Chris Lee Atkins, Christopher Atkins, LCSW, BCD

Preferred Name: Christopher

About Me

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Army Behavioral Health Officer with two Iraq combat tours, and EMDR-trained therapist, I specialize in trauma recovery for veterans, first responders, and high-stress professionals. My approach integrates EMDR with performance psychology and the delivery of experiential corporate resiliency training to create rapid, lasting change. I bring over twenty years of experience in trauma treatment, military mental health, and organizational resilience. I am available for virtual and in-person EMDR therapy and corporate training.

Education & Experience

PhD Candidate, ABD – University of Tennessee Master of Social Work (Trauma & Human Performance) – University of Michigan EMDR Trained Therapist – EMDR Consulting Certified CX Professional (Customer Experience Strategy) – Forrester Clinical & Military Experience: Army Lieutenant Colonel & Behavioral Health Officer – Chief of Behavioral Health, TN National Guard Trauma & Resilience Specialist – Over 20 years of experience treating veterans, first responders, & high-stress professionals. Employee Experience Strategist and Corporate Trainer– U.S. Department of State & Veterans Affairs MSW Adjunct Professor, University of Southern California – Virtual clinical training in trauma-informed, evidence-based therapies

Professional & Volunteer Affiliations

EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) – Certified EMDR Therapist American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work – Board-Certified Diplomate (BCD) National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) – Active Member American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) – Member, Healthcare Consultants Forum International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) – Certified in Critical Incident Stress Management U.S. Army Behavioral Health Officer & Chief of Behavioral Health – Tennessee National Guard Veteran & First Responder Mental Health Advocate – Volunteer Consultation & Peer Support

Specialty Area

  • Abuse/Neglect
  • ADD/ADHD/Disruptive Behavior Disorders
  • Addictions
  • Alcohol/Substance Abuse
  • Anger Management
  • Anxiety/Panic Attacks
  • Attachment Disorders
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Chronic Illness/Medical Issues
  • Chronic Pain
  • Depression
  • Domestic Violence
  • Eating Disorders
  • Family Issues
  • Gender Identity
  • Grief/Loss/Mourning
  • Marriage/Relationship Issues
  • Mood Disorders
  • Motor Vehicle Accidents
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
  • Performance Enhancement
  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Race, Culture, Ethnicity Issues
  • Self-Harm
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Somatic Issues
  • Stress Management
  • Suicide Risk
  • Traumatic Incident

Population Served

  • Adolescents (13-17)
  • Adults
  • BIPOC
  • Children (4-12)
  • Community Mental Health Center
  • Correctional Facility
  • Couples
  • Expats
  • Families
  • First Responders
  • Group
  • Immigrants
  • LGBTQ+
  • Residential Treatment Facility
  • Seniors
  • Underserved
  • Veteran Center
  • Veterans/Military

Insurance

  • Aetna
  • BlueCross BlueShield
  • Cigna
  • Humana
  • Magellan Health
  • Sliding Scale
  • TRICARE
  • UnitedHealth