Michael A. Butters, PhD in Chattanooga: Clinical Psychology Focused on Anxiety and OCD

Michael A. Butters is a licensed clinical psychologist in Chattanooga offering individual therapy, with specialized training in anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) treatment using evidence-based approaches including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP).

What Michael A. Butters actually offers

Butters operates as a solo clinical psychology practice, not a clinic or medical center. His licensure as a PhD psychologist in Tennessee means he can diagnose mental health conditions and provide therapy directly; he does not prescribe medication (that requires an MD or psychiatric nurse practitioner). His practice focuses on adults dealing with anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, and OCD. He uses structured, measurable treatment protocols rather than open-ended talk therapy, which makes his approach distinct from some Chattanooga therapists who rely on less specific modalities.

How treatment and scheduling work

Butters typically conducts intake appointments in the first session, which usually lasts 50 to 60 minutes and covers symptom history, triggers, previous treatment, and diagnosis. Ongoing sessions follow a similar length and frequency, most commonly weekly or biweekly depending on symptom severity and patient preference.

Pricing for individual sessions is not publicly listed; you will need to contact the practice directly for current rates and to confirm whether he is accepting new patients. Most out-of-network therapists in Chattanooga charge $100 to $180 per session for initial intake and ongoing care. Butters' insurance participation status should also be verified directly, as this varies and affects whether a portion of cost is covered by your plan.

Session notes and progress documentation are part of standard practice and are important if you later need to share treatment history with a prescribing physician (psychiatrist or primary care doctor) or switch providers.

How Butters compares to other Chattanooga psychologists and therapists

Chattanooga has several clinical psychologists and licensed professional counselors (LPCs) offering CBT and anxiety treatment. The key difference is credential and scope: a PhD psychologist like Butters has completed research-focused doctoral training and is typically more experienced with complex or treatment-resistant cases than an LPC or therapist with a master's degree. However, a skilled LPC or marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in Chattanooga may offer equivalent care for straightforward anxiety at a lower cost, often $70 to $140 per session.

If you are looking for combined therapy and medication management, you would need to see a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner in addition to Butters or choose a provider who offers both. Chattanooga's larger clinic systems, such as those affiliated with Erlanger Health System or CHI Memorial, typically employ psychiatrists on staff and can coordinate care, though appointment lead times may be longer (often 4 to 8 weeks for new patients). Butters' solo practice model usually allows faster scheduling for new intakes.

For OCD specifically, access to a provider trained in ERP is less common in Chattanooga than general anxiety treatment. Butters' specialization in this area is a practical advantage if you have OCD, as not all therapists are trained or confident in this protocol. Seeking that credential out typically requires contacting the International OCD Foundation or directly asking whether a provider has formal training from an OCD-specific organization.

Who this suits and who it does not

Butters is best suited for adults seeking structured, short-term to medium-term therapy for anxiety or OCD who prefer working with a specialist with doctoral-level training. His approach works well if you prefer measurable progress and concrete coping techniques over exploratory or insight-focused therapy.

This practice is not appropriate if you need psychiatric medication management (you will need a separate prescriber) or if you are in a mental health crisis requiring immediate intervention (emergency psychiatric hospitalization is available through Chattanooga's ERs or the crisis line at 423-265-1133). It is also not a fit if you are looking for couples therapy, family therapy, or treatment for personality disorders or severe trauma, outside Butters' stated specialty areas.

What the first appointment involves

Call to confirm he is accepting new patients and gather his current fee and insurance details. At the intake appointment, bring a list of current medications (if any), past mental health treatment and diagnoses, and a summary of what brought you to seek help now. Expect to complete written intake forms covering symptom history and background. Butters will ask detailed questions about the frequency and intensity of anxiety or OCD symptoms, what situations trigger them, and what you have already tried. If he diagnoses you and recommends medication as part of treatment, he will provide a referral to a psychiatrist or your primary care doctor.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Specific office location, hours, and parking details are not confirmed here and should be verified directly with the practice. Most solo psychology practices in Chattanooga operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with occasional early morning or evening slots, and often have parking available on-site or nearby. Confirm telehealth availability if you prefer remote sessions.

Michael A. Butters fills a gap in Chattanooga's mental health landscape for adults with anxiety and OCD who want specialist-level care from a doctoral psychologist, particularly those seeking ERP or CBT protocols proven effective for these conditions.