I was afraid of therapy, I was afraid of being over medicated. I had a lot of fears, I had a lot of…read morepre-expectations. I was afraid that I would get someone that just wanted to push pills on me. Afraid of a big stooge for big pharma. What I found instead was a psychiatric nurse practitioner (I hope I got that right) That explains to me what he's prescribing and why, making sure that I understand it before moving forward. I always feel like I'm in control of my own treatment and I never feel pressured and I always feel welcome and comfortable. Mike has made me feel comfortable and alleviated all my fears, and I never even had to state them to him, he's just a chill guy on top of being good at the medicine aspect of mental health. The whole office he works out of his very professional and it comes highly recommended by me.

Run! First, he is…read morelate for the appointment. He begins by getting stuck on my last name and what famous actor has my name? I try to move him along and now he wants my address, telephone number, family history, etc. I reply that I filled all of that information out in the intake packet, did he not receive it? I have a copy with me. Apparently I'm the only person in the room prepared for this appointment. He says something like he doesn't look at it because he likes to make up his own mind. That's fine, but maybe don't ask me and fill it in yourself later because it doesn't give me a great first impression. We're here to get someone to manage my daughter's medication. We've moved here from out of state and she's taking some medication a developmental pediatrician typically oversees. Apparently in Salem, there aren't any developmental pediatricians so we were told to look for a mental health nurse practitioner. I should have read the reviews here first and not wasted our time. Next, he asks questions clearly trying to find any improvement or differences and declares you cured. He's known you less than 20 minutes but okay. Convenient for his upcoming statements about his patient cure rates. He draws on a write erase board he keeps propping up on a chair but when you press for more information he's got anecdotal evidence or nothing. He's wildly unprepared and even his plugged in computer is having issues. Too bad he can't cure it. Long story short, he doesn't believe in pharmaceuticals and is only interested in curing everything with diet, vitamins and lithium. Lots of his patients are on lithium and successful with it. You don't need a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or anything for him to prescribe this because it's on the periodic table so it's okay. You just start with one pill and work your way up until you feel good. He goes on to say that it'll be hard to know when you feel good/normal because you probably haven't before. Oh and no worries he will gladly up it anytime like in winter for seasonal affective disorder even though you don't have that either. The state also requires him to test your blood when you're on lithium but he doesn't know why and thinks it's dumb. Speaking of blood, he knows about blood tests that other people don't know about. How does no one else know? I'm betting it's because they're not based on any real evidence or facts. When he gets those bloodwork results, he can cure depression, anxiety, autism, just about anything really. Yay! Let's all get on this dangerous crazy train and see where it goes! If you're still not sure you want to join him, you should know he's had an 80% success rate with his patients but he has nothing showing that fact either. His office is cluttered but his bookshelf has empty shelves. Weirdly, nothing he refers to and wants to show you is among the clutter. My guess, because it doesn't actually exist. It's a really strange experience meeting with him because he isn't interested in why you're there in the first place. He actively moves the conversation away from that. Instead, he has this canned spiel he's trying to sell you on whether it relates to you and your particular situation or not. If you try to play along and he spouts specifics not relevant to your situation, he says outlandish things like he can cure autism. I don't know how he's still practicing or how he has any good reviews? If I diagnosed him, which why not- I have opinions too, I'd say he's ADHD and could really use some pharmaceuticals to help with his executive functioning, organization, listening and presentation skills. He's just off on tangents and then works his way back to his canned non scientific opinions. He doesn't perform any diagnostic tests or even refer to the established criteria for his opinions. He just says whatever comes to mind. I really hope if you or your child have a neurodiverse diagnosis that you don't buy the snake oil he's selling. Please do better by yourself and your family by going to see someone actually familiar and experienced with your diagnosis . I truly believe he is dangerous and does more harm than good. I strongly suggest someone in authority to do something about this guy. I'll say it again, run don't walk away. You've been warned.

Can't say enough great thins about Dr. Taxman! He is the rare kind of doctor who genuinely cares --…read morenot just about your symptoms, but about bringing you into full health. What sets him apart is his ability to balance naturopathic and allopathic approaches in a way that's truly tailored to you as an individual. He doesn't apply a one-size-fits-all protocol -- he listens, assesses, and meets you where you are. Working with him has been a genuinely positive experience, and I would recommend him without hesitation to anyone looking for a thoughtful, dedicated practitioner who takes your whole health seriously.

My appointment with Dr.Taxman was incredibly disappointing. I had a small panic attack at the…read morebeginning of the appointment, I looked up and his head was tilted down and eyes looking up glaring at me... We just sat there and stared at eachother for maybe 60 seconds. I wish I could tell you why but it was scary and bizarre. I have year round allergies I asked about and he shrugged and mentioned one drug, that was it. We went over two prescriptions I have, he said wow that's a high dosage when referring to my antidepressant, he did not elaborate. There was a knot on my throat he said he would be willing to see through till the end-- I'm OK, I'll go to another doctor. It's clear he didn't want me in the appointment and he had an attitude the majority of the time. He rolled his eyes twice while I was talking. I read glowing reviews from other patients who he's helped with similar issues before booking. He did help me some and he softened up near the end. There were several other issues but I'll leave it at that, he seemed confused by the purpose of the visit. I used to respect his opinion. I overestimated his abilities as a professional and as a doctor.

I just had a lovely phone call with Barbara. She was kind, understanding, and a good listener. I…read moreappreciate all that she does as a therapist and look forward to having more conversations.

I arrived 15 minutes early to the office as requested to fill out paperwork. No one was at the…read morefront desk. Lights were dimmed like no one was there but I waited anyway. After almost 40 minutes, she came out of her office. She asked for my paperwork and I told her that I hadn't filled any out yet because no one was there. She got me the paperwork and said I had to get it filled out before she could talk to me. Then she hovered over me, sighing and telling me to hurry up. Once we (finally) started my session, I told her one of the reasons I was there. She cut me off saying I should go to someone else with that. That's a fair statement but it was delivered in a completely wrong way. She let me continue with the session only to cut me off mid sentence and in tears so she could get her phone and start texting. When she came back she couldn't remember what I was talking about. I got charged around $200 for that experience. Needless to say, I will never go back and would never recommend this person to anyone looking for help.

Judy Tuttle Zolner a dedicated, caring, inspiring and amazing counselor! She has guided me through…read moresome of the toughest times in my life! She challenges me to be the best me I can be and I truly look forward to each appointment! She always brightens my day and helps me see clearly when things seem so hopeless! I don't know how to thank her for all she has done for me!

From the owner: A ministry of counseling, compassion and care…read more Salem Pastoral Counseling Center offers counseling services by well trained and licensed counselors who have a sensitivity to religious and spiritual concerns. Counseling is provided for a wide variety of individual, relationship, and family concerns, in an atmosphere of confidentiality, acceptance, trust, and understanding. Salem Pastoral Counseling Center is committed to the following: - Each person is valued by God. - Each counselor is a well-trained, competent and recognized professional and also a committed person of faith, in good standing in a religious community. - The counseling process will usually be short-term, supportive, and focused on improving relationships and one's ability to cope with life. - Counselors will develop trusting and helpful relationships with other counselors, pastors, and persons in the helping professions. - Counseling is a ministry which can assist in fulfilling the purpose of the church. - The center is interfaith in spirit and practice. To contact the center you may telephone us. For information or to make an appointment, please leave a message on our confidential voice mail service and you will be contacted by a counselor as soon as possible. The offices are easily reached by city bus and are accessible by ADA standards (Americans With Disabilities Act).

Joan Williamson, MA LPC is an excellent counselor. I saw her off and on for about 3 years. I…read morestarted seeing her due to an eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, which I struggled with for 6 years of my life. She specializes in treating eating disorders and successfully helped me treat mine. She counsels on many other things such as grief/loss, relationships, anxiety, depression, and others. She has a very natural approach to treatment and I left with numerous words I reflect on in my every day life and other helpful coping techniques. I attribute a lot of my happiness today to the time I spend with Joan healing my body and mind on many levels. I highly recommend this lady for anyone going through a difficult time. She is part of Poyama Counseling services. A little bit more on my experience with the Poyama office: these people really work with you financially. They are happy regularly receiving payments even if it's $30 one month and $50 the next. I was never ever badgered about my bill (that for a while kept getting larger). I think they understand that by seeking help you may not be in the best place in your life to make a full and complete payment right away. I couldn't be more thankful for their understanding and kindness as I slowly chipped away at my bill even after my sessions were finished. If you are looking at seeing anyone in the Poyama network, know that the office practices good and kind business. They should be proud.

This is long overdue... Several years ago I saw Joan Williamson, MA LPC for about 1-1/2 years for…read moregeneral anxiety and an eating disorder. I'd ignored my needs for so long because I didn't wanted to address issues that seemed frivolous. I'm so glad I finally took time for me. Joan helped me more than she'll ever know. Her straight-forward, but kind manner was exactly what I needed. Her knowledge, experience and compassion gave me tools I'd never been given. Joan stayed connected with my dietician, Denise Cedar throughout the process & although it wasn't easy, getting here I no longer struggle with an eating disorder! Life is better than ever, career is on-track, family is good and I'll even be finished with an advanced degree soon. Thank you so much Joan! When I was ready...you were definitely a God-send!

They're charging me for a telephone appointment that they missed. I have called their billing…read moredepartment five different times and no one has ever called me back. I have even emailed them three different times and no one has gotten back to me. Instead. They just keep sending me the bill over and over again. I'm getting so desperate to reach someone, anyone at all, that I've started posting reviews and comments to social media in an attempt to get someone's attention and resolve this issue.

Not the fanciest or most modern facilities, but there is sufficient parking (a little cramped) and…read morenice employees. The on boarding gal did a great job matching me with a therapist/counselor based on my requested preferences.

This is an amazing counseling service! Lisa has helped me and my husband in so many ways! Their…read morebuilding is comforting, warm and safe! What a wonderful group of people!

I always get the support I need and I absolutely love the workshops in Healing Circles that Lisa…read moreand Tori put on. I've been coming for the last 15 years on and off and every time I'm needing a reset reframe or rejuvenation. These people have the skills. I'm feeling so blessed that I know them.

dishonest counselor who does a terrible job. This person does not know how to do their job and has…read morea bad attitude.

If I could give zero Stars I would. I tried to start service after my therapist moved to this…read morecompany. After a week of emailing receiving no help, I'm done. I would rather go without therapy than to have to deal with this horrible company to get it.

Beautiful location and very nice staff, I had been planning on leaving a 4-5 star review until two…read moredays ago. When I first chose this location they were out of my network, but the fiscal staff told me they had submitted to be in my provider's network and expected to be in network within two weeks. I was fine with that. Fast forward to November and my counselor charged me for half of the services thus far, $160, and she told be it would be slightly more than that upon exit, ok no problem. Fast forward to this week and now I find out that the fiscal staff member that initiated my payment plan had been fired and they had had what sound like one or two other in that position between then and now. My exit payment is three times what I was expecting, over $600 and I am expected to pay that or stay in their program until I can pay it off. I explained that this is an unethical situation they are putting me in, it's their responsibility that they hired bad staff, and there is NO excuse why they couldn't have informed me of the staffing change, OR at least the difference in my exit amount TWO DAYS before graduating. As the exiting balance was between TWICE to THREE times their quoted amount from two months ago, I said I thought it would be fair for me to pay $300-$350. They requested I pay over $500, writing off $100 for the over $600 total. This place obviously still does NOT have their office/finances or internal staff communication in order and they will expect YOU to cover THEIR mistakes. The main guy had the nerve to say $100 was coming out of his pocket as he took over $300 extra out of mine due to HIS past staffing choices and current office miscommunications. I cannot recommend this facility.

Made an appointment with their grief counselor two weeks ago and requested that I receive a brief…read moreconsultation call from the practitioner but I never received a call. Won't be attending my appointment and will pursue services from an entity that actually cares about their prospective patients.

Disappointing that they tell you the price then they up the price because you have to pay for…read morequestionnaire. Not real organized with prices. They should just be upfront on the phone .

From the owner: Help people make positive life changes!read more