About Ballast Behavioral Health Group

The Practice & Its People

Opening September 15, 2026 · Accepting consultations now

Our Philosophy

This work is not only about reducing symptoms.

We draw on psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, third-wave, and existential approaches, not eclectically, but as a depth of resources brought to bear on each person's specific situation.

We believe psychological work should:
01Clarify rather than simplify
02Strengthen rather than merely stabilize
03Respect complexity
04Honor the whole person, including vocation, meaning, and values when they're relevant
It is about understanding how people are shaped, by their history, their relationships, and the responsibilities they carry.
Clinicians

Our Clinicians

Dr. Chris Ferrand
Founding Partner & Clinical Psychologist · Director of Psychotherapy Services

Dr. Chris Ferrand

Adults and adolescents. Active, skills-focused individual therapy grounded primarily in ACT and informed by other evidence-based therapies as needed. Works with anxiety, panic, phobias, depression, trauma, grief and loss, health-related distress, and substance use concerns. Extensive experience in medical settings and leadership roles, with particular focus on helping healthcare professionals and other helpers.

DegreesPsy.D.
CredentialLicensed Psychologist, HSP
LocationMemphis, TN
TelehealthTennessee and other authorized jurisdictions
Individual Therapy · Adults & Adolescents
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Dr. Jesse Malott
Founding Partner & Clinical Psychologist · Director of Leadership & Organizational Services

Dr. Jesse Malott

Adults, adolescents, couples, and families for therapy, all ages for assessment. Integrative work drawing from relational psychodynamic, narrative, and existential traditions. Particular experience with healthcare, leadership, moral injury, trauma, grief, diagnostic clarity, anxiety and phobias, marriage concerns, sexuality, performance psychology, ADHD, sleep, and ministry settings. Extensive experience in medical and leadership settings.

DegreesPsy.D. · M.Div.
CredentialLicensed Psychologist (TN #3381)
LocationMemphis, TN
TelehealthTennessee
Therapy (Adults · Adolescents · Couples · Families) · Assessment (All Ages)
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Dr. Tara Samples
Founding Partner & Clinical Psychologist · Director of Assessment Services

Dr. Tara Samples

Children, adolescents, and adults. Therapy and assessment informed by compassion-focused CBT and Schema Therapy, with particular experience in trauma, adoption and foster care, attachment, special needs, and diagnostic clarity for ADHD, autism, and learning differences. Extensive experience in medical, educational, and family-serving settings, including leadership roles.

DegreesPhD
CredentialLicensed Psychologist
LocationMemphis, TN
TelehealthTennessee and other authorized jurisdictions
Individual Therapy (All Ages) · Assessment (All Ages)
Read Full Bio →

Ready to begin?

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