Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which therapist is the right one for me?

Research in the social sciences suggests that a strong positive correlation between client improvement and the quality of the relationship the client has with the therapist. We are fortunate in Chattanooga to have many qualified therapists. We suggest that you thoroughly research your options before calling us for an initial appointment. After you have completed your search, if you feel that you have found a good therapeutic match at Riverside Psychotherapy, give us a call and we can set up a time to meet for the initial intake assessment. If at any point during the therapeutic process either you or your therapist determine that your therapeutic needs could be better met with a different professional, we will do everything in our power to match you with the person you need.

Are there limits to confidentiality between the therapist and me?

At the onset of psychotherapy, informed consent to treatment will be discussed with you. This will occur before any assessment or treatment takes place. At the same time, confidentiality and the limits to confidentiality will also be addressed. It is perfectly reasonable that nobody would feel comfortable during the therapy process without assurances of a safe, non-judgmental and trusting relationship with the therapist. For the most part, your information will not be shared with anyone. There are a few exceptions to this rule and we want you to be aware of what they are. Limits to confidentiality include: 1) if the therapist suspects abuse or neglect of a minor child, elderly person, disabled person, or spouse 2) if the client is threatening to harm self or others, or 3) when there is a court order or subpoena presented to the therapist. We will discuss each of these situations with you at the beginning of your first visit so that you may clarify your rights.

How long do therapy sessions typically last?

Therapy sessions typically last 50 minutes. The initial assessment session will last 60 minutes, and occasionally requires more than one session to complete, however, the majority of sessions can be completed in 50 minutes.

How much does therapy cost?

Therapy at Riverside ranges from $110 to $140 per session depending upon which clincian you see and what services are provided for you. If you have health insurance with behavioral health coverage, the insurance company will most likely pay a portion of that amount leaving you with a copay. If you have questions/concerns about how much therapy sessions will cost you, prior to your first appointment, you may either complete the Insurance Application form found under the Client Forms tab and fax the completed form to us so that we may check on your benefits, or you may call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card and ask them yourself. You will want to ask them if you have a deductible and what your copay amount will be for behavioral health outpatient visits. While we do not offer a sliding fee scale, we will work with you to assist you in getting the help you need.

What happens if I need to cancel an appointment?

We ask for 24 hours notice if you need to cancel your appointment except in emergency situations. We can not bill insurance companies for no show or late cancel appointments. We will make every attempt to fill your scheduled time with someone who is waiting to be seen, but if we are unable to do that, you will be charged the full fee for the missed session.

Where can I park when I arrive for my appointment?

The building is located in between St. Elmo Ave. and Tennessee Ave. above 1885 Restaurant. There are photographs of the building on the home page to assist you in recognizing it when you arrive. There is a free street parking on both sides of the building. Behind the building (entrance from Tennessee Ave.) there is a gravel parking area in front of Making Arrangements, a floral shop. This gravel lot is free and for the tenants and guests of our building. Spill over parking for our building is located in the parking lot directly across the street on Tennessee Ave. in the Glascock Building lot (building with teal awning). The parking spots for our building are indicated by a small note at the bottom of the No Parking signs which reads "Patrons of 1885". Since that restaurant is in our building, you are allowed to park in the spaces with those signs.

Which exterior doors lead to the upstairs offices?

Enter through the door marked 3914 on the Tennessee Ave. side of the building. Take the elevator or stairs to the 2nd floor and follow the signs to Riverside Psychotherapy, Suite C. If you are entering the building from the St. Elmo Ave. side of the building, it is a bit trickier as there are numerous exterior doors on that side which lead to the floral shop and restaurant downstairs. Look for the door with the numbers 3914 on the door. This is the entrance door to a flight of stairs that will take you directly to the office entrance. Photographs of the building and of each of the entrance doors can be found on the home page of this website. At 6:00 PM each evening, the entrance door on TN Ave. automatically locks. If you are late for your 6:00 appointment or if we have scheduled you at 7:00 PM, please enter through the St. Elmo Ave.

What do I do if I have a complaint about my therapist?

We strongly encourage you to speak with your therapist directly if you have any questions or concerns, as many issues that arise in therapy can be therapeutic issues best handled as a part of the therapeutic process. This also gives your therapist an opportunity to be aware of your complaint and address it to your satisfaction. If you have attempted to speak with the therapist and continue to have a complaint, you may access a TN Department of Health Related Boards Complaint Form at the web address below.

http://health.state.tn.us/boards/PDFs/PH-3466.pdf