We gratefully acknowledge the dedicated clinicians who make this program possible:
Dr. Cindy Chestaro
Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician
Rachel Tolliver
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Their clinical expertise and commitment ensure families receive compassionate, evidence-based care.
Comprehensive Autism Evaluations & Behavioral Health Services
LifeSpring’s Developmental-Behavioral Health (DBH) program provides timely, comprehensive autism evaluations and diagnostic services for vulnerable children in our community, where access to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessments is often limited due to provider shortages and long waitlists.
A valid autism diagnosis is critical. It serves as the gateway to evidence-based services such as:
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy
Speech therapy
Occupational therapy
Educational supports
Community-based resources
Without an accurate diagnosis, children may go untreated or receive fragmented care, delaying intervention during the most critical developmental periods.
By completing evaluations, delivering diagnoses, and actively connecting families to ABA providers and therapy services, our program reduces delays, improves care coordination, and empowers families to advocate effectively for their child’s needs.
Early and accurate diagnosis leads to:
Better developmental outcomes
Reduced family stress
More efficient use of health, education, and community systems
Therapy Services
LifeSpring is proud to offer school-based therapy services provided by:
Alyson De Jesus, LMFT, who delivers on-site mental health support to students at:
The Glenwood School (Chattanooga)
Opportunity High Program through Hamilton County Schools
Glenwood School serves students who face barriers to accessing consistent mental health care outside of the school setting.
Opportunity High is a specialized program supporting students who are over-age and short of credits in obtaining their high school diploma. This initiative provides flexible and supportive pathways to graduation.
By providing therapy directly within the school environment, students receive timely, developmentally appropriate behavioral health support in a setting where they already feel safe and supported.
School-based therapy:
Reduces gaps in care
Supports emotional regulation and behavioral stability
Improves engagement in learning
Eases access challenges for families
Primary Care Behavioral Health: A Patient Centered Approach
In 2025, LifeSpring expanded its mental and behavioral health services by hiring Brittany Dee, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and fully integrating Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH). This model embeds behavioral health support within medical visits, improving access, coordination, and outcomes while reducing costs and external referrals.
In-Office Counseling
In addition to school-based services, Alyson offers in-office counseling in both English and Spanish for patients and parents.
📞 To schedule an appointment, call: 423-624-4846
Our integrated care team now includes our Developmental Pediatrician, Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, allowing us to address a wide range of behavioral and developmental needs.