As a new patient, I have had nothing but thorough, considerate, and kind care from the staff here. Beyond receiving a text and email reminder of an upcoming appointment, I receive a follow up shortly after an appointment indicating any necessary next steps in my medical care or lifestyle recommendations. And medical staff are educated and experienced in natural medicine, wellness, and modern medicine. The approach to going to a doctor has been redefined here - for the better. read more

LifeLong West Berkeley - mural on the side of the building - Family Practice Near Me - Berkeley, California

I have only had positive experiences with this place and everyone who works there. The worst I can say is that once or twice in five-plus years I may have had to call twice to get something taken care of. Marina Rosenberg in particular is amazing: kind, smart and helpful. read more

New patient front guest staff incredibly rude. As I was checking in and talking to them they were lip singing and ignoring me as if I was inconveniencing them and when I would ask questions I would be cut off. Important to note the clinic was empty. The front staff agent was a younger woman brunette/redish hair with double nose piercing, please do better ! read more

Could not schedule a doctors appointment for the life of me. They have an automated call system and you will not be able to schedule anything because you cannot reach a representative in a timely manner and you will be on the other end waiting for a long time. If you are a new patient, they will have to call you back, read more

Unbelievably rude and abilist lab tech at the Quest lab. She refused to be patient or even talk to my child with a disability. Other people at Lifelong have been wonderful. read more

I am a new patient (again) and I called this location seeking advice/ asking for help from a nurse and was told by Brenda in the office that they could not help me until I spoke with someone to register me, and because no one was available I was told to leave a message and someone would call me back in a day. I called the urgent care and no one there could help or give me a number for the advice nurse that they supposedly have. I do not think they offer good or welcoming customer service. If my insurance would not have chose them to be my provider I would not go back. read more

I do not recommend Vanessa Mayen. My initial impression was that she was kind and liked me. But when I got COVID early in the pandemic, she gaslighted me horribly, spending two of my telehealth appointments telling me that I could not have COVID "because it wasn't here in December 2019". The evidence is that it was. I have since talked to other health care professionals that stated that it was here. The California Red Cross had frozen samples of blood from December 2019 that had COVID antibodies in it. She gave me severe PTSD, when I so badly needed help. I found her gaslighting immensely cruel. I would stay away. Don't let her friendly demeanor fool you. read more

I get the best care here from my Dr., to the nurses and the advocates. Raqual Santiago is absolutely integral to getting referrals, movement, and all around advocating when i can't. Madeleine is an angel from heaven when it comes to getting what the patient needs. If its possible she'll find a way to make it happen. These people go over and beyond. In contrast, the front desk needs Jesus (rude, inattentive, stressful, disrespectful, asking questions that have nothing to do with their job), but I've been told that will be dealt with soon. This is the VIP of Healthcare. read more

If you need acupuncture go see Ahn Nguyen. She has an intuition for your pain, and will find the exact spots. It will hurt, unlike other acupuncturists who are not effective. During a 30 minute session, I can feel my mind racing around trying to settle. Then by the end I am asleep and feeling very zen and cured. I've been seeing her for months for my tendinitis after a Covid vaccine, as well as digestive issues. She has a gift. For behavioral therapy I recommend Medinah Luqman. She's incredibly intelligent and kind, asks the right questions and is very thorough about a treatment plan and keeping up with what's going on and what needs to happen. read more

I've been a patient at Lifelong West Berkeley for about six years. If I'd written this review before 2020 I would have given them four stars, however since the pandemic it's been virtually impossible to make an appointment, and what use is a primary care provider if you can't even see them? If you try their patient portal there's nothing available. If you call them they refer you to one of their urgent care facilities; however as a result slots at their urgent care facilities are more often then not totally filled up, and they will try to send you to the ER, regardless of whether the problem actually merits emergency treatment. It's a complete mess. I have nothing but great things to say about the staff and the facilities, (although even before the pandemic I would only be able to get appointments with my actual assigned primary care doctor 1 out of every 5 or 6 visits). I'm sympathetic to the fact that staffing has been a major issue at every hospital system the last couple years, and clinics that focus on low-income/uninsured/Medi-Cal patients have been hit harder than most; but, again, what use is a primary care provider if their patients can't even get appointments? read more

This place has really gone off a cliff and into the lava. I been with Lifelong since 2017 and they have gone from having a really good staff/NP's who were really wanting to HELP people. To, as another user stated, having medical care become an "obstacle." I am disabled and need paperwork filled out and they not only drag their feet with my initial claim paperwork but literally attempt to evade actually doing anything substantial in form of "care". I really wish my old NP was still working there, but even then I'm not sure it would be of much help. A year ago I had a really bad fall, and injured my foot. Got X-rays, then was told that my foot wasn't broken given an ice pack and sent on my way. It's now been a year and my leg is still giving me problems. I get that covid has stretched things pretty thin in certain areas but the total disregard for their clients is starting to really push buttons. The last in-person appointment I had was pre covid 19. I waited for over 1.5 hours to be seen. Staff approached me in the lobby and asked if I had an appointment because they were getting ready to close. I informed them that I already checked in and that I was waiting to see my NP. When the clerical staff looked up my appointment and saw who my NP was they told me that this particular NP has some issues. RED FLAG. I then had to wait another 45 minutes for this NP to come and see me. Recently, it has been a struggle just to get NP's to fill out paperwork for my claim for state disability. I've never had a health care professional try and dissuade me from being on disability. I think it's kinda tragic that I even have to type all of this, but the level of care with Lifelong has really gone downhill. What would have been a 4 star review back in 2017 has now become a 1 star. read more

Met with Dr. White again, she was again very helpful and did everything in a comfortable and professional way, answering my questions and not being pushy at all. Once I was in the exam room, I did have to wait about 45 mins which was not great, but I know she's busy and they're probably understaffed and I didn't mind considering I was happy after the appt. They were also out of a Hep B vaccine I need, but should have it in a week or so again, so I'm not too worried. read more

Came here for a COVID vaccination. I have some social anxieties, and I'm so happy to say that the staff is extremely friendly and organized. My appointment was first thing in the morning. First, you stand in line just outside the gates until someone with a clipboard signs you in. You answer a few general questions about any allergies and such. Then you'll head over to the first set of tents. That's where they'll schedule for your second shot, give you your CDC vaccine card and some printed info about your vaccination. You'll stand in another short line to finally get your vaccination by one of the friendly nurses! (Don't forget to grab a button that says "I GOT MY COVID VACCINE!") Boom! I was in and out of there within 20 mins of my appointment. read more

More detrimental to health than not 815am appointment. Waiting for call... Than 835am they call to tell me Dr white is out all day. The F..... Way to leave patients hanging especially those with disabilities where situation like this can raise anxiety and depression. Also this isn't first issue so I don't trust lifelong medical with my health as it doesn't seem to matter to them. read more

So this review is specific to Raquel Santiago, SUDCC who is a substance use Disorder counselor and casemanager. Ms. Santiago really cares about her patients, she works with a wide variety of us with mental health and medical conditions and always treats us with kindness and respect. She has helped so many of us get our lives back we are forever grateful to her. She used to be at Ashby then they closed Ashby site and she went over there on a grant program. I have now been clean for almost 2 years thanks to her and even though she is harm reduction for some of us harm reduction is abstinance but i also have schizophrenia and she was able to help guide me in the right direction. I had to do the work she just guided me. I dont know of any other person at that facility i could call and she could get me an appointment with me provider, and see me and help me get labs done and help me fix insurance and deal with my substance use and schizophrenia. I mean she is like a miracle worker and i to this day dont know how she still does it. They need 10 of her at a clinic. read more

Everything is excellent except the new African American women in the quest diagnostics lab she is very rude and don't care for the comfort of her patients Always on the phone instead of getting things set up for patients that is very unprofessional and unpleasant especially if the care providers are great and she makes it difficult for anyone to trust her with our veins terrible service today read more

This place sucks. Go somewhere else. In particular Dr. Tracy White held me hostage for 2 1/2 hours because she wouldn't refill life saving medication I required. This is after my pharmacy had called 3 times with no response. I then called twice indicating the urgency. Finally I went in and refused to leave until she did it. When I pitched a fit, the got a different doctor to do it. Plus, they can't keep doctors. I've been going there for 10 years and I've already had 6+ primary care doctors, 3 psychiatrists (right now they have none) and have not been able to see a chiropractor or get my sleep study renewed. Like I said, go somewhere else. I'm trying to, but I first have to be "released" from them. Big crap! read more

I would NOT recommend this clinic. The services are horrible. The customer service is rude and unknowlegable. You'll never see an actual doctor. Only nurses. The one podiatrist I saw made my condition worse, with neglect. If you can, go somewhere else. read more

As someone who has MediCal, I try to avoid going to the doctor because it always seems to take six hours and the service is generally poor. I was pleasantly delighted by my visit today. Everyone at this facility does a phenomenal job and you can really tell they all enjoy working there because the vibe is very positive! Went in today to see if I could move my appointment up and the front desk lady was very helpful and nice, finding me two canceled appointment slots that were coming up. A short wait later I was led in by my RN Andres, who was very patient and friendly. My doctor Kelley was super energetic and fun and she was also extremely compassionate to my symptoms. Overall is was a great experience and I highly recommend this as your primary care provider if you are looking for one near Berkeley. read more

Can never get an appointment or even a call back. The people in the front desk tend to be super rude.

Today was my first appointment at LLWB and I am very pleased. I am on Medi-cal and I wanted to establish my primary care near my house. Although I tried to arrive 30 mins early for new patient paperwork, a few obstacles led me to be only be 15 mins early, after standing in line it was almost my appointment time. Even though I still had paperwork to sign and the staff had extra work to switch my provider (I didn't realize I was suppose to do this beforehand) they really seemed to care and they got me into my appt! I saw NP Flannigan, she was very nice and thorough . Honestly I got more out of my new patient appointment than I expected. read more

I've been going to LifeLong West Berkeley for a little more over than a year. I was really skeptical initially because there were some negative reviews. Thankfully, I was proven so wrong. This is a no frills kind of place, but they have helped me improve my health tremendously. I am extremely grateful to them. I have some serious health issues, that I'd rather not say here, but direct message me if you want to know more about what challenges I have been improving on and how. I was at a really unhealthy place in my life on several levels and it just seemed hopeless to recover. LifeLong West Berkeley gave me hope and they never gave up on me. Some suggestions: Do your research. I did research on the providers at LifeLong West Berkeley and chose the ones that I felt were a good fit for me. My providers show real concern and provide real solutions. Their solutions don't show overnight results. It's been a long and challenging road for me, but I felt supported, cared for, understood by my providers and most importantly I'm better. Don't let your initial impression cloud your road to recovery. The waiting room is not the most welcoming space, get over it. Also, I knew from the beginning to not be too concerned about bedside manners, and to take the provider for their medical talents. This is not for everyone. I try to be a person who gives the benefit of the doubt, but realistically, I'm hypercritical and I make rash judgments more than I would like, but I made a good call sticking with Lifelong West Berkeley. Try to get the 1st or 2nd appointment of the day, because they get backed up, some patients need more attention. It's not the providers' fault. They're doing their jobs. Bring something to do like a good book or anything you've been meaning to do that doesn't require a lot of materials. Don't give the front desk employees shit. Sometimes you wait in line to check in or to speak with one of them for what feels like a long time. They are doing several things at once, and to be constantly interrupted from their other work, they are doing their best. Plus they are truly nice people. Give them a chance. Don't give up. The road to recovery sometimes requires trying on what and who works. It took me many years to find the right fit, but I'm there. I can't thank LifeLong West Berkeley enough. They've done so much good for me, more than they will ever know. read more

I really wanted to like this place... I really did. Making an appointment was a real horrible experience. The lady on the other end of the phone was rude and indifferent to my questions and concerns about my condition. I was supposed to be screened for certain things, but never got the test results?? Who knows if I was actually tested??? The doctor was supposed to prescribe me certain meds, and forgot to send them over to the CVS, but the ones he did manage to send, he sent them to the wrong store. Was supposed to talk to a referral specialist about my condition but never received a call. Started to bug them about it, and it turns out the doctor said I needed physical therapy in the notes, not dermatology, which is what I actually needed. It's been over a month and I still haven't gotten a call for a referral, and I'm almost out of the prescription meds that are keeping this condition I have under control. And for that lady down the way calling everyone freeloaders for not being appreciative of this shitty service? You can GFY. read more

This is the worst experience I have ever had dealing with a doctor's office. I chose this place because it was the closest to my house. I will say that they few times I have been able to see actual doctors there, they have been excellent and I wish I could continue to use them but the office and the staff are completely incompetent or they just have too many patients. Appointment - Just try to make an appointment, I dare you. You can either leave a message to try and make an appointment or wait on hold to talk to someone. On 3 different occasions over the course of a year I would call and leave the message. After 2-3 days, I wouldn't get a call back. So, I would then call and wait on hold until I can talk to the appointment person. Either the voice mail system cut me off or the appointment person hung up on me. This has happened 2-3 times. When you get a hold of someone you are usually told that the doctor can see you in a few months. You explain that you have a medical issue that needs more immediate attention and maybe they will make an appointment for you in a few days. 2 of the 3 times I did that I was given a nurse or a physician's assistant. They were both very nice but neither was able to actually help me. One of them recommended I engage in physical activity, which sent me to the hospital immediately thereafter. So, the third time I had to make an appointment, I got to see a doctor because I mentioned to the appointment clerk that I followed the nurse's advice and it sent me to the hospital. I should have switched doctors months ago when I had the 1st bad experience with them. But I figured maybe it was a one time thing and I liked the doctor when I eventually saw her. Then months later when I tried to make another appointment I got the same thing. They are supposed to call back and don't. They are supposed to make referrals to other doctors and they don't. If you have 20-30 minutes of spare time to call and harass to get service then maybe you can get something accomplished but it shouldn't be like that. The office clearly has more patients than they can handle. Maybe they are over worked because they treat a lot of people that are on some type of subsidized medical care - which is great. But just because people are poor doesn't mean they should get crappy service. I am not poor and have decent health coverage so I guess I have even less patience for the awful service. It is hard to tell whether the office staff is incompetent and rude or just over worked and dealing with a bad situation. Regardless of the reason, it is frustrating. I am switching doctors in the midst of a medical issue I am having because it is too frustrating and time consuming to deal with this incompetent office. read more

This has been me and my children's Dr. office for years! The Dr's & Nurses here are God Sent! I love the whole crew at West Berkeley Family Practice! read more

First time visits have a 1-month minimum wait time. Also, when I first called to ask if a particular doctor was taking new patients (a requirement by my insurance), they didn't bother to tell me that doctor sees 65+ patients only. So that delayed my first visit by another month. If you have insurance they have to verify it EVERY month (i.e. every time you come), which involves you waiting for the billing specialist, sitting in their office while they call your insurance, and if they can't get a hold of someone you have to go through with the visit not knowing if you'll be billed just a copay or the full amount. I was completely ignored by one front desk person (despite standing right in front of her for 2 minutes), the waiting area is unpleasant, and everyone seems disorganized. This place may be nice for those without insurance, but if you do have insurance, go somewhere else. Felt like I was treated worse BECAUSE I had insurance. I walked out without ever seeing my doctor for the follow-up (though he was really nice when I saw him a few months ago), and am never going back. Edit: Turns out they used the wrong name to file my insurance claim (not the one on my insurance card), so I was billed the full amount and am now sorting through this mess. read more

They have a ridiculously long wait for appointments and when I finally got in this week, my doctor refused to give me a referral for a neurologist because "it didn't sound like I needed one." Meanwhile, my body is going numb and getting progressively worse and I can't see a neurologist without a referral. She told me to come back in 6 weeks, as if I can just go on living my life happily and my body isn't falling apart. Tried to get an appointment with another doctor at the practice who can only see me at a time that I cannot come in, and I've been told she will likely refuse me a referral too. Is this about money for them? What harm does it do them to get me off their backs and going to a doctor who will hopefully actually help me or care about helping me? For a regular check up, I guess it's fine, but if you actually need help with a medical issue, I do not recommend. read more

For a non-profit medical clinic, this practice offers a great service. I have been a patient for almost four years and have been quite satisfied with my treatment and experiences. Don't expect a fancy-schmancy waiting room with super-plush chairs and all the hallmarks of the private medical world. This is a clinic offering medical and psychiatric treatment, as well as family planning and community health services. If you are unemployed, broke or underinsured, then this is where you need to go. The administrative staff are expert at navigating the messed-up world of healthcare subsidies and they want to help you get as much financial assistance as possible. They are also bilingual in English and Spanish. Fully-insured people do also use this clinic. Yes, there are delays in getting appointments and occasionally the doctors run late. Getting through to someone on the phone is a chore. However, I have to say when you have less choice, you become more patient. I suspect that the resources are being spent where they need to go - on the medical services. I believe the reviewer below is fortunate to have sufficient resources that he can use private medicine. To be seen in Berkeley you need to go first to the Member Services Office on 2344 Sixth Street 510-704-6010. read more

I have been there for 5+ years now and really need to switch. I dread getting sick because I can never speak to anyone (nurse, doctor, or make a same day appointment). They seldom return calls in a timely way. On several occasions they were unable to take me when I was ill and told me to 'go to the emergency room'. I fild a complaint with my insurance company about this (sending me to the ER for a non-emergency illness). Once I went for a procedure and they told me the doctor wasn't there so I had to reschedule. They couldn't have phoned me to tell me this? I was in some discomfort so once again, another trip to the ER! They just don't seem to care about their patients. period. The office staff has been rude to me on the phone (again I complained to the insurance company) and the nurses never call back in a timely manner. For routine appointments, they are adequate but the staff is detached and unfriendly. God forbid you get ill and actually need to be seen quickly. I guess many of their patients are medi-cal recepients so they feel it is justified to be rude and uncaring because they don't make money? Quite sad and disappointing. Also, there is a very high turn over in both doctor's and other staff. One final footnote, I recieved a lacture about going to 'church' from one of the physicians??!? That was it for me. read more

Three strikes and you're out: they lost part of Derek's lab results (and if he wants them, he has to pay -- no refund offered), gave him a prescription for something that he could've gotten over the counter (thankfully, after the pharmacist saw the $57 price tag, he was nice enough to show Derek the $12 OTC), and charged him a $30 co-pay just to tell him his lab results after a routine checkup (which were all just fine, so it took 2 minutes). Yay for having a cheaper place, but not if all they want to do is rip you off. read more

First of all, there are two "LifeLong" buildings for patients along 6th street in West Berkeley, and there is zero signage to clarify that the other location is not actually the "West Berkeley" location. (I can only blame my Google's mobile site for the bad directions). You will likely wait for a month for an appointment, and then feel like the doctor is in a rush to get you in and out. I didn't get the sense that the doctor I saw wanted to zero in on my issue, but rather use more of a trial-and-error approach. However, they get two stars for the customer service, and not having to wait more than a few minutes for my appointment time. But the worst part is how disorganized my referrals and prescriptions have been. I have spent hours on the phone since my last appointment calling LifeLong, getting them to send faxes that they forgot to and correct out-of-date addresses and phone numbers in their system. And one of the places I've been referred to is booked for the next two months! So much for my semi-urgent and disabling condition. This is not health care. read more

I've been waiting at this medical center for literally two hours, and I still haven't been seen (yes, I had an appointment). The doctors and some staff have been very professional, but unfortunately I can't say the same for some of the admin staff. One woman was going around the waiting room yelling "I want to go home, I want to go home!" It was the height of unprofessionalism. Again, I want to stress that this isn't a reflection on the care I've received here, but rather the way in which the office is run. Admin is a crucial part of healthcare, and it is failing here. read more

Negligent postpartum care. I had a UTI from my son's birth that did not get caught for 6 weeks. Even then they did not catch it- I went to the ER and they told me I had obviously had the infection for some time and that if I hadn't come in when I did my kidneys may have shut down. Additionally, I was breastfeeding and my milk supply dropped dramatically over the course of some weeks and the staff totally ignored my baby's lack of weight gain until it was basically an emergency situation. I filed a grievance about the midwife I was seeing, Allison Roberts, and surprise, never heard anything back. If you go here for prenatal or postpartum care, stay away from the groups and see an actual physician, as they seem more competent. read more

This place is the worst if you actually need medical care. I've been here for years and Covid has made them even worse. Even before that they always have extremely incompetent staff and systems all around. They make you wait for hours, forget to call your name. They don't know how to track your insurance. They ask for your income to put you in MyChart and when you ask why, they are just rude about. Ten pregnant women were cooped up in a small space during Covid waiting for hours to get an seen. People don't reply on your MyChart. I hate to say this, but this place is an obstacle to your care, especially the administrative staff. Their arrogance and incompetence will only get them so far as their jobs get automated. read more

I have been trying to contact my healthcare provider to get a refill for a prescription for the past five days and have not heard back from anyone. The only people I can get a hold of are in the call center and the only thing they can tell me is that I will hear back from the clinic, which I have not. After my third call attempt I have lost hope that I will hear back from them and have decided to try to contact an urgent care facility (as recommended by my pharmacist). I can't imagine what would happen if my prescription was a more serious one. Not even hearing back from anyone has been extremely frustrating. read more

I want to make it clear that some people (like the receptionists or certain other people are not to blame) who work at the West Berk. location. You are the reason this is not a one star review. Dr. Toch, you completely let me down and it was VERY obviously didn't want to get involved when I was asking, PLEADING with you for help. You seemed as enthusiastic as if I asked if I could perform dental surgery on you So don't say "Well Max, I asked you if you wanted me to call them" and then repeatedly asked me over and over if I wanted your help or not and doubt me and my situation at every turn. Sincerely, -MH read more

My apiculturist Nguyen, Anh Thi Que and my Quiropráctico Reis, Brian the are AMAZING! Help me a lot with my back pain after I have my baby I have so much problem but I start my treatment and now I can enjoy my baby without pain, Dr.Sara Wolf is the best too my baby and me with alway we can counting with her I love the clinic for me working so go! I give 5 star read more

This place has been my sanctuary. Love Dr. Pakter and Anh Nguyen my acupuncturist are my favorites. Excepcional work. God bless them. Life Long is a dedicated place for seniors. Thank you very much! read more

LifeLong West Berkeley is fantastic. My pcp is Vanessa Mayen--she is attentive and kind. Appointments are easy to make and can be booked only a week out if necessary. I received acupuncture for the pain in my back, and I got a lot out of it. Everyone who works at this organization is kind and positive. Thank you to your great team! read more

Front desk staff and doctors are respectful, friendly, and helpful. This was the first place I felt like I actually was treated with respect, and like a person deserving of medical care, after months of struggling through the social services / Medi-Cal system trying to get assigned to a doctor. I've had decent experiences overall with booking appointments... The medical establishment everywhere in the US is broken--it takes a ridiculous amount of time to get an appointment at any doctor's office. And sometimes they do get behind on appointments. This one is certainly no worse than average, and maybe even better, on these fronts. They have a new walk-in urgent care, that was very useful when I needed a same-day visit and their official same-day visits (at the main clinic) were full. Also, the waiting room is cozy. I like the wooden beams in it, the diversity of people. But then when you go up to the offices, they're more modern. Overall welcoming and useful. read more