My personal Review/Opinion of Pisgah Institute Reception & Billing has been nothing but kind, phoning in gets you the same kindness. Portal use is a hit or miss - needs some work or a different setup. My therapist is outstanding and extremely knowledgeable. She has much to offer her patients and has really helped me to discover new ways of dealing with "some" of life's issues. But there are several different clinicians, therapist & psychiatrist to work with. So, may have a choice of who you deal with whether you prefer to work with a man or woman, or a specific reason you are dealing with. I cannot speak for any of them other than the two people I've worked with (Danielle Mitchner - 3 STARS - dismissed her from my care - reason below. Nancy McKeel - 5 STARS definitely to her - whom I have been seeing on and off for over 4-5 years - and will continue to do so until either of us are no longer available or I'm okay with my issues, not likely - but hopeful). Be sure to ask about who does what the best (ask, don't hope they give you the right person to work with - take charge in what/who you are comfortable with). We're allowed to set boundaries too, so remember that when you check in. I discontinued care with Danielle Michner due to disagreement of treatment - she wanted to continue introducing newer meds when my old one worked find for me (I'd been allergic to all of the newer ones tried so far [8 now on my allergy list]- enough was enough for me - didn't want to keep trying newer meds anymore). I'm still seeing Nancy McKeel now through Telehealth appointments and she is the best I've ever worked with (and is the only reason I still go to Pisgah Institute). If she's not there, then I won't be either. It's your choice though. Don't forget that. read more

My psychologist, Nancy McKeel, is very good. If you see her, you are in good hands. My complaint is limited to their internet patient portal. It is simply not functional, even as they encourage you to use it. They tell you to use the portal to set appointments, but it just freezes when you are about done. They ask you to upload your insurance card, but provide no way to do it. Instead, when you link to the supposed upload page, they ask you to fill in the information manually. Unfortunately, the form is geared solely to a credit card; there is no way to input Medicare information. If you send a message on Friday, it might not be read until Tuesday. This is typical. I have been going to Pisgah for 10 years and no iteration of their website has been functional. If you want to do business, call. read more

Zero stars for PA Harper. A satisfied patient of the Pisgah Institute for 10+ years, but this a poor review is a direct result of recently being switched to Lauren Parks Harper in Nov. 2025 after Dr. Morrison left for Pardee. My first impression of Parks was not good, I wish I'd asked for someone else immediately but decided to give her one more try, huge mistake. Not even after 2 appts with her she derailed hard worn progress. I have since learned that of medical professionals w/prescribing privileges Physician Assistants receive the least education and training, they receive no psychiatric education to become a PA. Certainly there are good/qualified PAs but before you agree to be seen by Parks, I ask you to think twice, especially if you don't fit into a neat little box and are over 40 maybe dealing with newish chronic medical issues that exceed her abilities. My training and ethics requires me to refer clients if I don't have the knowledge or expertise to treat a particular client, but rather than admit my needs were above her level of expertise and taking the time to connect me with an MD or PNP within the practice, I was told to call the front desk and she washed her hands of me after I questioned her 180 with my previous Pisgah prescriber's plan AND current published medical guidelines, which I had immediately recognized could put my long term health at risk. Btw, I'm not rx'd opiates, no substance use, not high risk... so I can only assume she simply didn't want to be bothered to not use the one size fits all approach to prescribing... which literally is what all current published medical guidelines say NOT to do! When I asked Parks directly if she had read my chart/treatment plan, she literally told me she didn't care what previous PI providers had recommended when making her own recommendations. As a licensed healthcare professional, it was shocking and maddening in the moment to be experiencing first hand such poor quality of care/zero continuity of care, but using professional care manager's experience I spoke up as patients have the right to, expressing my concerns/asserting to be an active participant in my treatment. I asked her to consult with my neurologist and spine specialist, and shared what had and hadn't worked for me in the past, but in response she became defensive and refused to coordinate with my medical team...weird. Why should anyone pay a specialist's rate to be seen by a PA who refuses to provide the bare minimum of care??? Talk about waste in healthcare. As a patient I'm still shocked and hurt, having significant grief/depression/migraines at the holidays, being treated like crap at one of the hardest times of the year has been awful. And as a licensed professional I'm very concerned about the lack of ethics/professionalism that other patients may experience. My own licensure board requires at minimum assisting clients with finding a new provider, to not do so is an ethical violation. And because I brought my concerns to her supervising MD , Dr. Gettes, who refused me the courtesy of a 15 minute phone call, apparently I have been retaliated against/kicked out when I was told 3 weeks ago that I would be connected to another provider. As of the day of this review, I don't even know if I'll get bridge Rx's despite being a patient in good standing for over a decade. I've had the same local family doctor, dentist, etc. for 25-30 years, I've never written a negative review on a healthcare professional but if I can save one person from having Parks/Gettes jeopardize their mental health it has been worth sharing this incredibly stressful and disheartening experience. Otherwise, everyone else at PI, Dr. Berg, Dr. Morrison (both who unfortunately no longer work there), an emergency covering PNP/Mitchner who helped me once after hours, and all administrative staff, have always treated me with kindness and professionalism, but the last month of poor care and significant negative repercussions to my mental and physical health, I cannot in good conscience recommend this anymore. read more

This place is absolutely awful. They deny refills without bothering to contact the patient. They truly could not care less if people run out of medications. Even after calling the office repeatedly and finally setting an appointment so they would deign to issue a refill, it's been several days and still nothing- and it's the same struggle every six months, despite telling them I'm completely out of my medication. Avoid this place like the plague, since you're going to feel like death when you can't convince them to do their jobs. read more

The front office person Terry has aways been very sweet to me. I really enjoy talking to her. She is a little Gruff sometimes, but I think that's because she wears too many hats. When you need a medication refill The follow up is non existent. I have called a number of times and they NEVER get back to you. When you call them on it, they say they called but no record. Most of the clinicians are good. I have had one tell me I intimidated her and she was afraid of me. It seems strange that she would have made that comment since we did a Telephone appointment. If she was afraid of me while on a phone call, I do believe she might not be in the mental Health profession. read more

I left my last review 20 days ago when my options were to go to the ER to help me get my scripts filled due to no one at Pisgah being of any actual help. Now I get a phone call saying we're here to help you transition from one doctor to another. Please please please do not go to this place. This is a perfect example of how they are clueless and do not have any consciousness in regards to their patients. It's a business w little to no concern for the people w mental health concerns that go to Pisgah for assistance. Search for a different avenue and skip this nightmare madness that is Pisgah. You truly will need to see a therapist to deal with Pisgah. Skip them and run to another provider. This call was three weeks after I had called and called and called for help with no recourse and no communication with my pharmacy who reached out to Pisgah multiple times in regards to my meds. It is a disgrace. read more

I asked them to send my prescription to the pharmacy, they told me they would, and then they just... didn't? Now I'm out for the weekend because of it. read more

I was a patient at Pisgah Institute for 16 years. I saw Dr. Buie during that time. When he left, I was transferred to a nurse practitioner who was not competent to manage my bipolar disorder. He repeatedly told me that my hypomanic symptoms were "anxiety." I came close to hospitalization, something that has not occurred for 20+ years. Fortunately, I have a good therapist who noticed the signs. I stopped seeing the nurse practitioner after he forgot to renew my Lithium. He had also made some other medication changes that he did not discuss with me. I don't know why Dr. Buie didn't assign me to a psychiatrist (MD), as I do need to see one, given my age and other medical conditions. Pisgah has hired a new psychiatrist. My therapist sent the proper request, but they won't take me back, even though the psychiatrist's bio said that he was taking new patients. I currently have a provider whom I think is good but she's out of town and all of my records are at Pisgah. I thought that being at a local practice, who has 16 years of my records, would be good continuity of care. Pisgah is an example of how little patient loyalty means to medical practices. I had also seen Dr. Barley, a senior therapist, for almost seven years. I was a patient of the two founding partners, Buie and Barley. They liked me, and I was a good patient. After Dr. Buie left and I had stopped therapy with Dr. Baraley, I couldn't understand why I was no longer important to the practice. If they won't provide services to me now, as a previously loyal patient, and that is important to you, I would seek services elsewhere. If you don't have other mental health service support, this is not likely to be a good practice for you. Believe it or not, my feelings are hurt. We all want to feel that we matter to our doctors and that, when they're gone, someone else would care if we stayed or not. read more

I've been treated in a professional manner with respect since coming to Pisgah. The staff listen to my concerns and are available via the patient portal when needed. They have truly helped me through hard times and are helping to maintain my mental health. I highly recommend them. read more

I have been going to Pisgah for many years. I have no complaints about the place at all, really. I actually like going there. When I need to schedule an appointment my doctor fits me into his schedule the best he can. He is busy, but I feel important to him. When I talk, I also feel he is present. He is not sitting and staring at a computer screen, but instead he is sitting and looking at me and hears what I am saying. I feel whatever the patient puts into the session, is pretty much what he/she is going to get out of it. If someone truly wants to get help, they will find a way to ask the right questions and find a way not to count on anyone to cure them. But talking about issues can help change the way we think. I feel there is no perfect cure for depression or anxiety. I have suffered for many years from an eating disorder and anxiety. And I find being able to talk to someone who cares about me, regardless if there are any cures, it definitely helps. (Way better than holding in all my thoughts) I feel the way we think and the thoughts we put into our head; shape our lives. I feel no one can change our thought processes totally. We need to put in some effort too. So... My thoughts regarding therapy: I feel the people care. THANKS to Pisgah, I am here today and feel stronger mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Danielle Mitchner and Doctor McKee have been there for me whenever I need them. Thanks. Brigitte Grateful. read more

Be careful which provider you get assigned at Pisgah. Danielle Mitchener is very inexperienced & misdiagnosed me from the start. She convinced me that I was much sicker than I really was. She put me on medication that caused suicidal ideation then tried to make me increase it when I told her what was happening. In ten years she may make a good Psychiatrist but for now beware. read more

Use caution if you are seeking to become a new patient....... 1. must be referred by physician first 2. if accepted as a new patient appointments are 60-120 days out, too long to wait if you are seeking medication management Did not return phone calls when left messages inquiring about becoming a new patient. Above info on voice mail when press choice for new patient read more

never come here, the front desk was extremely rude. Overall a very poor experience and i will not recommend anyone to come here. im disappointed in my experience read more

After reading the below reviews, I completely agree. My son has schizophrenia and desperately needed his medication management appts. After calling my insurance company and verifying they are in network, and calling the front desk and also verifying they " take his insurance ", we had his previous Dr. send the referral. By the way, this place has a "referral coordinator". And Pisgah accepted this referral and made an appt for 2 months later. My son shows up for his much, long awaited appt and the very disrespectful and rude front desk clerk says" We don't take that insurance ". This is insane. Why on earth employ a referral coordinator and employ front desk staff in which NEITHER one verifies insurance before actually making an appt?? And then not noticing at some point in the previous 2 months before the appt that this patient has an insurance they don't accept. Of the many many offices we have been to and that I have worked in, this is standard operating procedures..... to verify insurance!! BASIC. The MDs should be appalled by this ineptness happening under their licenses. Unacceptable. read more

The Pisgah Institute. . . I'd turn back if I were you. I'm doing you a huge favor in telling you that you must not, under any circumstance whatsoever, touch this place with a barge pole. The only saving grace is my therapist, Dr. Nancy McKeel and she's why I've hung in there so long. Still, I'll mention that I suffered irreparable physical damage because of two of their doctors and nearly died because a third doctor, who overlooked the consequences of combining a medication with two others. Shoddy doesn't begin to describe this place. Criminal, yeh , , , that works. Read on 'cause this is important. It's not only news-worthy, It's sue-worthy. Psychiatric nurse practitioner, Danielle Michener, who reports to Dr. Buie, recommended Lithium to me. Told me it was a natural substance that's been used effectively for years so apparently, it was the way forward. This is where it gets very ugly. After being on it a bit, she switched me to Lithium Extended Release. I'll merely state that over the course of two months, it nearly poisoned me to death. She ignored everything I was telling her and then my body and brain just gave out. Don't know how I survived because I do live alone. A few months later, my primary care physician turned to me and dropped a bomb. "I'm sending you to a surgeon." Just like that. Outta the blue. "He's the best in the Southeast for what you have." What I had was PTH levels in my blood that defied gravity. He saw me in no time and BAM, I was in surgery for three hours. LITHIUM. He slit my throat open and removed three of the four parathyroid glands. He removed NINE TUMORS. He took biopsies. He took out lymph nodes. LITHIUM. All because of Lithium. You know what terrified me? When I was told that losing my ability to voice was a possibility. Forget speaking. I'm a singer, DAMMIT, and losing my ability to sing was me telling God to go ahead and throw my soul away. It's my native language. It's how I've survived my life. It's non-negotiable. Dr. Buie, Danielle Michener, that was the untenable and life-threatening (as in me not being able to face this life without my most basic, reliable, and profound coping mechanism) cesspool that I now have to live with every day 'till I die. LITHIUM. My PTH level never dropped as it should have. It only increased, which was inexplicable so I was referred to a specialist at UNC-Chapel Hill. The Mayo Clinic in Minnesota evaluated my blood samples and I have incurable hyperparathyroidism. There's no medication. My bones hurt. If I fall, breakage is a certainty. And It's permanent. And my doctor, surgeon, and specialist all blame it on Lithium. Lastly, Dr. Rollins has access to my meds both online and in hard-copy form that I hand to her. Why didn't she notice that Baclofen taken with either Diazepam or Tylenol with Codeine can cause respiratory failure and death? I kept telling her AND my primary care physician that I'd been passing out. Like falling out of my desk chair passing out. Like waking up with my face and hair planted in my dinner passing out. Passing out whilst composing an email or text. And a response? Nothing. Just nothing. Tomorrow, I'm breaking it to my wonderful therapist that I need to leave for my own safety. I wish I could take her with me. Please do not go to The Pisgah Institute. I mean it. read more

After a very negative experience at a visit, we have decided not to return for our family council ing sessions to Pisgah. It is also obvious that there are not enough medical personnel to provide proper care for the patient population. I have experienced difficulty getting someone on the telephone and one visit we waited over 30 minutes for our appointment. Having a 40 year history of depression and coming to that last appt , where I clearly revealed I was in a serious depressed state no attempt was made to determine my level of physical safety. In the months I was a client no ONE took a mental health history or accessed my abilities to maintain adequate ADLS and maintain my safety. I progressively got sicker during my time as their patient and during the last visit was summary kicked out of the providers office due to his angry toward me. I left that office more depressed, sadden and quite afraid for my future well being, after 7 months of visits. I Believe my health was seriously compromised and not one goal I had set for myself, individually or in family therapy was ever obtain. It was a waste of money and a serious breach of medical ethics and a risk of my life. I have not made a decision on worth I will take legal action. I do caution others. read more

I have been a patient at this establishment for almost 14 years. Dr. Mary berg has been my doctor the entire time. I also saw dr. Mary ammerman for therapy. If it weren't for dr. Berg, I don't know that I could honestly say that I would still be alive right now. I have read the other reviews and it sounds to me as though these patients had negative experiences with a dr and gave up instead of requesting a different doctor which could have changed their minds all together. This place has been my rock when I had no hope left, and dr Berg my mentor when I had no one. I moved to Charlotte almost 2 or more hours away for 10 years and still kept her as my dr and would drive all the way back here every month to see her. These doctors are here to help you. This is the oath they took, if you have a bad experience maybe it was bc they suggested something for you to do or change that you weren't ready to do or accept, and that simply shows that you are not open or ready to accept treatment. Mental health doesn't have to be a death sentence. But you have to be willing to work on it. It's not like a pain pill. You don't just take one pill and feel instant relief. It takes time and dedication and the want to change your current state of mind. If you were prescribed a pain pill and it didn't quite kill the pain as you were hoping it would, wouldn't you ask for a different medication? Doctors are the same way. If one rubs you the wrong way, request another one. These people are going to touch on some deep rooted issues that will NOT be pleasant to touch upon. But you have to. If you want to get better and feel better and feel free of your depression and problems, you have to work on it and you have to be open to trying different doctors. Not all will be the same. What you were looking for in one may be in another one. Bottom line, every person in this establishment is here for anyone that wants their help. They are here to help alleviate the pain you run from. I'm bipolar type 2 mixed state severe. I have severe ptsd. I have horrible anxiety. Oh and I'm adhd. Before coming here I would drown my pain in a bottle of pills. I've been clean for 10 years now. It's about mental management. I thank every person in this place for saving my life. A life where I now have a 6 year old daughter that I never thought I'd have, and a life where it isn't so painful anymore. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for them. And yea some days I have horrible days. It's inevitable. But I have more better days than bad ones. If you don't speak up for yourself, no one will. So request a new doctor if you have a negative experience with one. There's a bunch in there. And this is also the only psychiatric place I know of in town. Ok, happy travels. Edit: as for the person reporting a complaint about refills, I have NEVER had this problem. They always call me, they send it to whichever pharmacist I tell them to send it to. This is also something I covered with dr Berg. And I told her which pharmacies I use. The lady that always calls me back asks which one to send it to. And it's always there. I do NOT believe this was the case. They will not keep your medications from you. You may not have given them sufficient information to go on. You have to leave your full name your doctor your medications your birthday your phone number and the pharmacy and pharmacies phone number. read more

I am at Pisgah Institute because I saw Dr. Buie at the UNCA Health Center while I was a student. Initially, I was very turned off by him because he didn't empathize or counsel while I was explaining my emotional issues to him. The most conversation we had was while discussing medication. I've kept seeing him because my therapist assured me he was the best when it came to prescribing and pharmaceutical knowledge. I have really liked the prescription he put me on and I trust his capabilities. Although Dr. Buie and PI have been accommodating at times, it can be very difficult and confusing to make an appointment because they book so many patients. Furthermore, the staff is usually impatient, apathetic, and annoyed. For a psychiatric clinic, you'd think everybody would be much more gracious and welcoming! I plan on asking my GP for a recommendation on a different psych. Step up you game, Pisgah Institute. read more

They suck. It's just a business, churning people in and out. My appointments are 20 mins and not one second more. My doctor (Buie) just faces his computer and types during appts (not taking notes, just approving refills) so I look at his profile the whole time. If you just want to order up some pills, he might suit you, otherwise he really doesn't care. He also heads up MAHEC's psychiatry division (I looked into going there as an alternative). Front office people are stone-faced and unwelcoming. Pisgah Institute also offers other services, but I have not utilized them and cannot therefore comment. read more

I paid to have an EEG and my doctor didn't even know how to read the results. I paid for a gene test and she lost the results. My doctor would be good with cadavers, not real people. The office staff is rude. I'd only recommend Pisgah Institute to someone I absolutely hated. read more

I have never written a poor review about any business. However I feel compelled to do it after years of extraordinarily terrible service. I have never once called the line dedicated to prescription refills and actually had an order filled the first time. Every time, without fail it takes multiple phone calls and emails to the point of me stating that I have reached out multiple times to no avail. When that happens then I never receive a call back, however they send it to whatever pharmacy they choose that you have on file, even if it's an old one that you have not used in years. This evening, I had to call the after hours doc (9pm on a Friday.) I was greeted by a very aggravated voice. After explaining my situation to Brian Sealy, he just said in a negative tone "and..." This continued, along with him asking why I called so late. In closing he didn't even say goodbye. This is just common customer service that you would expect from anyone, especially the doc who is in charge of handling important after hours issues. I've always been very respectful despite not receiving it in return, however I will never be returning. These guys suck. read more

I have seen a psychologist, Dr. Nancy McKeel. She has been extraordinary in her treatment . She has been perceptive, caring and supportive. I could not have asked for better care. I have been seeing her for a number of years and she has always responded to my psychological needs. She goes above and beyond to help her patients. I am not aware of any problems with the staff. They have been professional and polite. Charlie and Terri could not have been helpful. Please do not judge on the basis of several poor reports. read more

I wrote one yesterday, but I cannot find. Elizabeth Rawlins is worth two, if it is there. She was a great match for me. She listens and makes me feel she really cares. Never feel rushed, Only wish she were closer, as I live in Rutherfordton. However, she is worth the drive. Sincerely, Linda Long read more

I have been going to Pisgah for many years. I see a Nurse Practitioner for medication management, as I already had a therapist that I continue to see. So, I cannot speak to the counseling services there. I am very happy with the services there. My NP is very kind, professional, highly intelligent, and has gone out of her way to help me. I have a long history of being "hard to medicate." I have been very pleased to see someone that has been able to work with me to find the right meds to treat me. I have lived with serious depression problems and other mental health issues for a long time. I strongly disagree with the negative comments posted here. I have found that all of the staff are caring and concerned. I have always seen a therapist that is at a different practice...just personal preference...and my NP has spoken with her on occasion when I have been having a hard time. I hope that everyone finds the help that they need. read more

I saw Dr. Mary Berg twice. She was 25 minutes late both times -- even though she had no patient right before me. Mary Berg is totally cold and distant. Her body language (rigid, grasping her leg, leaning back in her chair as far as one could possible lean), rigid facial expression (none), and voice (monotone). Both visits she seemed extremely depressed and extremely anxious with apathy and a flat affect. I think she either (a) needs a leave of absence to pull herself together, or (b) find a career she likes. She seems to hate her job. It is unhealthy for individuals with mental illness to seek treatment from psychiatrists who seem to lack empathy and "people skills." Maybe she has recently endured a traumatic event? There is something about her that made me feel really uncomfortable, as though she really would prefer the solitude of her office than be with a patient. I feel sad for her. I am only writing this review to save patients from feeling worse after they leave her office than they felt when they walked in. read more

No stars.. I wanted to replace my present psychiatrist, who was refusing to provide lithium, which I need in order to stay alive and out of the hospital. I was in dire need of treatment. Dr. Buie refused to treat me (or provide lithium), telling me I was "too complicated." It was a Friday afternoon and I had no one else to go to. His statement made me feel hopeless, on top of needing lithium, as I felt there was nowhere else to turn to. I have good insurance. Dr. Buie was playing with fire by refusing to treat me. He endangered my life. He also revealed that Pisgah Institute is apparently incapable of providing help and preventing harm for a person in need who has a common, ordinary psychiatric diagnosis. They also suck money out of their patients at every opportunity. If they refuse treatment when you come in, they keep all of your confidential paperwork. Stay away from Pisgah Institute and ask carefully around for good providers who put your safety and life first. It says a required field was not filled in. I give this business NO STARS. The only way to PUBLISH this review is to give the business stars. So I will, in order to puiblish, but they are required by stupid programmer. read more

I have been denied two prescription refills by Dr. Mary Berg today on the grounds that I must set up an appt. with her before she can fulfill my request. Yet before me is a printed appt. report I recieved upon checking out on my last visit for a scheduled appt. one week from today. So I go a day without my meds and must suffer withdrawal symptoms tonight. Tomorrow I must get a ride to show the clinic that I have an appt. scheduled (while suffering withdrawals) so that (hopefully) she will fill my prescriptions. This kind of incompetence is pathetic and harmful to patients. Wish me luck, I'd rather not spend the night trying to get a ride to the emergency room. AVOID PISGAH INSTITUTE AT ALL COSTS. Bedlam was more efficient than this parade of clowns masquerading as a mental health clinic. The worst part is, I could go on and on about past incidents of inter-office confusion and outright heartlessness. A patient here is not a human being but a number. Please avoid this clinic: you will come out of it feeling worse than when you went in... read more