Kimberly D. Stricker, LCSW in Chattanooga: Individual and Family Therapy With a Focus on Behavioral Health

Kimberly D. Stricker is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in private practice in Chattanooga, offering individual and family psychotherapy. She holds clinical credentials in behavioral health and addresses mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relational issues. Unlike psychiatrists who prescribe medication, an LCSW like Stricker provides talk therapy and clinical assessment as a primary intervention; many clients see an LCSW alongside a prescribing provider (psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner) when medication is needed.

What an LCSW practice actually is

Social workers with clinical licensure (LCSW) in Tennessee are regulated by the state and required to complete a master's degree, supervised clinical hours, and licensing exams. They cannot prescribe psychiatric medication but can diagnose mental health conditions, refer for medication evaluation, and deliver evidence-based talk therapies. This differs from a psychiatrist, who is a medical doctor specializing in psychiatric medication and diagnosis, and from a therapist without clinical licensure. The LCSW credential signals training in systems perspective (individual, family, workplace, community factors in mental health) as well as diagnosis and treatment planning.

Services and fees

Stricker works with individuals, couples, and families on conditions including depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, grief, adjustment to major life changes, and interpersonal conflict. Session fees for private-pay clients typically range from $90 to $140 per session in the Chattanooga area for LCSWs in independent or small-group practice, though this varies by provider background and specialization. Insurance panels and copay amounts differ by plan and carrier; clients should confirm coverage directly with their insurance and verify whether Stricker participates in their network. Confirmation of current rates and insurance participation is advised, as fees and plan status change annually.

How Stricker compares to other Chattanooga mental health providers

Chattanooga has several categories of mental health providers. Psychiatrists (medical doctors) like those at Erlanger's psychiatric units or private practices handle medication management and acute psychiatric care but often have longer wait times and may not provide ongoing talk therapy. Community mental health centers like the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Mental Health Association offer lower-cost or sliding-scale services and may prioritize clients with severe, persistent illness or limited income. Private LCSWs like Stricker occupy the middle ground: they offer flexible scheduling, specialized focus, and continuity of care in a one-on-one or small-group setting, but fees are higher than community centers and not all insurance plans reimburse. Choose a psychiatrist if medication evaluation or management is the primary goal; choose a community center if cost or crisis support is the priority; choose a private LCSW like Stricker if you want ongoing, focused therapy with a single provider who knows your history.

Who Stricker suits, and who it does not

Stricker's practice fits clients with stable housing, insurance or means to pay privately, and time for weekly or biweekly appointments over several months. She is appropriate for people working through anxiety, depression, grief, family dynamics, or past trauma at a pace suited to talk therapy. Clients in acute crisis (suicidal or homicidal thoughts, severe psychosis, substance withdrawal) should go to an emergency department or crisis line rather than a private therapist; Chattanooga-Hamilton County Mental Health Association operates a 24/7 crisis line at (423) 629-6020. Clients needing medication as the primary treatment should see a psychiatrist, though many people benefit from both therapy and medication together.

What the first visit involves

An initial session typically runs 50 to 60 minutes and focuses on understanding your presenting concern, mental health history, medical history, and what you hope to gain from therapy. The LCSW will ask about current symptoms, past trauma or loss, support systems, substance use, and any thoughts of self-harm. She may assess whether referral for psychiatric evaluation (for medication) is indicated. You will be asked to provide demographic and insurance information; bring your insurance card and photo ID. The LCSW will explain her fee, cancellation policy, and confidentiality limits (she is required to break confidentiality if you are an imminent danger to yourself or others, or in cases of child or elder abuse). Most LCSWs follow a model of meeting weekly early on, with spacing as stability improves.

Hours and logistics

Verify current office hours and location with Stricker directly, as this information is not available in a public directory; contact the office for appointment availability and whether she has a waitlist. Chattanooga's downtown and north shore areas have mixed parking (metered street parking, paid lots, or free residential areas depending on exact location). If you are unable to commit to weekly visits in person, ask whether telehealth appointments are available; many LCSWs in private practice now offer this option, which may reduce the logistics barrier.

Kimberly D. Stricker's practice fills a gap for Chattanooga residents seeking continuity, expertise, and flexibility in mental health care without the wait times or medication-first approach of larger psychiatric systems.