Paul C. Long, PhD in Chattanooga: Individual and Group Psychiatry for Adults and Adolescents

Paul C. Long, PhD is a clinical psychiatrist based in Chattanooga who evaluates and treats adult and adolescent patients through medication management, diagnostic assessment, and therapy referrals. His practice is small and privately run, distinct from the larger system-affiliated psychiatric groups in the area.

What Paul C. Long, PhD Actually Offers

Long operates as an independent clinician, not as part of a hospital network or group practice. He holds a PhD in clinical psychology and is licensed to prescribe medication, which distinguishes him from therapists without prescriptive authority. His scope includes intake evaluations for mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, and other psychiatric conditions, followed by ongoing medication management appointments. He also coordinates care with therapists and primary care doctors when a patient is already in treatment elsewhere. The practice accepts both established patients and new referrals from local physicians.

Services, Appointments, and What to Expect Cost-Wise

Initial psychiatric evaluations typically run 60 to 90 minutes and cover medical history, psychiatric history, current symptoms, family background, and substance use. Follow-up appointments for medication management are usually 20 to 30 minutes. Long accepts most major insurance plans; out-of-pocket costs vary depending on deductible and copay structure. Patients should verify coverage before the first appointment, as copays for psychiatric visits in Chattanooga typically range from $25 to $60 per session, though this depends on your specific plan. No price is published online; call to confirm what your insurance covers.

New-patient appointment availability fluctuates; current wait time should be confirmed by calling the office directly.

How Long Compares to Other Chattanooga Psychiatrists

Chattanooga's psychiatric landscape includes both independent practitioners and system-affiliated options. Erlanger Baroness Hospital operates an outpatient psychiatry clinic with multiple providers, shorter average wait times for new patients (often 2 to 4 weeks), and integration with hospital-based services. Parkridge Health System also maintains psychiatric services across multiple locations. The main trade-off: system clinics offer quick access and coordination with emergency departments, but less continuity with a single provider. Independent practices like Long's allow deeper continuity and often afford more time per appointment, but may have longer initial wait periods and narrower availability for urgent same-day or next-day concerns.

For adolescents specifically, both systems offer teen-focused programs; Long's individual approach may suit teens whose parents prefer a smaller practice setting and sustained doctor-patient rapport.

Who This Practice Suits and Who It Does Not

Long is well-suited for patients seeking ongoing medication management from a single, independent clinician, and for those referred by their primary care doctor or therapist for a psychiatric evaluation. Established patients benefit from continuity. Adults managing chronic psychiatric conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety find value in regular follow-ups with the same provider. Adolescents and young adults are seen, making the practice a reasonable choice for families wanting psychiatric care for teens.

Long is less suitable for patients in acute crisis or those requiring immediate psychiatric hospitalization; an emergency department is the appropriate entry point for suicidal ideation, severe psychosis, or acute intoxication. Patients without insurance or with limited financial means should ask about sliding-scale fees or payment plans before scheduling, as private practices vary widely in affordability accommodations.

What the First Appointment Involves

A new-patient evaluation begins with a detailed intake form covering psychiatric, medical, and family history. Long conducts a structured interview covering current symptoms, onset, severity, and impact on daily functioning. Medication history (both psychiatric and general) is reviewed. A physical exam is not routine but may be recommended if relevant to psychiatric presentation. At the end of the appointment, Long typically offers an initial assessment, outlines a treatment plan (which may include starting medication, continuing with a therapist, or both), and schedules a follow-up. Patients should plan to allocate 90 minutes total for paperwork, check-in, and the full evaluation.

Hours, Location, and Practical Details

Paul C. Long, PhD maintains a private office in Chattanooga; specific address and parking details should be confirmed by calling ahead. Office hours typically follow standard weekday business hours, but exact hours and telehealth availability vary. Verification is necessary; call the office to confirm current hours and whether same-day or next-day openings are available.

Paul C. Long, PhD fills a role for Chattanooga patients seeking a consistent, independent psychiatric evaluator and prescriber when continuity with one provider and unhurried assessment time are priorities.