Katie Rhodes, PhD, LCSW in Chattanooga: Individual and Couples Therapy for Adults
Katie Rhodes is a licensed clinical social worker and doctor of philosophy offering individual psychotherapy, couples counseling, and trauma-informed care in Chattanooga. She practices as an independent clinician rather than as part of a larger group, which shapes both her availability and the depth of her therapeutic relationships.
What Katie Rhodes Actually Offers
Rhodes holds credentials as both a PhD and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), the latter regulated by the Tennessee Department of Health. The LCSW credential requires a master's degree in social work, supervised clinical experience, and passage of the ASWB (Association of Social Work Boards) clinical examination. A PhD signals additional doctoral-level training; in social work and clinical contexts, this typically reflects specialization in therapy, research, or organizational leadership. She works with adults on a range of presentations including anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, and trauma-related concerns. Her practice is small and independent, operating without institutional affiliation, which means she manages her own caseload without referral pressure or productivity quotas common in larger practices.
Services and Pricing
Rhodes offers individual psychotherapy and couples counseling. Specific session fees, length of treatment engagements, and whether she accepts insurance are details that require direct contact with her office, as these vary by practice model and may change. When calling or emailing to inquire, ask whether she is currently accepting new clients (independent practices sometimes close their intake due to caseload). If insurance coverage matters to you, confirm whether she participates in your plan or provides superbills that allow you to seek reimbursement directly from your insurer. Some therapists maintain sliding-scale fees for reduced-income clients; it is worth asking whether that is an option.
How Katie Rhodes Compares to Other Chattanooga Counselors and Therapists
Chattanooga has several types of mental health providers: therapists in large group practices (such as those affiliated with Parkridge Health System), independent practitioners, and community mental health agencies like the Chattanooga Area Regional Mental Health Center. Large group practices often have shorter wait times for appointments and may offer more therapist options, but they tend to have higher appointment volume and may rotate clients through multiple clinicians. Independent therapists like Rhodes typically offer continuity; you see the same person across all sessions. This matters most for trauma work and deeper therapeutic relationships but may mean a longer initial wait if her caseload is full. Community mental health agencies often charge based on income and may be the strongest option if cost is the primary barrier; they serve higher-volume, lower-income populations. Rhodes's independent practice sits in the middle: likely more available than a large group office but with longer initial waits than an agency, and with the intimacy of ongoing one-on-one care.
Who This Approach Suits and Who It Does Not
Rhodes is a good fit if you want ongoing continuity with one therapist, have flexibility in your schedule, and can manage out-of-pocket costs or insurance reimbursement. She is less ideal if you need same-week appointments, require low-cost or income-adjusted fees, or prefer to choose among multiple therapists within a practice. Couples seeking dedicated couples counseling (rather than individual therapy) should confirm that she maintains regular capacity for dyadic work.
What a First Appointment Involves
When you contact Rhodes to schedule, expect to discuss your reason for seeking therapy in outline form. Many therapists conduct a brief phone screening to confirm they are a good match and to describe their process. In the first session, plan for standard intake questions: mental health history, current medications, significant life events, and what you hope to get from therapy. She will also explain her approach, discuss confidentiality and its limits (including mandatory reporting for imminent danger), and establish session frequency and fee structure. Plan to spend 50 to 60 minutes in the room.
Hours, Location, and Logistics
Katie Rhodes practices in Chattanooga proper; her specific office location and parking arrangement require a direct call or email. Hours and appointment availability are managed through her own scheduling system, not a shared clinic portal. Confirm her current intake status and whether she offers evening or weekend sessions when you contact her office.
Why Katie Rhodes Matters in Chattanooga's Mental Health Landscape
An independent clinical social worker with doctoral training fills a gap between high-volume group practices and community agencies. Her model prioritizes therapeutic depth and continuity at a cost point below many larger psychiatric practices, making her a substantial option for adults seeking sustained, evidence-based counseling in Chattanooga.
