The most effective/caring Dr I have ever known by far. His assistant Laura answers calls in a timely fashion and addresses my concerns/questions with kind words and prompt results/answers. Thank you once again Dr Schenkel... read more

I had a disappointing experience with this psychiatrist and would not recommend him. He often seemed to have difficulty remembering details about my case, which led to poor communication and a lack of follow-through. I requested a change back to a medication that had been more effective for me, but despite multiple requests, he continued to issue the same prescription three separate times that I specifically asked him not to. When I brought this up again, he responded with obvious irritation stating that he did (which he did not) and ended the conversation with "enough," which felt disrespectful, dismissive and as if he was speaking to me like I was a child. When I shared my concerns about his response and let him know how I found it unprofessional and decided to cancel our future appointments, his only reply was "will do," without any apology or willingness to discuss it further. This clearly showed me how little he actually did care. Additionally, he once charged me double for an appointment that ran slightly over due to his own scheduling delay, which felt unfair as I was paying out of pocket. While I initially stayed because he had my chart and background, I ultimately felt his focus was not on my well-being. I would recommend finding a psychiatrist who prioritizes patient care and communicates thoughtfully. This certainly is not your guy. Also his assistant Laura is rude and makes you feel very uncomfortable and like you're burdening her with appointment inquiries. I get better mental help and customer service from my hair stylist. read more

Great doctor who is knowledgable and caring. His office is run by Laura who is efficient and kind. You won't find better care in Los Angeles. read more

Caring and knowledgeable, Dr. Schenkel was an invaluable resource for my son back in the day. Thank you so much. I can't recommend him enough. read more

I just got off the phone with Dr Schenkel and it inspired me to write this review. I've been with him for a few years now and he is just so great. He's kind, he listens to how you're doing and what can be improved and is constantly discussing options if needed. He is exactly what I have needed. He's accessible and just wonderful. Thank you doc, you are so great to work with and I am very fortunate to have found you. You rock. read more

Doctor Schenkel has become difficult for me to deal with and consequently I am going to look for another psychiatrist. He can be dismissive, arrogant and rude. Now that appointments are done remotely I don't miss going to his office. He had a habit of typing on his laptop during entire appointments. I don't have any problem with him taking notes but he didn't even look at me while I was talking. For all I know he could've been on social media or playing solitaire. Recently I had a medication dosage change and had to go back to the prior dose since I began to have a negative side effect. When I emailed him with some questions and concerns I received an email in which he wrote that my email was too long and he didn't read it! WTH?!!! FYI, the email was not long. And just who should I be asking questions to?? When I would see Doctor Schenkel at his office I would be talking then suddenly he would say our time is up. Then it was all about getting my credit card for payment. Recently I sent an email with lab results to the office (which his assistant would get) rather than to the doctor's email address. I don't know if my email was forwarded to the doctor. Over a week later I hadn't received a reply so I checked the email and realized I sent it to the wrong address. I forwarded it then to the doctor. He didn't answer either question I asked regarding my test results. I sent my recent non-psych meds changes so the info could be included wlin my file bt nothing was commented on and I'm not surprised. I've long wondered what Doctor Schenkel would do if I needed to go to the hospital....Was very close to it last month but fortunately talking to my therapist more often helped. Not once in the 4 years or so that I've been Doctor Schenkel's patient has he ever told me steps to take if in a mental health emergency. It's unfortunate that psychiatrists are now psychopharmacologists and deal only with prescribing psychiatric medications. It was probably much easier to have therapy and get meds from the same doctor. I find it hard sometimes to totally trust someone who I only talk to for 15-30 minutes at a time for my much needed psych medications. Maybe in time more psychologists will be able to prescribe meds, which is done in some states. In my opinion Dr. Schenkel sometimes seems to doing the bare minimum work with me. I don't fell well supported often and definitely don't feel he is empathetic. He's not the worst doctor and is generally knowledgeable. But his attitude with me as someone who has numerous depressive episodes, has not been supportive -- and to be insulted by my doctor is not acceptable for any reason. read more

Laura is very rude. She basically mansplained to me on the phone and was not being very nice at all. I'm truly appalled by her behavior. She also had an attitude and she made me feel very uncomfortable read more

I accompanied a older friend (dec) to a shrink appt; her first. It was Steven Schenkel. She asked me to sit with her and I was impressed with the doctor. Needing some help myself I asked if he would accept me as a new patient and he did. That was 26 years ago. A lot has happened in those years and he is still the best mental health doctor I have ever seen or visited. He knows me and he is honest and direct. Nothing shocks him: emotional issues cannot always be gift-wrapped or censored. And he has a fine sense of humor!!! I always feel relieved and hopeful after a visit and our time together helps me to deal with my issues in ways that are more constructive than I had considered. He listens; he comments, he answers questions and because he is also trained in pharmacology he knows whether or not medication is necessary and if so...exactly what and in what dosage. NEVER a crapshoot like "try this and see what does." His training and experiences makes him cautious and accurate. I would recommend him to anyone I know personally without hesitation. read more

I am disappointed by how transactional this office is. I attempted to pay my debt after my insurance flaked out. Dr. Schenkel wouldn't even speak to me. The point is I needed help. I wound up in the hospital again. My deductible was paid and I no longer had a pre-exsiting condition. They still wouldn't speak to me because they had so much trouble with my insurance. I don't like to write negative reviews but in this case I hope I can help someone avoid a mistake I made by going to this office. Hopefully some day I can become a compassionate counselor who believes in people and is not all about money. You attract money by doing good. Very disappointed by their staff and this doctor, sorry. read more

Dr. Shenkel's Assistant Denise was literally the rudest and meanest person I have ever spoken to in my life. She told me to hang up and dial 911 or check myself into UCLA if I had a problem with her. Jeez, all I wanted to do was make an appointment with the Dr. I just can not believe how horrible and sad Denise's life must be. She is the one who needs to be medicated....Very bad experience....So many other great Psychiatrists in Beverly Hills. read more

I wonder what kinds of prima donnas are writing these Yelp comments. I found them appalling. I have been a patient of Dr. Schenkel for over 21 years. Sounds like ages, but it was not quite that intense. I often wonder where I would be without his listening ear and his wise comments? He has brought me though many issues that seem insurmountable at the time and just by an exchange of opinions and ideas, I left far better than when I walked in. I suspect the kvetchers are young. Age has a lot to do with asking for and receiving input. And I didn't go weekly and pour out quotidian occurrences; I didn't expect miracles and I certainly didn't expect the Doctor to think all my complaints were valid. There may be a technique for seeing a shrink; I have gone years without --knowing usually when the time had come. Of my experiences, I have been fortunate; once in a while I stormed out; but I was also younger, self-involved and volatile. That starts to fade with time. I never found the Doc hard to communicate with. His personality (and patience) is very amiable and only once did I cry. A death. He is a person with years of experience...it's hard to imagine how he does it and yet each visit I have had was fresh and his level of interest never seemed stale. I still see him ( phone visit) and each time I come away feeling better, calmer and smiling. I do not intend to stop. Regarding Laura. I do not know who you are describing. I have known several of Schenkel's office managers and when his long time Frances left I nearly wept. His search for a new person took a few tries (and whoa - trying tries) and then he found Laura. HUGE SIGH OF RELIEF!!! The complainers must be very unskilled at social interaction. I have discovered that FB has revealed our rudest sides. The snarkiness mentioned is nothing I have ever experienced...in person or by phone. Laura is a perfect professional and not your BBF. She is smart and has a fine sense of humor, but she is at work. And you are at the doctor. Not hanging out together at the Grove. It is a great lesson of life that some situations call for giggles and others don't. A doctor visit is one that doesn't. I have recommended Dr. Schenkel to numerous people who ask for advice in this context. I will continue to do so. read more

Although an incredibly nice person - Unfortunately the polite replies, questions and contemplative look as (a patient discussing serious personal issues) are all this Dr. provides. At first, it does seem that progress could be made by such a kind and caring person, but - between sessions, both as the patient, as well as the doctor, fails to realize that the Dr. is just going along each week ... "Hmm" "Huh" "Oh really?" until near the end of the session, he give a clear "oh, now I understand what you are (upset) (angry) (sad) (depressed) (confused) {whatever emotion is being explored} and then usually and big verbal resounding "OH ...... NOW I REALLY UNDERSTAND EXACTLY THE SITUATION ... AND WHY YOUR ARE (sad, hurt, lonely ..... whatever). It took a lot of sessions until I realized it was nothing more than a human with full body control, doing what is the equivalent to a plastic dummy head nodding along, without any substance provided. He was always much more concerned, focused and somewhat connecting with the patient .... when the session was ending and I pulled out my check book to pay him. I would NOT recommend this doctor if you need to deal with serious personal issues, emotions and feelings. read more

Posting this here, despite the fact that it's a scream into the void in these times, because I am unable to speak to the doctor directly, which for me is the problem. I was elated after my first appt. with him a few years ago. He really listened and even said some things I hadn't heard before that made sense. Right off the bat, before the appointment, I wasn't thrilled with his assistant Laura, as she makes it feel very much like a business transaction. Now, I understand that in many ways is just that under the current healthcare system. We are indeed little more than numbers to our insurance companies, and that naturally bleeds into the way we are treated by providers. However, it is especially disconcerting to be treated in this manner when seeking mental healthcare. But upon meeting with Dr. Schenkel, I was pleased. He offered me a phone follow up so that I wouldn't have to drive all the way there next time (I live in Pasadena) and when I told Laura this when I called to schedule, she was audibly annoyed (I have no idea why, but it felt like a financial issue) which left a bad taste in my mouth. In the ensuing years, I only had two phone appointments with him, because I found it difficult and irritating to schedule. There were times I hoped to speak to him and was unable to, as he seemingly only communicates through Laura. I take full responsibility for not pushing and advocating for myself or finding a different provider, but that kind of thing is very hard for me with my mental illness. I skated by with the refills I had and my pharmacy calling them for more refills. As of today, I am out of pills and out of refills. I received a text from Laura stating that if I wanted a refill, I would have to schedule an appointment to see the doctor. I became upset because I had been frustrated dealing with her in the past and asked if I could please just speak with the doctor. She later clarified that they were not, as it seemed, holding the refill hostage, and would refill before seeing him, I would just have to be on the schedule, but by this point I feel the trust I had in them has been breached. It would have been great to be informed of this at the start of my last refill as opposed to when I'm all out of a medication that has severe physical and emotional withdrawals. This is unethical to say the least. I have seen this before, a doctor with great bedside manner who hires more gruff and assertive staff as enforcers, but it's highly irregular and IMO harmful in mental healthcare. In communicating with Laura today, she stated that it is the norm, but I have never ever had a provider who I wasn't able to speak to at all without going through their office manager, even via email. That's why I'm writing this, to let potential patients know that this is the case. You will not be able to communicate with Dr. Schenkel in any way without going through Laura, who is prickly, to put it kindly. This causes problems when the problem you have is with her. Her final text to me was to let me know she is doing her job and doing it well, which I believe, it's just unfortunate that the doctor chooses to run his practice this way, as he is very kind himself. read more

again Laura is so rude & actually a liar. i was trying to get my medication refilled but she said i could not due to the fact i had already picked it up twice since last speaking to the dr & said i would have to wait until the end of the month to speak to him & how i need to prioritize making appointments. i then told her i dont think i got both rounds of the medication which she responded with "that would be an issue you would need to speak to your pharmacy about as we would not know if you picked up one or two scripts by now." .... so you lied to me in the previous text hmm... Laura has continued to prove herself to be nasty & unfit for the job; especially dealing with psychotherapy patients. i would rate it lower due to Laura but Dr Schenkel does a decent job & doesnt deserve to lose stars over his shitty staff. schenkel if u see this, PLEASE get a new receptionist. sincerely, all of your patients. read more

Dr. Schenkel is kind, caring, really listens, he will work with you to get it right. It takes a long time to get the right combination of medications to work sometimes. Everyone is different. He is always up on the latest research. They always work with your pharmacy. Laura his nurse is very helpful. Been seeing him for six years. He is great. I can't believe the negative reviews I have read on here because I have not once had had a negative experience. I have sent friends and family members to this Dr. and everyone has been happy with the staff and the dr. My pharmacy feels they are one of the most professional offices they deal with. I have never had a problem with insurance. Not one negative issue. They are very professional. And the dr is incredibly skilled. read more

Friendly and constructive; has been very helpful in exploring treatment, always explanatory towards all available options in order to find most suitable pharmaceutical approach for the individual. read more

I've seen Dr. Schenkel a number of times over the past few years, and I've always found him to be conscientious, caring, and competent. He seems to understand his field well, and he has always left me feeling listened to. I would recommend him. read more

My experience with Dr. Schenkel has been a really positive one. He has helped me conquer some BIG issues in my life that have plagued me for years. read more

The kindest, most understanding & caring Psychiatrist I ever met. He saved me from a medication nightmare prescribed by David L. Friedman, M.D. Dr. Friedman had me taking 26 medications, including an amphetamine to wake me up in the morning, so I could go to work. Had to keep my insurance! Once he mistook my Sister for myself in an elevator and, began to berate her over a balance he felt he was owed. If you live in the area & need help, you couldn't do any better. read more

Iv been seeing him to refill a prescription that Iv had since I was 15 and Iv never hard any problems except for they refuse to schedule except over email, and they take forever to respond to your emails, by the time they do respond and you respond back the appointment is usually "taken" even though it's a 5 minute appointment and I know they are THAT busy. Now Iv been waiting for refill my prescription for a week and they are unavailable for another week? Also they only way they answer there phone on a Wednesday at 2pm is if you call 4 times Also it's so expensive for them to be this high maintenance, I have amazing insurances and Iv paid over $150 dollars more then one time. read more

Dr Schenkel is very compassionate. He treated me with kindness and dignity. He listened to my concerns and did his very best to prescribe personalized treatment to help me. I felt he'd gone out of his way on multiple occasions to accommodate my urgent needs, he is also quite up to date with the newest trends and discoveries in his area. His office staff are exceptional, his lady assistant Laura is nothing short of an amazing human being who truly felt my pain and showed my utmost kindness and professionalism. I love her humility and dedication to excellence, and her enormous support with the maze of paper work i needed for work. Works fail to help me express enough gratitude for Laura. She is an angel and a saint rolled into one. I can really go on forever in listing all Dr Schenkel's good qualities. He is indeed an excellent physician and a top notch provider. I am very happy to report that he successfully treated my intractable issues that I suffered with before meeting him. I highly recommend Dr Schenkel, he will save your life, and help you feel like a normal human being again. I will be forever grateful to the doctor. read more

I have been going to Dr. Schenkel for nearly ten years. He is an excellent doctor and I would recommend him highly.

I went to Dr. Schenkel a year ago to manage my depression medications. Unlike many psychiatrists, he was listed in my Affordable Care Act insurance directory, which was vital for me. I did my research before even contacting him. Not only did I find him professional and compassionate, but rather thorough in trying new medications and dosages with very minimal side effects until we got the best combo. I appreciated that he always got back to me with my questions from session to session. read more

Dr. Schenkel saw me when my Psychiatrist was on vacation, back in the 1970's. I decided to continue therapy with Dr. Schenkel and with proper medication and talk therapy, I made real progress. I have always been grateful for his help. A kind, thoughtful doctor. read more

HE IS A PERVERT AND OVERALL HORRIBLE PSYCHIATRIST. I didn't want to give any stars but it was required to be able to post this. He is terribly unreliable and irresponsible. He will prescribe you medicine he knows is not good for you and then will ignore all of your phone calls and emails. Worst of all he is a PERVERT. I'm not comfortable going into detail here and for a long time I was very uncomfortable with having my name on this post for everyone to see (I couldn't face that it was actually a part of my life) but he attempted to take advantage of me, a very young (19 at the time), naive woman who was struggling with trauma and thought she was being treated by someone she could trust. He added to my trauma and made me completely untrusting of all men and therapists/psychiatrists. It took me almost 4 years to get comfortable with the idea of trying to see a different therapist and psychiatrist and to open up about my experiences. I've wanted to report him several times but I've been discouraged and told that it would be "my word against his and the chances of me being believed aren't very high". It hurts so much that I feel like he won't get what he deserves but more than anything, I feel like I need to warn people. I feel it's even more important to warn others as he works with kids and adolescents. Please, especially if you are a woman or have young children (especially daughters) that you are thinking of sending to a pyschiatrist never, ever go to him. I wish I had spoken out so much sooner but there were several factors that prevented me from doing so. Please beware of this man. Never, ever go to him. read more

Very rude. No compassion. He mocked me without asking further questions and jumped to conclusions.

I started seeing Schenkel a couple of years ago and, initially, things went well. He is quite educated in medicine. However, unless you really don't have a very serious anxiety problem like me, something like that, I would stay away. The other reviewers are right -- his assistant is rude. But that's not the worst of it. This doctor dropped me during a time of crisis FOR NO GOOD REASON. I am not lying to you. At first he said it was an insurance issue and that I would have to pay out of pocket. Over the course of several emails he actually started LYING about things. I think he probably is the right doctor for some people -- like I said he knows about his profession. But be warned. read more

Dr. Schenkel has truly helped me manage the depression, anxiety and PMDD i deal with in a solution-based, medical, and effective manner. Psychiatric disorders are *medical* issues -- and although behavioral and cognitive therapy does help, it doesn't completely relieve symptoms. Far too many people still consider medication to be some stigmatic indication of a flawed character or lack of strength -- and far too many doctors brush off symptoms reported by women as "exaggerated" or "over-dramatic." Dr. Schenkel has gently, carefully, and caringly helped to find the right dosage and medication for me whilst encouraging ongoing CBT and fully explaining all risks and side-effects. I've never felt rushed or ignored by him or his staff. It makes me wonder if the poor reviews are from people who perhaps don't know the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist... if you want to unravel the "how" by talking about your feelings and childhood - awesome - message me; I have a great psychologist! But if you want to start feeling better right away so that unraveling that "how" is less painful, call Dr. Schenkel. read more

Unprofessional, rude, mean. Cares only if he gets paid. Other than that he's absolutely not interested in his patient.

I find Dr. Schenkel to be committed and diligent in his work. He has been helpful in my mental condition. I find Dr. Schenkel to be smart and competent. Before I found him 20 years ago through a friend, I used to have a doctor who was unfeeling and who I felt was uncaring for my mental condition.... Dr. Schenkel is the right doctor for me. read more