Suzanne Whittlesey, ACSW, in Oklahoma City: Individual Therapy for Adults and Adolescents

Suzanne Whittlesey is a licensed clinical social worker (ACSW) offering individual psychotherapy to adults and adolescents in Oklahoma City, operating as a solo independent practice rather than through a larger clinic or hospital system. Her focus is talk therapy for mood disorders, anxiety, behavioral concerns, and life transitions, without psychiatric medication management on site.

What Suzanne Whittlesey Actually Offers

Whittlesey provides insight-oriented individual psychotherapy in a private practice setting. As an ACSW (Academy of Certified Social Workers credential), she holds state licensure as a clinical social worker (LCSW in Oklahoma), which qualifies her to diagnose mental health conditions and provide therapy but not to prescribe medication. This model suits patients seeking talk therapy alone or those already managed by a psychiatrist or primary-care physician for medications.

Services and Typical Fees

Individual therapy sessions run 50 minutes. Fees for private-practice social workers in Oklahoma City typically range from $90 to $150 per session, though rates vary by clinician credentials and location; confirm current fees directly. Most solo practitioners require payment at visit, though some accept out-of-network insurance for patient reimbursement. Check whether your insurance covers out-of-network LCSW services and what your out-of-pocket responsibility is before the first appointment.

How She Compares to Other Oklahoma City Therapists

Oklahoma City has therapists across multiple credentials: clinical social workers (LCSW/ACSW), licensed professional counselors (LPC), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), and psychologists (PhD/PsyD). Social workers and counselors typically charge similarly and provide comparable individual therapy; psychologists often cost more (often $120 to $200+ per session) but may offer psychological testing. Psychiatrists (MDs) provide medication management and brief supportive therapy but generally charge more and have longer wait times. For patients needing talk therapy without medication, an ACSW solo practice offers lower cost and direct access compared to psychiatry and often shorter wait lists than group clinics.

Who This Practice Suits and Who It Does Not

Whittlesey's practice suits adults and adolescents seeking ongoing individual therapy for anxiety, depression, relationship stress, grief, or behavioral adjustment. Solo ACSW practices work well for patients with moderate, stable conditions and insurance or ability to pay out-of-pocket. This practice does not suit individuals in acute crisis (go to OU Medical Center emergency department or Integris emergency care), those requiring medication management (see a psychiatrist or prescribing primary-care provider), or those without insurance who need sliding-scale or free services (contact Community Mental Health Center or Counseling and Mental Health Services in OKC for that option).

What the First Visit Involves

First sessions with therapists typically run 60 to 90 minutes and cover history, presenting problems, previous treatment, and goals. Bring photo ID, insurance card if applicable, and a list of current medications. The clinician will assess your needs, explain her approach and fees, and discuss confidentiality limits (duty to report safety risks). After that first session, you will establish a regular weekly or biweekly schedule.

Hours, Location, and Logistics

Solo ACSW practices in Oklahoma City typically operate by appointment only, often during business hours with limited evening availability; confirm specific office hours and location when scheduling. Parking is generally available at street level or small lot; ask about accessibility when you call. If you drive, allow 10-15 minutes for OKC traffic depending on which area of the city her office is in.

Why This Practice Earns a Spot

Whittlesey provides direct-access individual therapy at the clinical social worker credential level, offering mid-range cost and shorter wait times than psychiatry-focused clinics. An independent practice limits referral delays and gives continuity with one clinician over time.