A. David Solovey, PhD in Chattanooga: Clinical Psychology for Adults and Older Adults

A. David Solovey is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Chattanooga who specializes in working with adults and older adults. His practice operates independently, not as part of a hospital or larger medical group, which means patients work directly with him rather than cycling through resident clinicians or rotating providers. His focus on aging-related mental health concerns and life transitions makes him distinct in a market where many Chattanooga therapists concentrate on younger adults or families.

What he does

Solovey holds a PhD in clinical psychology and maintains an active license to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. His practice scope includes individual psychotherapy for adults across the lifespan, with particular clinical interest in issues common to older adults: depression and anxiety in aging populations, adjustment to life changes (retirement, relocation, loss), cognitive concerns, and family dynamics in later life. He does not prescribe medication; psychiatric referrals are made when pharmacological intervention is needed.

His practice is appointment-based, not walk-in. Sessions typically follow a weekly or twice-weekly cadence, depending on the patient's clinical presentation and goals. Initial appointments involve a detailed intake assessment covering psychiatric history, current symptoms, life circumstances, and treatment goals.

Insurance, out-of-pocket cost, and appointment lead times

Solovey accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, and Humana. The patient's out-of-pocket cost depends on the specific plan's copay structure and deductible status; this varies widely and should be confirmed with both the therapist's office and the insurance carrier before the first visit. Many practices in Chattanooga charge $100 to $180 per session on a self-pay basis; actual fees should be requested directly.

Appointment availability varies by season and current patient load. New-patient wait times in Chattanooga's mental health market typically range from two weeks to three months for established individual therapists; Solovey's specific wait time should be confirmed by phone or through his office website. Some therapists in the area advertise immediate or same-week availability, though this often indicates higher volume practices rather than lower demand.

How he compares to other Chattanooga psychologists

Chattanooga has a mix of independent practitioners and therapists embedded in larger health systems like Erlanger or CHI. Independent psychologists like Solovey offer continuity of care and direct relationships but typically have longer wait times than large group practices. Group clinics may offer faster scheduling and integrated medical records but patients see different providers across visits. Solovey's specific focus on older adults sets him apart from the larger volume of Chattanooga therapists who emphasize depression, anxiety, or trauma treatment without age-specific framing.

For patients seeking diagnosis and ongoing psychotherapy in a structured, private setting, an independent psychologist is appropriate. Those needing psychiatric medication management alongside therapy require a psychiatrist (a medical doctor who prescribes), not a psychologist; some Chattanooga medical groups offer integrated care teams combining both roles.

Who this suits and who it does not

Solovey's practice works well for older adults or adults in midlife navigating transitions, family stress, or emotional concerns who prefer a stable therapeutic relationship and can accommodate a weekly schedule over several months or longer. It suits patients who are insured, have reliable transportation to scheduled appointments, and are motivated to engage in talk therapy as their primary treatment modality.

This practice does not provide psychiatric medication management, crisis intervention, or hospitalization. Patients in acute psychiatric crisis should contact emergency services or visit an urgent care or hospital emergency department. Those primarily seeking medication management without ongoing therapy should consult a psychiatrist or primary care physician. The independent practice setting also means no same-day urgent appointments or flexible telemedicine-only options; some large Chattanooga clinics offer both.

First appointment

New patients typically complete a detailed intake form, either before arriving or at the start of the first session. The initial appointment lasts longer than standard sessions (often 60 to 90 minutes) and focuses on gathering a full psychiatric and personal history, identifying presenting problems, and collaborating on treatment goals. Insurance eligibility and copay responsibilities are also confirmed. The psychologist then proposes a treatment plan and frequency recommendation, though patients are not obligated to begin therapy on the spot.

Hours, location, and parking

Specific hours and office location should be confirmed directly with the practice, as private psychology practices in Chattanooga typically operate Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some offering early morning or early evening slots to accommodate working patients. Most independent practitioners in Chattanooga operate in small office buildings or medical office parks with accessible parking; street parking is available in some downtown locations.

A. David Solovey represents one of Chattanooga's older adult mental health options that prioritizes ongoing individual relationships and clinical depth over quick appointment availability, making him a reasonable choice for patients with flexible timelines and age-related or life-transition concerns.