Reviews of Access & Assessment Centre (Psychiatrist)

Emery

Trying to get a hold of someone on the phone here is a nightmare. They call, leave unintelligible messages. I call back and get transferred to another line just to be told they're too busy to receive my call. The staff often sound angry and impatient. I wish there was a better resource out there but here we are.

Sara Mohan

Dr. Raju gave me the worst care I've ever had. Do not go here if you are in distress or want actual help. This person should be fired.

P R

Helped clients access this service to mixed results, generally not good in a crisis as they are way too overworked and underfunded/resourced. Very hard to get through on the phone, especially in the afternoon or evening. When I did a walk in for myself, I had to wait a couple of hours which was expected, the staff were all lovely. The psych nurse I saw was also very great, very in depth evaluation and I felt very heard. They do not diagnose what the main disorder I was looking to see a psychiatrist for, but after my intake I felt good about going to see one there anyways for other issues. Fast forward 6 weeks to my appointment. AVOID DR. RAJU AT ALL COSTS! I understand the mental health care system here is stretched thin. I really do. First of all Dr. Raju was late, which is fair, I assume he's very busy. But I could see him appearing to just hang around the centre chatting making small talk with staff, for about 30 minutes before looking at his watch and deciding to call me in, meaning we started the appointment quite late. As soon as we sat down he asked me a few questions, and seemed to not even read my file he had from my evaluation. He didn't mention or ask about any of the traumatic events that have greatly effected me that I brought up previously, and even after I volunteered the information again he ignored me. After about 10 minutes he decided that I was "mildly depressed" and wanted to put me on Prozac. When I said I didn't think I wanted it and would prefer looking at another option, he suggested that I was "pretty much fine", "other people have it way worse", and to "just exercise" (already do) and I would be "all better". He seemed to base the assumption that I don't exercise based on my appearance/weight which was very frustrating, because if he read my file he would have known that's not the case. I was at least able to get a referral to group CBT therapy out of him after pushing for it. Appointment with Dr. Raju was 15-20 minutes tops and felt like a humiliating waste of time. I will be calling the VCH Complaints office.

Nikita Monday

Not LGBTQ+ friendly. At all. Mostly young, inept nurses and mental health workers. Don't visit looking to be helped. These guys are an Access Center. This means they just point you in the direction of other resources. They're a place to collect everybody and then point them elsewhere.

Vancity Jess

Apparently a mixed bag depending on who you're given. Wasn't great for me so I went private. But I have benefits

Mike “Midnight Ranger” Anaquod

Navigating coastal health is brutal. I was not treated unfairly, just rudely. The help is here you just need a lot of patience (no pun intended). Sometimes two or three visits is required to get proper service. Don't go seek any help if there are police officers around, they assume you're scum of the earth and VPD loves to abuse their mental protection act.

Amy F

I wish I could give this disgrace of a facility zero stars. First of all, there is no separation between the waiting room and their “triage” cubicles so everyone can hear your reasons for being there. I waited for 3 hours before being told I would not actually be seeing a psychiatrist that day and to make an appointment with my family doctor instead. I was going through an acute mental health crisis and they turned me away because although I was having suicidal thoughts and ideation, I wasnt suicidal enough for them to worry about me. I went there begging for help and instead got condescended to by a social worker telling me my issues weren’t bad enough to warrant psychiatric care. They do a very thorough job of convincing people not to bother reaching out for help in times of crisis.

Madison Hadfield

Did not have a good experience. Went when I was not in crisis, but really struggling with getting mental health help in Vancouver. Do to a miscommunication on my part, and a gross assumption on their part I felt very misrepresented and judged. I left with very little new information, feeling far worse than when I came in. Despite them claiming to be for "non-life threatening mental health issues" I would not recommend going unless you're suicidal.

James Hurtado

i was desperate and suicidal but they didn't want to let me talk to anyone because i had a recent concussion 2 months ago. ridiculous.

Lauren Nicole

I've asked for help for my sister on numerous occasions over the years with little to no helpful intervention. I've been dismissed, told she isn't their patient (when they are supposed to cover her team on the weekends), told that she's "just got a personality disorder" (not true). Go to the ED if you want actual help.

Kevin Yarrow

I have come here 4 times. The first 2 times they had cancelled my appointment without telling me until I got there. Then when I finally saw a doctor he was the most unprofessional person I have ever met in my entire life, Made fun of me laughed at my problems. Then I finally wait a month and a half to see a new doctor and they cancelled on me again without telling me until I got there. This is the WORST facility for when you are dealing with mental health.

Spaceladdy

Place seems to get worse every week. This is one of the city's most disappointing bandaid solutions for mental health crises. Don't bother it's literally not worth the time.

yvonne huang

Similar experience, they don’t pick up their phone, which is concerning especially if someone is experiencing a mental health crisis

Human Being

Not suited to help people with their mental health. They will actually make things worse. Literally said there are no services available, and without knowing anything about me, told me that most patients have it worse than me. Terrible.

Beatrice W

Nurses will sigh at you and make you feel bad about coming in. They'll re-traumatize you in person and complain if you get upset about it.

g w

Horrible place that basically turned me away After being sent to them from the hospital suicidal

empathlady 19

They could care less what happens to you.I feel bad for people who are like myself and are struggling through depression and suicidal thoughts who went here and got no help.Its sad how mental health at this place is seen as a joke.Very rude people who do not listen to your problems and are just there for high pay checks.

Deirdre N

All the staff are so kind. They do wellness checks in between your appointment with the psychiatrist. Dr. Akpokiere was amazing. I felt taken care of. If you are struggling, please come here for help (but go to the ER first if it's a crisis). Yes it will take a week to see a psychiatrist, but the pysch nurse will do an assessment on you ASAP.

David

If you are in crisis, DO NOT GO HERE. Despite what VCH will tell you, this is not the place to go. You'll only get the unsympathetic runaround.. GO TO EMERGENCY in any situation you can. AVOIDING A TRIP HERE IN CRISIS COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE.

Selena Nguyen

Condescending call with the receptionist. If that is the initial impression of a mental health centre then I won’t be able to imagine further interaction with staff. I called to get a mental health assessment and was laughed at.

Char

I had been to many counsellors, but felt like no one had the right tools to help me because my condition (OCD) requires specific treatment. This place was a good first step. It's probably underfunded and understaffed, so don't expect luxury treatment here, but it was OK to me. I finally got a professional diagnosis and was put on meds immediately which, at the very least, eased the worst of the symptoms. I went to Outpatient Psychiatry for the next few years and am now finally off my meds! I say this place fulfills a much-needed purpose (it fast-tracks you to seeing a psychiatrist) but it is bare-bones. I got meds but I didn't get actual therapy, so I had to go someplace else for that. I was a UBC student at the time and they had an OCD program at UBC run by doctorate students at sliding-scale prices, so I took advantage of that. I would suggest anyone reading here to check out UBC Psychology and see if they're running any low-cost programs. Get the help you need. You deserve it!

Rya Bell

If you need help and don't know how to get it- this is the place for you. Don't except a cure all for every problem, but do expect to be pointed in the right direction in terms of appointments with professionals and program options. If not in crisis, be prepared to call and make an appointment ahead of time or endure a longer wait. If in crisis, you can go in person and have somewhere safe to be.

Nikolas Bradfield

Extremely dissatisfied with this place. Front desk people don't really seem to care about you. Coming from Edmonton, I expected Vancouver had better services.

Alexander Korzuchowski

Surprised to see so many negative reviews. I first called the AAC to see if I could book an appointment by phone and while they said I could not they still started a file and took note of the fact that I called. Very polite and helpful. When I came for a walk-in the front desk was very polite and welcoming. Admittedly my assessment took up a big part of my afternoon and evening but between speaking with the triage nurse and psych nurse I left feeling helped and satisfied with the service. Grateful that it is there.

Sarah LeSage

They saved my life. That should really be all I need to say but after seeing the bad reviews, I have to leave some details. They do have a complicated intake process, and as such, some people with more mild-presenting cases may get referred to other programs, but they do their best to keep those with mental health issues out of the emergency room, where care for us can be lacking. My best advice when accessing these services is be truthful. They're not here to judge, just get you the help you need. Don't downplay what you're going through, and bring a friend if you can.

Susan MacRae

I had an intake on Christmas Eve, which was helpful. They put me on a list for an appointment with a psychiatrist about three weeks later -- Dr. Zhang. I had an appointment with Dr. Zhang that lasted about twenty minutes where he prescribed anti-anxiety medication. I indicated that I needed a letter for short term disability insurance, and he wanted me to bring in $130 in cash to pay for the insurance letter. I was unsure about bringing cash to pay for an insurance letter, so didn't bring the money to the next appointment six weeks later. Dr. Zhang literally told me to 'go to the ATM and get the money' -- no discussion whatsoever. I left the office and didn't pay the fee. I ended up complaining to VGH and they had to review their policy -- especially when it is actually my insurance company that was supposed to pay for the insurance letter. Access and Assessment did end up paying the $130 fee, but the lack of clarity, and the attitude by Dr. Zhang towards me about the fee were not helpful in the least. I wonder how he might treat his patients who are not as cognizant. Presently I am still on the wait list for group therapy and it is eight months later. I've also had to seek a counsellor outside of the services as there is no ongoing help. I guess A& Ais good for an emergency crisis, but definitely lacking in long-term help for mental health. I don't know what to say about the psychiatrist however -- just always check to see if your insurance company is going to pay the fee for the letter or not, otherwise the doctor could be double-dipping. I shudder to think if he has asked for the fee in cash in the past -- psychiatrists make over $180 grand per year in our medical system. Why shouldn't any additional income that they receive be taxed -- especially when it is supposed to go to the hospital eventually???

William

I have called 16 times and had the phone answered ONCE, they put me through to another line that immediately hung up. Beyond useless! I'm very upset that this is the only line i can call for mental health services.

ella linda

I cannot in good conscious recommend any of my friends call or reach out here anymore. I've referred three friends who have had negative experiences in the last two years - I'd had a couple positive interactions in the past so it seemed pretty hit or miss. Today I called and a woman answered the phone. I am not in any state of upset or irritability, I was friendly and polite just looking for resources. I am floored by how dismissive the woman on the phone was. I asked for help and she laughed and said Im probably experiencing what I am "for good reason," then ended the phone call by saying the two options (which I had said I'd already explored) she gave me are "good enough, okay." Perhaps they're experiencing high call/patient volumes and she wanted to wrap the call up quickly (it was only a 2 minute call), but I feel far worse for having called than if I hadn't. It scares me to think of how this exchange would be received by someone who was in a state of greater distress/emotional upset than myself.

Brian Merchant

The low ratings are extremely surprising to me. I have been going through them for the last 5 years, and have never left feeling worse.

R

I called and somebody pickup the phone and she told me she is gonna call me back in a half hour. I still didn’t get call back. People can commit suicide not to getting respond, feel useless to live. I won’t give one star, negative stars. Do your job not taking our tax money for easy job.

Sonny Jebus

Avoid unless its an emergency. Walked out feeling worse than when I came in. Clinician was rude, condescending, and constantly spoke over top of me. Like I said, unless its an emergency, do not come to these people for help. You won't find any here.

Ana Júlia Oliveira

Called in after being referred by a walk-in clinic and the receptionist was incredibly patient and helpful, walked me through all the options I had and explained the process I would be going through in detail. Definitely felt supported and less anxious after hanging up and would recommend.

Yasyuki Muji

Offer no genuine help or guidance. You're better off on the side of a bridge than sitting in this waiting room. Staff are jaded and unfeeling and doctors are of no help, have terrible scheduling and availability. Avoid at all costs.

Frida Kwon

Worst admin... doctor isnt a much help either. They screw up your records, dont send your records in timely manner to the GP Apparently they are not short staffed since more than ten people work a day. Don't ever go here and waste your time. I dont even know what is the purpose of this center

wainemargaret

Remember the old show "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" ? Nurse Ratchets does exist. PLEASE NOTE: there were 2 - 3 exceptions ! This took place on the assessment ward. Staff here are the wardens in the jail. Often laying back in their chairs chatting on the phone or playing solitaire on their computers. Zero communication with patients (unless telling them what not to do) Zero compassion/empathy/ or encouragement or just a kind word. There is no offer of support/teaching/advising/learning or giving them something to do with the long hours. The patients made friends and literally looked after each other depending on their ability. One nurse wore a sweatshirt that said in big letters across the back : WHO CARES ! When we told the staff this was offensive/inappropriate and unprofessional, we were told to shut up and quit talking about it.

paul mosiuk

Always have been extremely helpful during my mental health emergencies

Sally Wild

This only a illusion of better access to mental health, nice new building with lots of psychiatrists walking around. They make problems worse with no solution so you leave more anxious/ depressed worried and confused than when you came in.

Aiden Mottus

Stephan (-phen) the reception guy was amazing in helping my gf reschedule, turned her previous negative experience into a positive one. Thanks!!

Eduardo Berron

Horrible experience, they made us wait for 2 hours to tell us to search for help online.

Johanna Karlen

Seems to be a place for drug addicts. If you aren't, this isn't the place for you. Only go if you would like to spend four hours waiting without talking to anyone. I should have just gone to a park to think. Worst choice I could have made coming here.

Rebecca Reilly

WASTE OF TIME. They continue to deny me for a grief program. I've been seen by two different psychiatrists. They literally just keep passing me around. Honestly if you're feeling hopeless this place isn't going to give you any. Big long song dance and run around that takes you back to square one. They have you open a can of worms and then just leave you to swim in them. I'm a Survivor and I Tread well but you would think they would want people to be successful not just merely survive. The lack of feedback after you pour your heart out begging for help mixes the lack of willingness to help is enough to send someone who's in a terrible State over the edge.

Emma Bell

My family doctor recommended I call here as a stop-gap while waiting for an appointment at the Mood Disorders clinic (approx 4 month wait time). I found that they wouldn't pick up the phone around lunch time, but waiting until 2 or 3 and they picked up quite quickly. I did a pre-screening with one of their clinicians, and she set me up with a phone appointment with one of their psychiatrists about 3 weeks later. The psych I spoke to listened well, and seemed competent; they prescribed me a new medication to try and scheduled a follow up eight weeks later. It's important to remember that this is for non-lifethreatening urgent care. If you are at risk of hurting yourself, you should call 911.

Victoria McDougall

I would not recommend coming here. The psychiatrist are decent, but the front desk people are rude, and condescending. I accidentally missed my 8am appointment thinking it was for 8:30. Usually, they call the day before the appointment to confirm and do the Covid screening. Nothing. They said they’d give me a call back to refill my prescription, which they did but the woman on the phone discharged me from their care without following up on how I’m doing with the medication, didn’t answer any questions, and had an attitude. You’d think these people would be more sympathetic and understanding because they work with mental health patients. I can’t even imagine how they treat lower income people with bad addiction issues that don’t feel like their voice is heard. No wonder people shy away from getting help, because the people in the mental health system are only in it for the $$$$!

Rain Song

Absolutely terrible. If you present well be prepared for an uphill battle in getting byond the gatekeepers to someone that can actually help you. I haven't slept in a very long time due to pain caused from anxiety. My gp did all the tests and said my anxiety is extreme. I came here for help. After almost 2 hours of waiting I got my vitals recorded and was asked a few questions. I was told it would be about 2 hours to see someone. I left to get some air and was phoned to let me know that I should book an appointment because they are so busy. The appointment would be in 10 days and then I would book to see someone! I explained that I was in too much pain to wait that long. I was recommended to go get a prescription for pain. I explained that the pain is coming from the anxiety and that I'm not sleeping. I was also recommended to get a prescription for that! I came back to the office, prepared to wait it out. After 5 hours of waiting, with barely a soul in the office except tge 5 intake workers, I asked how things were looking only to be told that there wasn't anyone in the office to see me. There hadn't been anyone in in 2 hours and the next person coming in is in 3 hours! This place is a mess! I don't understand how 5 intake workers and all these nurses and social workers can be more fiscally responsible than extra psychiatrists.

Janeesha Lightbody

I've had mixed experiences here waiting at times for hours, but this time I had excellent service and a really good experience. Kim was so lovely and helpful. She's a nurse there and she deserves a promotion and a hefty Christmas bonus this year. Thank you Kim for helping me last night. Much love and gratitude to you!! :D

Ciara Allen

I had nothing but the best experience when I went to the AAC today with my husband to get some help with his depression. The reception staff was incredibly friendly, professional and kind and the nurses and psychiatrist my husband saw was amazing. He left feeling much better than when we arrived so that alone is a huge victory. I was scared after seeing some of these negative reviews and second-guessed whether we should go or not but I'm 100% glad we did. If you need help please go to the AAC and don't be nervous. They will be able to direct you and guide you to get the best treatment for your condition.

Celine Atienza

I came in desperate need of help and was told to download this meditation app because the receptionist said "its really helpful" and was sent on my way.

Taylor Brown

Everytime I call there is no answer. I’ve called 20 times in the past week, no answer each time. Last time someone picked up I told her I was suicidal and needed treatment and she denied me treatment and to see a psychiatrist. This is against the law and the lady was outright rude. I wish I could never go here ever again but of course this is the only place in Vancouver to go through for mental health. Disappointment of a place.

Trent Wales

This place has no discretion. Their screening is in the same area as the waiting room so you're forced to have other people listen to you explain your personal health issues. I failed to show up to a follow up meeting unfortunately because of my crippling depression, and i tried to re book.. And basically this guy who I was talking to on the phone grilled me and my girlfriend about not showing up for 15 mins, and told me that he can't help me.

jdsparky83

The phone just rings and rings, no queue, no voicemail, no call backs and this is my only access to psychiatric care in BC anymore. This is agony and exacerbating of anyone’s psychiatric issues. This government and health care system has swept us under the rug to die and be forgotten. Thank you for making things so much worse.

Brady Magpie

Called at 9am, Friday Oct 25th. After only a few sentences over the phone this very rude lady decided to hang up on me and refused my calls after. Now as somone who is struggling with suicidal tendencies and addiction issues. Its people like this that clearly shouldn't be working in their field. I am disgusted. I get that working in this city for the help they are supposed to provide can be stressful. But I really hope you get fired. You shouldn't be behind the phone helping anyone. I am disgusted. Thankfully the number that i called prior to being redirected to this place were sympathetic and actually redirected me to services i can use, services i desperatly require. Greatly disappointing it took this experience to get the necessary help in require. 0/10. Do not recommend this place.

Dante Alighieri

Dr. Raju was inept. My family doctor gave me a copy of his report. I had not clipped my nails in a month. I had been wearing the same clothes for literally weeks. I had not shaved on even longer. I had cut my own hair during a manic episode and was wearing a hat to hide it. He described me as irritable and well groomed with no symptoms of depression or anxiety. Most of the rest of his report consisted of him writing down my words almost verbatim and copy pasting previous doctor's comments. It seems like ALL of his independent observations were wrong. So wrong in fact that I wonder if he had personal bias against me. Somebody else pointed out that most of the nursing staff were young and inept. A big YES. I had a good nurse. She was older. Had short grey hair and what looked like painfully swollen feet. She told me Dr. Raju was good when she booked my appointment with him. But he wasn't. Another time I arrived there and they gave me a sandwich and some juice and told me to leave. There are 2-4 desk staff and they have almost constant personal conversations. It is highly annoying for me to go to this place after what is probably my dozenth suicide attempt and then listen to some privileged girls natter about boys and upcoming vacations. Oh...and the wait times. Expect 30 minutes to 2 hours plus. I usually have to leave and sit in the lobby because they're SO annoying.

Valerie Hartono

Went for a walk in, asked to write a form and got assessed a few hours later in the day (it was busy). The psych nurse Jean was so helpful and down to earth! Got an appointment to meet a psychiatrist in a month's time and hopefully that goes well too :) Do NOT call here for immediate crisis! There are other lines for that.

Gaby Qua

Had to wait 1hr to just be told that they couldn't serve me because I'm from a different city. I'd actually be happy to give 5 stars because the phone person was so accepting and I had the impression that they don't discriminate because she even offered to talk over the phone, but i wanted to see someone in person to discuss my situation. I guess i was just unlucky that I didn't know that they discriminate, and ended up wasting 1 hr of my time. I'm a reasonable person, but having to wait 1hr just to get rejected is very unprofessional. You'd think asking which city you're from should be first in their checklist, but sadly that's not the case. They were not even busy when I came in at 4pm ( There's only 2 of us patients waiting) but still no one even checked the form I filled out and they didnt even ask for my ID. Seems like a good place to work if you just want to slack and do nothing. tl;dr They literally wasted my time

Pam harvey

This is only the illusion of better access to mental health to avert a crisis. Intake person not a nurse and intake done in open room with a half divider. Everyone hears your business. Got 3 week apointment to see a bloody social worker. I need meds now. Go to Er. This is smoke and mirrors,

Raymond J (AreJ)

Went to the outpatient at access and assessment with my sister who is struggling with a mental health issue and in desperation of seeking a specialist for help, we were told by a nurse that there is nothing they can do for my sister at the moment or for weeks, until there is more information availabile such as blood work to rule out any possible medical conditions. After informing them that my sister hasn't had blood work in awhile, they didn't even bother giving us a blood work form to assist in the dreadful long process. Worse of all my sister did not even see a specialist nor was she "assessed" and offered any help that day. We we're basically told to go away because they were too busy.

Zuriel RuneScape Private Server

These guys don't help, make you wait days just to let you know they cant do anything. They don't follow up, don't call back, and don't pick up the phone. Why are they even open? Honestly the BC Health needs to look at this place and their workers. AVOID THIS PLACE AT ALL COSTS!

Cathy

The worst. I finally mustered the courage to ask for help and I was told to download an app because the girl at the front desk "found it really helpful". Downright degrading and I felt even worse than before after being turned away.

J S

Unpleasant conversation with a worker on the phone. Rude and unhelpful. Wanted to direct a client’s decisions before any assessment or appointment done and without thorough understanding of a client’s situation. Responses were full of unprofessional assumptions.