Gina DelGardo, PhD in Chattanooga: Clinical Psychologist Specializing in Adult Anxiety and Trauma

Gina DelGardo, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Chattanooga who specializes in evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders, PTSD, and related trauma using cognitive-behavioral and exposure-based therapies. She works independently, not as part of a larger medical center or hospital system, which means she maintains direct control over scheduling, session length, and clinical approach without institutional constraints.

What she actually does

DelGardo holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and is licensed to diagnose and treat mental health conditions using psychotherapy rather than medication management. She does not prescribe psychiatric medications; patients requiring pharmacological treatment work with a psychiatrist or primary care physician in parallel. Her focus on anxiety and trauma means she is not a general therapist treating all conditions equally, but rather offers intensive, protocol-driven care for clients whose primary concern falls within her specialization. This focused approach typically means shorter wait times for intake than general therapists experience and deeper expertise in the specific problem a client brings.

Services and typical costs

Individual therapy sessions with DelGardo run 50 to 55 minutes and cost between $125 and $150 per session, depending on the treatment protocol and frequency (verify current rates by calling her office). She uses evidence-based manuals, particularly Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders, which means treatment follows a structured timeline rather than open-ended talk therapy. Most clients working through acute anxiety or trauma can expect 12 to 20 sessions; extended treatment may run longer depending on symptom severity and life circumstances.

Insurance coverage varies significantly. DelGardo is out-of-network for most major plans in Tennessee, meaning clients pay her directly and then seek reimbursement from their insurer. Out-of-pocket costs are therefore higher than seeing an in-network therapist, but out-of-network status sometimes allows greater clinical flexibility and no insurance-mandated session limits. Before scheduling, contact your insurer to determine your out-of-network deductible and reimbursement percentage; an individual session at $140 may cost you $140 upfront plus a copay or percentage cost-share depending on your plan.

How she compares to other Chattanooga psychologists

Chattanooga has a limited number of psychologists (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in private practice specializing in trauma and anxiety relative to the broader therapist pool, which is mostly licensed counselors and marriage-and-family therapists (LMFT or LPC credentials). These counselor-level providers often charge $90 to $120 per session, accept more insurance plans, and offer shorter wait times. However, they typically do not have doctoral-level training in research-based treatment manuals or the same depth of specialized training in trauma. For clients with moderate to severe PTSD or complex anxiety, the trade-off between lower cost and broader insurance access versus deeper expertise in trauma-focused protocols is meaningful. Chattanooga Behavioral Health, a large group practice, employs psychologists alongside other mental health providers and has more insurance contracts but typically longer wait lists and less flexibility in scheduling intensity. If you have specific trauma history or treatment-resistant anxiety, DelGardo's specialization justifies the higher cost and out-of-network hassle. If you have mild-to-moderate anxiety and need quick insurance coverage, a counselor-level provider in a group setting may be more practical.

Who should work with her and who should not

DelGardo suits adults whose primary concern is anxiety disorders (panic, social anxiety, generalized anxiety) or a history of trauma or PTSD and who either have robust out-of-network insurance benefits or can pay out-of-pocket. She also works well for clients who value a single long-term therapist in a quiet, independent setting over a team-based clinic. She does not treat children or adolescents and does not prescribe medication, so someone needing psychiatric evaluation or medication adjustment must see a psychiatrist separately. She is not appropriate for individuals in acute crisis; if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to the nearest emergency department.

What a first session involves

Initial intake with DelGardo takes 60 to 75 minutes, during which she gathers a complete history of your anxiety or trauma symptoms, relevant life events, previous treatment, and current stressors. She administers standardized questionnaires (such as the PCL-5 for PTSD or the GAD-7 for anxiety) to measure baseline symptom severity, which helps track progress over time. She provides a clinical formulation explaining how your specific thoughts, behaviors, and avoidance patterns maintain your symptoms and describes the treatment protocol she recommends. This structure differs from a general-talk therapy intake, where the clinician may spend the first session building rapport without a specific treatment plan laid out. By session two, treatment typically begins using the manual-based approach appropriate to your diagnosis.

Hours, location, and logistics

DelGardo operates a solo practice in the downtown Chattanooga area (verify exact address and parking details with her office directly, as practice locations sometimes change). She holds appointments by phone, video, and in-person to accommodate clients with transportation constraints or scheduling inflexibility. Hours are typically Monday through Friday during business hours; weekend or evening slots are not standard. Her office does not have significant walk-in availability due to the structured intake and protocol-based work; all appointments are by prior booking, usually 1 to 3 weeks out depending on urgency and her current caseload. Confirm hours and scheduling practices directly, as she occasionally adjusts availability seasonally.

A psychologist with doctoral-level expertise in evidence-based trauma and anxiety treatment in a market saturated with general counselors fills a genuine gap in Chattanooga's mental health landscape, particularly for clients willing to navigate out-of-network insurance and prioritize clinical specialization over convenience.