Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet we often neglect it. Emily Runyan, founder and CEO of Tennessee Mental Wellness, has made it her mission to make mental health care more approachable and accessible for the Gallatin community. Her therapy center, originally starting as a solo practice in 2017, has grown into a thriving group practice where clients and therapists alike experience care, connection, and growth.
A Vision for Mental Wellness in Gallatin
When Emily decided to expand her solo practice, she rebranded it to reflect her deep passion for Tennessee and the mental wellness of its residents. She wanted to create a “win-win-win” — providing excellent care for her clients, offering therapists a place to grow professionally, and supporting the Gallatin community. The result? A therapy center where healing happens both inside and outside the therapy room.
A Cozy, Nurturing Environment
The therapy center, housed in a charming blue building in the heart of Gallatin, offers clients more than just therapy. It’s a sanctuary. The goal is to make people feel at home, like they’ve just walked into a warm, cozy space that’s supportive and safe. Emily didn’t want a medical, sterile environment — instead, she created a place that feels nurturing and inviting, from the comfy offices to the free coffee, snacks, and lending library stocked with self-help books.
Empowering Therapists to Thrive
Emily’s commitment to her team is just as strong as her commitment to her clients. She believes that empowered therapists are the key to a successful practice. Offering flexibility in schedules and opportunities to grow professionally, Emily ensures her therapists have the tools and resources they need to thrive. Whether it’s creating group therapy or building online courses, Emily supports her team in making their career goals a reality.
A Strong Foundation in Trauma-Informed Therapy
All therapists at Tennessee Mental Wellness are trained in brain spotting, an evidence-based trauma therapy. This provides clients with consistent, high-quality care no matter their individual needs. Whether it’s trauma healing, relationship counseling, or managing stress, this foundation ensures that all clients receive the best possible treatment and have the tools they need to heal.
Serving the Community Beyond Therapy
Emily’s work isn’t just confined to the therapy room. As a member of the Sumner County Health Committee, she’s actively involved in mental and physical health initiatives. She offers free weekly stress reduction classes to any adult in the community, ensuring that mental wellness is accessible to everyone, even those who may not be able to afford traditional therapy.
Doing Good Work: A Core Value of Tennessee Mental Wellness
For Emily, doing good work is about more than just providing therapy — it’s about making a lasting impact on the community. Every day, Emily helps clients overcome trauma, strengthen relationships, and find clarity. It’s incredibly rewarding to see clients grow, not just in therapy, but as they move through life with a renewed sense of resilience and self-worth.
Helping People Get Unstuck
Many people come to Tennessee Mental Wellness feeling stuck — whether it’s in their personal life, career, or relationships. Emily knows that feeling stuck often stems from a lack of connection, either with ourselves or with others. Therapy provides a space to reconnect with ourselves, and from that foundation, clients can move forward in a more intentional and fulfilling way.
Marketing Magic: How a Strong Brand Helps Tennessee Mental Wellness Grow
When Emily was ready to take her practice to the next level, she turned to Good Circle Marketing for help. Through our “Good Project,” our interns worked together to create a new website and brand foundation, which helped Emily’s practice grow more than she could have imagined. The logo, featuring mountains and water, reflects the journey of healing that happens at Tennessee Mental Wellness, symbolizing both growth and transformation.
The Power of Collaboration and Community Support
Emily’s success story is a testament to the power of collaboration. From working with Good Circle Marketing to building referral relationships with other providers, Emily has tapped into the power of community to support her vision. Her practice wouldn’t be what it is today without the help of others, and that spirit of community continues to drive Tennessee Mental Wellness forward.
A Message from Emily: Reconnecting with Ourselves and Others
For Emily, the ultimate goal of therapy is connection — reconnecting clients with themselves and with the people they care about. The healing that happens at Tennessee Mental Wellness isn’t just about overcoming challenges; it’s about building meaningful connections and rediscovering a sense of self. It’s about empowering people to lead fulfilling, connected lives.
Call to Action: Begin Your Healing Journey Today
If you’re ready to take the first step toward mental wellness, Tennessee Mental Wellness is here to help. Whether you’re dealing with trauma, stress, or relationship issues, Emily and her team are committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care. Reach out today to learn more about how they can support your journey to healing.