Carrie Bulkhak, LMSW

I received my undergraduate degree in Recreation Therapy and my Masters in Social Work from The University of Tennessee.  I started my career in behavioral health in 2014 as a Recreational Therapist and worked for several years in a residential psychiatric setting.  I began working for River Valley Health, formerly Cherokee Health System, in Knoxville in 2019 as a Peer Wellness Coach serving individuals navigating the complexities of co-occurring disorders.  During the pandemic, I moved to our Maynardville clinic to facilitate the Day Treatment program serving individuals with severe and persistent mental illness.  Upon completing my Masters in 2024, I accepted a position as a psychotherapist at our Alcoa office where I conduct individual and group therapy for various mental health conditions and populations.  My passion for the mind/body connection, supporting individuals’ recovery journeys, and social connection provides me perspective to meet people exactly where they are with a gentle and encouraging approach while fostering resilience.  I understand what it’s like to struggle with mental health challenges and that sometimes, even the simplest things feel like climbing a mountain.  While not at work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter and our friends and family, kayaking, gardening, traveling, eating food, and learning about anything/everything!