Elizabeth M. Capecchi, Ph.D. in Chattanooga: Individual Psychotherapy for Adults
Elizabeth M. Capecchi is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Chattanooga offering individual psychotherapy to adults. She holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and operates an independent practice independent of hospital or clinic systems, making her a direct-access provider who does not require a physician referral.
What individual psychotherapy with Dr. Capecchi actually is
Individual psychotherapy, as practiced by Dr. Capecchi, is one-on-one talk therapy where an adult client meets with a licensed clinical psychologist to address emotional, behavioral, or psychological concerns. As a Ph.D. psychologist, Capecchi holds the same doctoral-level credential and prescriptive authority in psychology as Psy.D. holders; the primary difference is emphasis on research training. She works with adults on conditions including anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship patterns, trauma processing, and self-directed personal growth. Because she operates in private practice rather than through a hospital department or community mental health center, clients contact her directly for appointments; there is no waiting list through a system triage.
Services, session frequency, and fees
Dr. Capecchi offers 50-minute weekly or biweekly sessions. Standard private-practice psychology sessions in Chattanooga range from $120 to $180 per session at therapists without academic or administrative overhead; confirm the current fee directly with her office, as rates may shift annually. She accepts most major insurance plans when clients choose to bill through their policy; many clients also pay out-of-pocket to protect privacy and avoid insurance records. Insurance copays typically range from $0 to $50 per visit depending on your plan and deductible status. She does not offer crisis stabilization or psychiatric medication management; those services require a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner.
How Dr. Capecchi compares to other individual therapy options in Chattanooga
Chattanooga offers psychotherapy through multiple routes: community mental health centers (Chambliss Center for Children and Families, Helen Ross McNabb Center), hospital-affiliated clinics (Erlanger Behavioral Health, Parkridge Medical Center psychiatry department), and private practitioners. Community centers typically charge on a sliding scale ($15 to $50 per session) and serve uninsured or low-income clients; wait times often run 4 to 12 weeks. Hospital clinics offer integrated care and same-building access to psychiatry if medication is needed, but appointment availability depends on system demand. Private psychologists like Capecchi offer flexibility in scheduling, a single ongoing relationship without provider turnover, and no institutional red tape, but require out-of-pocket funds or active insurance billing and do not coordinate with prescribers in-office. Choose Capecchi if you prefer continuity with one therapist, have insurance or can afford private rates, and do not need medication management. Choose a community center if cost is the primary barrier. Choose a hospital clinic if you need both therapy and psychiatric care in one location.
Who this practice suits and does not suit
Dr. Capecchi suits adults who have specific therapy goals (managing anxiety, resolving past trauma, building relationship skills), prefer a consistent long-term relationship with one clinician, have health insurance or disposable income for private pay, and do not require psychiatric medication. She does not serve minors, families, couples, or individuals in acute psychiatric crisis; she also does not prescribe or manage medications. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, or severe acute distress, go to Erlanger's Emergency Department or call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline).
What your first session involves
Your first appointment will include intake: Dr. Capecchi will ask about your reason for seeking therapy, relevant personal and family history, current stressors, past mental health treatment, and baseline symptoms. Bring your insurance card if you plan to bill through insurance. The session is confidential under standard HIPAA rules; the only exceptions are imminent risk of harm to yourself or others and suspected child abuse. Establish together what your goals are and what frequency works (weekly is standard; some clients do biweekly maintenance after initial work). If Dr. Capecchi determines that your needs fall outside her scope (e.g., you need medication management or substance-use treatment), she will refer you to an appropriate provider; private practitioners often maintain referral lists to psychiatry, addiction medicine, and other specialties.
Hours, location, and logistics
Dr. Capecchi operates by appointment only; verify current hours and location by contacting her office directly, as private practices sometimes adjust scheduling seasonally or by demand. Parking depends on office location; most private Chattanooga psychology offices are in standalone or small medical buildings with free surface lots. No walk-in appointments are available; schedule at least 3 to 7 days in advance.
Dr. Capecchi fills a core niche in Chattanooga's mental health landscape for adults who value consistency, privacy, and autonomous access to psychological care without system gatekeeping.
