Charles Ihrig

With a passion for comprehensive mental health care and a vision for accessible, high-quality psychological services, Dr. Charles Ihrig founded Athena Care in 2001. Under his leadership, the practice has flourished to become one of the largest private mental health practices in Tennessee, offering a wide range of services to meet the diverse needs of clients across the state.

Dr. Ihrig's professional journey is marked by a commitment to excellence in both clinical practice and academic pursuits. He holds a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Tennessee State University and completed his internship and residency at the prestigious Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Department of Psychiatry. This rigorous training, split between adult and child psychiatry, laid the foundation for his comprehensive approach to mental health care.

As a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Professional Counselor, Dr. Ihrig brings a wealth of experience to his practice. While he maintains a generalist approach, working with clients of all ages, his true passion lies in diagnostic work. He has developed particular expertise in assessing complex conditions such as Asperger's/Autism, ADHD, and conducting pre-surgery evaluations, forensic evaluations, and neuro-psychological assessments. This specialized focus allows him to provide crucial insights and support for individuals navigating these challenging areas.

Dr. Ihrig's commitment to the field extends beyond his clinical work. He has served as an Adjunct Professor at both Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of mental health professionals. His dedication to community service is evident in his active involvement with several professional organizations, including his board positions with the Nashville Area Psychological Association, the Tennessee Psychological Association, and the Sexual Assault Center.

At Athena Care, Dr. Ihrig has cultivated a team of experienced clinicians, ensuring that the practice can address virtually every area of psychological practice. From individual counseling to advanced interventions like TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) and Spravato (esketamine) therapy, the practice offers a comprehensive suite of services. Dr. Ihrig's vision of integrated, accessible mental health care continues to shape Athena Care's approach, making it a leading provider of psychological services in Tennessee.