Apparently, despite the name and even the appearance of Dr. Crantz being familiar to both my…read morehusband and myself, it appears that I have him confused for another doctor according to his comment that he has not practiced at Fairfax Hospital for some time. My stay there was just a few months ago so it was obviously NOT Dr. Crantz. I have updated with this correction as well as giving five stars as an apology for the mix up. I am truly, truly sorry for the misunderstanding and feel horrible about it! In fact, I am looking for an endocrinologist to see and would like to give Dr. Crantz a try if he will have me as a patient. Again, I am deeply sorry for the confusion. ****************** I was hospitalized at Fairfax Hospital for tachycardia & uncontrolled hypertension. I had been in & out of my local hospital with no real answers & came to Fairfax b/c they have better resources. I have several chronic illnesses & chronic pain so the hospital is often like a second home to me, unfortunately. The past year has been particularly rough with two major surgeries for severe Stage IV endometriosis & difficulties w/ interstitial cystitis. When Dr. Crantz came into my room, he showed compassion & concern which was desperately needed & appreciated. He did a thorough exam, promised that he would get to the bottom of things & said, "You will not leave here until I have an answer for you." When you are this sick, scared & desperate for answers, a doctor like this is a Godsend. As he left my room, he promised to return to talk to me further about a care plan & eventually, to provide me with the answers I was seeking. I cried harder than I had in a long time when he left, tears of relief & hope that someone cared enough to figure out what is wrong & I felt I was in great hands. However, being a chronic pain patient as well as someone who is battling chronic illness, my needing frequent hospitalizations automatically qualifies me to be judged as a "frequent flier" AKA a "drug seeker." Even though I am under the care of a qualified pain management physician & I follow his care plan to a "T," & even though every in-hospital pain management team I have met with understands my care plan & issues with tolerance, I often run into this prejudice & it affects my care negatively. Sadly, this is a common problem that chronic pain patients face. If I was being discriminated against for my faith, orientation or the color of my skin, the doctor would be disciplined if not fired. But it is perfectly acceptable in the medical field to discriminate against those with chronic pain simply because there are some who do abuse the system. There are no words to describe the humiliation one feels once you realize you are being looked down on & judged for something you have not, nor ever will do (abuse pain medication). When you are more sick than you have ever been in your life, desperate for answers & too weak to fight the system when it turns on you, it is one of the most hopeless, scary & demoralizing positions to be in. So imagine my disappointment when Dr. Crantz, after looking into my file, where I'm sure I'm clearly labeled for my frequent hospitalizations, would not even come talk to me as promised. He sent the hospitalist in to tell me that he believes my pain medications are the cause of my symptoms (I later consulted with 3 different pain management specialists to see if that was even possible & they all said there is absolutely no medically sound reason for such a judgement, that it would not make any sense for it to be my pain medication causing my issues & that unfortunately, they see this scenario happen frequently to their patients by uninformed doctors who know nothing about pain management & simply act on stereotypes & bias rather than science & facts. Even though my tests showed a significant adrenal insufficiency, Dr. Crantz refused to treat it & instead advised, through the hospitalist, that I "stop taking all of those pain medications." The very medications that help me function through level 8-10 chronic pain. Medications I have taken for years w/o a problem. The only thing Dr. Crantz's advice would accomplish is to set me back significantly in my treatment & put me through unnecessary, unbearable pain. He refused to speak to me face to face to discuss my concerns & questions despite his promise to come back. And his promise to not send me home w/o answers was not truly fulfilled. Giving me "answers" that were not medically sound & that were based on an unethical bias & stereotype towards me is not an acceptable answer.

If I had listened to this doctor more than 20 years ago, I would more than likely be dead today. I…read morehad Cushing's and was officially diagnosed and successfully treated after seeking a second opinion. All Dr. Crantz focused on was my weight, dictated his clinical notes in front of me saying I didn't have the disease I had, and that I simply needed to lose weight. From some of the other reviews on here, it sounds like he is still hung up on weight as the reason for illness. All the best to those of you who seek his help.

Joan helped me through a lot in my life. As an adolescent,…read moreI'd seen a lot of therapists- particularly because I'd had a rough time. Growing into adulthood is a struggle for anyone, and I was having a rough time. You meet people that care, and then you meet people that both care and can engage you. The latter is Joan Normandy-Dohlberg. Not only did Joan make me feel comfortable & safe to express my feelings (& share my deepest darkest,) but she engaged me in a way I knew I was heard & felt I could accomplish more & do better for myself- no judgment, no falsity. She helped me every step of the way, ESPECIALLY when I was in my own way. As someone who's seen a lot of therapists in the greater Burke/DMV area, I want to be clear that I am leaving this review as a GLOWING review of Ms. Dr. Joan Normandy-Dolberg-- and you'll be hard-pressed to find a better therapist than her.

I have been seeing Joan Normandy-Dolberg for the past year and she has helped me make SIGNIFICANT…read moreprogress in dealing with an abusive childhood and depression. She is very knowledgeable and uses different methods to help you cope and understand your feelings and so you can process a painful past and not let it impinge on the rest of your life. She is a great listener but unlike another therapist I had in the past, she doesn't just listen and tell you its "normal", she actually discusses how it's affecting you and ways to lessen it's impact on your mental health. She uses EMDR, a therapy that helped me SO much by lessening the pain of past trauma and now the remembrances of these events is much more infrequent and does not cause high levels of anxiety. You can ask my husband, my life has vastly improved since I started seeing Joan. Karen, her office manager, is very sweet and friendly and it is just such a great environment. If you are in need of a genuine, caring and highly qualified counselor, I highly recommend Joan.

I had a neuropsychological evaluation with Dr. Kayleigh Hale at Hope+Wellness as an adult, and the…read moreexperience was genuinely validating and life changing. As an adult who had previously been dismissed and denied evaluation as a teenager, I sought out Dr. Hale specifically because of her expertise evaluating adults and women. My decision to pursue evaluation was prompted after a family member received an ADHD diagnosis, which made me realize I needed an expert who could carefully differentiate overlapping symptoms. From my very first interaction with Dr. Hale, I felt listened to and taken seriously. The process itself was both professional and compassionate. Dr. Hale created a calm, comfortable environment and had clearly reviewed my extensive history in advance. The testing was thorough, well structured, and handled with care throughout. Based on a comprehensive, evidence-based evaluation, I received an adult diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. The diagnosis was clearly grounded in detailed testing and careful history review and reflected a modern, nuanced understanding of how autism can present, particularly in adults and women who've been masking their whole lives. What stood out most was Dr. Hale's skill with differential diagnosis. She thoughtfully navigated overlapping symptoms seen in conditions such as autism, ADHD, BPD, CPTSD, etc. Her thorough approach ruled out several major possibilities and clarified my diagnostic profile, including long-standing co-occurring issues. Since my experience, I have referred two people to Dr. Hale, both of whom went through the same careful evaluation process and reported positive experiences. I highly recommend Dr. Hale and Hope+Wellness to anyone seeking a thoughtful, evidence-based neuropsychological evaluation, especially those navigating the complexities of late diagnosis. I also want to note that the administrative staff who handled my initial intake call and scheduling were incredibly kind and compassionate, which made starting what can be a very difficult process that much easier.

Everything about my experience at Hope & Wellness has been positive. When I first reached out to…read morethem, I was SHOCKED when I got a response the next day. I'd often never hear back from offices when inquiring about their services. Ever since then, the admin side with scheduling and other needs were easy and efficient. I can't overstate how important this is when you're on a mental health journey. I've been going to H&W for several years, most recently working with Dr. Joi. Her name matches her -- she is joy. I always looked forward to our sessions, feeling safe to share and discuss pretty tough topics. I shared some pretty hard things that made me feel really vulnerable and she never showed judgement. She follows up on certain challenges to check-in and works with you to set goals, and talks through set-backs. So don't wait another minute if you need help! This practice could change your life like it did mine.

After years of trying to find the right mental health provider, I finally feel like I'm in the…read moreright hands with Mary Hart-Johnson, a highly trained and board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. She is the first provider I've seen who genuinely listens. Most of my past appointments with other doctors felt rushed and focused only on renewing prescriptions, but she actually takes the time to talk with you and understand what's going on. That alone sets her apart. She goes far beyond quick check-ins. She asks thoughtful questions, remembers your history, and works with you to figure out what's helping and what isn't. If someone wants a fast prescription with minimal conversation, she isn't the right fit. But if you want a provider who truly engages with your care, she is exceptional. I also appreciate her balanced approach. She prescribes medication when it's needed, but she also recommends vitamins and supplements to support brain health so you aren't relying solely on pharmaceuticals. It's not an extreme holistic approach and it's not a medication-only mindset. She blends both in a thoughtful, evidence-based way that supports long-term improvement. Over time, I've felt more supported and more understood by her than with any other mental health provider I've seen. She looks at the full picture, not just the symptoms on a chart, and that makes a meaningful difference in how I manage my conditions. If you're looking for someone who combines expertise, compassion, and real attention to your needs, I highly recommend Mary Hart-Johnson, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC. Five stars without hesitation.

I have been in the care of Mrs.Hart-Johnson for more than seven years now. she has truly saved me…read morefrom depression and anxiety. her knowledge and care are above expectation.

Rude and unprofessional…read more The first time I talked to Elena was over the phone. I was inquiring about her services when she made an off-putting comment- "Such a strange playful way of spelling your name..." she said "...do you always LIKE to spell it that way?" And I thought 'Well since it's the way my mother (who by the way is now dead) spelled it on my birth certificate, yeah that is how I ALWAYS spell MY NAME.' I should have stopped there without booking. Now don't get me wrong, I'm fond of my 'playful' name. But as a first impression, this comment from a mental health specialist came off a bit strange, as if she'd assumed things about a person (me) she'd never met. Not to mention it was potentially offensive depending on the state of the caller/the culture they're from! But against my better judgement I booked her for the next compatible date in our schedules. Lo and behold, the day before our appointment was a full 10 hours of travel for me. I arrived home late and put all the mail on the counter before falling asleep. Upon waking in the morning I discovered that my WATER was turned off for routine building maintenance - a notice that was sitting in the stack of mail that collected the 4 days I was away. Ugh. I immediately called Elena's number (provided on the forms I has already printed and filled out prior to our appointment -per her instructions) MULTIPLE times with no success. I also politely emailed her that I was extremely sorry but since I was unable to shower or brush my teeth before meeting her for the first time, I hope she understood. No answer. 5 minutes prior to our appointment time Elena called, sounding worried. I explained to her the calls, email, and then gave her the run down of my situation. If she was trying to be empathetic it didn't show. When I restated that I was not coming I thought I may have given her a panic attack. She went into a frenzy about checking her email and said that she'd 'obviously be okay and figure something out'. Whatever that means. It wasn't long until she texted me her correct email address and informed me that she had the WRONG PHONE NUMBER up on her site / forms all along. Apparently her email has a period between first and last name. But the cherry on top was when she emailed me FROM THE "WRONG" ADDRESS letting me know that I had no reason to give her less than 24 hours notice much less not show up at all. Well Elena, maybe my situation wasn't ideal, but neither is yours. Had I known 24 hours prior MYSELF then I would have contacted you- but it probably still would have been at your outdated forms of contact. A situation arose and if you can't show empathy about a small issue in the present, why should I or anyone trust you with the buried, horrific details of the past? So glad I won't be paying those crazy prices to work with her rude disorganization. So hey, maybe she did her job as a health realization counselor, because I sure realized a heck of a lot about what first impressions of your health care provider should not look like.

I used to think that with all the resources that were available (friendship, prayer, Holy Writings,…read moremy own intelligence, the Internet, self-help books, etc.), psychologists were useless and only the weak needed them. I didn't trust them. However, there came a point in my life where even with all these resources, still I couldn't cope with what I was going through. So, I followed the recommendations of a trusted friend and contacted Elena. I did so with a lot of mistrust and even fear, but... How wrong I was!!! Elena is understanding, compassionate, and truthful. She is really amazing in her ability to perceive what is really, fundamentally going on, and her advice is centered and realistic.Yet she leaves me free to do what I believe is the right thing, even when I don't agree with her, and never have I felt her judge me negatively. She is very knowledgeable yet I never feel as though we are having a textbook session, she has a very human and friendly touch. She is very accomodating (sessions are through Skype or in person, her hours are flexible, last minute sessions are possible). Even if the price was a little steep for me (150$/h), I have to say that it was worth every penny. She offers the possibility of a (small) sliding scale. Elena has helped me to see clearly in my marriage and my inner life. She has become a true and trusted friend, and I can honestly say that meeting her has been a blessing.

Both Danielle and Shamal are adept healers. They go above and beyond for their clients…read more Shamal grew up meditating as a monk and is extremely knowledgeable about different meditation and breath work practices. Shamal has extensive experience facilitating deep transformation through his approaches. He is able to guide towards clarity and calmness. He helped a client who was confined to a wheelchair and was not supposed to ever be able to walk again. After several months of breath work and meditation, she was miraculously able to walk!! For anyone in search of real, lasting healing, this practice is truly exceptional!

My therapist for the last 2 years is Tamara Philbin, MS, NCC, LPC. She is fantastic! I have…read morechildhood sexual trauma, toxic work environment for over a decade, and severe clinical depression and anxiety. Tamara is always punctual and works with me when I have to adjust our schedule. She works with me and adjusts her fees to meet my budget. We meet virtually because it is best for me. Tamara is very kind, caring and nice. Tamara has phenomenal skills and is really helping me recover from severe psychological trauma. I've had several psychologists throughout my life and Tamara is by far the best. She knows exactly how to deal with each issue that arises. I admire and respect her so much.

Outstanding counseling services for most people. Review their website for details. Carey Gauzens…read moreand Nancy Scott have been on site here for over ten years. Both are excellent.

Esther Boykin and her team at GTA are stellar clinicians, empathic listeners, and caring…read moretherapists, and I could not recommend this practice more! They not only offer individual and couples therapy, but Esther hosts many events, workshops, meditations, and retreats that are high quality, unique, and really meet the needs of the community. Bravo, Esther-you have built a practice that's pretty special!

If you really needs couples help pass these idiots by. Totally uneducated and unprepared for…read moresituation couples have. Sets you on fire then sends you out the door because the next (Appt)$$$ is in lobby. Did more damage then good to our relationship. Useless in all regards. Simply a money play.