Richard E. Gatlin, LPC in Oklahoma City: Individual and Couples Counseling with an Emphasis on Relationship Work

Richard E. Gatlin, LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), operates an independent therapy practice serving Oklahoma City adults and couples seeking individual counseling and relationship-focused treatment. His practice focuses on talk therapy rather than medication management, making him distinct from psychiatrists or nurse practitioners in the mental health landscape.

What Gatlin's practice actually is

Gatlin holds a Licensed Professional Counselor credential, which in Oklahoma requires a master's degree in counseling or a related field, at least 2,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, and passage of the National Counselor Examination. An LPC provides psychotherapy and counseling but cannot prescribe medication. His practice operates as a solo provider office, meaning there is no waiting room staff shuffle or intake forms handed to a receptionist; sessions are typically one-on-one with minimal administrative layering.

Services and pricing

Gatlin specializes in individual counseling and couples therapy. A typical session runs 50 minutes. Like most independent LPC practices in Oklahoma City, his fees are usually set as a flat per-session rate rather than tiered by problem type. Exact current pricing should be verified directly, as mental health provider fees in Oklahoma City typically range from 80 to 150 dollars per session for established providers in independent practice. Insurance acceptance varies; some therapists participate in major networks (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma, Aetna, Cigna) while others operate on a private-pay basis and provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. Confirm his insurance participation before your first appointment.

No psychiatric evaluation, medication management, or psychological testing is offered through an LPC practice; clients requiring those services are referred to psychiatrists or clinical psychologists.

How this option compares to other Oklahoma City counselors

Oklahoma City has a large mental health provider landscape. Therapists here split broadly between LPCs in independent practice (like Gatlin), clinical social workers (LCSW credential, similar scope to LPCs), marriage and family therapists (LMFT, specialized in couples and family systems), and clinical psychologists (PhD or PsyD, can do testing and deeper diagnostic work). Larger group practices and hospital-affiliated counseling centers (such as those connected to Mercy Health or OU Medicine) tend to move faster on scheduling but offer less continuity and more administrative friction. Solo LPC practices often suit clients who want a single long-term relationship with a counselor, lower overhead, and minimal paperwork. An LMFT might be preferred if your concern is primarily couples or family dynamics, since their training focuses on relationship systems. A clinical psychologist becomes necessary if you need comprehensive psychological testing or assessment beyond talk therapy.

Who this suits and who it does not

This practice works best for adults seeking ongoing individual therapy or couples counseling from a provider with consistent availability and a sustained relationship. It suits people who manage relatively stable employment, have health insurance or can pay out of pocket, and prefer a private office setting without the feeling of a clinic. It does not suit clients in acute psychiatric crisis (go to ER or crisis line), those requiring medication management or psychiatric evaluation, families with children needing child-focused therapy (consider an LMFT or child psychologist), or people whose insurance does not cover independent LPC practices.

What the first visit involves

Initial sessions typically include a clinical intake: you answer questions about your mental health history, current symptoms, medications, family background, and what brought you in. Gatlin will ask about any past therapy, substance use, trauma, and suicidality screening (standard practice for any licensed counselor). No intake is diagnosis-focused; it establishes baseline and direction. You should expect to spend 10 to 15 minutes on paperwork (consent to treat, privacy notice, fee and cancellation policy). The first 50-minute session usually mixes intake and early exploratory work. Some solo practitioners ask for payment at the end of session or at the next visit; confirm their billing process upfront.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Verify current hours directly, as solo practices sometimes operate limited schedules (often Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited evening slots). Location and parking depend on his office address; if based in a professional building or medical plaza, parking is typically easy and free. If street-parked, ask about availability. Telehealth may or may not be offered; ask at intake.

Why this practice fits Oklahoma City's mental health landscape

A solo LPC practice provides continuity and low overhead access to licensed therapy without the scheduling delays or administrative burden of larger centers. For people seeking sustained, relationship-based counseling in an individual or couples format, Gatlin's model fills a practical niche in the city's provider ecosystem.