In 2017, I moved to Chattanooga with just the name “Scout Counseling, PLLC” on a piece of paper. At that time, I posted this about my move and the subsequent changes coming to Scout. The practice I built in Memphis was no more, and the move to the Scenic City had me dreaming of what this practice could be in this new phase of life. I began to think about the place and the people that would embody the type of practice I would be proud to be a part of and own. I knew that things would most likely change from being a solo practice, but I was not sure what that would be. After three years after dreaming and thinking, scouring real estate listings, and imagining what it would be like to have others in practice with me, I am excited to announce some major changes at Scout.
Change Number 1: New Space
Scout has moved to a new location! I have been searching for a space that I thought would facilitate and reflect the values of my practice and several things are important to me. First, it was important to me to be accessible to many people in the area, and so I wanted an office centrally located to all those in and around Chattanooga. Second, it was vital to me to create a practice that embraces the community and that the community embraces in return, which meant finding a space in a landmark location that felt unique to Chattanooga. And finally, I believed it was important to develop partnership with other counselors. Scout needed a place that would be among other practitioners who could work towards a similar goal of bringing excellent mental healthcare to our community.
Therefore, Scout has settled in the heart of Downtown in the historic Flatiron Building on Georgia Avenue. The office is central to UTC, TVA, UNUM, Erlanger, Parkridge, and Memorial Hospitals, as well as the neighborhoods and communities in Lookout Mountain, East Brainerd, North Shore, Signal Mountain, Hixson, and Red Bank, and other areas in the Chattanooga area. Our office houses other counselors with different specialties, creating the counseling community that can serve so many needs, which leads to the second big change...
Change Number Two: New People
Scout has expanded and gained two new counselors! Initially, when moving to Chattanooga, I felt hesitant to hire. The dream I had for my practice was to hire individuals who would work “with me,” not “for me.” Not every counselor can fit that role. I waited almost 3 years to find the right people who I felt I could work with as a team and could trust with the vision of Scout. These individuals bring strengths to the practice and share the view of the importance of a systematic framework, clinical excellence, and the vision of Scout. Simply put, I wanted to work with people who are willing to grow, learn and work as hard for their clients as I do for mine. So, I am proud to announce the additions of Kelly Culpepper, M.A., NCC and Grace Savage, M.A. to the team. I know both of them are excellent counselors that I believe in, so I hope you will check out their respective bios and consider reaching out to schedule a consultation with one of them today!
Kelly Culpepper, MA, NCC
Grace Savage, M.A.
Lastly, as we move into this new season, I want to highlight the parts of Scout that are not necessarily new for the practice, but important aspects of our vision. There will be more to come in the future that elaborates on each of these core pieces of our values and practices. .
- At Scout, you will talk directly with your clinician of choice in the intake process and be offered the opportunity to get a feel for fit even before your first session.
- With three different schedules and open availability, we have appointment options throughout the week to meet your needs, as well as offering virtual sessions during this pandemic.
- Scout does not work directly with insurance which allows us the flexibility and freedom to offer counseling without the restrictions of direct insurance oversight. We do offer a “Superbill” option if needed.
- We work from a systemic focus, finding solutions and care that considers the families, relationships, and communities that you belong to. This is so important, as it is in those systems that we live our lives and our mental health is makes such a difference.
- We invest in our counselors, ensuring they have continued development and growth. The development of our counselors means you have the quality care you deserve and are paying for.
- We offer access to our community of counselors and the connections we cultivated so that you have holistic care that works together in chorus.
- We are client-focused and put your needs and your healing over the bottom line, every time.
- We are aimed at providing clinical excellence, meaning we assess every session to ensure we are meeting your needs and helping you make the changes you want to make in your life.
- And finally, we can offer a different take on couples counseling with two counselors in the room, providing you with unmatched care and different perspectives to bring restoration to your relationship.
Visit our different pages to learn more about Scout Counseling, find the right counselor, and schedule a consultation call. We are excited for the new season and the new faces that take the brave step toward health and healing.