We welcome internship and job applications year-round, and have relationships already established with University of Memphis, University of Tennessee, MTSU, Austin Peay State University, and the University of Kentucky. We are able to take on interns from other counseling programs as well.
Please submit resumés and inquiries to laura@opendoorcounselingtn.com.

Our Clinicians

  • Laura Grafham Knapp, LPC-MHSP

    Clinical Director
    Licensed Professional Counselor, MHSP

    (she/her/hers)
    laura@opendoorcounselingtn.com
    (629) 201-2710
    in-person and telehealth

    I am constantly amazed at the resilience of the human spirit, despite all we encounter throughout life. My hope—and Open Door’s hope—is to provide you with support and a therapeutic relationship within sessions that helps you better understand yourself and your relationships outside of therapy. When we get stuck, sometimes we need someone or a community of someones to throw us a life raft.

    Some modalities and methods I use: Psychodynamic, gestalt, CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems theory and feminist theory. I am trauma-informed in my practice of the theories and techniques I use.

    All faiths, sexual orientations, gender identities, all races and abilities are welcome in our offices. I personally identify as a queer, bisexual, cisgender provider, a parent, a spouse, a person with ADHD, and someone in recovery. I’ve been working with the LGBTQIA2S+ community since 2018, and since then have received additional training in kink and polyamorous relationships, parenthood and pregnancy, anti-racism, ADHD and OCD diagnoses, and trauma. I’ve received over 30 hours of training on providing trauma-informed transgender and gender-affirming healthcare.

    In my off hours I’m hiking the hills of Middle Tennessee with my kid, listening to 90s rap or old country, drawing and painting, or watching the newest horror movie in theaters.

    Laura takes BCBS commercial plans, BCBS Blue Advantage (Medicare), Optum, Oscar, United, Aetna, Cigna, HSA savings, and private pay.

  • Sierra Tuck, LMSW

    Internship Coordinator, Licensed MSW
    (she/her/hers)
    sierra@opendoorcounselingtn.com
    (629) 258-8822
    telehealth only

    Life a “bit too much” lately? Feeling overwhelmed? Alone? Existing in unprecedented times can make it feel like mental health has to be on the backburner, but I believe in prioritizing joy, happiness, and rest to endure what feels impossible. Using evidence-based, trauma informed practices, I work with clients to find their true self and slowly strip away external stressors so that they are prepared to take on life in full force. I enjoy helping solo clients, as well as any type of partner arrangement, in navigating difficult conversations and establishing healthy boundaries.

    I am a queer, secular MSW working within an LGBTQ+ friendly practice both in person and virtually. In addition to generalized and social anxiety, I focus on working with clients with depression, gender and non-binary transitions, church trauma, climate anxiety, overthinking, the coming out process, overcoming white fragility, and internalized fatphobia. Kink and poly friendly, sex work positive and full of love for all. It is normal for the traditional formal therapy process to feel a bit intimidating, but my sessions are tailored to each individual so you leave feeling empowered and with the skills you need to take on your life. Being in Nashville for over ten years with my partner and our four cats, I understand the role that just existing in the South plays in my client’s lives. When not in the office I love to travel, bake, read and nap!

    Sierra takes Aetna, Cigna, HSA savings, and private pay, and works with Thrizer to make using insurance benefits easier for her clients.

  • Nikki Alonso-Scott, LPC-MHSP (temp)

    Licensed Professional Counselor, MHSP(t)
    (she/her/hers)
    nikki@opendoorcounselingtn.com
    (615) 509-9867
    in-person and telehealth

    “I am who I am connected to. I am because we are.” This is what is called Kapwa and within the Filipino culture it means that inclusiveness is the moral obligation to treat one another equally. This is how I approach therapy with all my clients.

    I believe the path we walk often has been carved for us through culture and generations of trauma that have been passed down to us. I also believe that we can break patterns and create new paths for ourselves and those who follow after. When we can find the roots to who we are we find new levels of vulnerability and authenticity. We can take on what is ours, and let go of what is not. Let’s walk that together. Methods I use are Psychodynamic Therapy, Brainspotting, Narrative Therapy, Imago Therapy, and Relational Cultural Therapy.

    I previously served on the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention board and council for over seven years and currently serve as Board President for Pillar-Peer. I have twelve years of experience in integrative medicine and a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts/Graphic Design. My background is diverse, and that has allowed me to view my clients through various lenses and meet them where healing feels safest. 

    In my free time I enjoy hiking, yoga, paddleboarding, traveling, and time with my dogs and family.

    Nikki accepts individual and couples 18+, specializes in complex trauma, suicide loss, grief, attachment trauma, and BIPOC/AANHPI cultural issues. Nikki takes private pay, HSA, Aetna and Cigna.

  • Brian Ker, LMSW

    Licensed Masters of Social Work
    (he/him/his)
    brian@opendoorcounselingtn.com
    (615)265-1009
    in-person and telehealth

    You don’t have to try so hard to be good. You are not your old patterns. My goal is to help you uncover and release the beliefs that keep you from recognizing your innate goodness. I love working with people who want to feel rather than react, those seeking to make a friend of their mind and break free from habitual cycles of thought, emotion, and behavior. This is your time to feel what longs to be felt. Together, we’ll explore how to find balance on the path you’re already walking—because freedom isn’t waiting somewhere else. It’s right here.

    With an extensive background working with clients struggling with substance use, depression, anxiety, grief, self-esteem, process addiction, and trauma, I bring a wide variety of experiences to my therapeutic practice. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Brainspotting, both of which help clients process and heal traumatic experiences. My therapeutic approach is informed by mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy, internal family systems therapy, and the liberation health model. Furthermore, I have practiced in residential and inpatient levels of care, alongside volunteer experience in hospice settings, offering compassionate support to individuals navigating the end-of-life process.

    Beyond my clinical work, I strive to effectively advocate for social change by collaborating with communities and organizations to address legislative and policy issues. I understand that everyone is affected by societal stressors, and working towards more equitable social policy is a vital part of increasing the well-being of everyone. I am a father and happily in love with my wife. In my spare time, I enjoy playing video games with my friends, reading science fiction, and practicing mixed martial arts.

    Brian takes Aetna, Cigna, HSA savings, and private pay.

  • Miriam Allred, MSW

    Masters of Social Work
    (she/her/hers)
    miriam@opendoorcounselingtn.com
    (615) 696-9532
    in-person and telehealth

    I am thrilled to be working with Open Door as the values it is set upon are important to me. Being a human is not easy and my therapeutic approach is to provide a safe and affirming space to explore and accept your true self.

    In my learning practice, I specialize in trauma-informed therapy and am trained in EMDR by the Personal Transformation Institute. My practice also draws on the rich insights and techniques of somatic experiencing, Gestalt, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems, and person-centered methodologies.

    I am passionate about the transformative process of self-discovery and acceptance.

    I believe that every person can heal and grow, and it is my honor and joy to support clients on this profound journey. My greatest gift as a human is curiosity. I approach each client with an open heart and a genuine interest in their unique story.

    Rates for 50-minute sessions with me range from $90-120. Rates for EMDR intensives range from $120-$300. Sliding scale is based on income and ability to pay.

    In my off time I enjoy crafting, painting, reading, and traveling (especially road trips).

    Miriam takes HSA savings and private pay.

  • Brittany Dunlap, MSW intern

    Masters of Social Work Intern
    (she/her/hers)
    brittany@opendoorcounselingtn.com
    (615)933-6694
    in-person only

    I am a Masters of Social Work intern in clinical training committed to helping individuals and families navigate life's challenges. With a strong foundation in evidence-based practice, case management, and a compassionate approach, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their emotions, find ways to cope, and achieve their goals.

    I am particularly passionate about honing my expertise in supporting the LGBTQ+ community and addressing the unique mental health needs of individuals navigating all aspects of mental health. From perinatal and postpartum challenges, life changes, stress, and navigating disability issues, I aim to provide affirming and inclusive care that empowers clients to thrive in their personal and family journeys. My goal is to build therapeutic relationships grounded in understanding, equity, and advocacy for underserved populations. Through my work, I am dedicated to fostering connection and growth for every client I serve.

    Brittany takes HSA savings and private pay at session rates from $5 to $60 based on income.

  • Frances Fitzgerald, MSW intern

    Frances will be joining us mid-May 2025!