Dr. Richards is the best doctor I have ever had, period. I began seeing her for acupuncture in 2010, and quickly made her my primary care doctor, which she still is 5 years later. She is highly intelligent, has a wonderful demeanor, and shows an amazing level of compassion. Her intuition is exceptional, and it is almost like she has a natural talent for helping you achieve wellness, the way some people have a talent for painting, or making music. I find the way she combines holistic medicine, acupuncture, and traditional Chinese medicine with the western approach I had always experienced in the past to be refreshing and remarkably effective as a means of diagnosing and treating me. She is a true healer. I was immediately at ease with her, and find getting treatment from her very relaxing, especially acupuncture. I see other reviewers have commented on how they fall asleep while getting treatment and I can say I have the very same experience. My quality of life has improved measurably since I began seeing her. I am physically, mentally, and emotionally healthier than I was, due to her treatment, and the treatment of the great doctors she has referred me to over the years. I don't understand the negative reviews here about the office staff, as my experiences have only ever been positive. Her office has been great about making appointments, calling in prescriptions for me, and fighting my insurance company when they won't approve my prescriptions. She is the best. I think the world of her, and would highly recommend her. It never feels like she is going through the motions. She really, truly, cares about you. And that is the most important thing to me in a doctor. read more

I want to see this individual because I have multiple tick porn factor infections. She spent almost a year ruling out cancer before she even started to endeavor to treat me for these infections telling me I only had myself to blame because I was so obsessed with cancer a these infections can do cause cancer be there is nothing about rolling out cancer and treating the infections that's mutually exclusive. It's quite quite to me that this woman was billing me for money unfortunately people with my conditions live in the shadows of a broken Medical delivery system, which is opened up an opportunity for incredible Fraud and I believe she is guilty of that thank you. read more

After reading such great reviews, I requested an appointment with Dr. Richards. I received a one-line response asking what insurance I have. I responded, and again received a one-line response informing me that they don't accept my plan.. I was not even asked what I was requesting a consultation for, or offered the option to pay for services out of pocket. Highly unprofessional! read more

A gem If you are considering seeing Dr. Marina Richards, do it! I could not be happier with her. I have lived in NYC for 10 years and have seen numerous doctors - Dr. Richards is the best by far. In September 2012, I had some medical issues that left me with extreme fatigue. My previous doctor found no cause for my symptoms, and told me to "deal with it." I tried, but my symptoms persisted, to the point I could not even get out of bed. Thank goodness I found Dr. Richards. During my first visit, she took the time to get to know me and my medical history. She diagnosed my problem right away, and after following her suggested course of action, I feel better than I have in years. It gives me great comfort to know I have a doctor who is so capable. Her staff is also a pleasure to interact with. Dr. Richards runs on time and is patient, kind, and personable. I could not recommend her more highly. I have yet to take advantage of her acupuncture services, but I like knowing I can see her for that should I ever need it. She has also referred me to some outstanding specialists. I feel very well cared for by Dr. Richards. read more

Dr. Marina Richards is a great Acupuncturist. I have been going for 3 months, 1x a week for anxiety and stress. I have been to acupuncturists before and she is my very favorite; a quintessential acupuncturist in my view. What I like most about Dr. Richards is that she spent the better half of my first appointment getting to know me, my situation and what I was seeking out of treatment. This one on one time allowed me to connect and trust her as my acupuncturist. It also gave her the chance to understand me and what I needed. She's part therapist/doctor/acupuncturist - it's great! I also like knowing she is an MD. Sessions last as long as they need to for your particular treatment. It's extremely relaxing / meditative for me. I suggest asking for the very back room which is ideal to get into your "zen". It's a quieter room, a bit spacious and less "dr officey". Because she is an MD she sees patients and some of the other rooms are your typical dr office. 60% of her patients come for acupuncture and 40% for medical treatment is what she told me. When in the back room, she generally will shut the lights down and I have had the opportunity to listen to some meditative breathing techniques on a tape she puts on for me. This is proven to be helpful for me to relieve my anxiety. My treatment usually consists of anywhere from 5 - 20 spots, depending on how I feel, what I need and so forth. My anxiety and stress has come down quite a bit; having done acupuncture before I know how much it works! Dr. Richards typically tells me what each point means when she puts it in - I'm not sure if she does this for everyone - but if you ask she will and I find it very helpful. I generally will talk to her before I lay down and when I lay down she will address many of the things we've talked about with the needle. It extends beyond just the anxiety and stress. If I say I'm tired during my talk with her she will help this or if I say I'm struggling with decisions she will add in areas for that - I like that she thinks beyond what my initial reason for going to see her was. I can't say better things about Dr. Marina Richards. I absolutely love going and look forward to it each and every week. She runs on time and to schedule. She's never rushed with you. Her staff is very kind and responsive. I suggest emailing Alice to make appoints vs phone - she is very helpful via email and quick to respond! Someone else mentioned the conveniences to CPW and the perfect moment in nature to reflect after treatment, I could not agree more!!! That is exactly what I do. I will walk along the park to and from treatment and it really gives me a sense of calm in this city. My only wish would be that her back room had candles and light zen music playing during treatment. It would add to the experience. But I'm really scraping the bottom of the barrel here - I think she's perfect - but if I had to make a suggestion that would be it!! read more

I was referred to Dr. Marina Richards by a co worker and I have to say, coming to see her was one of the best choices I have ever made in regards to my physical well-being in a long time. I was suffering from chronic knee pain, arthritic symptoms and I had just started peri-menopause (hot flashes, mood swings, in short -- 'bouts of erratic crazy symptoms). Upon meeting Dr. Richards, she was kind and very sympathetic to my issues. And with this being my first time seeing an acupuncturist she made me feel very comfortable. She assured me, I would be fine so I totally placed my ailments in her hands and stripped down for the needles... I was having them maybe 5 - 6 times during the day and nights were unbearable. After the one visit, I was down to maybe 1 or 2 and after the second or 3rd visit the hot flashes are very rare. The knee pain is gone and now the only swings I have are in the park. I was feeling so good, I actually took a couple of months off from acupuncture and my original symptoms were still very minimal. She even worked on my energy level, which I never thought that in raising my energy level would lessen my bouts of depression and erratic behavior. After a two month hiatus, I just recently returned due to being diagnosed with vertigo. And the antibiotics alone were not working. One visit with Dr. Marina-- symptoms have all but disappeared. I will now let her treat me for allergies and sinus issues and hopefully they too will be a thing of the past for me. Also, she takes health insurance, which acupuncture is normally covered. I have United Health Care and for me it's a $15 co-pay, and she only takes cash for the co-pay, which I use the ReimburseMe app to submit the receipt and claim - voila! all done. She is always on time and is never hurried or rushed when seeing you. If you have ever contemplated trying acupuncture as an non-evasive alternative to meds, I would highly recommend Dr. Richards. Her methods are extraordinary and her personality and professionalism are a plus. She is a great acupuncturist and medical doctor as well. You just can't go wrong here!! read more

Excellent doctor and acupuncturist. I've been going to Dr. Richards for 6 weeks for acupuncture and it has changed my life. I can now sleep! She's kind and listens and I would recommend her to anyone. read more

I am very lucky to have Dr. Richards as my primary care doctor. Last December Dr. Richards diagnosed me with a heart condition that was life threatening. It would require open heart surgery, and time was of the essence. She referred me to her colleagues at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Yoshifumi Naka, a heart surgeon at Columbia Presbyterian who ranks as one of the best in the country, performed the operation. I am alive and well and just celebrated my 68th birthday. I am getting holistic treatments from Dr. Richards too. Her herbal supplements, acupuncture and advice on diet and exercise have been an enormous help with my particular problems of stress and growing old. Dr Richards' knowledge of holistic medicine adds to my confidence in her prognoses and treatments, because she understands the world of therapies and remedies in its entirety. It is reassuring for me to know that my medical doctor, so knowledgeable in holistic medicine, can do a lot more for me than just "pushing a pill." read more

Dr. Marina Richards is brilliant! Not only is she an outstanding medical doctor, but she epitomizes the perfect integration of Eastern and Western medicine, of complementary and traditional healing approaches. After having been to innumerable "top" doctors and specialists, coupled with trying countless acupuncturists, and never finding the right doctor nor a combination of doctors that could address the "whole picture" of my patient profile, I *finally* discovered Dr. Richards. During initial intake, she took more time than any doctor ever has to review my history and concerns--and I knew I was in the right hands when she was asking me not just the regular questions, but highly intuitive, relevant questions that no other doctor had brought up. She then asked to review my blood work from another doctor, and after careful review she recognized gaps in it (which I had I sensed) but none of my other doctors considered. She then requisitioned additional blood work to address those gaps and provide me, at last, with a truly complete work up to evaluate and address my specific case. Unlike so many other doctors, who relay information layperson-conversationally at best, but most typically are quick, curt, and condescending, Dr. Richards communicates in a very calm, thorough, straightforward way that accounts for one's own level of intelligence. In sharing with her my own research, she was not annoyed or offended like so many other doctors; in fact, she embraced my knowledge and personal intellectual investment and leveraged it in her communication with me. From Dr. Richards I have received excellent medical care as my primary provider, astute guidance in traditional Chinese medicine, and outstanding acupuncture treatments. In short, in terms of her ability to assess and diagnose, and in treatment/care, I can only say that Dr. Richards is truly brilliant--not just as a conventional doctor but as a highly intuitive, genuinely gifted complementary practitioner. Whether you are seeking an outstanding medical doctor, a superior acupuncturist, or a gifted care provider combining both allopathic and complementary medicine, I cannot recommend Dr. Marina Richards enough. I am grateful for having discovered her and for the most excellent, highly effective, and uniquely holistic care I have received. read more

Dr. Richards has been my PCP and acupuncturist for three years now, and I'm so glad to have found her! The other reviews speak to the time she takes with each patient, and the effectiveness of her work, and that's been my experience, too. Her advice on vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies is invaluable, and it's wonderful to be able to get acupuncture and a flu shot in the same visit. Dr. Richards is a solo practitioner, but I've never had trouble getting hold of her when I'm sick--she's very responsive via email and has appointment times that are convenient. Even though my health insurance is changing and it'll cost me more out of pocket to keep her, I wouldn't want to have anyone else for my primary care. read more

Dr. Richards is amazing in so many ways. I was so lucky to have found her when I moved to New York. In our initial visit, she asked so many questions about my daily life, and actually got to know me. She asked about my eating habits, sleeping patterns, etc. etc. She is definitely a doctor that looks at the bigger picture of what is going on, and she has such an amazing ability to drill down into the root of the symptoms, rather than just try to mask the symptoms with medication. Initially I had a bit of trouble reaching her, because the office prefers to schedule appointments through email, and I wasn't used to that. Make sure you are detailed in your email to her and include your insurance info, and you should be good to go. After you are set up as an existing patient, the routine to get in to see her is very easy with email response being fairly quick and easy. I highly recommend her to all of my friends for acupuncture as well as general medicine. She is also an incredible resource for finding good specialists. She seems to know of all of the best doctors in Manhattan. Thank you Dr. Richards! read more

Dr. Marina Richards is saving my life full stop. She is very caring and kind. She also is a primary care doctor so she is extremely knowledgeable. She puts you at ease; I am confident the way she administers the treatment but also feel safe emotionally as I have had many stressful moments over the past few years. She helps with the physical as well as the emotional. I feel good knowing she in my corner as a resource. read more

Dr. Marina Richards is a highly qualified  doctor who is affiliated  wtih Columbia University. She was highly  recommended   to me by one of my   specialist  doctors at Columbia Presbyterian  and she has been my primary care physician   since three years ago. She has always   given me the right medical  advise at the right moment when I needed her. She is very accessible both in person and via email and   available to see her patients  at a short notice. I have grown  to be a great fun of hers as one of the best dosctors, incuding specialists, I ever had. She is extremely knowledgeable, she has the right medical intuition  and is always on top of things. She is wise and extremely friendly with a calm soft-spoken  personality. She is affiliated  with the best network of specialists here in New York  and she has always given me the best recommendations when I needed to see other doctors. One of Dr. Richards' many qualifications is that she is practicing integrative  medicine. She has often advised me on well being  issues and supplements. He recomenadations have been intuitively  right and  scientifically motivated. She is also a wonderful acupuncturist, very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Dr. Richards is a wonderful doctor from all points of view. If you are looking  for  a top notch  primary care physician who is  highly qualified and very frieldly and wise, she is the right doctor for you. read more

I have been seeing Dr Richards for both acupuncture and as my PCP for the past 2 years. She makes you feel comfortable from the first visit and listens attentively to any problems you may have, both physical and emotional. I felt a bond with her from the very first visit. I would see her twice a week for acupuncture and would look forward to my appointments. She is very professional, knowledgable, and provides the empathy required of a caring physician. Morever, she takes the time to get to know you and spends enough time with you in the office, unlike other doctors who are in a rush to see more patients. I have moved out of the NYC area and miss Dr Richards very much. I plan to visit her when I'm back in town again :) read more

A dear friend recommended me to visit Dr. Richards because of my constant headache, ear ringing, high blood pressure, and stress. Since I started visiting her, my health has improved many-fold, my headache is gone, my blood pressure is good now and the ringing in the ears is almost gone. I cannot be sufficiently grateful to Dr. Richards for sll she has done for me. She cares about her patients and I feel she makes the extra effort of getting to know all the physical and emotional health of her patients. I visit Dr. Richards once a month for an acupuncture session. Her magical touch makes me feel amazingly relaxed. Highly recommended! read more

Zero star. I went for an appointment and would go back after two weeks for a follow up. I received an email from the office that follow ups were 150-250, and when I saw the doctor she said it was 150. Alice, the secretary, kept my insurance card and my medical records and didn't bother to call me to let me know. Ten days went by, I had the trouble of reordering everything because I couldn't find the documents, and when I inquire, Alice replied that she had the documents and didn't even apologize. I wrote back that I would expect that they wouldn't do that again, and that they should have contacted me promptly, and that no office in NY, even the ones that are covered by my insurance, ever kept my documents beyond the duration of the appointment, let alone 10 days without warning! They got annoyed that I complained about their mistake, and send me an email stating that the follow up fee was now 300, if I wanted to keep the follow up. It doubled overnight because I complained about their mistake!!! I called them up on the lack of professionalism and the lie and never heard back. I just hope that they will have the decency of sending my documents! I am actually glad this happened because this doctor had never heard of my condition and wanted me to send her info about it and info on acupuncture about it, and I wasn't happy to come back if I had to send her info on how to do her job! If you are charging these fees, use google and actually do your job! read more

I saw Dr. Richards during the last three months of my pregnancy to address a liver condition, general tension and anxiety and bodily health. Her treatments have been amazingly helpful, gentle and greatly improved my health leading up to and during the birth of my baby. She was able to work with me to prepare for labor and to stimulate induction points once I had reached my due date. I believe every pregnant woman could benefit from acupuncture treatments and Dr. Richards is a not to be missed resource here in NYC. Her office staff is also kind and courteous and the office location is convenient and right near central park -- perfect for a moment in nature to reflect after treatment. read more

We spent a year and a half in fertility treatments, and i started going to dr Richards towards the end of that time. She worked on my specific issues with me and we finally had a good result! Dr Richards is wonderful - listens and treats the specific issues. I found her to be so helpful! read more

I have been to Dr. Richards office many times for acupuncture and have always received great care. I have gone to hear for a few different maladies and have found relief each time. Acupuncture is very relaxing if you didn't know. I go out like a light once the needles are in. Maybe it's Doctor Richards wonderful touch. Oh yeah, she is a respected MD also. I get the best of both worlds from a highly educated and professional doctor. Sometimes acupuncture is needed other times over the counter medicine or perscription. I love that. I get good ideas from her and she has many good friends that are doctors that I have seen also. I highly recommend getting acupuncture. It's only been around for thousands of years I'm pretty sure it works! I love going to see Doc and I'm sure you will too. read more

I had given Dr. Richards a low rating previously because of having to pay the entire amount up front even though she was on my medical plan. Now, about three weeks later, I received a second check from Dr. Richards's office. These checks cover almost all of my visit, and so I am satisfied. I do think that the office made this process torturous, but I did receive the money I deserved. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Richards for some time now; and there are a number of things she's helped me with. So, I'm just going to highlight a few of the most significant areas we've worked on. About 2 years ago, I had begun getting hot flashes. They had gotten so bad, that I mentioned it to her. She told me acupuncture could help; and before she could even finish explaining, I told her "Yes, please! Let's do it!" Dealing with the hot flashes had gotten so bad, I just wanted them to stop; and getting stuck with a bunch of needles sounded like a day in the park compared to what I was dealing with. I cannot thank her enough for the relief, that resulted from those treatments. First the flashes lessened in frequency, then they lessened in intensity, then they totally stopped! YES...they stopped. Since I've been seeing her she's helped me (with the acupuncture and Chinese herbs) get through colds, sinus infections, a back injury, and even healing from foot surgery. Speaking of foot issues; do any of you have a foot neuroma? Me too. After a few acupuncture treatments, I had so much relief that I'm out doing my walks again! Now we've started working on my allergies and asthma. With my allergies, I've already seen a big decrease in my nasal congestion. Also, I've always had a problem breathing on humid days. We've had some pretty humid days lately; and I have not had to use my asthma rescue inhaler once. People talk about "New York's Best" all the time...best burger, best pizza, best donut, best you name it. New York's got it all; including Dr. Richards. She is the best primary care physician, I have ever had. read more

Dr. Marina Richards has been my PCP and acupuncturist for over 8 years. Dr. Richards is a genuine compassionate, caring doctor. Every time I see her for whatever issue she always makes me feel like we are in this together. Dr. Richards doesn't focus only on symptoms but takes the time to assess the patient as a whole with the goal of returning the individual to a state of health and well being. Dr. Richards has a vast knowledge of traditional and alternative medicine but that doesn't prevent her from listening to her patients point of view and from valuing their input. I am forever grateful that I can call her my doctor. read more

Dr. Richards' talent as a physician is unparalleled. Dr. Richards is unique in her approach using both holistic and western conventional medical treatments. Even more unique is Dr. Richards' attention to detail, ability to listen and focus on root cause. I recommend Dr. Richards to family and friends without hesitation. My story like many others who met doctor Richards is one of many visits to specialists to cure chronic pain; in my case, migraines. The migraines were sudden and severe and chronic and after several MRIs and multiple appointments with well respected neurologist who were happy to put me on serious medication for the rest of my life - I sought acupuncture as an alternative. Dr. Richards attentively listened to the same story i told other doctors but searched for the root cause rather than the migraine which was the symptom. Dr. Richards worked with me and listened to me and soon diagnosed the problem as muscular, specifically muscle spasms in my neck which were posture and stress induced. Dr. Richards provided some immediate relief with acupuncture as well as herbs, meditation recommendations and literature. Over months Dr. Richards and I worked together and I have learned how to manage the stress and release the muscle tension when stress is inevitable. I am grateful, shocked and amazed that after two years of significant suffering I have not had one migraine for one year. Dr. Richards is not opposed to western medication while we worked through natural remedies. Dr. Richards is also a life time learner who regularly takes courses and keeps up on new medical treatment. Dr. Richards often came in to the office telling me about a recent study on migraine and migraine treatments. Dr. Richards is highly intelligent and dedicated and i am so grateful that Dr. Richards is in NYC. read more

Very thorough, knowledgeable and comprehensive Dr. Appointments typically start near the scheduled time and when you're with her, you have her full attention. I finally feel I'm under proper care! I like her mix of western and eastern medical practices, including acupuncture and I find her to be a very thoughtful and focused individual. Her staff is also very nice, all transactions are seamless. read more

Dr. Marina Richards is a God Send. I went in for my knee and not only did that pain go away, she also helped with my mood. I didn't realize until she asked me a serious of questions that I might be depressed due to the low energy I've been having for a while. For a while, I mean a few years! Everything about my career/work is great and I wasn't enjoying it. I am a personal assistant and taking care of other people is my business however I wasn't taking care of myself. She worked on my mood, depression as well and believe it or not I walked out of her office feeling like a load had been lifted. I began going to her December 2012 and to date, she's FANTASTIC! She's very nice and patient and most of all she's concerned. I've never told anyone that maybe I'm depressed but I felt compelled to tell her for some reason. Well, that being said, she's the best. My knee is so much better and my mood is positive and the energy is great too. If I could go to her daily I would. For now, I only go once a week. She saved me in more ways than one! read more