Michael R Butz, PhD

I want to share my experience with Dr. Micheal Butz and also warn others about him. I saw Dr. Butz near the end of 2021 for a general diagnostic assessment going over multiple areas. I went to two appointments, the assessment which took a few hours, and then an appointment going over the results. My first impression of him was very weird. At this time masks were still required in hospitals, however the receptionist had me wear plastic gloves for this appointment. I saw my therapist in the same office and never had to wear gloves for an appointment. I thought this was quite odd, but I kind of shrugged it off. I have sensory issues, so wearing gloves during two hours of filling out paperwork was rather annoying. Dr. Butz was also wearing gloves, he said it was because we had to pass papers back and forth. However, moments after he had mentioned that, he dug into his ear with his gloved finger, and continued touching the papers. I’m honestly glad I was wearing gloves at that point cause… ew. I had previously done an autism assessment with a different psychologist and he went over those results with me. He then explained to me that I couldn’t be autistic because I have a normal IQ and people with autism can only have a below average IQ and are only smart when it comes to their special interests. Immediately I was upset, because not only is that completely false it’s extremely offensive. I explained to him that my little brother is autistic and he is very bright and not below average IQ at all. He then had an attitude of “I’m the professional you’re not” which I get, but also doesn’t make the false information he said correct. At my follow up appointment going over the results he further said I couldn’t be autistic because I made eye contact with him. He then proceeded to tell me that I over endorsed on the assessments and most of my results were unreliable because of it. He then proceeded to diagnose me with major depressive disorder, unspecified personality disorder, and somatic symptom disorder (which he later used and had my therapist use against me any time I had any inward opinions on my symptoms). He also told me that I do not have ADHD even though I have been diagnosed since I was 13. After this assessment I kind of sat with it for a while, I felt off about it. Everything from my experience with him and his attitude, I just didn’t feel right with what I was diagnosed. So I decided to do some research on him, I found out that he openly chooses to use the DSM3 which is FOUR decades outdated instead of the DSM5 which is more recent (and even still considered a little outdated however there was a revision in recent years.) I also found a lot of books that he has written or co-written. They were some of the most narcissistic works of text I’ve ever read. furthermore, I don’t know how it’s legal for him to use DECADES old diagnostic technology. By him using outdated technology any diagnosis he makes are not valid. There is a reason why the diagnostic criteria for things are updated with further research. He is openly and purposely inflicting harm on people by providing incorrect diagnosis because of the DSM3. Him saying I don’t have ADHD is incorrect, I got put on meds after changing psychiatrists and they helped! ADHD meds do not help people that don’t have ADHD! I warn you do not go to Dr. Butz! And If you had an assessment done by him, I highly suggest you see someone else to get a second opinion!

Highly egotistical and narcissistic. Dr Butz poses a danger to patients by making unsupported diagnoses and recommendations. I could not back up others on here more that, if a patient questions him in any way he will spin it back on them. He frequently shifts the blame to the patient and is incapable of taking responsibility in any for. His ego is apparent in the number of times he will say he "wrote the book on" a topic, or that there is "no one more thorough" than him. To his mind he appears to be the only psychologist in the state worthy of giving any opinion and he writes off the informed opinions of others who have treated the patient much longer. Much like others on here have said, I walked away with several "unspecified" diagnoses- none of which were supported and all of which were in fact countered by my medical record. I am also horrified by the fact that he admits that he still uses the DSM III and not the current version, as "it's no good". He also pushes very hard for… aggressive treat-- within his office-- and tried to dissuade me from seeking treatment where I was already established. I cannot say it loud enough. Stay away from this man.

As other reviews have stated, huge ego. Dangled sending me to the psych ward over my head because he “wrote the book on it” and I had scored too high in a category for his liking. Was incredibly invalidating and, for my insurance covering a 4K bill, did NOT give me satisfactory help in any sense of the word, diagnosed me with a lot of unspecified this and that’s. In closing, just told me to be “nicer to myself.”

I am amazed at the amount of knowledge he has. It was the first time someone thought outside the box trying to figure out what was going on with my son. He kept digging and doing research until he found an answer and then provided me with thorough results. I even was able to call back and get even more answers. I would highly recommend.

Dr. Butz is a danger to children. He is lazy and has a huge ego! He does not do the necessary research to accurately write a report. He will tell you there is no other person as qualified as him in the state of Montana. This is simply not true.

We went to Dr. Butz after seeing several others. He was thorough beyone belief and ended up referring us on to a specialist for an underlying medical issue. We will most certainly continue to work with him.

Please do not use this man! He is lazy and unprofessional! Will not do the research necessary to make an informed decision! I beg you to find another Doctor!

I believe butz is dangerous to children and adults. He saw my daughter that accused my x wife of abuse while she was in the room for thirty visits. I spent 2500 dollars on a multi hour test from a PhD in Billings he discarded in a sentence. I believe by, fundamental attribution error he defamed me by saying I am dillusional so now I can’t take my daughter to a doctor with bruise marks on her body, black eyes and trouble with potty training. When I tried to tell butz it was always spun on me. I feel there is way more harm then good in seeing him because you will always be second to his ego.