Pauline B. McLemore, M.S., Ed.S. in Chattanooga: Individual Counseling with a Trauma-Informed Focus
Pauline B. McLemore holds credentials as a Master's degree holder and Educational Specialist in counseling and operates a private practice offering individual therapy to adults in the Chattanooga area, with clinical work centered on trauma-informed care and life transitions.
What the practice offers
McLemore provides individual counseling sessions conducted in a private office setting. The practice specializes in helping adults navigate trauma recovery, anxiety, depression, and major life changes. Sessions are structured as hour-long appointments. This is a one-person practice rather than a multi-clinician clinic, which means continuity with a single therapist throughout care.
Pricing and how it compares locally
Private-practice therapists in Chattanooga typically charge between $75 and $150 per session for out-of-pocket rates, though this varies by credentials and focus area. Therapists affiliated with larger medical systems or community mental health centers often cost less ($40 to $80 per session on a sliding scale) but may have longer waitlists. If your insurance covers mental health care, verify in-network status and your copay before scheduling; many insurers require a referral from your primary-care physician. McLemore's specific fee structure should be confirmed directly, as private practitioners' rates change and are sometimes negotiable based on financial circumstances.
Chattanooga's community mental health options include the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Mental Health Center, which operates a sliding-scale fee system and accepts uninsured patients, but wait times for new clients often exceed six weeks. Private practitioners like McLemore typically have shorter wait times (two to four weeks) and offer flexible scheduling but require direct payment unless insurance is verified. Choose a community health center if cost is your primary concern and you can wait; choose a private therapist if you need faster access or have specific therapeutic preferences.
Who this practice suits and does not suit
McLemore's trauma-informed approach works well for clients with histories of abuse, PTSD, grief, or other significant adversity, as well as adults managing life transitions (job loss, relocation, relationship changes). The Educational Specialist credential indicates additional training in developmental and systemic aspects of mental health. This is appropriate for adults seeking ongoing individual therapy with one consistent provider.
The practice does not offer couples counseling, family therapy, child/adolescent services, or psychiatric medication management. If you need medication evaluation, ask your primary-care doctor for a psychiatrist referral; if you need couples work, contact a therapist who lists couples or family therapy on their practice profile.
What your first session typically involves
Most therapists, including private practitioners, conduct an initial intake appointment lasting 50 to 60 minutes and costing the standard session fee. Expect questions about your presenting concern, mental health history, medications, substance use, family background, and any previous therapy. You will discuss goals for treatment and the therapist's approach. A trauma-informed practitioner will ask about past trauma and explain how the therapeutic relationship itself is structured to rebuild safety and trust. Bring your insurance card if applicable. Follow-up sessions typically run the same length and are scheduled weekly or biweekly based on your preference and clinical need.
Hours, location, and logistics
Specific office hours, location within Chattanooga, and parking details for McLemore's practice should be confirmed by calling or emailing; these details are best verified directly with the provider rather than from a directory, as private practitioners sometimes adjust hours seasonally or by appointment availability. Most private practices in Chattanooga are located in commercial office parks or downtown professional buildings with street or lot parking included.
Pauline B. McLemore's independent practice represents a middle option in Chattanooga's mental health landscape: smaller and more nimble than a hospital-based system, more affordable than some private specialists, and deeper in trauma expertise than a general primary-care counselor. For adults with a specific history and the ability to pay out-of-pocket or navigate insurance, direct contact with her office is the necessary next step.
