Kim Padula, LCSW

Licensed in Tennessee · 26 years in practice

Kim Padula is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, and major life changes.

License and registration

LCSW, Tennessee: 3352 · expires August 2026
NPI: 1467415018 · national provider identifier
Years in practice: 26
Languages: English

Details are as listed on the therapist's public professional profile. You can check any license with the state board and any NPI with the national registry.

About Kim

Kim Padula is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, and major life changes. She brings a calm, practical approach and focuses on clear goals. Her style centers on recognizing strengths and building choices about how to respond to life’s demands.

With 26 years of practice, Kim draws on a mix of well-known therapeutic methods to shape sessions that fit each person. Early meetings focus on personal history and relationships that have shaped current difficulties.

Background and approach

She and the client set concrete objectives and review progress over time. Sessions aim to move beyond understanding toward action. Expect straightforward conversation, skill-building, and steps you can try between appointments.

The process is collaborative - she frames therapy as a team effort where both people contribute ideas and adjustments. Kim trained in psychology as an undergraduate at Vanderbilt University and completed a master’s degree in clinical social work. That background guides a practical, strengths-focused stance.

She emphasizes accountability, perspective, and steady progress rather than quick fixes. People who work with her find a combination of empathy and clear direction. She adapts methods to fit concerns like mood disorders, panic, relationship struggles, caregiver stress, career questions, and compassion fatigue.

The focus is on small, sustainable changes that lead to better day-to-day functioning.

Focus areas and approaches

Everything Kim lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.

Stress, Anxiety
Addictions
Bipolar disorder
Depression
Coping with life changes
LGBT
Relationship issues
Family conflicts
Grief
Anger management
Self esteem
Career difficulties
Coaching
Compassion fatigue
Aging and geriatric issues
Caregiver issues and stress
Co-morbidity
Codependency
Communication problems
Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
Divorce and separation
Drug and alcohol addiction
Family of origin issues
First responder issues
Forgiveness
Life purpose
Midlife crisis
Mood disorders
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Prejudice and discrimination
Self-love
Social anxiety and phobia
Women's issues
Workplace issues

Approaches Kim names

Naming an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist lists and does not check training records.

Online support

Approaches that guide online sessions

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and responding to each person’s needs so they feel understood and supported; it helps when someone needs space to make sense of feelings and options. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at thoughts and behaviors together and helps people develop practical skills to reduce anxiety, manage mood, or change unhelpful patterns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, teaches skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication, which can be useful for mood instability and intense reactions.

Choosing the best approach is part of the work. The therapist will review your history and current goals and then suggest methods that fit those priorities. This is collaborative - adjustments are made over time based on what helps you make progress and feel more capable.

Online therapy with Kim uses video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to offer flexibility. Video calls let you see facial cues and use typical session structure. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when a shorter check-in fits your schedule. Live chat and text-based messaging make it possible to get brief, timely support or to communicate in writing between longer sessions. These options help people fit therapy into busy or changing lives while working with a licensed professional.

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Questions people ask

What kinds of concerns does Kim help with?

She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addictions, grief, anger, and life changes among other issues.

How would you describe her therapy style?

Her style is collaborative and strengths-focused, combining conversation with concrete skill-building and actionable goals.

What is her professional background?

She studied psychology at Vanderbilt University and earned a master’s degree in clinical social work, with 26 years of clinical practice since 1995.

Where is Kim licensed and based?

She is a Tennessee LCSW and practices from Tennessee.

Which languages are offered and are international clients accepted?

Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.

What session formats are available?

She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different needs.

How does cost and billing work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I start working with her?

Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

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