A few years late but have been thinking about this and thought it was important to write something…read more Back when I was 16 my unsupportive father and his wife tried to take me to a therapist to "fix me" (as in, "stop me" from being transgender). They took me here first - probably saw "sexual problems" under the list of services and decided this was their best bet for conversion therapy. They were sorely disappointed when this man 'didn't understand what the problem was'. It was then that my father and his wife decided this clearly "wasn't the right therapist" and left absolutely raging. While this experience didn't necessarily change my father's mind, it did make me feel supported and safe with at least one adult figure during that time. Just really appreciative of that experience despite never seeing him again. Thought I would write something in the hope that other trans people might see this.

I recently saw Dr. Bernstein to talk about some relationship and codependency issues. I find him to…read morebe very kind, caring and non-judgmental. Additionally, he is very forthright and helps you to see things from a different perspective that maybe never occurred to you. I like him. He's TOPS in my book.

I'm discouraged to write this because I was genuinely excited after reading so many positive…read morereviews and how thoughtfully this doctor describes his approach. Unfortunately, my experience mirrors another reviewer's: I first reached out over a week and a half ago, left multiple voicemails, and followed up asking to briefly learn more about his approach, but never received a response. I understand he likely has a full practice and other priorities. That said, it would be helpful if his voicemail or profile set clearer expectations around response times or availability, or noted if he's not taking new clients. Silence after multiple follow-ups is disappointing. I personally rely heavily on reviews when making decisions about providers, and I'm leaving this for others who do the same. He sounded great based on reviews and his profile, but based on my experience, he does not seem very communicative. Bummer. :(

You'll find no one else even close to Dr. Steve Balt, in terms of his expert skill, sincere empathy…read morefor his patients, and uniquely effective approach to mental health treatment.  If you've grown exasperated or etiolated with other providers who just won't *listen* to you; if you're looking for someone to selectively challenge your thoughts to inform your "gestalt" to you and others, as appropriate; or, if you just need someone you can trust to have your best interest at heart, I can personally attest to the fact that you should see Dr. Balt now, while you can. The rough can only obscure a gem like Dr. Balt for so long.  Dr. Balt's style precludes traditional "paper" diagnoses, which, at least to me, makes the most sense because no one can maintain with any level of confidence that their thinking and psyche can be wholly and correctly labeled in a box. Let's face it: our thinking is fluid, as our issues may be of mercurial function. Dr. Balt not only fully understands this truth but clearly relates to it in his treatment, which I would describe as medication-assisted psychotherapy.  Seeing Dr. Balt every other week since Summer 2018 has been perhaps the most rewarding experience I've accrued in that same timespan. I had seen other providers, but only Dr. Balt recognized my issues as specific to only me, as a person.  Dr. Balt's "collective" approach assures that you won't be stuck scarfing down tablets for reasons you don't fully understand or agree with, and compromise is the name of the game when loggerheads nears broaching.  Without delving into my personal issues, suffice it to say that complexities have been manifold, and I've honestly actually come to eagerly await each and every meeting with Dr. Balt!

By far the best psychologist I have ever had the pleasure of working with! (and I've worked with a…read morelot of psychologists) I've been her client for over 3 years at this point and I see her weekly or bi-weekly. I have never once felt uncomfortable or unsafe while seeing her.If you want somebody who truly cares about and wants nothing but the best for their clients as well adapts their therapy style to each individual client then this is who you need. They have all their credentials hanging on the walls in both of their offices. She has gone to very prestigious colleges has her own private practice as well as working in multiple very well known hospitals. They truly care about the people that they work with. They're always punctual and never have canceled an appointment on me. They have helped me improve my life beyond words, I am forever grateful for the help that they have given me.

It is hard to explain what a difficult experience I had dealing with Ionascu. Her manner was curt,…read moreunreceptive/unsympathetic and not helpful in the performance of neuro-psychological testing. (I am loath to use the term "Doctor" as she got a PsyD from a second-rate institution, "The Wright Institute", that will give anyone with enough time and money a degree that allows them to use that coveted term. I heard a psychologist with a PhD from the University of California, San Francisco called it the "Wrong Institute" because she said the students were practically innumerate, i.e., they could barely do math she taught in psych classes. A PsyD is nothing more than a high-sounding professional technician's degree with limited insight into the theoretical foundations of the psychology and physiology of neuropsychology. One of her websites claim she got her training at UCSF. One class, 2 days, maybe.) Briefly, her office setup for neuro-psychological evaluation is ergonomically poor with problematic equipment layout and rickety equipment and nothing to accommodate different body types. Some of the equipment is improperly positioned for the requirements of the evaluative instrument/test being administered. Some of the testing conditions lacked privacy and, potentially, in violation of health privacy laws. I could go on but suffice it to say that considering how much she charges for her services it ought to be better. I went to her because the only other people in the area approved to do the testing were booked far into the future and Ionascu could accommodate the timeline I was forced into by the FAA. Now I understand why. She is second-rate and if I had to do this again I would choose any other neuro-psych evaluator in the Bay Area (or travel long distances) instead of her even with the long wait the others might have. She may be good for some people but beware of her limited capabilities and unprofessional approach.

My husband and I saw Matt for 5 months, and we were very pleased with our progress and grateful for…read morehis approach. He's structured, which holds everyone accountable and gives tangible things to work on. He frequently asks for feedback and really acts upon it. We're ending because our relationship is in a good place right now, in very large part to Matt!

I started my therapy with Matthew in early November last year. In the beginning I started couples…read moretherapy which later evolved into one on one therapy with just me. I'll admit I did not feel or wanted to be in therapy the first 2 sessions. It was after further evaluation and Matthews EMDR therapy, I then realized how significant his help was. Matthew is very welcoming, knowledgeable, and professional. I felt safe and comfortable since day 1. He helped me out with my PTSD in steps and after months of weekly therapy, I can say my traumas that I have experienced don't bother me like they use to. My only regret is not seeing someone way earlier, but Matthew has helped and teach me how to overcome. I highly recommend Matthew services.

What was the problem you were having before you reached out to me?…read moreBefore meeting Leslie, I had never done therapy before. It has always been something I wanted to do and something I was interested in but never found the time or courage to follow through with. Growing up, therapy wasn't always something that was positively stigmatized, so it was easy to find excuses to not go. There were things I needed help working through, however, and I knew I wouldn't be able to continue to take it on myself. I found me asking myself the same questions in different ways and always coming to the same conclusions. I'm not saying that I was tormented by these questions/answers but I knew that I needed a fresh, new and professional angle. I wasn't going to be able to dig as deep without having the proper tools to dig. Leslie came in as a kind and understanding voice--asking me questions I have never been asked and exploring my feelings in a way I've never thought to explore them. I'm an introspective person by nature but I would never stop to think of how certain situations made me feel and how it looked to explore those feelings. Each session was quite an interesting and eye-opening exercise. Leslie was always respectful enough to give me time to think about my responses and never seemed to pry or dig too deeply if I wasn't comfortable but she masterfully worded questions in a way that disarmed me and allowed me to share openly and freely. She created a very comfortable environment for being open. I knew that therapy was working for me when I started to openly share my feelings in normal conversation with friends and family. I found myself thinking more deeply about how I was affected by something or taking a particular situation and viewing all of the angles and how I felt about potential outcomes. When speaking with friends, I found myself being more understanding and sensitive--asking them questions about how they felt. It was all kind of "weird" but I knew it was very helpful. Unfortunately, I do not see Leslie anymore but ever since our final session, I feel mentally reborn. The lens I now look through my own feelings with is less judgmental and more understanding. It's okay to feel. It's ok to emote. The mental clarity I have now is far better than it was before she and I sat down for the first time. I am grateful for her service and would highly recommend Leslie to anyone seeking understanding, mental health and a kind ear.

Wow, I am fortunate to have Dr. Hemedes in my life as both a colleague and a friend. I admire her…read moredrive, intellect, patience, and sense of humor. You can just tell that all of those qualities naturally exist for her. Dr. Hemedes keeps it real in the most gentle and tactful way that makes you feel seen and appreciated. She is the advocate you want in your corner. She is that friend where you pick right back up where you left off if time has passed between connecting. She is dynamic in her clinical approaches, which makes her ability to work with diverse populations admirable. Trust me, one consultation with her and you will see what I mean by all of this!

Dr. Goldberg-Boltz is a caring and really talented therapist. She has the ability to find new and…read moredifferent ways of exploring issues with you that really drives the process forward, leading to greater awareness and greater insights. Working with her has been an unbelievably positive experience and I feel so grateful to have found her and to work with her.

If you are reading this, you might be where I was about a year ago -- looking to find just the…read moreright person to help you with whatever it may be that is an issue in your life. For me, I felt I was in need of a hard mental reboot and I also really wanted to find someone to talk with regarding my lifelong MTF crossdressing issues. When I happened to choose Dr. Goldberg-Boltz, little did I know at the time, I was hitting the jackpot! I have found her to be very supportive, non-judgmental, caring, compassionate, very very smart and extremely tuned into me and my issues. I have had therapy with others in the past and the treatment I received from them paled in comparison to what I get from Dr. GB. If you are wresting with any issues, especially cross dressing or gender issues, I cannot recommend Dr. Goldberg-Boltz enough.

I've been seeing Jessica for several years, and she has changed the way I understand therapy. It…read morewasn't until I met with Jessica that I truly let a therapist in. I used to hold back, saying only what felt safe. But with Jessica, that changed, and for the first time, I could just be honest and completely open. She listens in a way that makes you feel seen, not just heard. The tools she's given me aren't the kind you forget the moment you leave the room, they actually stick with you. If you're looking for a therapist who will actually meet you where you are and help you become someone stronger, more whole, more yourself, it's her. Jessica is, without exaggeration, the best therapist and one of the best human beings I have ever had the privilege of knowing.

Reached out to Jessica a few months back because I was dealing with some issues in my life and…read morewanted to get some perspective/advice from a professional. She's awesome. Easy to talk to. Great listener. Makes you feel very comfortable from the first minutes in her office. She helped me immensely. It's hard to make that first step when reaching out to a therapist. I am so glad I contacted Jessica. Highly recommend her!

I've been a patient of Kendall's for over 2 some-odd years, and god--it was unfortunate how I ended…read moreup on her caseload, but honestly, I'm glad I did. Throughout the entirety of my treatment, I've felt truly heard and never judged for my emotions or experiences. She's made me feel more cared for than I could've ever asked for. She sees me for me, and yeah, it feels weird I'll admit but it's just part of the process. She's been one of the most professional and supportive therapists I've had in my entire therapy journey. I genuinely couldn't ask for anyone better. She goes out of her way to make sure I get the help I need and tailors each session to what I need in the moment. I'm so thankful for that it means the world to have someone so wonderful listen, respect what I say, offer insight, and even call me out when I need it. I love the progress I've made, and I couldn't ask for a better experience. Thank you so much pinnacle and thank you, Kendall, so much for everything.

I've been seeing Kendall for a little over a year now and she has been such a bright light in my…read morelife. Speaking to her is so easy and I feel totally comfortable and safe. I'm definitely a lifer and recommend her.