Find a Therapist for Gambling Addiction in Chattanooga

Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025
Written by the MiResource team

If you’re looking for help with Gambling Addiction in Chattanooga, this page explains what the condition is, how treatment works, and how to find therapists in the city who treat it. It is here to offer a calm, practical starting point.

  • Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC, Psychologist

    Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC

    Psychologist, Sport Psychologist

    Remote only

    Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat Gambling, Racial/Cultural Oppression or Trauma, Bulimia Nervosa.

    Licensed Clinical Sport Psychologist — services for mental health care & performance enhancement

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  • Lisa Saponaro, Psychotherapist

    Lisa Saponaro

    Psychotherapist, Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP), Psychologist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

    7820 Peters Road, Plantation, Florida 33324

    Lisa Saponaro is a Psychotherapist in Plantation, Florida and has been in practice for 24 years. They treat Gambling, Family Caregiving Stress, Sexual Identity.

    Planting the seeds for personal growth. At our practice, WE NOURISH the growth of individuals, couples and families so YOU FLOURISH!

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  • Jacob Cooper, Sport Psychologist

    Jacob Cooper

    Sport Psychologist

    Remote only

    Jacob Cooper is a Sport Psychologist in undefined, undefined. They treat Gambling, Perfectionism, Social Anxiety.

    Dr. Cooper is an authentic and relational sport psychologist with 10+ years of experience with professional athletes, olympians, and US. special forces.

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  • Shelly Reed, Psychologist

    Shelly Reed

    Psychologist

    1845 South Dobson Road, Mesa, Arizona 85202

    Shelly Reed is a Psychologist in Mesa, Arizona and has been in practice for 17 years. They treat Gambling, Insomnia, Chronic Illness/Pain.

    Don't be shy...I've heard it all ;) I offer a warm and non-judgmental space to work through the things that have been holding you back.

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  • Scott Goldman, Sport Psychologist

    Scott Goldman

    Sport Psychologist

    Remote only

    Scott Goldman is a Sport Psychologist in undefined, undefined. They treat Gambling, Divorce, Life Transitions.

    Performance and Clinical Psychology is about understanding and amplifying human behavior and human interaction.

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  • Lynn Luna Jones, Counselor

    Lynn Luna Jones

    Counselor, Psychotherapist, Psychologist, Licensed Psychological Examiner-Independent

    9826 East Washington Street, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023

    Lynn Luna Jones is a Counselor in Chagrin Falls, Ohio and has been in practice for 20 years. They treat Gambling, Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform and Brief Psychosis, Depression.

    I am a licensed psychologist who specializes in assessment. I am able to administer many types of psychological tests.

    View profile

Understanding Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction is a recognized mental health condition, not a personal weakness or lack of willpower. It means gambling has become hard to control and can start to interfere with daily life. Mental health organizations treat it as a real condition that can affect a person’s well-being and functioning.

Common Signs and Symptoms

This section outlines common signs of Gambling Addiction to help readers spot concerns early and decide whether it may be worth talking with a professional. If these patterns are showing up in daily life, noticing them early can make it easier to get support.

  • Feeling a strong urge to gamble or thinking about gambling often
  • Needing to gamble with larger amounts of money to feel the same excitement
  • Trying to cut back or stop and finding it difficult
  • Lying to others about gambling, time spent, or money losses
  • Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win back money
  • Neglecting work, school, family, or other responsibilities because of gambling
  • Feeling restless, irritable, anxious, or low when not gambling

Why This Happens

Gambling addiction often develops from a mix of biological, psychological, and environmental influences rather than one single cause. Some people may have a stronger inherited vulnerability, while others are affected more by stress, mood problems, or repeated exposure to gambling opportunities. It can also become more likely when gambling is used to cope with difficult feelings or when easy access makes it a regular habit. Over time, these factors can reinforce one another and make it harder to stop.

  • Biological factors: family history of addiction; impulsivity or reward-seeking temperament; co-occurring mental health conditions
  • Psychological factors: stress or emotional distress; depression or anxiety; using gambling to escape problems
  • Environmental factors: frequent exposure to gambling venues or ads; social circles that normalize gambling; easy access to online or mobile gambling

How Treatment Works

Getting professional help for Gambling Addiction can give you practical coping strategies for managing urges and making safer choices. It can also help you make sense of your experiences and understand the patterns that keep the problem going. With support, the impact on daily life can become more manageable, even if progress takes time. In Chattanooga, getting to appointments may take planning because traffic, parking, and transit options can vary, so telehealth may be a helpful option. Cost can also be a factor, since insurance acceptance varies and sliding-scale clinics may have waitlists, but reaching out can still be an important step toward steady support.

Finding the right provider in Chattanooga

When looking for support for Gambling Addiction, it is important to choose a therapist licensed in Tennessee, especially if you plan to use telehealth or insurance. Licensing in the state where you live can help avoid coverage problems and make sure care follows local rules. MiResource can filter by licensure to help you find appropriately licensed therapists.

Local Care Logistics in Chattanooga

In Chattanooga, people seeking help for gambling addiction may find access easier in Downtown Chattanooga, North Shore, Southside, St. Elmo, and East Chattanooga, though traffic congestion and limited transit coverage can make cross-town trips harder. Many residents drive, and parking can be inconsistent downtown and near busy medical areas. Insurance acceptance varies, and sliding-scale options may have waitlists, so it helps to ask about telehealth, flexible appointment times, and whether you can join more than one waitlist. Because university semester changes and seasonal tourism can affect schedules, appointment availability may shift during the year. Severe weather and summer heat can also complicate travel, so planning ahead for weather and commuting delays can reduce missed visits.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health in Chattanooga

Spending time outdoors in Chattanooga can support day-to-day mental health while coping with Gambling Addiction by giving the mind a break from urges, routines, and constant stimulation. A short walk, some fresh air, or a quiet view can help with mood, sleep, and nervous-system regulation, especially when days feel tense or restless. Gentle movement outdoors can also make it easier to keep a simple routine without putting much pressure on yourself. If you are heading out from Downtown Chattanooga or other busy areas, it may help to choose times with lighter traffic and less parking stress.

Coolidge Park, open space and an easy place for a low-pressure walk

Tennessee Riverwalk, steady paths and water views that can make a calm reset feel simpler

Stringers Ridge, a good option for quieter trails and gentle movement

Signal Mountain Town Park, a straightforward place for fresh air and an unhurried break

Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park, wide outdoor areas that can feel less crowded and more settled

When to Seek Immediate Help

Emergency services are necessary if gambling addiction leads to thoughts of self-harm, a medical emergency, or immediate danger to you or someone else. If you feel unable to stay safe, call 988 or 911 right away. If urgent in-person help is needed, go to the nearest emergency department such as Erlanger Health System, CHI Memorial Hospital, Parkridge Medical Center, Erlanger East Hospital, or Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation. Traffic congestion can slow travel during peak commute hours, so plan extra time if you are driving.

  1. Watch for crisis signs like feeling out of control, being unable to stop gambling, or having thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
  2. If there is immediate danger, call 911; if you need immediate emotional support, call 988, or contact Mobile Crisis Services of Southeast Tennessee or the Tennessee Statewide Crisis Line.
  3. For urgent in-person help in Chattanooga, go to the nearest emergency department listed above if the situation feels unsafe or you cannot wait for an appointment.
  4. Expect triage, a safety assessment, and possible referral to follow-up care; if traveling by car, plan for possible downtown parking delays and variable transit coverage.

Common Questions About Gambling Addiction

Q: When should someone with Gambling Addiction consider seeing a therapist in Chattanooga? A: A person should consider therapy when gambling starts causing stress, financial problems, relationship conflict, or trouble keeping up with work or daily responsibilities. It can also help if attempts to cut back have not lasted or if gambling feels hard to control. Reaching out early may make it easier to address patterns before they become more disruptive.

Q: What if the first therapist is not a good fit for Gambling Addiction? A: It is common for the first therapist to not feel like the right match. You can look for someone with experience treating Gambling Addiction and try a different provider if needed. A good fit often depends on communication style, comfort level, and whether the therapist’s approach feels helpful to you.

Q: Can virtual therapy help with Gambling Addiction? A: Virtual therapy can help many people with Gambling Addiction, especially if getting to appointments is difficult. It may make it easier to stay consistent when travel, parking, or traffic are barriers. Some people still prefer in-person care, so the best option depends on personal comfort and the level of support needed.

Q: What should someone ask when choosing a therapist for Gambling Addiction in Chattanooga? A: It can help to ask about the therapist’s experience with Gambling Addiction and the types of therapy they use. You might also ask about session format, frequency, fees, insurance acceptance, and whether telehealth is available. It is reasonable to ask how they support goals like reducing urges, managing triggers, and rebuilding stability.

Q: Does therapy for Gambling Addiction help over time? A: Therapy for Gambling Addiction can help over time by building coping skills, improving insight into triggers, and supporting healthier habits. Progress may be gradual, and setbacks can happen, but many people find that steady treatment makes change more manageable. Ongoing support can also help with maintaining progress and addressing related stress, finances, or relationships.

Local Resources in Chattanooga

MiResource can help you search for clinicians in Chattanooga, TN who treat Gambling Addiction. You can filter by insurance, specialty, and availability to find someone who fits your needs.

Find care for you

Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.

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