Best OCD Therapists in Knoxville, TN (2026)

OLEE Index · Updated November 2026

We scored 6 providers in the Knoxville area who say they treat OCD, using only public evidence of real OCD expertise. These are the highest-ranked OCD therapists and specialists in Knoxville, from the providers we've verified so far.

6
OCD providers scored
1
score 80 or higher
3
offer telehealth
1
accepting new patients

Narrow it down

Telehealth (3)Accepting new patients (1)LGBTQ+ affirming (2)

Top 6 OCD specialists, ranked by OLEE score

Scores are out of 100 and based only on public evidence of OCD expertise: how clearly a provider describes exposure and response prevention (ERP), how central OCD is to their practice, specialized training and affiliations, and credentials. No one pays to be listed or ranked. How we score.

  1. #1

    Dr. Kiesa Kelly

    PhD · Knoxville, TN

    ScienceWorks Behavioral Healthcare

    87/ 100
    TelehealthAccepting new patientsLGBTQ+ affirming
    ✓Strong, specific evidence of ERP
    ✓OCD is a core focus of the practice
    ✓Specialized OCD training or affiliations

  2. #2

    Matthew Gumb

    MS, LPC · Knoxville, TN

    Private Practice

    68/ 100
    ✓Strong, specific evidence of ERP
    ✓OCD is a core focus of the practice

  3. #3

    Gail Gnade

    PhD · Knoxville, TN

    Private Practice

    68/ 100
    ✓Strong, specific evidence of ERP
    ✓OCD is a core focus of the practice

  4. #4

    Karen Swanay

    MS,LPC-MHSP,CAAP · Knoxville, TN

    66/ 100
    Telehealth
    ✓OCD is a core focus of the practice
    ✓Listed in the IOCDF directory

  5. #5

    Sara Darby

    LPC, MHSP · Knoxville, TN

    Private Practice

    60/ 100

  6. #6

    Erin Reid

    PhD · Knoxville, TN

    50/ 100
    TelehealthLGBTQ+ affirming
    ✓Listed in the IOCDF directory
See all 6 with filters →

More OCD therapists in Tennessee

Nashville34Franklin19All of Tennessee82

Find a specific kind of OCD help in Tennessee

Telehealth (online therapy)44Accepting new patients30LGBTQ+ affirming35

Find the right specialist

How to find a qualified OCD specialist on OLEE

Most therapists who list OCD were never trained in the treatment that works. Here’s how to find one who was.

  1. Search your state, sorted by score

    Open OLEE search, choose your state and sort by score. We scored more than 5,000 OCD providers on publicly verifiable evidence of OCD expertise. No one pays to be listed or ranked.

  2. Narrow it to what you need

    Filter for telehealth, your insurance, accepting new patients or Spanish-speaking providers.

  3. Check “What we verified” on each profile

    Every profile shows the evidence behind the score. Look for: A clear description of how they use exposure and response prevention (ERP); specialized OCD training such as the IOCDF’s Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI); and an International OCD Foundation listing.

  4. Ask before you book

    “Do you use exposure and response prevention, and where were you trained in it?” and “How many of your current clients have OCD?” A real specialist answers clearly and specifically.
Search OCD specialists

FAQ

Who are the best OCD therapists in Knoxville?

Based on the OLEE Index, the highest-scoring OCD specialists in Knoxville are Dr. Kiesa Kelly (87/100), Matthew Gumb (68/100) and Gail Gnade (68/100). Scores reflect publicly verifiable evidence of OCD expertise, including how clearly a provider uses exposure and response prevention (ERP), how central OCD is to their practice, and specialized training.

How many OCD specialists are there in Knoxville?

OLEE has scored 6 providers in Knoxville who list OCD as a focus. 1 of them score 80 or higher, meaning strong public evidence of OCD-specific training and ERP.

Can I see an OCD therapist in Knoxville by telehealth?

Yes. 3 of the providers we scored in Knoxville offer telehealth. A therapist generally needs to be licensed in the state where you are located during sessions, so look for one licensed in Tennessee, or one who participates in an interstate licensing compact that covers Tennessee.

What should I look for in an OCD therapist?

Look for someone who specifically uses exposure and response prevention (ERP), the first-line therapy for OCD, and for whom OCD is a large part of their caseload. Specialized training such as the IOCDF Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) is a strong signal. Ask how many of their current clients have OCD and how they handle mental compulsions and reassurance-seeking.

OLEE scores measure publicly verifiable signals of OCD expertise, not treatment outcomes. Always confirm licensure, availability and fit directly with a provider. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (US).