Haren W Blake, Psychologist in Chattanooga: Individual and Family Therapy with Sliding-Scale Rates
Haren W Blake is a licensed psychologist in Chattanooga who provides individual and family psychotherapy on a sliding-scale fee basis, making mental health treatment accessible across income levels. The practice operates as a single-provider, appointment-based office rather than a large group clinic, and does not prescribe medication. Blake's clinical work centers on talk therapy for adults and families navigating relationship conflict, life transitions, anxiety, and depression.
What Haren W Blake actually does
Blake holds a doctoral degree in psychology and operates an independent practice focused on outpatient psychotherapy. Unlike psychiatrists, who are medical doctors trained to prescribe psychiatric medication, Blake conducts talk therapy and psychological assessment as the primary treatment tools. The practice accepts new patients and does not require a referral from a primary care physician. Blake is not part of a hospital system or large behavioral health network; clients work directly with Blake for the duration of treatment rather than rotating through multiple providers.
Services and pricing
Individual psychotherapy sessions run 45 to 50 minutes. The sliding-scale model charges between $30 and $120 per session, depending on the client's stated ability to pay, with the exact rate determined during the first appointment based on household income and financial circumstances. Blake does not accept insurance billing; clients pay out-of-pocket and may submit receipts to their insurance for out-of-network reimbursement if their plan includes that benefit. Family therapy sessions follow the same fee structure and duration as individual appointments. Blake also provides psychological evaluations and testing, typically completed across multiple sessions; pricing for evaluations should be confirmed directly, as they vary by complexity and length.
How it compares to other Chattanooga psychiatrists and therapists
Chattanooga's mental health provider landscape includes psychiatrists (medical doctors who primarily prescribe medication), licensed professional counselors (LPCs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), and psychologists like Blake. Psychiatrists such as those at Erlanger Behavioral Health or Parkridge Psychiatry manage medication management and are better suited for clients whose primary need is psychiatric medication evaluation and ongoing monitoring. Therapists with LPC or LCSW credentials are often available through community mental health centers like NAMI Chattanooga's provider referral network and often accept insurance directly, but may have longer wait lists for initial appointments. Blake's practice differs in charging a sliding scale rather than insurance-only or fixed rates, which makes the practice accessible to uninsured or underinsured clients. The trade-off is that Blake does not manage medication, so clients requiring both therapy and psychiatric medication must coordinate with a psychiatrist separately.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
Blake's practice works well for adults and families seeking therapy without psychiatric medication, those for whom cost is a barrier to care, and clients who prefer consistency with a single provider over the course of treatment. The sliding-scale model particularly suits people with limited income or no insurance coverage. It does not suit clients whose primary need is psychiatric medication evaluation or management; they will need a referral to a psychiatrist. Clients seeking immediate crisis intervention or inpatient hospitalization should contact the Erlanger Psychiatric Emergency Center or call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) instead. The practice also may not fit those who require frequent appointments on short notice, as availability depends on Blake's individual schedule.
What the first visit involves
New clients typically call or email to schedule an initial appointment, which lasts 50 minutes and costs between $30 and $120 based on the sliding scale discussed during the call. The first session includes a clinical interview covering presenting concerns, mental health history, family background, and current stressors. Blake will ask about previous therapy or psychiatric treatment and any medications. At the end of the session, Blake will discuss the treatment approach, frequency of appointments (usually weekly), and goals. Clients should bring a form of identification and be prepared to discuss their ability to pay.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Blake's office is located in Chattanooga; verify specific address, hours, and phone number directly, as these details change. There is no main website with posted hours; contact Blake by phone or email to confirm availability and to request an appointment. Parking accommodates street or lot parking depending on the office location. Blake does not have evening or weekend appointments listed as standard; confirm scheduling flexibility when you call.
Why this place matters in Chattanooga
A solo psychologist charging sliding-scale fees fills a gap in Chattanooga's behavioral health system for people who fall between insured and crisis-level need. Blake's practice demonstrates that sustainable, affordable mental health care can exist outside managed insurance networks in a mid-sized city.
