I made an appointment but had to reschedule at the last minute due to an unfortunate pet emergency that occurred just 30 minutes before my appointment. Im not really sure why it had to happen at the time of my appointment. Sadly, I had to make the difficult decision to put my pet down. I reached out to see if they could offer any leniency with their strict cancellation policy. They had already taken a deposit ($50, if I remember correctly), but then charged me an additional $100 for the cancellation. I tried to explain my situation, but it felt like I was talking to an ai robot person on the phone who kept saying the same thing over and over like a horrible broken record. This kind of response is unfortunately pretty common and probably not surprising. I did find a new friendly psychiatrist who doesn't even have that policy, or atleast after the VERY FIRST TIME. I DIDN'T EVEN MEET ANYONE IN THE OFFICE YET. anyways yeah, i do NOT recommend this place. So thankful there's better out there! :) read more

"I cannot say enough good things about Aura MD, but specifically about Erica, the Office Manager. In a world where healthcare can feel like an automated machine, Erica is a true gem. She consistently goes above and beyond, taking the time to talk to me and calm me down when I call in between my appointments. It is clear she truly cares about people and their well-being. This is the most outstanding service I have ever experienced with any medical provider, and Erica's presence alone makes this practice world-class." Jamie read more

I have been a patient of Dr. T's for over 15 years. Dr. T has created and cultivated an exceptional practice consisting of highly competent individuals. Aura MD is the GOAT at responsiveness to messages on the portal. In the age of insurance/medical-induced migraines... I can rely on extraordinarily rapid (I swear, sometimes almost instantaneous) responses/messages. I consider their communication game to be absolutely INVAULABLE to both my time and my sanity. To be direct, Dr. T is astute AF and knows her shit. She is always current with evolving research, treatment approaches, and insightful options, as well as the realities of actual patient care ( aka insurance issues, etc). The care you will receive is thoughtful, informed, and tailored. Dr. T deserves alllllll the adulation, and she has my sincerest gratitude for making my micro & macro mental mess manageable. Ya'll are just LE BEST & absolutely fabulous!!! read more

I scheduled an appointment with this doctor after a recommendation from a friend. I scheduled my appointment for 12:30 and wrote it in my calendar as we scheduled the appointment. The receptionist scheduled the appointment for the wrong time, so I missed the appointment. They never sent me a confirmation email or appointment reminder after scheduling, and charged me close to $200 for missing the appointment. This is ridiculous considering the receptionist scheduled for the wrong time. I would've never scheduled my appointment so early since I have standing meetings at work in the mornings. I'm just so disappointed. We don't have money like that to just spend on 'missed appointments'. read more

This is the best care I've ever had. Ashley helped me with a few of my mental issues that other offices haven't been able to solve. Everyone was so nice and caring, I will definitely never go to another doctor. read more

Dr. Toutounchi was so helpful and kind, and the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. Highly recommend!

I hesitated to see a mental healthcare professional for years until I stumbled across the overwhelmingly positive experiences written by Dr. Toutounchi's patients. Those glowing reviews gave me the confidence I needed to see someone qualified in addressing issues I was facing. That was nearly one year ago. For prospective patients who stumble upon this review as I did then, I can assure you that you need not look any further for the best psychiatrist in Houston. Not only is she board-certified by the Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, but Dr. Toutounchi also holds several Vital's Patient's Choice Awards alongside her press mentions in Houston publications. Despite these qualifications, I distinctly remember feeling nervous when I first picked up the phone to schedule an appointment. Kathy, AuraMD's front-office manager, quickly assuaged my fears by educating me about the scheduling process, setting clear expectations, and preparing me for the very reasonable first-appointment deposit. Kathy cheerfully answered my questions over a handful of calls that made me feel empowered as a first-time mental health patient. I confidently scheduled my appointment with the thought in mind that, after all, the best investment you can make is in yourself. Looking back on the past year, I cannot believe how many of my life goals I have been able to accomplish under the care of Dr. Toutounchi. After becoming an AuraMD patient and following Dr. Toutounchi's treatment protocol, I have gone on to have the best year of my life. No, really. After nearly a decade of being stuck in a downward spiral of unproductivity, I made 2019 my year. I married my soul mate and best friend, completed 67% of my accelerated Bachelor's program, and successfully delivered on strategic (and nerve-wracking) career moves that set me on an upward trajectory. Despite my successes this year, I quickly learned that making consistent mental health progress means finding a treatment program that works best and, unfortunately, they are not one-sized fit all. Dr. Toutounchi's distinguished background as a Chief Resident and highest undergrad honors is a testament to her deep understanding and approach to psychiatric disorders. She underscored her individualized approach to patient treatment with a plan tailored to my work hours, college schedule, and scheduled downtime. More importantly, Dr. Toutounchi made clear that her treatment approach is fluid, and sometimes changes must be made depending on individual response, progress, and lifestyle changes. Her hands-on approach was a breath of fresh air after reading about far too many providers that were rigid in their assembly-line approach to patient mentalhealth care. I can assure prospective patients that they will not find anything of that sort at AuraMD. One area that sets AuraMD apart from other practices is its commitment to a digital patient experience powered by the Elation Passport app. Tech-savvy patients are going to appreciate having the ability to contact their provider, request refills, and schedule appointments right at their fingertips. I cannot tell you how cool it is to get a notification with a summary of your office visit before you even make it to your car. Another area that sets AuraMD apart from other practices is its holistic approach to the person. While I have not utilized the Body by Aura services, the practice makes clear that they are on the cutting edge of premiere wellness and revolutionary science with their genetic fitness testing, micronutrient testing, food sensitivity testing, and candida testing. I cannot recommend Dr. Toutounchi enough for any mental health concern that you may have. Thank you to Dr. Toutounchi, Kathy, and the rest of the AuraMD team. God bless! read more

Aura MD | Ashley Toutounchi, MD - Patients are greeted with this immaculate staircase when visiting Dr. Toutounchi's AuraMD office located in the heart of Hedwig Village. - Psychiatrists Near Me - Houston, Texas

Replying to your BS reply. As a doctor ... blah blah. ALL I WAS TRYING TO DO WAS MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. Don't give me that bs about legal. I'm in healthcare too. No worries I hope you help the patients you already have. For anyone reading this go back to my original post and read their reply If you need a laugh. You do not need to talk to patients during appointment. He's able to make his own appointments. I only threw the rhetorical question out there bc your receptionist told me k can't make an appointment for him. I have been making appointments for him for the last 10 years. No one and I mean no one had made me feel that while making appointment for mental health. I finally went back to read some other reviews and same issue w receptionist. I'm not doubting you as a doctor but don't bs your way through this about legal and power of attorney bs. I know all about it being in healthcare. It's unfortunate that this happened you could've apologized and I would've removed my review. Instead you tried to justify what happened. read more

Taeler is the BEST!! She always makes me feel at ease. She's very understanding and efficient as well. Would rate 10 stars if I could!

I'd love to give more stars. This practice literally saved my life. I came to them a shell of a person, having had other practices give up on me. How refreshing it was to hear you are heard and seen and we will help you. They took me out of a very dark place and now I'm stable and able to function day to day. The whole staff is amazing and I recommend them wholly. read more

Does not work with patients, is not concerned about their well being. Over subscribes medication and strictly cares about profit. Run very far away from them read more

I was a Dr. T patient for 3 years. All visits were 15-minute virtual appointments on a quarterly basis as I was just taking an anti-depressant and a quetiapine for sleep. All was fine until I hit a wall due to some life events that gave rise to very high anxiety and resulted in the quetiapine suddenly losing any efficacy. After 5 nights of not sleeping, I reached out to Dr. T for an appointment and an adjustment of my meds. The only appointment I could get was with her PA, who prescribed an alternative medication that didn't work, and he did not warn me of the side effects of suddenly stopping quetiapine (not great). I called again and could only get the PA, who prescribed another med that also didn't work. Finally, I called Dr. T's staff and begged for an hour-long session with her. The best they could do was a 30 minute session a week after my call. I fired Dr. T and got in touch with my GP who told me I was having anxiety attacks and prescribed the right meds. read more

Aura medical is absolutely amazing! I love Taeler the NP, she is very knowledgeable and attentive to my needs. I would definitely recommend them if you're in need of mental health care, they are so kind and warming!! read more

Welcoming staff, compassionate doctors, and have made significant progress during my mental health journey. I cant say enough positive things. read more

Had my first visit with Dr. Toutounchi this week and it was an extremely pleasant experience. I initially called the office over a week ago to schedule an appointment. The earliest available time they were able to provide was approximately 1 month away. I went ahead and made the appointment. After a few days I received a call from the office stating that an earlier appointment date was available if I would like to reschedule. I really appreciated the call and rescheduled for the earlier date which was just days away. The office decor is beautiful, and feels relaxing. The doctor was very thorough in talking with me regarding my symptoms etc. Also, in prescribing medication, she went into details about what the medication does, and the approximate time to experience any valuable effect. I appreciated how thorough she was and didn't feel rushed. She analyzed all the points I raised and presented both medical and non-medical options I may seek toward improvement. It has only been two days since my visit, but I can already sense a difference in my mood and demeanor. I would highly recommend Dr. Toutounchi for anyone seeking behavioral therapy. read more

Love AuraMD! The online portal is awesome! I work with Brandon and he actually listens to my med concerns and follows up after appointments. I live in Austin now but I would never change providers. I don't feel that virtual appointments has lowered the standard of care that is provided. Appointments are easy to schedule and Kathy confirms them quickly and has always helped me to find a time that works. read more

I've Dr. Toutounchi multiple times. She was extremely nice, listened to what I had to say, & informed me of my treatment plan. Unfortunately she accepts very few insurance plans & I can't afford the self pay options, but I would definitely recommend her. read more

The absolute WORST doctor I've ever been to. Sedated me to the point where I couldn't wake up anymore. Put me on a very high dose of a pill that come to find has a lawsuit for all of the side effects and injuries it is caused. Then refused to take me off of it. Went to a new doctor and she is helping me get off of these medicines and on a more healthy regimen. But for now because of this terrible woman who is just in it for the pay check and to drug you up: I'm having the hardest time of my life and I am on medical leave. Brain zaps Panic attacks all day Crying all day Irritability Yelling for no reason Shakes Night sweats Insomnia Headaches Aching body and joints Suicidal thoughts Wanting to die And I am not even getting paid medical leave. She has no ethics. STAY AWAY FROM HER. Malpractice at its finest. read more

I've been coming to Dr. T for at least 2 years now and I love her! She jumpstarted my mental health progress and I've been getting better ever since! I would recommend her for your mental health needs! I started B12 shots with her today (5/2) and I believe I will continue with them depending on the results I receive this first go round! read more

Aura MD has been a complete life saver for me. I've been seeing them since March/April and they listened to every single concern I've had and have guided me in the right direction with an easy/light regimen. Brandon is amazing and so is Ashley. Wouldn't go anywhere else! read more

The best. Genuinely cares and listens and has your best interest in mind. Would never want to see anyone else! Went out of her way during a crisis in order for me to get my prescriptions on time, on more than one occasion. Beautiful inside and out with a good spirit and soul. I'm glad I was pulled towards booking an appointment with Dr. T! Her office staff is incredible and the office is peaceful and calm! read more

I have been with this practice for at least six years. I love that visits are virtual, as I live far from the practice location. Before they offered virtual appointments, I was driving two hours round trip to see Dr. Toutounchi, because they provide such quality. Pre-pandemic, they were able to accommodate my geographic challenges by allowing me to have virtual visits for most appointments, which I appreciated, having a busy life. I started with Dr. T and now see Brandon, and they are both wonderful. They respond quickly to messages, prompt with assistance, are professional and listen. I know I can tell them anything ,and I will be seen and heard, and they will treat me with the upmost concern for my wellbeing. If anyone is struggling with anxiety, depression, etc...you do not need to be embarrassed or afraid to get help. Kathy, the office manager, is great as well. read more

Dr. T and the Aura MD staff are on another level when it comes to mental health services in Houston. Dr. T quickly and continually improved my mental health, which seemed impossible with other psychiatrists. Plus the wait time is usually non existent. In my 20+ visits the typical wait time is less than 5 minutes. My husband sees Brandon, the NP, and has had the same experience. The environment is more spa like than doctors office. The office coordinator Kathy is wonderful! She is very helpful, always answers the phone, and is able to get me in quickly and at a time that works for my schedule. . read more

I am truly happy I found a physician close the area I commute practically everyday. Upon entering into the office I felt a relief due to the calm colors and silence of her office. I didn't feel crowded upon other patients or felt rushed out like most doctors make you feel. I felt welcomed and acknowledged. As soon as you walk in, you are greeting by a pleasant lady (receptionist) . The fact that they look into your eyes says a lot! unlike other places they refrain from looking at you is quite disrespectful. I came to Dr. T for my anxiety, ADD and MDD. My issues and concerns where addressed. I feel a lot better now with the treatment she has overseen with the care of her Nurse Practitioner Brandon. I would recommend Dr. T to anyone who needs someone to listen and appropriately care. Thanks again! read more

After reading the reviews I was super excited to finally found someone that maybe the right for me. They require a "Deposit" to make an appointment. I understand having a policy for no calls no shows, missed appointments etc because that's a standard practice. They didn't want to take any of my information or make an appointment until I paid a random stranger $75. I understand that the "deposit" is suppose to be applied towards your appointment and whatever is left over towards other appointments...but its discouraging for a first time patient. I'm already nervous meeting a new doctor and then I'm told I can't even make an appointment without paying first. If you are comfortable with that, then maybe this doctor is right for you...but to me it was a RED FLAG. I understand paying a deposit for hair, tattoo, rent, etc...but not a doctors appointment. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to meet or speak with any of the doctors so I can't comment on that. read more

Dr. T has been my mental health partner (because hey, you have to do your part, too!) for about 3 1/2 years now, and she is the best. Compassionate, but no-nonsense. I never feel rushed, and she genuinely cares about her patients. Her new office is very calm, which--in my opinion--is vital to patients' well being. I highly recommend her! read more

I've been seeing Dr. T for almost 3 years and she's awesome. Much better than any other psychiatrist I've had. She listens and cares about what you have to say and actually works to fix whatever issue you're having. I've always been able to quickly get an appointment, even when I was a new patient, and wait times are minimal. I highly recommend her! read more

You know how a lot of times, you feel rushed and like you are taking up their time? Try the opposite. She always says contact us at any time, and I believe her. I had a problem with a prescription and I've never had this sort of mix up handled so quickly. I'm she has her faults ... but I haven't found it, yet. read more

Quiet and kind, just what you need from a psychiatrist. She works with you to make sure you're on the path to complete mental health. Especially wonderful in the new office, too! It's like visiting an angel's office with all the white peacefulness. read more

I highly recommend Dr. T to anyone looking for an empathetic Psychiatrist. She is truly concerned about improving her patients' well-being. At the same time, she is very professional and knowledgeable and I felt like I was in extremely good hands. She has helped me overcome so much, and I feel like my life and mental peace are both in such a better place since I started seeing her. I drive all the way from Conroe because of her great care. read more

Dr. Toutounchi is fantastic! I went to her for help with weight loss and she delivered. I am half way through the weight loss program and I am getting close to my goal weight. With her help, the plan has been downright easy. She has been kind, informative, available, encouraging, and knowledgeable. Her office manager, Kelly, is extremely friendly, helpful, and encouraging as well. If you are looking for an effective option for weight loss (or for an understanding psychiatrist), you should definitely give Dr. Toutounchi's office a call! read more

Been seeing Dr. T for almost a year and am so grateful to have her as my Psychiatrist. I am honestly SHOCKED to read the previous negative review especially because she has always been very cautious to ensure my vitals were stabilized (even when I verbally confirmed that I have no issues on my medication-she pulls her bp machine out and double checks). Something that I appreciate because I don't like to take meds if I do not need them because many come with so many side effects. But she has always practiced precaution at each of my appointments, has always tuned in to my needs and even gave me tips for my pharmacology class that I have been worried about passing! I honestly don't believe I would pass nursing school without her medical expertise & medical care. That is priceless. I definitely recommend her. read more

I lost the psychiatrist I had been seeing for 10 years in February of 2018. In the year and a half since, I have seen 5 psychiatrists each more progressively worse than the other. I honestly lost all hope. However, I had my first visit with Dr. Toutounchi on 7/30. I was a nervous wreck because everyone I had recently seen made me feel so bad about myself. I didn't want another doctor doing the same. I have to say, my experience was far from that. Dr. Toutounchi was very professional and direct which I greatly appreciate. She is extremely knowledgeable and asked questions that no one has asked me before. She also provides explanations for why or why not she is doing something. After years of being on one psychiatric medication after the other without results, she has provided me with hope that there might be a reason for this. I am on disability and money is a concern for me. Dr. Toutounchi did not make me feel bad about this and was very conscientious about taking cost into consideration with her recommendations. Close to two weeks after my visit, I had to turn to Dr. Toutounchi for a letter I needed. I didn't know how she would feel about this given I was a new patient but she responded quickly and made sure I understood what she could provide. Finally Kathy is PHENOMINAL! Always pleasant, quick to help and extremely knowledgeable as well. I'm finally feeling as if there actually may be a bucket of gold at the end of the rainbow. read more