Reviews of Psychiatric Alternatives (Psychiatrist)

Sasha Silberberg

Dr. Lyddane is the bee's knees! She knows how to create a warm environment and ask the right questions to really help you overcome obstacles in your life. She's the bee's knees!

Jason Gates

Very professional, quick responses and nice. I’m happy to have found this place.

Meredith Halls

I love this practice because they're so professional with their responses and always make me feel like my mental health is a priority. My doctors at this practice are wonderful and I think I can tell that they really like working for this company. They just seem like they enjoy their jobs. The same for the admin staff! I've had doctors at other practices who seem unhappy at work and that totally translates to the care they give. PAWC is doing something right!! xx

Aaron Bach

Dr. Larson is a consummate professional who, in the same motion is a highly skilled therapist. The work that I've done with Dr. Larson has led to an much deeper understanding of self and my mental health. I could not recommend a therapist more.

Eric Bell

COLD, STAND-OFFISH and MANIPULATIVE I began seeing Dr. Letourneau at the beginning of February for bipolar disorder, just seeking to be put back on meds that had previously worked and not for any new diagnosis. In the first session Letourneau is stand-offish already down my throat for my marijuana usage (which is legal in the state of CA) before even asking me any other background questions and INSISTS I must quit "in my own time" Using scare tactics saying I'll develop psychosis, I believed him and tried to quit as he said "in my own time" 4 weeks later at our 2nd session he is again immediately down my throat about my marijuana usage and when I stated that I had been using HALF of what I was before THAT WASN'T GOOD ENOUGHT FOR HIM. He repeatedly brought up a single study that "proved" his claims and even said my previous Doctor also thought my marijuana usage was a peak concern, but upon checking that doctors notes I found that Dr. Letourneau was lying to me about what that doctor had said and was trying to manipulate me into following his narrative. Based on other reviews I have seen now retrospectively I wouldn't doubt he would prescribe me medications I don't actually need. I wouldn't recommend him to anyone..

Bethanie Stanley

I had the most wonderful experience booking an appointment. Ali, part of the admin staff, was absolutely a life saver when it came to finding a doctor and time that would work for me. She's so wonderful and professional! I was lucky enough to start at this practice a few months ago and really truly appreciate the care. The Berkeley location is amazing and is in a safe part of town! I hope this review inspires other people to try this practice out. I know mental health care can feel scary, but this practice really makes you feel like a human being and not just a patient.

Isabel Posner

Left me crying in the waiting room after canceling my appointment. Luckily I have the Doctor on Demand app, and was able to have my medication refilled. No thanks to Dr. Emily Toch or the terrible reception staff who have no empathy for mentally ill people.

Annie Wilson

I used to love my Psychiatric Alternatives practitioner, but mine left San Francisco and I was never re-assigned to someone new. I tried to get a new therapist last year and I was told they were not accepting "new" patients. I'm not a new patient, but okay. I again tried to work with the admin staff at PA this month - one year later, and received the same message. I was also told that no one would take my insurance, despite DOZENS of PA practitioners being listed as in-network and accepting of new patients on my insurance company's website. I was told to "wait and see and check back"... No one was specific about how long I should wait, and no one offered to put me on a waitlist for when a practitioner became available. I followed up a second time and the admin did not respond. The entire thing feels very shady at this point. I understand that therapists are in great demand because of Covid, but not even responding appropriately to people in need of counseling is totally unprofessional. Having a different response about availability that doesn't square with the insurance company also feels underhanded. Really disappointed and no one at Psychiatric Alternatives even cares to assist or apologize.

RAC Time to play

Dr T has brought out the best in me since I started seeing him a year ago. I am so much better off since then and I'm so thankful!

Aaron Smith

Michael is a great Dr. and very intuitive to his patient. I would highly recommend to anyone!

Owen Gilmore

Doctor Weisz and his team have been very responsive and conscientious. I am just starting treatment with Psychiatric Alternatives, but so far they are very good.

Stephanie Stewart Bailey

I have so much appreciation for my therapist who I found through Psychiatrist Alternatives. The administrative staff have always been on point as well. I found their website accessible and the display of therapists biographies made it easy to choose which therapists to inquire about.

Lizzie Dunn

Dr. Feren is outstanding, can't recommend this group enough!

Chris O

I've had a great experience with PAWC! The staff is super friendly and helpful and great about communication. Doctor Hirchak is a fantastic psychiatrist and a supportive therapist as well. I really appreciate his focus, listening and how much he offers information about medication options and how easy he is to talk to.

Marvin Miller

Thank you Doc

Nathan Belen-Carmody

Always a friendly and efficient staff. I’ve enjoyed their services for the past 6 years.

ania zimnoch

Dr Bhopal is a real patient champion. She relentlessly searched for other alternatives to medication for me and thanks to her my anxiety and depression have been the lowest in a decade. I really appreciate her dedication and support.

Anna-Marie Booth (Ms. Booth)

Researching. Heard from someone that the professionals appeared to be disinterested and unwelcoming.

Van Mendoza

They have absolutely NO EMPATHY AND WILL NOT WORK WITH YOUR SITUATION ALL SO THEY CAN MAKE ANOTHER DOLLAR. DO NOT GO HERE. Now that everything is remote due to covid you have options to teleconference with any other Doctor rather than this craphole. They are the most rude staff and will ensure policies are upheld just to make a quick buck. AVOID

Jess Richardson

Dr Michael Dickerson is one of the best professionals I've ever had the opportunity to work with. Good listener and knowledgeable. Highly recommended.

nate dawg

Dr. Thomas Letourneau has been so helpful. Amazing Doctor!

Jeremy Andrew Belitsos

I have recently stopped going to Psychiatric Alternatives. The care was good, doctor was nice - but they have charged me for over $250 of services I never utilized. Things like "administrative fee's" - very, very odd. Its why I will NEVER go back.

Kirsten Fletcher

Dr. Dickerson is the best Psychiatrist I have ever worked with. He is professional, respectful, thoughtful, and concerned. I feel relieved to work with him.

fady heikal

I just had the most horrible experience with their administrative staff. I can't believe that's an office that's trying to help people. Very disappointed.

Dr. Susan Birch D.C.

Dr. Benjamin Elswick is my psychiatrist. I waited 60 years to find someone who understood attention deficit disorder and proper medication. The experience has changed my life.

Donnie Hollandale

Dr. Krishnan was very professional and easy to talk to. I felt like she was happy to help me get to where I wanted to go, as far as medication and whole body wellness. Looking forward to future sessions.

Mike M

Great Intake experience with Xanthe. She is easy to talk to and the technology worked smoothly.

Jon Baker

The staff, though courteous, fined me $150 for a missed checkup after a first offense. I totally understand their policy, and the fault is my own, but it’s disappointing that they would not make a concession after being a patient for almost two years. Again, the staff is kind. However, I recommend working directly with an independent practice that treats you less like a line item and more like a patient.

Byron Eppler

Good progress in therapy starts when one is willing to be vulnerable. Dr. Hirchak has never made that process easier. Authentically relatable but also willing to push you (if that is what you are looking for but make no mistake, he is not there to simply tell you what you want to hear) he is truly a practitioner whose work has acted as a catalyst, motivating me to work on myself in the most effective way possible. I leave each session looking forward to the next. The front staff are also VERY responsive and helpful. If I had one suggestion for PAWC it would be to keep doing exactly what they have been. You are truly in good hands. If anyone has any specific questions I am happy to help.

Jim King

Beware. Regardless of the standard of care, this business is irresponsible with billing. However long you attend, they will continue to bill you, with additional fees for failing to turn up - to appointments that were never made. TERRIBLE BUSINESS PRACTICES...

Yuesen Yuen

In early 2020, after a long search and no success in finding a psychotherapist on my own, I contacted Psychiatric Alternatives. They scheduled me for Dr. Thomas Letourneau and I have been grateful ever since. Dr. L is caring, calming, insightful, easy to connect with, and had been so helpful with my various life challenges. I highly recommend Psychiatric Alternatives and Dr. Letourneau.

Julia Hill

Really helpful from setting appointment through Dr. visit.

Alice Shapner

I've really appreciated the admin's expertise in dealing with insurance. Saved me a lot of stress and let me focus on my mental well-being. Really grateful for this practice.

Hunter McGuire

Dr. Vazirian is a wonderful psychiatrist. He has been an immense help in treating my mental health. Dr.Vazirian is kind, caring, and compassionate and is an attentive listener. He has been an incredible Doctor . Because of a change in my health insurance I was not able to continue treatment but hope in the future I will be able too. Concluding my treatment with Dr.Vazirian he made it a point to help me with a game plan for futher treatment through another mental health program. It was a great experience to have been a patient of Dr.Vazirian’s and I cannot recommend him enough to anybody looking for a great psychiatrist. Thank You Dr.Vazirian !

Claire V

This review is for the doctor by the name of Monika Do Valle. My first appointment with her was a bit disappointing. She interrupted me numerous times and she was late to the appointment. She said she wanted me to get blood work done and then she failed to give me a lab slip or contact me afterwards. She also started to lecture me about a coffee drink I had just finished based on her assumption, not on reality. It had no sugar in it (but she assumed it was one of those sugary frap drinks). I decided to give her another chance because I was interested in some of the ideas she had. She booked an appointment with me and today when I showed up she said I did not have an appointment with me and that's why she doesn't book appointments with clients directly. She seemed very scattered/ungrounded today and during the appointment I had with her. She seems to have some useful information but between me missing half a day of work to take public transportation to an appointment she apparently forgot to write down and her poor communication/listening skills, I will definitely not be schlepping myself across the bay to see her again.

D H

These folks are money-grubbing, soulless ghouls. They don't care the least about patient well-being. This is exclusively a money-making enterprise. Go literally anywhere else. They see their patients as dollar signs only. If you work at this practice, I hope you will search your conscience and decide to find more ethical employment elsewhere. If you ever miss a payment, they will refuse to EVER see you again; in spite of your desperate need for immediate treatment for mental health issues; in spite of the difficulty of receiving timely treatment elsewhere from clinicians unfamiliar with your mental health history; in spite of your ability to pay. This amoral practice exists only to exploit your mental health for profit. Avoid at all costs.

Michelle DeWitt

I have had an excellent experience with this organization. They are very prompt with email responses, and my doctor has a lot of availability, which makes scheduling appointments convenient. I have a very complex medical history, and was lucky to have found a doctor that is incredibly knowledgeable and compassionate. She listens and provides valuable feedback and my treatment which is really life changing. I had a hard time finding a provider who accepts my insurance- I am SO thankful I found this place!

Natalie Robin

Dr. Weisz is a wonderful doctor and I'm so glad that I found him!

Anthony Francis

This guy is AMAZING!! He knows how to ask the tough questions that get results and can pull the TRUTH out of you which is what you NEED to make any significant changes in your life!

Robert Turchi

Best psych doc I've ever been to. Very mellow and caring

Patrick Jinzo

Worst place ever all thay care about is money and not the care of there patien's health or wellbeing, Medicine Management was very unprofessional, Psychiatrist didn't keep up with reports to financial institution that lead to lost of payment and medicine coverage, that also lead to Psychiatric Alternative to drop me from care, with out taking responsibility or liability. Unprofessional Medicine Management lead to permit sedation development issues. Do not was your time you health seeking help from this instation.

Katlynn Alm

I continue to have exceptional service with PAWC. The intake process was swift and comprehensive and I was paired with a doctor who respects me and my experiences. I feel cared for and at ease with my doctor and PAWC. I highly recommend to anyone looking for care.

Frankie Johnson

Dr. Lee was professional, compassionate and patient. She listened to me. My visit with her was very helpful.

Beth McAndrews

I love this practice. I found them when I felt like my depression and anxiety were going to get the best of me, and have been able to get back to feeling like myself with the help of their psychiatric method. I love having access to therapists and psychiatrists in the same place. When you walk into the practice, you're immediately calmed by the space and feel comfortable. I think that they've really accomplished a model that helps people feel good about their mental health. Cheers to them!

Sammy Boon

I just moved to San Diego from San Francisco and was dreading with every fiber of my body that I would have to go through the draining process of finding a new psychiatrist is the area AND THEN I discovered that the practice that's been helping me overcome mountains of hurt JUST OPENED A NEW OFFICE IN LA JOLLA. I could not believe my luck. Usually it's so difficult to find a psychiatrist, but I was able to book an appointment right away. I feel so lucky to get to continue to work with Psychiatric Alternatives and am so grateful to start my time here with Dr. Mohsen Vazirian. I feel like the move would be extraordinarily difficult if I didn't have the support of this practice. Get in while you can! Book an appointment today if you can, the support staff is super helpful.

Robert Hernandez

It has been very difficult to find a psychiatrist who is knowledgeable about ADHD. I believe I have found a very competent psychiatrist in Dr Letourneau. I’m pleased with the care I am receiving. He listens and responds to all of my concerns. He has been been very helpful in evaluating and treating my depression as well. I have a compulsive skin picking issue and he has been able to address this concern as well. I feel confident is referring anyone who suffers from the above mentioned mental health issues to Dr Letourneau.

Colette Coyle

Completely unprofessional and unacceptable service. They scheduled my appointment and arbitrarily moved it to another day and won't reschedule me with anyone! else!!; Saying there's no availability. I waited over a month for this appointment and get turned away!!!!! They couldn't care less about their patients. Terrible!! Now have to find someone else and wait another month!!!! So frustrating!!!

S.Z. Obayashi

Knowledgeable, caring, and enthusiastic psychiatrist.

Peter Salvinch

PAWC was one of the places recommended to me by my insurance company, at it was the only practice to actually call me back to talk about becoming a new patient. In fact, I got a call the very day I left a message -- I only received one other call from the four place I called and it was five days later. Anyways, I talked with Joyce on the phone (one of the intake admin) and she was incredibly helpful in telling me about the practice and my options there. I was dreading dealing with my insurance company but Joyce really helped me get it all done super efficiently. She helped me book an appointment with the provider I was interested and I'm so happy with the care I'm receiving. I've been seeing the provider for a few months now and can honestly attest to there being a positive change in my life. I think other practices would benefit from modeling themselves after the values championed by PAWC. They're the best. I've recommended them to my friends and everything. My mom even watched some of the videos they have on their website and it help us communicate better about my mental health. (I think it also helped her understand more about herself too). Anyways, I totally recommend this practice. They have providers all over the Bay Area so it's very convenient to receive the best care out there. :)

Leslie W

I've felt so listened to here and I have NEVER had that experience before.

Leslie W

I've felt so listened to here and I have NEVER had that experience before.

scott carmichael

Very happy with my therapy sessions she just lets me speak and listens and make suggestions very happy

Valerie Barall

Dr Weisz has been very consistent which I appreciate. Him and his office staff were extremely kind and helpful when I needed something very specific.

Chris Hazelwood

I wish I could give Dr. Tsai 10 stars for all she has done to help me through a very dark moment in my life. She’s is an incredibly empathic doctor and an excellent listener- I would recommend her to anyone I know! The staff is wonderful as well and highly responsive, so thankful for everything you all do. :)

Megan Poole

Dr. Letourneau has been the most caring, real therapist I have ever had. Don’t know what I’d do without his help! & the staff are all so sweet & helpful ????

Karina Greenhalgh

Amazing doctors and great service. I couldn't ask for anything more. Thank you Team!

Marjie Harris

I appreciate Dr. Weisz because: 1. He understands the medications, explains them to me, and makes sure to prescribe what is best for me 2. Dr. Weisz, in addition to thorough appointments follows up with me as needed. 3. Dr. Weisz, in my opinion, discusses what is going on with me, is a thoroughly engaged listener, and has made excellent suggestions to me regarding self care and options available to me.

boxorain62

I really like the therapist PAWC recommended for me. All of the staff that I've dealt with @ PAWC are genuine, respectful and attentive.

Diana Martinez

She’s helped me so much & I wouldn’t have been able to do it without her. She’s exactly the type of therapist I need. I would recommend her to anyone & everyone because she’s amazing.

Nadine Ondera

Dr. Hirchak is a compassionate, knowledgeable, well-balanced healer. I highly recommend him.