or extracurricular activities due to symptoms
- Experience physical symptoms such as stomach aches, nausea, headaches or unexplained pain
- Recently visited an emergency room or completed inpatient treatment
What to Expect
- 5 days per week M-F
- 1-2 hours of education & therapeutic assignments
- 3 hours of group therapy daily
- Weekly individual or family therapy
- Weekly psychiatric nurse check-ins
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) 10+ Hours per Week
Best for Adolescents Who:
- Need more intensive treatment than one-on-one therapy
- Haven’t seen symptom improvement in regular care
- Were referred to IOP by a provider
What to Expect
- 3 to 5 days per week (M-F)
- Group therapy focused on coping skills
- Bi-weekly individual or family therapy
- Monthly psychiatric nurse check-ins
FAQs
We provide intensive outpatient therapy programs designed to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges quickly and effectively. Depending on your child’s needs, they can be admitted into our intensive outpatient program (IOP) or partial hospitalization program (PHP). Both programs are held during the day at our clinic.
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) act as a short-term, intensive option for teens who:
- Have severe mental health symptoms interfering with school and daily life
- Need a higher level of support than a traditional outpatient program
- Are ready to leave an inpatient facility
- Need an alternative to hospitalization or lengthy hospital stays
PHPs for teens help ease the transition back to daily life by balancing mental health and school assignments. Upon completion, your child can continue to participate in outpatient treatment as they return to school.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) are for teens who need to develop coping skills as they work through mental health challenges. Adolescent IOPs are ideal for those who:
- Need more intensive support than regular therapy, but less than a PHP or inpatient program
- Want to receive treatment after school and then return home every night to live life as normal
Costs range depending on the level of treatment your child needs, but most insurance plans cover mental health treatment.
We accept most major insurance plans. Call us at 865-874-6646 to verify coverage.
We offer self-pay options and can discuss sliding scale fees or other financial resources during your initial consultation.
No. Referrals aren’t required. Please contact us at 865-874-6646 to learn more about your specific needs.
If you’ve noticed major, long-lasting changes in your child’s mood, behavior or academic performance, getting professional help can make a big difference.
Some common symptoms include:
- Refusing to attend school
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in mood/behavior
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Changes in eating habits
- Loss of interest in activities
- Difficulty managing emotions
- Isolation, withdrawing from relationships
- Risky behaviors
- Self-harm
- Poor academic performance
- Frequent headaches, stomach pain
It’s common for adolescents and teens to resist treatment at first, but our team is skilled in helping them feel comfortable and willing to participate.
There’s no set schedule for our adolescent mental health services. Instead, treatment is determined by your child’s diagnosis, their symptoms, their goals and how well they’re responding. Most Embrace U participants report significant symptom reduction within six weeks of starting our programs, but each child is unique and may require more or less treatment.
We recommend you and your child complete the full program to learn all the skills we teach.
We check in with your child frequently to keep track of how they’re doing and their progress. We’ll also meet with you to discuss how treatment is going, and make adjustments as necessary. By working closely with you and other people involved in your child’s care, we make sure we’re considering all the best ways to help.
To help teens transition smoothly after treatment, Embrace U offers aftercare plans, check-in appointments, and referrals to additional resources as needed.
Our process begins with a free mental health assessment. You can schedule an appointment by calling our office at 865-874-6646 or completing our contact form.
MEET OUR KNOXVILLE TEAM

Alyssa Sebastian, MA, LPC-MHSP
Advice To My Younger Self: “In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.” -Abraham Maslow
Education:
- Trevecca Nazarene University – Master of Arts, Mental Health
- Tennessee Tech University – Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Experience: Prior to becoming Embrace U’s Tennessee regional director, Alyssa was a program administrator at Embrace U in Mt. Juliet. Before joining Embrace U, Alyssa was the executive director at Connections Wellness Group (Vertava Health) in Nashville, TN. She is trained in EMDR, including a wide range of trauma-focused interventions. She is a licensed professional counselor and mental health service provider.
Why did you choose to work with adolescents? “I wanted to expand my experience to working with adolescents to be well versed in helping a wide variety of populations. After making this career shift, I learned that I enjoy working with adolescents, as well as the whole family unit. I have always had a passion for helping those in need.”
What is something you’ve learned from your work with adolescents that has been a key takeaway? “Adolescents need someone there for them too. I am the type of leader that likes to give all patients a chance, regardless of their history. It doesn’t matter if they have a history of multiple treatments or behavioral problems. I want to make sure everyone is given a chance to start fresh and be the best they can be. Everyone deserves that.”
Did you play sports or participate in any activities when you were younger? “I played French Horn in my high school band during concert season. When it was marching season, you could either find me with a flag on the color guard or holding a Mellophone with the rest of the instruments. I spent every summer on Dale Hollow Lake with friends and family.”
What is one thing you wish adolescents understood about mental health? “It is okay not to be okay. It is okay to ask for help, even if you are embarrassed to do so. We are here to help with no judgement. This season in your life isn’t forever..”
What are your favorite things to do outside of work? “I mostly enjoy spending time with my husband, daughter, and Golden Retriever (Winston). They are my world. It doesn’t matter what we are doing if we are all together.”


Nicholas Shields, LPC-MHSP
Education: East Tennessee State University- BS in Psychology; East Tennessee State University- MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Practitioner
Previous work experience: Therapist at a Crisis Stabilization Unit, Therapist in residential treatment, Facility Director for a residential treatment center, Program Director for therapeutic services for kids in foster care in Tennessee, and then Director of Clinical Services overseeing the clinical department for TN, NC, KY. Except for the crisis stabilization unit, the positions were with Omni Visions over a 12-year span.
Why did you choose to work with adolescents?
The adolescent stage can be one of the most challenging times throughout the lifespan. There is major change occurring with the brain and body, as well as exploration and formation of a clearer identity. I feel like adults sometimes forget the struggles that come with this developmental stage. I wanted to be a caring adult who could meet them where they are and support them through the hurdles of life.
What is something you’ve learned from your work with adolescents that has been your takeaway?
It is important to be playful to disarm fear and to be able to communicate using their language. I’ve also learned to stay curious with adolescents to fully understand their perspective and experience, rather than just showing up with solutions.
Did you play sports or participate in any activities when you were younger?
I wrestled from the age of eight through college.
What is one thing you wish adolescents understood about mental health?
We need to give our mental health the same amount of attention as we would to an illness or physical injury. You do not have to face these challenges alone because there are people who want to be there for you.
If you could give your younger self a word of advice, what would it be?
Be kind to yourself and others above anything else. Take time to pay attention to and express your feelings rather than trying to bottle them up.
What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
I have a wife and three daughters that I love being with. I enjoy spending time outdoors with my friends and family. We enjoy camping, fishing, golfing, and swimming in our pool.


Trent Mutter, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Education:
University of Tennessee Southern: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology
South College: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Middle Tennessee State University: Master of Science in Nursing
Previous work experience:
Youth Villages: Foster Care Counselor, Knoxville, TN- Provided weekly counseling sessions to foster children in Knox County.
Lincoln Medical Center: Registered Nurse, Fayetteville, TN- Worked on the medical surgical floor, in the intensive care unit, the emergency room, and the Covid unit.
East Tennessee Behavioral Health: Registered Nurse, Knoxville, TN- Worked with acute patients who were in severe emotional or mental distress and were a danger to themselves or others.
Lifestance Health: Graduate Nurse Practitioner, Knoxville, TN- Received intensive clinical experience working with a licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner to provide mental health care and medication management to patients.
Why did you choose to work with adolescents?
I grew up in foster care and had my fair share of struggles as a teen, so it is fulfilling for me to give back and help them realize their potential.
What is something you’ve learned from your work with adolescents that has been your takeaway?
There’s nothing quite like the resiliency and perseverance of the adolescent spirit. When there’s something they want to do or something they want to have, they will always find a way with no excuses. It’s inspiring to me because it reminds me that we can do anything if we put our minds to it.
Did you play sports or participate in any activities when you were younger?
I played football for all four years of high school and also dabbled in cross country and basketball. I wouldn’t define myself by the term “athletic” but I made the teams when I tried out, so there’s that.
What is one thing you wish adolescents understood about mental health?
That it’s a journey, and where you are now is not where you will end up. The journey is different for everyone, and everyone walks their own path. The paths may cross, loop, zig zag, spiral, and make you dizzy at times, but that’s what makes it special.
If you could give your younger self a word of advice, what would it be?
You will learn more about disappointment, heartbreak, frustration, shame, embarrassment, humility, misery, stress, anxiety, and agony as a Tennessee Vols football fan than you will from a textbook.
What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
My favorite things to do include embarrassing my children, binge-watching TV shows at night with my wife, even though we know we will regret it in the morning, and (of course) watching UT football in the fall.


Olivia Dowling, LMSW
Olivia Dowling is a Licensed Master Social Worker and Program Therapist at Embrace U’s Knoxville location. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Tennessee and brings a strong foundation of clinical experience to her work with adolescents. Prior to joining Embrace U, Olivia served as a Level Three Therapist at Omni Family of Services, supporting youth and families through complex therapeutic needs.
Olivia is passionate about working with adolescents because she believes young people deserve autonomy, choice, and a safe space to express themselves freely. She is deeply committed to building a culture where kids feel empowered, heard, and supported as they navigate challenges and discover their strengths. One of the most powerful lessons she’s learned in this work is that showing up with authenticity—and owning your mistakes—can make a lasting impact.
She hopes every adolescent knows that there is no “normal” when it comes to mental health—and that speaking up is one of the bravest, most powerful things a person can do. If she could give her younger self advice, she’d share her favorite Maya Angelou quote: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”


Amanda Pinckert, LM
Education: Master of Social Work through UT Knoxville, Certified in TF-CBT
Previous work experience: I’ve been providing trauma-informed therapy in the Knoxville area for over four years, supporting individuals— including those experiencing PTSD— across a variety of settings, such as health clinics, schools, a sexual assault center, and within the foster care system.
Why did you choose to work with adolescents?
I’m passionate about creating a safe, supportive space for healing and growth for both children and families. I believe meaningful change happens when a child’s entire support system is involved, which is why I’m dedicated to providing both individual and family therapy services at EmbraceU.
What is something you’ve learned from your work with adolescents that has been your takeaway?
Working with children has taught me the power of presence—the idea that you are what you do, not what you say you'll do. Children learn by observing, and all adults in their lives serve as role models. That’s why it’s essential for me to actively practice the same skills and tools we’re encouraging our children to develop through this program.
Did you play sports or participate in any activities when you were younger?
Growing up, I loved playing volleyball and spending time outdoors—whether it was riding my bike around the neighborhood or going hiking and camping with my family.
What is one thing you wish adolescents understood about mental health?
Within this program, my hope is that our kids learn that talking about mental health isn’t something to avoid or be afraid of anymore. The more we push it down, the harder it becomes to manage. As the saying goes, ‘We can’t fix it if we never face it.”
If you could give your younger self a word of advice, what would it be?
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: We are all here for a purpose. Enjoy the journey of discovering who you are and where you fit in the world. You don’t need to rush it.
What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors with my two dogs at the park. I enjoy grabbing matcha and pastry from a local coffee shop, reading, and playing video games with my husband. I also cherish time with friends—whether it’s swimming together or playing board games.


Courtney Steinorth, LPC-Temp
Education: Missouri State University, Master of Science Clinical Psychology, DBT-informed, and TF-CBT pre-certification
Previous work experience: Clinical therapist with foster care agency, Omni Visions in Knoxville, TN. In this role, I provided individual and family therapy for my clients that were all involved with the foster care system. Prior graduate assistant at the Learning Diagnostic Clinic in Springfield, MO, where I did clinical diagnostic evaluations and assessments. Previous clinical therapist intern at the Greene County Jail in Springfield, MO. I worked individually with inmates and provided group therapies.
Why did you choose to work with adolescents?
I think the earlier that people can receive empirically sound treatment and help, the better their outcomes are later in life. I enjoy working with adolescents as they can begin to understand the depths of treatment and really apply it to their interpersonal relationships and internal mental health systems.
What is something you’ve learned from your work with adolescents that has been your takeaway?
Adolescents and children are extremely resilient and eager to learn. There is so much importance to provide them with quality services that they can take with them for the rest of their lives. Additionally, adolescents remind me to always stay curious and to try something new.
Did you play sports or participate in any activities when you were younger?
I played soccer for almost 13 years and have done equestrian since I was seven years old.
What is one thing you wish adolescents understood about mental health?
Our brains are highly malleable and trainable, so if they’re willing to put in the work and seek help, they have the power to grow and change for the better.
If you could give your younger self a word of advice, what would it be?
“Don’t be afraid to try and fail. Failure is just as important as success.”
What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
Ride horses, go swimming, and try out new places to eat!


Wendy Cano
Education:
Associates degree, Community Health Worker
Previous work experience:
Neuropsychology Referral Coordinator at Trinity Health in Grand Rapids, MI
Community Health Worker at String Beginnigns in Grand Rapids, MI
Child Support Navigator at Family Futures in Grand Rapids, MI
Why did you choose to work with adolescents?
I chose to work with adolescents for the connection and impactful mentorship. We get to see a different youthful perspective, and it's a reminder of how fun life really is.
What is something you’ve learned from your work with adolescents that has been your takeaway?
Words really do matter, so planting seeds with positivity and love can make the biggest difference.
Did you play sports or participate in any activities when you were younger?
Tae Kwon Do - First degree black belt
What is one thing you wish adolescents understood about mental health?
There are people who will listen and hear them. We can have friends who are both safe and who really care.
If you could give your younger self a word of advice, what would it be?
Do not compare yourself to anyone. Comparison is the thief of joy.
You are not defined by your past trauma, but rather by the actions, choices, and healing journey you pursue today.
What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
I love being outside and getting as much sun as possible. I like doing photography and spending time with family and pets

Contact Us
You don’t have to go through this alone.
Every journey to healing starts with a conversation. If your teen is struggling, our care team is here to listen and guide you toward the right support. Fill out our contact form today and take the first step toward hope and healing with Embrace U.
