Licensed to practice in 2 states and accepts 49 insurances. Specializes in Family Conflict, Life Transitions, Women's Issues and 3 more.
Kayla McKissick
(she/her)
Clients say this provider is
About me
Healing is possible, even after experiences that made you question yourself. I am a licensed therapist with over 12 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate life transitions, relationship challenges, and the deep wounds of religious trauma and narcissistic abuse. I offer a supportive, nonjudgemental space where we can work together to identify goals, build on your strengths, set boundaries, and help you rebuild trust in yourself. My approach is rooted in evidence-based practices such as CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy that are always tailored to your unique needs and pace.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, my goal is to get to know you and understand what brings you to therapy. I'll ask questions about your history, current challenges, and what you are hoping to gain from our work together. I tend to do more listening than talking in this session, focusing on building a strong, trusting connection rather than jumping straight into problem solving. This helps me get a fuller picture of who you are so we can tailor our work to fit your unique needs and goals
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
One of my greatest strengths as a provider is creating a warm, open-minded, and nonjudgmental space where clients can feel truly heard and accepted. I welcome people from all backgrounds and lifestyles, and I value each client's unique identity and experiences. I am a strong listener who takes time to understand your story before offering guidance, and I aim to build trust through empathy, respect, and consistent support. Clients often share that they feel safe, seen and empowered in our work together.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am especially passionate about supporting teens, college students, LGBTQ+ individuals, mothers, and women navigating stress, identity concerns, and major life transitions. I also specialize in working with individuals healing from religious trauma and recovering from narcissistic relationships, whether involving a parent, partner, or another significant person in their life. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling emotionally exhausted, disconnected from themselves, or unsure how to move forward after difficult relationships or painful experiences. Whether you are facing academic or social pressures, parenting challenges, relationship struggles, identity questions, or the lasting impact of spiritual or psychological manipulation, I strive to create a safe, affirming space where you feel genuinely heard and understood. My compassionate, strengths-based approach is focused on helping you gain clarity, rebuild trust in yourself, strengthen boundaries, and move forward with greater confidence and resilience.
Specialties
Top specialties
Family Conflict
Life Transitions
Women's Issues
Other specialties
Fertility & Reproduction Issues
Parenting
Postpartum
Identifies as
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Licensed in
New York
Tennessee
Accepts
Aetna
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - Lucent Health
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Anthem
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Administrators
Anthem - Medicare
Blue Cross Blue Shield - Medicare
Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO
Independence Keystone 65 HMO
Arlo
AvMed
Cash - $140 per session
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
GTEB
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Humana - Medicare
Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
UnitedHealthcare Complete Care (C-SNP)
UnitedHealthcare Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify unhelpful thought patterns, develop healthier coping skills, can create meaningful, lasting change. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and practical. I believe that with the right tools and support, people can learn to manage anxiety, depression, stress, and other challenges more effectively. In sessions, I work closely with clients to set goals, challenge negative thinking, and build skills they can use in daily life. Whether you are looking to manage overwhelming emotions, improve relationships, or feel more confident in your decisions, I use CBT strategies tailored to your unique needs and pace.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I regularly use Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to help clients tap into their strengths, clarify their goals, and move forward with confidence. This approach is centered on what is working, rather than what is wrong. This helps the client identify practical steps towards meaningful change. In our work together, we will focus on your current resources and past successes to build solutions that fit your life. SFBT is especially effective for clients who are looking for short-term, goal oriented support and want to see progress quickly.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
In my 11 years of practice, Person-Centered Therapy has been at the heart of how I build strong, authentic relationships with clients. Rooted in the belief that each person has the capacity for growth and self-healing, this approach allows me to meet clients with genuine empathy and deep respect. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. Instead of directing the process, I walk alongside you, helping you reconnect with your inner strengths and move toward greater self-understanding. This approach is helpful for those seeking a deeper connection with themselves and a supportive, trusting therapeutic relationship.
2 ratings with written reviews
June 27, 2025
I have seen Kayla for the last three weeks. I know that it sounds like a short period but therapy has always felt like a chore , i now feel like i have a countdown for what ways in which I will grow. I feel so comfortable I can be honest (I know that’s the point but i’ve never been able to wear my heart as low on my sleeve for people to see) , this is because she is an amazing listener. Kayla, thank you. Not for just giving me a space to understand my thoughts but for me to heal.
Verified client, age 18-24
June 22, 2025
I love the idea of having a treatment plan. She was very considerate and asked insightful questions about my situation. She seemed to have a better grasp on my thoughts after one session than anyone I have worked with in the past.