Caye David J Ms in Chattanooga: Individual Counseling for Adults and Adolescents
Caye David J Ms is a licensed mental health counselor in Chattanooga offering individual therapy for adults and adolescents, with a focus on talk-based treatment for anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship concerns.
What this counselor actually does
Ms. David practices as an independent counselor rather than through a larger clinic or hospital system, which means scheduling flexibility and continuity of care with the same provider across sessions. The practice accepts most major insurance plans and also offers self-pay rates, a common structure for solo practitioners in the Chattanooga area. Sessions are typically 50 minutes. Her license as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) requires a master's degree in counseling or psychology, 60 supervised clinical hours, and state board passage, standards that place her in the credentialed middle ground between a therapist with a master's degree and a psychiatrist who prescribes medication.
Services and what to expect for cost
Individual counseling sessions are the primary offering. Insurance copays vary by plan but typically range from $20 to $50 per session in Chattanooga, with out-of-pocket rates for uninsured patients generally $60 to $100 per session; confirm your specific copay with your insurance provider or directly with the practice. Most insurers in Chattanooga accept LPC-level providers, though coverage limits and authorization requirements differ. If medication management is needed, a separate psychiatric evaluation and prescriber would be required, as counselors do not prescribe.
How this compares to other Chattanooga counseling options
Chattanooga has three main pathways for adult counseling: independent practitioners like Ms. David, larger counseling groups or clinics, and community mental health centers. Large groups often have shorter wait times for first appointments (sometimes 1 to 2 weeks versus 3 to 4 weeks for solo practitioners) and may accept a wider range of insurance plans. Community mental health centers like the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Mental Health Association offer sliding-scale fees based on income, making them the lowest-cost option for uninsured or underinsured patients, though wait lists can extend 4 to 6 weeks. Independent practitioners like Ms. David typically offer more schedule flexibility, fewer restrictions on session length, and continuity with one provider but may have longer gaps between available appointment slots. Choose an independent counselor if you value ongoing rapport with the same person; choose a clinic or group if you need a fast first appointment or need flexibility to switch providers; choose a community mental health center if cost is the primary factor.
Who this practice suits and does not suit
Ms. David's practice works well for adults and adolescents with anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, or relationship concerns who are motivated to engage in talk therapy and have some flexibility with scheduling. It does not suit patients who need urgent crisis intervention (those should contact the Chattanooga Crisis Line at 423-265-8951 instead), those who require psychiatric medication as their primary treatment, or patients who need immediate same-week appointments. Self-insured and uninsured patients can access care here but will pay out-of-pocket, so this practice is better suited to those with disposable income or insurance coverage than to patients with severe financial constraints.
What the first visit involves
The first session typically includes a structured intake: basic background information, reason for seeking counseling, relevant medical and mental health history, current medications, and goals for therapy. Ms. David will explain her therapeutic approach, confidentiality limits (which include harm to self or others, child abuse, and elder abuse), and what to expect in ongoing sessions. This session usually takes 75 minutes to allow time for assessment and does not yet focus on active treatment. After the first visit, she may recommend a treatment plan and frequency (commonly weekly sessions, though some patients begin biweekly).
Hours, location, and logistics
Specific hours and parking details should be confirmed directly with the practice by phone or the counselor's listing on your insurance provider's website, as independent practitioners often adjust availability by season and caseload. Chattanooga's road grid is straightforward, and most neighborhoods are 10 to 20 minutes apart by car, so commute distance is less of a barrier than in larger cities; however, some practices reserve evening slots (after 5 p.m.) for working adults, so clarify timing when scheduling.
Ms. David's practice fits the most common counseling model in Chattanooga: licensed, private, insurance-accessible, and focused on long-term therapeutic relationship rather than quick intervention, making her a practical choice for employed adults and adolescents with health coverage.
