Absolutely the best mental health clinic I have ever visited. I worked with Dr. Wu, who is a licensed clinical psychologist. She was completely professional and knowledgeable and helped me to resolve my issue only in a matter of a few visits, much faster than what I expected. read more

Practice has options... 1) of care to accommodate any condition or situation. There are numerous clinicians specializing in spectrums of expertise areas. 2) of meeting: In-person; secure conference calls; secure video calls. 3) of secure payment: Debit card; credit card; etc. Payment receipt generally provided at same time &/or by request. 4) to code payment receipts so patients/ caseload can submit to their insurance carriers for direct reimbursement. Note: Insurance companies have many more considerations regarding mental health reimbursement than standard medical care. Trust this is helpful. Potomac Psychiatry is an award-winning Practice! ...&... FTR: Awards are designated by their peers! read more

It's not cheap to see a psychiatrist, but their fees are similar to doctors that we met for second opinions. I appreciated the short notice appointment when we needed it and that our doctor of several years has always made time when needed. I have not had a problem with their office staff either. Mental health support is expensive and that's problem across the board. read more

Have held back over the years when it comes to reviewing this place. Dr Kehr's negligence ended up almost killing me. He was so worried about getting his license taken away he refused to fill my medication and instead told me to go to detox like an addict. Never abused my meds. He ripped me off all my meds after some gene test. Was so desperate I went along with it all not knowing what I know now. I told him forget it when it came down to 150mg of Effexor. The withdrawals were unbearable. He then put me on more medication, a cocktail. After trying to get help from him and the ER's in the area, we didn't really have a choice. No one would help us, no one would fill my script for a week until I saw the new doctor. I started having severe withdrawal. So I check in to detox not knowing what would happen. Thought I could trust them. They don't taper meds there. I wasn't given any of the Benzos I had been on for over a decade. They gave me random meds to help, but once I was gone all hell broke lose! At the time I had no clue what was going on. I was restless, couldn't sit still, had to pace the halls and neighborhood. I would have to be moving my legs. Sitting still was unbearable. I felt horrible! Years later I would learn I am suffering from Akathisia. Withdrawal Akathisia in my case has not been treatable. Having Benzo withdrawal I clearly can't go back on a Benzo. So I came home damaged and unstable and the guy wouldn't return my frantic phone calls pleading for help. I was eventually written a letter saying I should go to see his colleague. Like I was having a crisis and the guy wouldn't help me. We had to rely on the outpatient rehab they had sent me to. That's a hell story. I can't work, I'm disabled by all this. Yes, even at 5 yrs. I should have sent him the Ashton Manual and a long letter early on telling him what I was going through. I started a blog in 2019 and I talk about the care I received with Dr Kehr and how I ended up. 5 years!! Really wish I had never went to this guy for help. If you don't think this is negligence or "that bad", feel free to read more about it here: Tooshallpass13.Wordpress.com Dr Carr is who I should have seen all along. The guy seems to actually care. We tried so much, even a taper off Latuda. I came to him damaged. He tried to help. He hasn't abandoned me like Kehr did. $500+ to see Kehr. Family friend recommended the guy. She was bipolar and swore Kehr was fantastic. If someone is tapering and cuts more than 10% every 2-4 weeks, there's something wrong with your doctor. You TAPER people off psych meds, not rip people off and assume the new meds will cover the side effects of being ripped off ALL my meds!!! read more

I have been a patient with Potomac Psychiatry since the spring of 2019, so for nearly six (6) years now, and my doctor, Dr. John Carr, literally, saved my life - doing so in more ways than one! I can honestly and truly say that Dr. Carr is THE BEST Psychiatrist/M.D. I have ever had in my entire life (I'm 33 years old, BTW, at the time of posting this review, for those wondering). So I was 27 years old when I first saw Dr. Carr, and, ever since then, Dr. Carr has always, ALWAYS! Been there for me. Dr. Carr, over the years, through his sincere, wholehearted approach (which he's tweaked according to what works best for me, personally, has brought me through some very, very dark and tough times in my life... To conclude my review, I wish to give a big, very sincere, THANK YOU! To Dr. Carr as well as the entire Potomac Psychiatry team! From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all the genuine care I've received over the years. read more

The office only sent reminder less than 24 hours before an appointment made 3 months ago. When I called for cancellation, I was told there would be a late fee. I asked what's the purpose of this reminder even if you see the reminder and you call for cancellation and it's too late already, for an appointment made by the office 3 months ago. Then they stopped answering me. read more

Everyone that I interacted with was very nice and professional. Thank you for that! I found this practice through Washingtonian Best Doctors, but wish I would've done more research before spending so much money there. I was very disappointed and a bit offended by the recommendations given to me. I explained that it was important to me to have a holistic approach that was driven by behavioral/lifestyle changes and SUPPORTED by medication. When it came down to it, the doctor rattled off a list of medications and gave me no guidance on anything else I could do to manage my bipolar disorder. I have done my own research and talked to friends and have put together my own wellness framework (sleep, exercise, diet, meditation, connection) that is working FOR ME so far. I'm now looking more diligently for another psychiatry practice that actually takes a holistic approach. I'm not recommending that anyone should try to manage mental disorders without medication, simply just sharing what has worked for me so far. read more

Money money money Run of the mill shrinks Absolutely not worth wasting ur money Found EXACT quality of shrink as in network shrink Hoped for more got tons less than expected Only good thing is I now know never to go to this practice ever again Also as a "gift" ur given a book written by the head of this company, not practice I guess getting a 450.00 book made this visit worth my time Big fat NOT!!! read more

I think PS has incredible doctors whose myriad awards show that they're truly the best in the business. I wish the waiting room was a little more posh - as I know from experience - bc unfortunately people do judge a book by its cover. Other than this I wish I had more time with my doctor as it would really help me but instead at llEast now there are a plethora of apps that are really helpful and are going to truly revolutionize the industry. Maybe instead of bringing back group therapy PS could offer even an online seminar style for their patients at no cost. This to me would give 5 stars. (I never give 5 stars unless I'm blown away like beyond the beyond). My doctor deserves 10000000 stars :) read more

I've had a great experience working with Dr. Portillo. I had previously worked with another psychiatrist who was less than helpful. Dr. Portillo was knowledgeable and always explained how the medication or treatment worked. He would always present me with options and ask what methods I preferred. He was also frequently available and accessible by phone. The office was responsive and helpful, including when working with the pharmacy. I would highly recommend. read more

I have seen numerous psychiatrists, therapists, etc. over the past 15 years. I am so happy I found Potomac Psychiatry. I have been going here for approximately 6-7 years and have been pleased with every aspect of their practice. Their transition to working remotely, due to COVID, was seamless and didn't impact my care (as it did at other doctors). Dr. Novitsky is highly knowledgeable, compassionate, and great to work with. I have nothing but great things to say about him. The office staff are always cheerful, informative, and happy to help/answer questions. While it can be expensive, and not covered by insurance - like most other psychiatrists, Potomac Psychiatry is willing to work with you. Thank you all for all that you do!! read more

Dr. Portillio has found time outside of normal hours to help my clients on more than several occasions. He has gone out of his way to help teens and young adults through tough times. I recommend this great professional and look forward to collaborating with him in the future. read more

Dr. Novitsky saved my life. Literally! I was in a very deep depression and had come close to suicide. This would have left my family without a provider and my wife without a husband. I could not get an appointment for a psychiatrist that took my insurance. My therapist recommended Potomac Psychiatry. I called the office and was seen within two days. Dr. Novitsky wanted to do a genetic test on me to see how my body would react to certain medications. Finally a science based approach to physchiatry. I always felt it was voodoo and just try stuff until it works. I learned a lot about how my body processes medications. He enhanced my regiment with two new medications which supplemented what I was already taking. We also found I had a lack of focus which he fixed as well. My life changed like a light switch, it literally clicked on and I was myself again. Work improved, no hiding in bed, no crying and dispair. My kids had their dad back and my wife her husband. For the first time ever I spoke in public to a crowd. Something I would never have even attempted in the past. On top of all of that I had the courage to go off of my pain medication that I feel like I was depending on to "get me by". My life is vastly improved due to Dr. Novitsky and his science based approach to medicine. The people in this practice will take care of you, I promise that. As far as the people "hating" on them, it is because they wouldn't give them the drugs they wanted. They prescribe what you NEED, not what you want. They will not feed your addiction and they are not a pill mill. read more

With the opioid crisis going on, it's extremely difficult to obtain insomnia medication. I'm a young woman who suffers from chronic insomnia, chronic ptsd, and severe depression. I had an extremely abusive childhood, was sexually assaulted multiple times, and cannot even sleep in my husband's arms at night. I saw Dr.Novitsky once, so of course I paid the mandated $590 required for the first visit. While the receptionists were warm and welcoming, the doctor said he was on board with prescribing me insomnia meds. I was like okay great, and I'm the evening went to CVS to try to pick up my meds. They weren't there and I thought okay maybe the next day they'll be there. I texted him the following day, assuming he put the prescriptions in. He still didn't. I texted the doctor multiple times and essentially I gave up begging for my meds. I literally did not sleep for 48 hours, texted him, and got no reply. Just tell me up front you're gonna neglect the hell out of me! I'm on antidepressants, PTSD meds, and I really needed my sleep meds! I'm a mom, wife, uni student, and I work 2 part time jobs. Seriously, people's lives aren't a joke. I'll take my business elsewhere. Horrible negligence. read more

BEWARE: I wish I listened to the other reviewers and their experiences. You will have a very pricey initial evaluation. You will not be given medication and instead will be asked to keep coming back for $300 sessions for further evaluation. And then they try to sell you bullshit gene testing. I'm serious. Count how long it takes to enter the doctors office before he talks about buying expensive gene testing. read more

Yes, I had the exact same experience over a year ago with Dr. Glass. Everything is about money and time management. Even the expensive genetic test was not really discussed or explained at all . The doctors may have very good credentials there and past experience, However, in my experience , I don't see them utilizing that for the patients benefit. read more

Beware, the office will try and schedule you for an initial appointment within 48 hours of your call. I had to cancel but because there were not 48 business hours between my cancellation and my appointment, I was charged the full fee for the session. Full price for a session that I never used. The office advertises that you'll get an appointment within 48 hours, but they will keep your money if you cancel. Very unprofessional, avoid this place if you can. read more

Dr. Kehr was born for this job because he _is_ Doctor Care. Phone calls and office reception is exceptionally attuned to patients and very responsive to special requests. This is a "upscale" practice, so fees are higher than average and you are on your own for insurance reimbursements. This is a case of getting what you pay for: a repeat Washingtonian "Top Doc" who listens and helps, pleasant offices, and a smooth experience overall. read more

I can't say enough about our experience at Potomac Psychiatry. I would like to focus on two things specifically. First, the level of care is extraordinary, inspired, deeply personal, and worth every penny. Dr. Kehr's brilliance and success in treating patients is well known, but also he is so very kind. That quality is exemplified throughout the office. It's an important distinction, often overlooked when choosing a medical practice. Second, we were actually relieved to find that we could pay via credit card as with other emergency service models like poison control and urgent veterinary care. We needed immediate action and were able to begin treatment with no 800 numbers to call, no permissions to get in advance, and were able to file our own claims on our own time afterward. It was what we needed and it totally worked. If you are looking for competence and courtesy, you can find any number of doctors up to those average standards. But if you are looking for consistently exceptional treatment in a practice proven over decades, Dr. Kehr is your best bet. I was reluctant to share this information at first because I didn't want to limit the number of available appointments if even more people start calling, but my New Year's resolution is to pay it forward whenever possible. You're welcome. read more

I visited Dr. Kehr for the first time when I was just 15, nearly 15 years ago when I struggled with depression and eating disorders. He diagnosed me quickly, and got me on the prescriptions that helped me to overcome my problems and eventually seek even deeper in-patient treatment. I now live overseas but Dr. Kehr is always happy to check in when I am in the DC area and I appreciate knowing I can always count on a quick check in as needed. I definitely recommend his services. read more

If you're looking for a psychiatric practice that puts making the maximum amount of money above all else - you've found the right place. This place is a money making machine-they have perfected the art of maximizing profits. As I recall, they charge for 15 minutes increments on follow ups. You will spend 1/2 the time when making the appointment talking about how much they charge (completely outrageous prices) and how they don't take ANY INSURANCE. Our experience in the waiting room was to listen to them go around and figure out how their patients can pay (they take credit card, partial payments, etc)... They did very simple genetic testing for us (sent out to a lab with a report from the lab) - and the cost was astronomical- like thousands of dollars!!! There are a lot of other mental health care professionals who put the care of patients before making money. Sadly, this is not one of them! read more

We visited for the first time today. The receptionists were very welcoming and friendly, and Dr. Novitski was very warm and kind. We all (3 of us) felt instantly at ease with him. I look forward to seeing him again. read more

I've had interaction with quite a few psychiatric offices as I've lived in three different cities within the last 5 years. I do not rank this practice very highly because it is operated with principles of time management more than principles of understanding the patient. This in itself would not be too bad, but the rates are high and some administrative staff are barely competent. Example: I left a message with them, and when they returned my call, they hadn't bothered to listen to my message (presumably because that would be time-consuming). Some people might be impressed by the 'top doc' designation; I'm not. read more

I am very thankful to Dr. Kehr and the folks at Potomac Psychiatry. I have had several daughters sporadically go to his practice over the years with very beneficial results. They are all off and doing well. When I was discussing some of my habits with them this past summer, they suggested I go see Dr. Kehr which I did. I was diagnosed with ADHD which I always new I must have had since I multitask constantly. Now that we are swiftly approaching 2016, I just wanted to publicly thank this practice for their caring expertise and professionalism during this year and continuing that trend into 2016. read more

Made me uninsurable for LIFE, DOCUMENTED....I have all the letters..(DR PORTILLA) 1) Lets start with the $5000 urine test to determine how the body metabolizes meds. Blue Cross DENIED it and said It had NO medical validity(CASH COW) 2) Now the part where the made me UNABLE to secure life insurance for my family for the rest of my life! I AM 51 YEARS OLD. This letter will be LONG and precise. I will be posting it tomorrow as I dont have enough time to post now.... BEWARE..If you ever want to buy life insurance, make DAMN sure Portilla and company don't send your innermost personal issues directly to the MIB(medical information bureau) like they did to me....They have caused more pain and suffering then any events leading up to my visit there! Im not even depressed. I saw him ONCE for an hour, opened up about all my lifelong issues(smoking, gambling, ADD, OCD ect.. the typical MALE born in the Bronx NY. He labeled me MANIC Depressive, wrote down my entire lifes story(without asking my permission) and sent it off to the MIB. The orifice manager said: :They would never do that" that they send a form letter to protect clients privacies. THEY LIED and the insurance companies must have assumed I would commit suicide and ran away from my underwriting. I was declined THREE times. Much more to come tomorrow... read more

I am 52 years old and, for the better part of my adult life, have suffered from Complex PTSD, fairly bad anxiety and depression. I sought the help of at least a half dozen psychiatrists who simply shoved one drug after another at me...none of which helped. I was resigned to struggling the rest of my life trying everything from meditation to EMDR to get relief. Nothing really worked. Then I found Dr. Kehr. He did extensive blood work and genetic testing on me to establish what medications would work on me. Turns out all the medications that I had tried before were SSRIs, and given my genetic makeup, they don't work on me. Based on the findings, he put me on an SNRI, which I had never heard of. What a difference! I am now the 2.0 version of myself and feel amazing. My anxiety is absolutely gone. I never thought I could feel this good. I'm me without all the crippling issues. I'm so happy my wife doesn't know what to do with me. My only complaint is the high cost. For those without resources, it can be difficult to get the help. This should be available to everyone. Hopefully some day we will have universal health care. read more

I was really disappointed in this practice & the owner, Dr. Bruce Kehr. Here's the only good thing - the front staff are nice & the adolescent psychiatrist we saw, Dr. Paul Glass, was very smart, seemd to care and my teenage daughter really connected with him but that is about the only positive thing I can say about this practice. Dr. Glass's profile says he is "highly compassionate" (true) but the part about "putting their patients first, or help them to "reach their goals as quickly as possible" - our experience proved false. Money absolutely comes first w/this practice (although I attribute that to the owner, not the individual clinicians). I went to this practice and was willing to pay out of pocket b/c it is hard to find a psychiatrist that takes insurance that can fit you in their schedule or can take the time needed to adequately treat the patient. Up until this point, my daughter's tx was very fragmented and the clinicians weren't speaking to each other (a problem w/health care in general - I'm an executive in health care). I went to this practice primarily to find the right medication & diagnosis for my dghter. She has a therapist (MSW) she loves but we needed a good psychiatrist. She is a complicated patient with three different diagnosed conditions thus far and had several hospitalizations the year prior to seeing Dr. Glass (and there is a family history on one side of depression and even suicide). My dghter had tried a few medications that didn't work and one even made her suicidal. The first issue I had w/the practice is that prior to and at the first appointment, the practice did not ask us to fill out any forms documenting my daughter's mental health history other than medications. Dr. Glass met alone w/my minor teenage dghter for 45 min and issued her a new anti-depressant medication. He handed the medication directly to her in a brown paper bag came out. said hello but said he didn't need to meet w/me.(My bad for not speaking up at the first appointment). I was concerned so I then met with Dr. Glass myself (billed for this) and he agreed he needed to review my dghter's other mental health records and should speak with her psychiatrist from the partial hospitalization program she was just in and make sure he had the right diagnosis. I knew having them do this would delay getting on w/the much needed medication she needed but I also knew her treatment ("tx") was too fragmented up until this point and it was better to delay and ensure she had the right diagnosis and medication. This is where the money part got in the way of my daughter's tx, I sent the medical record to Dr. Glass and gave him her prior's doctor's contact info. Dr. Glass told me they would have to charge me for review of the record and to speak w/her doctor which I said was fine. THIS PRACTICE WILL NOT DO ANYTHING UNLESS THEY CAN CHARGE YOUR CREDIT CARD RIGHT AWAY- YOU COULD CALL AND TELL THEM YOUR CHILD IS SUICIDAL AND I HAVE NO DOUBT THEY WOULD BE LIKE - OK WE'LL TALK TO YOU AFTER WE MAKE SURE WE CAN CHARGE YOUR CREDIT CARD FOR THE TALK! Dr. Glass delayed getting in touch w/my daughter's prior doctor b/c he had read the medical record and when the practice tried charging my credit card on file for this, it didn't go through (the card they had on file had been stolen & replaced and I forgot they had that card on file), And, I never even got a bill for his read of the record (until I requested it) or knew he was not proceeding w/speaking w/my daughter's other doctors b/c of this outstanding charge until I called to find out if he had gotten in touch w/the other doctor. So, my daughter's much needed tx was now being delayed b/c of one outstanding charge I did not know about! My daughter's therapist was also trying to get in touch w/Dr. Glass to discuss some issues of concern and he never returned her calls, presumbably also b/c of the outstanding medical record review charge. My daughter needed labs done for the medication she was on (Lithium) and Lab Corp sent the results directly to Dr. Glass and I never got the results from the practice (I presume b/c of the outstanding medical record review charge). When I called the practice very upset over all of this and asked to speak w/the owner of the practice, Dr. Bruce Kehr, he refused to speak to me. Instead, he sent me a short letter w/a copy of the practice's billing policies that said all services have to be paid at the time rendered and only if I could abide by their billing policy, would they continue to treat my daughter. Incredible! Then when I kept insisting that Dr. Kehr meet w/me or speak with me on the phone, I got a another letter w/a refund check for the services paid for thus far and telling me to find another psychiatrist. Yes, they completely abandoned my daughter knowing it could take weeks and weeks to get in w/another practice. For me to take the time to write this lengthy review is a testament to how strongly I feel about this practice. read more

Absolutely amazing place, everyone from the receptionists to the doctors, really shows care and they are also professional. The only problem for me is how expensive it is, because they don't take insurance. But I don't want that to detract from their ratings because I feel going to them is worth the money. My doctor, Dr. Guillermo Portillo is awesome, caring, empathetic, sensitive to my needs, and I feel like he practically reads my mind sometimes. I truly feel heard, validated and respected for who I am as a person and not just based on my diagnosis. I feel like he basically saved my life during the semester in 2014 when I was in nursing school. I pretty much had a nervous breakdown and I was so desperate to find a place that would accept me on a short notice, I called over 20 practices and either they didn't answer, weren't taking patients or weren't taking patients for a certain amount of time. I called them in the morning and they called back immediately and I was able to book an appointment the next week, as a brand new patient. They were the answer to my prayers. Now, almost two years later, in 2016, I am still seeing Dr. Portillo, and he and I have made great progress together. He is basically my lifeline and I don't know what I would do without him and Potomac Psychiatry. I have never had a bad experience here with anyone there in the entire time I have been going to this practice. We were able to find the right medication for me in a very short amount of time (especially compared to any other psychiatric practices, which would have taken months to over a year, and we did it in less than half the time) because of this gene test they can do. They are just one of the psychiatric practices in the DC/MD/VA area period. I am so serious. So if you are seeking psychiatric help, this is the place to go. I love them so much. :) read more

I saw Dr. Portillo for a year and found him to be more concerned about making money than actually empathizing with my situation. His fee is 290 for 45 minutes and it is like making a small car payment to see him one time. I made payment within a week every time and his staff refused to give me a new appointment until the bill was paid in full. They lost my checks and did not cash for weeks. I wrote a letter to identify the issues I was having and Dr Portillo called me and got angry with me. Most psychiatrists in Montgomery County MD do not accept insurance and they set their fees anywhere they please. People pay because there are few other good options but mental health care has become a thing that only the rich can afford. Doctors deserve to make a living but psychiatry is the only specialty in which the majority of providers feel they can refuse to take insurance. Think about it: do your other doctors in other specialities accept insurance and play by the insurance rules? read more