I went for 3-4 appointments with Dr Ettekal and have to say i was very disappointed. He warned me at the start of our sessions that he had a very intensive particular style of therapy that wasn't for everyone. After going through the first deep sharing session, i often felt like he was really patronizing and disinterested in talking to me. While he listened, he often responded in a very curt and at times mean way. Now, it probably sounds like I wasn't prepared for this and would have preferred he stroke my hair and tell me everything was going to be ok. It's simply not the case. I just don't appreciate being treated like a child with no insight into herself or her behavior. I continued to go as I'm not one to give up when i've started something, but it felt very uncomfortable and forced. Everytime i'd go he'd say "if you don't like my style you should go to someone else". This is true, i could have, but i felt like i'd invested a lot of myself into the sessions and told him a lot of very personal information for a reasonably large amount of money. The final straw came when i'd apparently forgotten to attend a session we'd arranged 3 months in advance. He doesn't give reminders, as he curtly told me, and apparently called to tell me he was going to charge me for the missed session. I didn't get a voicemail and only discovered this when i saw a charge on a bank statement. Perhaps his style of patronizing and condescending is for you, but it's not for me anymore. read more

I just wanted to point out that he currently (April 2013) only accepts only two health insurance plans, one of which is College Health IPA and "within a couple of months" will be transitioning to not supporting any insurance at all. If he hates dealing with the insurance companies as much as I do, I really cannot fault him. For right now, he offers a superbill, meaning that the client pays up front and is written a claim from the doctor to seek reimbursement from their insurance. As I understand it, this claim would have all information concerning diagnosis and treatment, information which your insurance may not necessarily have as they deal in billing codes. This becomes part of your permanent file. Dr. Ettikal charges $450 for a 90 minute comprehensive intake appointment for each patient and $150 for half hour or so follow up sessions. He came highly recommended by my therapist but I simply cannot afford to visit someone who doesn't accept insurance. read more

Completely unprofessional and not empathetic in my case. Saw him 3 times. First time I mostly talked and thought it was great. Second appointment he definitely got "tougher" to the point where it was very uncomfortable and triggered a panic attack in the car on the way home. I brought this up on our third appointment and was told I was controlling because I didn't like his method and was told that no one would ever help me and that nothing would ever work if I didn't do his methods. He may work out for some people, but he is definitely not the person to help me. I can't recommend him for anyone dealing with anxiety. read more

I was at a low point in my life when I went to see Dr. Ettekal. He was recommended to me by a friend who had really good things to say about him. I began seeing him for a lot of issues including depression and anxiety and problems in relationships. One of the things I like about him is that he is easy to talk to and in our therapy I never feel judged or ashamed. At my appointments he pays really close attention to me, and is observant and insightful about what I am going through. The work in our therapy has been hard at times, but really helpful, and for the first time in a long time I have hope for my future. He is also very knowledgeable about medication, and I really like having one person do both meds and therapy. He is dependable and I have recommended him to others who have really positive things to say about working with him. read more

I have worked with Dr. Ettekal for about 2 years now post a very rough divorce; he was recommended to me when I first moved to the South Bay. I can't say enough about the quality of his approach, his care, and his diligence and knowledge with regards to matching you with effective medicines as well as his flexibility to consider natural supplements for anxiety maintenance. In my experience, the behavioral professionals I have worked with seemed disconnected or not engaged. Dr. Ettekal is different...in combination with his very engaging personality, he is very collaborative...upon leaving his sessions, I feel a sense of relief and renewal. I strongly recommend Dr. Ettekal to those seeking a quality physician and engaging counseling. Thanks, Doc, for all your help! read more

There are very few physicians who are kinder or more astute than this guy. Dr. Ettekal often goes out of his way for me as one of his patients. I recommend him often. Not much else to say, really. I have worked with Dr. Ettekal for about five years and when I leave his appointments I am always smiling, and I know that I am understood. read more

My doctor referred me to see Dr. Ettekal and despite how nervous I was initially, I'm really glad I've been seeing him. Since I've been working with him the issues I've seen him for have gotten a lot better. He knows his stuff and is honest and generally direct but at the same time doesn't treat me like I just have to do what he says. I also value how grounded and insightful he is. I take away a lot about me as a person even in our medication management visits. He does believe in the "less is more" approach to meds and genuinely takes into account what I want. He doesn't treat me like I'm just a bunch of chemical reactions; every step of the way it is about me as the whole person. He is also open minded, and we've talked about naturopathic and homeopathic remedies as well. The office is centrally located, parking has been easier than I thought, and he's good about getting back to my calls.His rates are average for other shrinks in the area but I would say you get more for your money with him, he's a good value. read more

Dr. Ettekal is such a responsive, sympathetic doctor. If you or anyone in your family has mood disorders or mental-health concerns, you would be lucky to work with this guy. Good availability, good empathy. Thanks. read more

Wonderful. Patient. Truly Knowledgeable and helpful. Would and have recommended him to anyone needing a psychiatrist. Have never experienced any of the traits discussed in the negative reviews below in the 10+ sessions I have had with him. Thanks Dr. E. read more

Dr Ettekal is knowledgeable and compassionate. He is that rare psychiatrist who does both psychotherapy as well as psychiatry and as a medical psychiatrist does not have his prescription book and pen at the ready before you even walk in the office. I doubt it gets better than this. read more

I've seen many doctors over the years. I give Dr. Ettekal 5 stars. He's got deep knowledge about pharmacology. More so than other doctors I've seen. Highly recommend. read more

So helpful and caring. One of the nicest doctors Ive ever met. He is helping me get off my medications, wrongfully prescribed by a malpractice doctor, and I am so thankful for him. I am finally feeling myself again! He charges a lot but is so worth it. Its hard to find a psychiatrist that won't push drugs on you, and he so didn't. He took my lead and was incredibly wary of my wants and needs. Very grateful for him. read more

I see Dr. Ettekal for treatment of anxiety and depression. He put me on the right medication, tailored to my specific situation which really turned my life around. He is an excellent Doctor, someone you can trust and who understands what you are going through. He doesn't regurgitate medical text or schedule unnecessary apointments or tests yet he is very thurough. He will try to make the most out of every visit so come as prepared as possible. He is also accomodating to your schedule. I see him at 7pm. Good luck with your treatment. Be hopeful and trust that you can overcome anything :) read more

The best and so easy to talk to. Very knowledgeable about the combination of various medication which is really important for me. Just can't say enough. read more

Dr. Ettekal has sinced reached out to me in an effort to help resolve our differences. I appreciate his effort to resolve the problem.

I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Ettekal. He takes the time to listen and truly wants to help his patients. He is understanding, warm, very professional and thorough. He has done extensive research in pharmacology so he knows his medications and the appropriate dosage to achieve the best results. I've been to other psychiatrists, but Dr. Ettekal by far, is the best. I highly recommend him. He also charges very fair rates for his service. read more

I must say I am surprised by Natalie P.'s reviews for Dr. E. I have only been seeing Dr. E for the last three months but my experience has been very different. Dr. E's style is very different than the psychiatrist that I had seen before, but I wholeheartedly believe and found it to be so much better than the "Lets talk about your feelings & everything is going to be okay" approach. This is how I equate my experience...If you go to the gym to wear a cute outfit, do a fifteen minute stroll on the treadmill and you feel like you really "worked out" Dr. E might not be the psychiatrist for you. But if you go to the gym to break a good sweat, challenge yourself and hope you might be even a little sore the next day this is your doc! He will change your life but you have to challenge yourself and really want to change. He's not one of those docs that strokes you and takes your money week after week...he's honest and helps guide you to make the changes you want/need to make in your life. I can honestly say its the best time and money I've invested in myself. read more

Dr. Ettekal pays attention to all of the details and is 100% committed to finding what is best for YOU. He is a dream come true for anyone who is interested in true healing. After years of the opposite experience with doctors, he has continually impressed me and helped me to move forward in ways i didn't know was possible. I don't think you will find a better doctor, truly. THANK YOU!!! read more

I, too, was very impressed with Dr. Ettekal during our initial visits but when a particular anti-depressant (that Dr. Ettekal was not familiar with) did not work out for me, and since I had stopped taking an earlier anti-depressant, I found myself off all anti-depressants completely. I called Dr. Ettekal in a panic and did not hear from him until the next day at which time he told me he did not have time to see me for another 10 days. I consider it very unprofessional to make a depressed patient wait a whole day before returning a call and then telling them that they had to wait 10 days to see the doctor at all. read more

I had the privilege of working with Dr. Ettekal . He is a true professional in every sense of the word. He gives his patients quality care and has great knowledge of the human condition. I would highly recommend Dr. Ettekal to anyone who is in need of care in the area of Depression and/or Anxiety. When my father was dying, I asked Dr. Ettekal for a bit of advice. He was professional, yet so understanding and showed true concern. He lifted my spirits. It is not easy to find a good Dr. who listens to the patient and gives his time, has compassion, and truly cares about people's well being. Dr, Ettekal is the best choice. read more