SCIENCEWORKS
BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE
Edited and reviewed:
July 3, 2026
Reviewed by:
Complete Care for all Neurotypes
Therapy | Assessments | Coaching
ACT FOR CHRONIC ILLNESS
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Illness in Tennessee
Acceptance and commitment therapy for chronic illness with licensed Tennessee clinicians — psychological flexibility to live by what matters, by telehealth.
Fighting your illness is quietly wearing you down
IS ACT RIGHT FOR YOU?
A good fit if any of this sounds familiar
Values-guided ACT tailored to your illness and goals
Weekly telehealth sessions with a clinician trained in ACT
Acceptance and mindfulness skills you practice between sessions
Licensed Providers
Telehealth Nationwide*
Neuro-affirming
Private & Secure
HOW IT WORKS
What ACT is, and how it helps you live with illness
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based approach that helps you change your relationship with chronic illness rather than pouring your energy into fighting symptoms you can't fully control. With your therapist, you learn to make room for the fear, grief, and frustration illness brings without being ruled by them, and to unhook from thoughts like "my body has failed me" — a skill ACT calls psychological flexibility.
From there, the work turns outward: you reconnect with the people, roles, and goals illness has crowded out, and take doable steps toward a meaningful life even while symptoms come and go. At ScienceWorks we adapt ACT for neurodivergent clients, coordinate with your medical care, and draw on mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based strategies — structured, but never one-size-fits-all.
KEY STATISTICS ABOUT CHRONIC ILLNESS
3 in 4
U.S. adults live with at least one chronic condition
Source:
50%+
of adults have two or more chronic conditions
Source:
90%+
of adults age 65 and older have a chronic condition
Source:
WHAT TO EXPECT
Simple to start, steady and structured
1
Free 15-minute consult.
We learn what's going on and answer your questions — no pressure.
2
3
Values-guided ACT on a secure video platform, anywhere in Tennessee.
You're paired with a therapist trained in ACT for chronic illness.
Matched with an ACT clinician.
Weekly telehealth sessions.
Payment options
As a specialty practice, we're out-of-network so we can offer the most effective, customized services.
Our payment options are transparent and flexible:
-
Self-Pay: All major credit cards; FAS/HSA eligible
-
Payment Plans: 6-months interest-free for approved clients via CareCredit
-
Superbills Provided
-
Out-of-Network: Up to 90% reimbursement for qualifying plans
WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH
Specialized, supervised, clinically reviewed
Your ACT for chronic illness care is delivered by licensed Tennessee providers with specialized training in acceptance and commitment therapy and health psychology, including experience supporting neurodivergent adults. We match you with a clinician experienced in chronic illness — not a generalist.
Dr. Kiesa Kelly (she/her)
Owner & Psychologist
Ryan Burns (he/him)
Practice Director
WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE SCIENCEWORKS
Independent, evidence-based, affirming
Because we're independent and out-of-network, your care is driven by what actually helps — not by insurance limits or session caps.
You're matched with a clinician who uses ACT, an evidence-based approach for coping with chronic illness — not a generalist.
Care is compassionate and neurodivergent-affirming, delivered by secure telehealth across Tennessee from wherever you are.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common questions
Is ACT for chronic illness available online or in person?
ACT for chronic illness is available two ways: by secure telehealth to anyone located in Tennessee, or in person at our Nashville office at 2603 Elm Hill Pike, Suite C. Telehealth lets you attend from home on low-energy days; in-person is there if you're near Nashville and prefer it.
Does ACT mean I have to just accept being sick?
No. Acceptance in ACT means making room for the hard feelings that come with illness so they hold less power — not giving up or approving of being unwell. You keep pursuing what matters to you, building skills to live fully alongside symptoms you can't always control.
What does ACT for chronic illness cost, and do you take insurance?
We're an out-of-network, self-pay practice, so insurance session caps don't limit your care. We accept all major cards (FSA/HSA eligible), offer interest-free payment plans, and provide monthly superbills for possible out-of-network reimbursement. We review fees before any ongoing sessions.
*Therapy and assessments available in the following states (coaching available worldwide):
Work with us locally:
AL, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WV, WI, WY
2603 Elm Hill Pike, Suite C
Nashville, TN 37214
Disclaimer: This page provides general educational information and is not a substitute for mental health diagnosis or treatment. Reading this page does not create a therapist–client relationship with ScienceWorks Behavioral Healthcare. If you are in crisis or may be at risk of harm to yourself or others, call 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or call/text 988 (U.S.). Additional emergency support can be found here: Emergency Resources.