His group sessions have changed my life. The staff is caring and amazing people. I highly recommend seeing him.

Please do yourself, your family, and your loved ones a big favor and avoid this "doctor" at all costs. Read below for why. Our daughter's appointment today was the first time we had the opportunity for an in-person visit. She had prior sessions remotely but after she was prescribed amphetamines, we wanted to go in as a family to discuss before putting her on the medication. This class of drug can have serious side-effects and a strong proclivity for tolerance and addiction and thought it best to go in as a family to talk over the diagnosis and rationale for the prescription. One would think that would be welcomed considering the name of the practice "FAMILY Mental Health". The visit had started fine as the staff seemed friendly but it didn't take long for the experience to turn into a nightmare. Our daughter was taken back 25 minutes after our scheduled appointment time. The "doctor" requested he talk with her alone before we met as a family. No problem. We waited more and were invited into a disheveled and frankly, filthy room to meet. The unkempt "doctor" asked why we had come in and we replied with our desire for more information and our questions/concerns surrounding amphetamine treatment. They may have been difficult questions for the "doctor" but we were unexpectedly met with extreme adversity. The man claimed that I was the one that needed therapy. In front of our daughter. I raised my eyebrow but tried to shrug it off and continue the conversation as to how he arrived at his diagnosis. He gave us no comprehensible reasons, examples, or answers. After listening, I was understandably even more skeptical on putting our child on this potentially dangerous medication. He then proceeded to get visibly upset with me for questioning him. I did nothing wrong. I was calm, respectful, and never accusatory in the slightest. Here's the kicker, he then proceeded to tell me that he'll be happy to treat my daughter going forward but refuses to speak with me directly EVER again. Absolutely stunned, my wife and I left the dirty room so the "doctor" could wrap the visit up. We all left several minutes later. I asked my daughter if she wanted to tell us what he said in those final minutes alone with him. She did and told us that he had the audacity to tell her that she "needs extreme therapy to deal with your parents" and that "parents are always the problem, that's why I don't deal with them anymore". Mind blowing... If you are looking for a new mental health practitioner, run away. Run far away. And please reconsider if you are a patient or a parent of a patient here. This quack is rude, unprofessional, and downright dangerous. read more

Never got an oppurtunity to see the Dr. since his staff were extremely dismissive towards a patient that is fully insured and even willing to pay out of pocket. From the first phone call I made I was made out to feel like I was complete inconvenience, I was directed to fill out forms online. I was polite and complied in filling out the required forms. Days later I was followed up with the most unwelcoming email about how nobody could see me for 3 weeks and my insurance had a deductible, there would be a bunch of out of pocket costs but they didn't know what they were exactly... All of this just made me feel like number 1, I was a huge inconvenience and number 2 they assumed I couldn't afford it. After sending the rude staff the estimate from my insurance which showed I would have 0 co-pay they retorted days later with "yeah but thats for this and this is something else". Allow me to take my 6 figure salary elsewhere. I bid you adieu good sir... read more

Most of the bad reviews are for people who are looking for a therapist not a psychiatrist. Dr.Holcomb is great. He's very understanding of my circumstances and lets me pick the best treatment option based on his medical knowledge. Would recommend him to anyone for a psychiatrist. Not a therapist though. read more

Dr. Holcomb is dismissive, transphobic, and only prescribes one drug--Effexor. He also does so without properly informing his patients about how difficult it is to come off of; I had the most miserable 3 days of my entire life withdrawing from it when I was transitioning to something more appropriate. I've just finished reporting him to the Texas Medical Board. If the TMB doesn't appropriately reprimand him, I hope that this review saves someone else from the horrible experience I had--or gets Dr. Holcomb to wake up and stop phoning it in to the point of negligence. In addition, I also saw one of his PMHNPs and she prescribed me the wrong medication (Bupropion instead of Buspirone), which worsened my condition. He, of course, signed off on this. read more

Cut him some slack everyone. Dr. Holcomb saw me as cash pay when no one else would take my insurance and worked with me on a sliding scale. No psychiatrist does that. Austin is the worst city for psychiatry that I've ever experienced. Unless you can pay cash or have really great insurance, you have no options. It's really sad & a public health emergency if you ask me. Moving on, a psychiatrist cannot fix your mental health issues with medication. Medication helps get you through the day do that you can find other ways to fix your issues. Unfortunately, in this age of technology & everything being bigger & better-psychiatric care is lacking. He offers the groups to HELP you. What type of doctor would he be to prescribe you meds every month & watch you make no progress? His therapy groups are an adjunct to his psychiatric care. I'm sure he isn't thrilled to sit in those groups either! I just moved back from CO & will be seeing him again after a year away & I am genuinely happy & looking forward to rejoining his practice. read more

I'm and old/ young truth teller and Doc. Holcomb is the first phy. doctor l've seen other than the one's in the military who were no help at the time. He is the pro that I've needed for 68 years. Growing up in a small town in Tennessee no one there even imagined such a need existed so everyone was pretty much on there own so I went undiagnosed all my life. He earns my respect and I know his trade is a difficult one. He is my friend and I'm an improved version of myself. People seem so critical for souls trying to help. He does listen and he is a very good Physician. read more

tl;dr: I am so relieved I am done with this office. Dr. Holcomb and his staff, while polite and respectful, are EXTREMELY difficult to get a hold of and completely disorganized, and Dr. Holcomb himself is not the most inviting or understanding of psychiatrists. I am thankful for his help but feel he could improve on listening earnestly to his patients. I want to say before I start reviewing that Dr. Holcomb is, for the most part, polite. I never felt disrespected in front of him. However, that doesn't excuse his practice from other important issues. I started seeing Dr. Holcomb because he was one of the only specialists who would accept my type of insurance. I'll agree with other reviewers that his approach is "one size fits all," which may work for others, but it did not work for me. He mentioned that I needed a community and that my parents were the problem - and he wasn't entirely wrong, but it seems that's what he tells everybody. To his credit, he prescribed me medication I am happy with. After the initial visits, he suggested I join his group for therapy. I didn't really want to take that option: my problems felt less about serious trauma than general loss and adjustment to post-grad adulthood. This is about when I started to feel pressured into joining his group. He convinced me: I decided to give it a try just once, to see how I felt in that environment. I did try it and felt absolutely certain that the group didn't work well for my needs. It just didn't feel right to me, but the next visit, Dr. Holcomb wouldn't listen to me. He would interrupt me and ignore my concerns. He also ignored my heart condition. I told him that according to my POTSyndrome, as diagnosed and treated by my cardiologist, I needed 9 hours of sleep each night. He flat out cut me off and told me I needed 8. I also mentioned what I had talked about and gone through with my regular therapist per his questions, and he criticized her in front of me because she wasn't a psychiatrist. I couldn't get a hold of Dr. Holcomb and left a message saying I did not want to attend his group and that I wouldn't be. Two weeks later, he left a message for me that said, "Oh, I'm sorry. Let's get you into a different one of my groups." I never answered him because I did not want to join one of his groups. Well, six months later, I received a bill for $150 in the mail. Six months later! I call the front desk and they tell me I have to pay. I send a polite email to the office manager and she clears my bill. That's a relief! I think. His office staff are really on top of it after all! Cue next week. I send in a refill for my medication, and the next day I receive a message from them telling me I need to call them back. Well, I did try to call them back...8 times over the course of one day, then 26 times over the course of the next day. 26 times, I kid you not, and nobody answered the phone once. I left a message with the office. ONLY when I left a message on the office manager's machine did I finally get through to them. At which point I learned, "oh, you need to come in for an appointment to refill your medication, which is standard." Yes, it's fine that it's standard...but by this point I had totally run out of my medication, simply because they couldn't answer the phone. I also left a request that they give me an emergency supply, but once again nobody picked up the phone or responded to that in any form. This practice should not be your first choice. I wish I had read his reviews before I started going, or I could have saved myself a ton of stress and irritation. read more

The most condescending, self-important human - let alone physician - I've ever encountered. I hired (yes, one hires medical doctors) for his expertise. During the initial consultation, Dr. Holcomb was completely unconcerned with the actual reason for my visit and instead focused on my childhood and any possible history of abuse, of which there was none. His continuous eye rolls, smug comments, and sarcastic tone had me absolutely infuriated. I left with a handful of prescriptions, despite my insistence that some of them outright conflicted with each other. Funny enough, as another reviewer mentioned, his top choice was Effexor. Dr. Effexor indeed. During my follow up visit 2 weeks later, Dr. Effexor asked if I was being treated for my current issues. Really? This is why I employed him in the first place. If you are looking for a free drug handout, this is your man. He will prescribe anything you ask for and more. If you are looking for a reputable, honest physician, take your business and insurance money else. read more

I'll sum up your appointment with Dr. Holcomb: "How do you rate your scale of loneliness over the past week on a scale of 1-10?" [you answer] "Yeah, I hear ya, I hear ya. How do you rate your scale of depression over the past week on a scale of 1-10?" [You answer] 'Yeah, I hear ya, I hear ya. How do you rate...." This continues for 5-6 questions, he ignores all of your questions and concerns, prescribes you Effexor and chases you out of his office. This is, of course, after seeing you almost a hour late for a half hour appointment. He does not listen to his patients' concerns, he does not answer questions, and then will try to diagnose you with worse things if you try to argue with him. Not worth the fact that he takes insurance. Pay out the nose for a non-insurance shrink and go that route. This guy cares more about his dog than his patients. read more

Please do not see this man. I am surprised to see he's still practicing nearly a decade later. I saw him in the 2015-2016 timeframe. All of the bad reviews are true in my experience. He's extremely arrogant, condescending and pushy. He prescribed me three incredibly intense drugs and did not listen to me when I told him about the bad side effects I was having. Instead of giving me lower dosages, I remember being instructed to open the capsule and pour some into a glass of water to save for later. When I've told this to my other physicians, they are always shocked. He was also pushy about group counseling and made me feel like he was disappointed or angry with me when I declined. Apparently he pushes the same treatment plan on most people. I remember him being tardy several times and that our appointments took way longer than expected because of the delay. He is the definition of a poor psychiatrist. read more

I was actually very relieved when I read some of the reviews on here. I also saw Dr. Holcomb and I was very displeased and irritated when I left the office. I felt very much like he wanted to dig into my childhood and discover problems there without even addressing my current situation. He also prescribed Effexor for me and recommended group counseling. When I asked him a question about my medication and counseling, his response was always "see how you're pointing your anxiety at that?" without answering the actual question. My general assessment of him would be that he does not take an individualized approach to treatment. When it comes to anxiety and depression, I think this is extremely important. Unless it just happens to be that group counseling and Effexor work for you. read more

Paid $375 for an initial visit to replace my previous doctor who is retiring. Dr. Holcomb showed up late to the office looking disheveled, yawned the whole time, didn't listen to anything I had to say, couldn't accept that I didn't have daddy/mommy/childhood issues, and told me it didn't matter what antidepressants he prescribed me because they are all the same and barely do anything anyway. I disagreed as for many years they've made a profound difference in my life. He brushed that off like my experience didn't matter. He said I needed therapy instead, which he does in a group setting, and when I told him I'd tried group therapy and hated it, he brushed that off as well and said I needed to try it again and he wouldn't write me any scripts until I'd done an outpatient program for depression/anxiety and agreed to group therapy with him. When I told him I just wanted to continue with my same meds that had worked for me, he became rude and basically said it was his way or the highway. read more

You know what? So many haters who call Dr. Holcomb a "drug pusher" and think he's rude are a bunch of cry babies. Psychology is a "trial and error" method when it comes to effective medication to treat bipolar, depression and other mental illness. 2nd, medication alone does not provide the best results. Some type of psycho therapy, CBT, mindfulness, or whatever type of trauma or behavioral intervention to develop coping skills is essential to managing symptoms of mental illness. Dr. Holcomb was there for me and listened to me when I told him I had severe anxiety due to a stressful job and past trauma and prescribed me conservative amounts of benzodiazepines to relieve those symptoms after multiple other doctors in Austin did NOT listen to what I was saying or asking because they are too damn uptight and think everybody who walks through their door is a drug seeker. When I see Dr. Holcomb he asks the appropriate questions to gage where or how I am in managing my mental illness. He is not there to listen to your sob story he's there to prescribe medication to manage symptoms of mental illness. If you want to talk coping skills or exploring trauma, that is why he has groups and that is why there are counselors and social workers. If I had a problem with my medication, I'm confident Dr. Holcomb would listen and make a recommendation. His schedule is flexible and he has a new office on Bee Caves. His staff and the atmosphere of his clinic is comfortable and I've never waited longer than 5-10 min from my scheduled visit. Anyway, those who have a different opinion I strongly feel have a misconstrued understanding of what a Psychiatrist does and quite honestly is completely overlooking the fact that medical science is "trial and error", when it comes to pharmaceutical intervention. There is no miracle drug that is going to "cure your ills" and when you find a doctor like Bud who listens without providing bullshit arrogant opinions about who you are, I think you should consider yourself damn lucky. By the way, I've been a patient for over a year and his dogs are comforting and only add to the charm of his practice. read more

Please do not see this DR. The reviews are all so accurate to my own experience, I have no need to add anything that I personally experienced while under his care. Someone who has the energy ought to report him to the Board. Avoid avoid avoid! read more

Surprised at the low reviews. Anyone who is reading these...keep in mind that the few people who have a bad experience are the most vocal. If there were more than 13ish poor reviews I would be worried. But for someone who has been in business that long this isn't bad. First of all...I have seen a complaint or two about the location. Yeah it's in a weird spot, but the responsible thing to do when you are going somewhere new is to leave yourself a bit of a buffer just in case you have to make a few turn arounds. Not a big deal. All of south Austin is like this not sure why it was complained about. When you first walk into the office it is a bit odd if you are used to the normal barren cheap hotel settings of MOST of the psychiatrists offices. It is like walking into someone's home. It is inviting, and smells wonderful. There is a big comfy couch instead of hard uncomfortable chairs. This man obviously loves what he does and puts a lot of care into his surroundings. Something I thought was fantastic was the bath and body hand soap in the bathroom. It smelled amazing and I appreciated the extra touches the office makes to make you more comfortable. Depending on your personal tastes it might not suit you. Just because YOU don't like Buddha doesn't mean it's a bad place. The two office ladies I met were beyond friendly. My insurance isn't covered with them so I self pay. Rose and the other one (oh gosh I can't remember her name but she is very sweet as well) were so patient with me over the phone and in person. I would like to mention here that I don't actually see Dr. Holcomb but I see the Nurse Practitioner, Ricki Robertson and she is by FAR the BEST I have ever been to. I have been on and off seeing doctors for medication management for 15 years. I can't say enough wonderful things about Ricki. She took so much time speaking with me on my first visit, getting to know me. She is soft spoken and very kind. I have never had a professional show me so much understanding other than my therapist. Now, here is where I would like to point out some flaws in the other reviews. While I respect their opinions and their experiences, they all sound like they have never been to a psychiatrist before. For the most part, they are there to manage your medication. Not be your therapist. Some of them offer therapy services but it will never be as good as an actual therapist. Any time you see a doctor like this they will give you questionnaires about how you feel about your life, your self, and your well being. THIS IS THE POINT. It is his JOB to inquire about your childhood and your past and possible traumatic experiences. If he didn't I would be concerned. You can't treat the problem if you don't know what the cause is. You see a doctor for diagnosis. I believe that a lot of these bad reviews were poor experiences because they had the expectation that they knew what was wrong with themselves and wanted a magical pill to fix all their problems immediately. I sure wish this was how it worked. Medication is all about trial and error. If a doctor sees positive success with one medication they will use it first. If it doesn't work then you go in a different direction. Dr. Holcomb went to medical school for psychology nor pharmacology. He has enough knowledge to prescribe but a PHARMACIST will be the person you ask specific questions about drug interactions and whatever. This is a very long winded review, but the point I'm trying to get at is that don't judge this office based on what these people have said. You need to see it for yourself. Everyone has a different personality and interacts with different people in different ways. Not everyone likes Heavy Metal, or Mexican food. Note: With the whole sign with the Be Nice or Leave. Seriously, don't be a jerk. If you aren't hearing what you want there is no reason to get an attitude. I wish more people lived by the Be Nice of Leave rule. read more

My experience was extremely stressful and triggered a full blown panic. I'm suffering with anxiety and conversion disorder and needed help. My Blue Cross app recommended this doctor since it was closest to my location and the receptionist was quick to pick up. NEW PATIENTS: There is an office $60 deposit for new clients. It is not refundable if you miss the appointment or late by 15 minutes. It is charged beforehand to make sure you arrive without last minute bail. They will use this deposit to cover the cost of your first initial evolution and the remainder of the funds is refunded. It was explained to me that if I arrived on time and the evaluation doesn't happen, I would recieve a full refund. Seems fine? Please continue reading.. I arrived stressed over parking. It wasn't very clear where we were supposed to park but we figured it out. We walked in to a Buddha-esque unit that was blaring honky-think country music. This high energy tempo caused me to feel rushed. I filled out the paperwork and within 15 minutes I was asked to be seen. There are two couches: one parallel to the doctors chair and one in between against the fall facing the door. He had a problem with my choice on where I wanted to sit. I explained that I was having a panic attack and needed to sit in a chair that allowed me enough room to evaluate my surroundings. This keeps me calm. He was persistent and pressured me into sitting on the couch parallel to him, explaining to me he wouldn't be able to do an evaluation if I don't move. So I asked him why I wouldn't be evaluated because of my preference in couches? He then began the evaluation.. He interrupted me several times, he scoffed at me when I told him about my sudden temporary blindness when I'm placed in extreme stressful situations [like driving], and he failed to listen to my answers to his questions. He repeated the same questions and made it very clear in his mannerisms that he wasn't interested in moving forward with me. This caused me to panic. He eventually got up, walked to the door, and interrupted me with "you know I'm feeling very uncomfortable. I don't think we are a good fit. You're being hostile". I asked how I was being hostile. He refused to answer my question and only repeated the same sentence. "You're clearly not interested in my help", almost as if projecting. I responded with "I'm here because I need help. If you don't think we will work well together that's fine. If I'm not evaluated, when should I recieve my refund? Is the deposit still refundable?" He responded with, "Yes it is.. well.. It depends.. No no it's not refundable." When I asked why I wouldn't be receiving my refund as agreed, he refused to answer my question and continued to claim that I was being hostile. At this point, I walked out. I called his office an hour later and explained to the receptionist that I was going to file a BBB complaint and needed their reason for why they weren't going to refund me. 5 minutes later, without answering my question, they agreed to a full refund as originally agreed. I know I'm in a fragile state but think of this: when you're looking for help in order to live life with stability like before or even for the first time, go somewhere else. You need a patient doctor who'll listen and won't pressure you or dismiss you. A doctor like Holcomb can cause some serious damage due to his apathetic, careless, flip-flopping ways. You're dealing with drugs people. Find someone who takes their job seriously rather than showing off their Willie Nelson signed guitar read more

I've been seeing Dr. Holcomb for about a year and a half for my psychiatric medication prescriptions and management. I have never seen him for a psychological consult or for group therapy; we have never discussed any childhood issues or anything else that the other reviewers have seen him for. It's true, he sticks to a 5 question interview where you answer based on a 1-10 scale. However, there's never been a problem when I've deviated from this, and Dr. Holcomb is happy to listen if you want to explain an answer in detail or discuss a current issue that's troubling you. For example, he always asks how you've been sleeping on a 1-10 scale, but you're absolutely more than welcome to answer with more than just a number response ("a 7, but that's mainly because there's construction going outside my apartment right now that's loud"). He likes to prescribe Effexor, as noted in the other reviews, but I believe this is because it's such a useful drug for many people with anxiety, and is a good medication to start with. Honestly, I wish my previous pyschiatrists had put me on Effexor vs the other medications I've been on. I think his inclination to prescribe Effexor is also based on the fact that he takes it himself, and so can speak from personal experience in regards to how it works. The office staff is lovely, the entire place is decorated with tons of artwork, you're welcome to free coffee and soda while you wait, and there's an adorable dog named Cowboy who hangs out in the office during the day. It's on the 3rd floor, which is only accessible by stair, so the office is not wheelchair or handicap friendly. If you don't have health insurance, Dr. Holcomb will reduce the appointment fee for you to make it more financially manageable. The main con I have with Dr. Holcomb is his tardiness in starting for the day. Be sure to book a morning appointment, as the afternoon appointments are ALWAYS running behind, usually about 30 minutes. Even if you come in for the first appointment of the day, don't expect it to start on time, as Dr. Holcomb is usually late to the office by about 15 minutes (with Starbucks in hand). read more

This man is the worst physician I have ever seen. He refused to answer my questions and repeatedly interrupted me throughout the entire appointment. He shrugs his shoulders constantly to every question or concern I had, and told me that the policy at their clinic is "Be nice or leave." I was blown away. He also informed me that he "appreciated" me telling him how to do his job. I was trying extremely hard to be polite and do not believe I wasn't being nice, but when a physician refuses to answer your questions and concerns about medications and treatments and shrugs his shoulders to everything you say one does become upset. However I know I was as polite as possible. At checkout I noticed they actually have a small sign on the desk that says " Be nice or Leave." I was crying so hard when I left I couldn't breathe. I had to sit in my car for over half an hour before I was calm enough to drive home. I have never seen a sign like that before at a physicians office, and it confirms my belief that he must upset so many patients that he had to have a sign made! Pathetic. He should have his license revoked. Also explains why all reviews online are less than 2 stars. I am still disgusted with how horrible my experience was. http://www.vitals.com/doctors/Dr_William_Holcomb#rate read more

Does not listen, condescending, pompous, prone to interrupting while the patient is responding to his questions, dismissive of concerns regarding medicine and treatment. I came in to get a refill of my main medicine, and he told me to my face THREE times that he "didn't like" that brand and it was "just a patent extender" to get the pharmaceutical companies more money, and I had to explain to him THREE times, that this brand worked, and the other medicines he had suggested have not worked on me, and that I would like to stick with what I know I works, rather than risk getting worse because of trying a different treatment which has not worked with my body in the past. He did eventually write a prescription for the medicine I requested, but refused to give me prescriptions for the rest of my previous regimen which had worked quite well, citing addiction problems for one of the meds, even though I explained to him that I went through one 30-count bottle of that medicine over a period of two or three years and have never had problems with addiction, even on traditionally addictive medications. The office here also makes you leave a deposit over the phone before your first visit, in the amount of $60, which is nonrefundable if you miss your initial appointment, but will be counted towards your first appointment with the remainder refunded to you or counting towards subsequent visits if you show up for your first appoint. Of note, something that is listed nowhere is that this office is located in converted apartment buildings, so the office is compact and crowded, especially the waiting area, and the office is located on the third floor with no elevator access. The music in the lobby (in June, mind you) went from a techno version of a Christmas song, to Shirley Bassey, to not well done honky tonk while I was waiting. read more

He's alright for a temp if u rly be a psych but they call him dr Effexor for a reason

The worst "doctor" I have ever encountered. This person took me off all my effective medications and told me all I needed was "good group therapy" for my issues. I literally begged him for medicine because I had deteriorated so badly. He just smirked and declined my request. Please beware of him. He really is that bad. read more

Do not, do not, DO NOT go see Dr. Holcomb. He had me heavily overmedicated and refused to acknowledge the side effects I was having as side effects from the medicine and said I just needed more therapy. I switched doctors and my new psychiatrist and psychologist were apalled at how much medication I was on for the symptoms I had been showing, AND and how he does NOT listen to his patients. I've spent many hours in a variety of therapists offices and his group therapy is a complete joke. The patients who are really struggling get stuck because they don't have a better option and don't know what they are missing by having him as their doctor and counselor; and the folks fortunate enough to not be in that position leave! His staff is unfriendly and unresponsive and he doesn't care. read more

Dr. Holcomb practices psychiatry which I think people think he is a therapist and don't understand the practice. You would be lucky to have him as a doctor and also his psychotherapy groups help uncover the root of your anxiety and depression. If you went to group, you would see a lot of things about your self have always been there since the early chapters. Some people don't get it from the reviews. read more

I was misdiagnosed by another doctor. Dr. Holcomb's reassessment and therapy groups have made me a new person. Praise God!

Great psychiatrist. Very friendly and willing to help you resolve your issues. He asks many questions to make sure your prescription is working the way it should. My only issue is that it's so hard for me to book appointments over the phone. They rarely answer and never call me back when I leave a message, I usually have to call frequently throughout the day and hope I get someone.. read more

My experience with this doctor and his staff has been very positive. I 've been under the care of many doctors over the years and have seen the good, the bad, the mediocre and I have been impressed with Dr. Holcomb and his team. His ability to diagnose and treat my issues was aggressive but cautious; which combined therapy and medication. Not easy to find a doctor like Dr.Holcomb who actually listens, cares, and is effective. In a short period of time we were able to find tools, techniques and solutions to regain and maintain control of my life. I went in with an honest, open mind and a willingness to help myself, and came out a better person. read more

Dr. Holcolm saw my sister in Austin for years. He was never on time. Walked his dog in the office, even when he was running late. Asked questions without listening to answers. Talked down to me and had the gall to send me a bill for $6 for faxing prescriptions for me. His office changed appointments constantly because they did not know the Dr.'s schedule. His office over charged me my co-payments and then would not reimburse the fees even after the insurance company verified their mistakes. I am finally getting a check back! He is one of the only Dr.s available through United Health Care Heathselect. The state should not be referring patients to someone that takes advantage of people when they are vulnerable. read more

I have been a patient of Dr Holcomb for over 4 years. I spent about 2 years in Group Therapy. For me, it was exactly what I needed. Helped me see that I am not the ONLY one out there with issues. Dr Holcomb has always listened to my concerns. My issues derived from childhood abuse and neglect. I can't say enough about how he helped me see that those things were in the past, that they were issues of my parents, why my parents were the way they were, and helped me understand why I am the way I am. I had to admit that those things don't HAVE to control me. That I am a separate person that can choose my own direction and how I want to be. Talking in the group therapy really worked for me. To address many of the reviews out there. Yes, Dr Holcomb does shrug his shoulders, when he is trying to get YOU to THINK for yourself. A person HAS to get to the point of thinking for themselves! If you can't do that with the doctor, then you can't do it when your on your own. Just because you wanted Dr Holcomb to do all the thinking FOR you, does not mean he was not delivering effective care.You have to learn to care for yourself. And how to handle yourself. You could choose to live in a mental ward where they can think everything through for you, but I don't think that would be the most effective treatment. Did you stop to think that maybe your questions weren't really questions that NEEDED to be answered by the doctor? Did you ever stop to think that he was directing you toward a resolution. You solving it yourself is SOOOO enlightening. You feel so good about yourself when YOU DO IT YOURSELF. That simple confidence flows into your everyday life and HELPS YOU. Remember, YOU are the main person in the treatment session. As far as medication. Dr Holcomb tried a number of medications with me. The last one he tried was Effexor. It actually works for me. I started on a low dosage. We increased it gradually because of the "you can't just stop it" issue. We found a dosage that works and I am doing so much better. I would ask you to look at what type of medicines you have taken in the past, and then told Dr Holcomb about. Maybe he knew that the other options have been tried and the Effexor was the next step. Your concerns about meds to me sound like you wanted to be the doctor and have Dr Holcomb do what you said. He is the doctor. If you don't like what he says you should do, then go to another doctor (which is what you have done). To FAULT Dr Holcomb's methods because he wants you to be an ACTIVE participant in your treatment is unfair. I compare your complaints to a Diet Doctor. You go to the Diet Doctor, he prescribes a certain diet, but you want another kind. Then blame him for you not losing weight because you did not do what he said. You blame him because he did not spoon feed you the "correct" food. You MUST be a part of the treatment and be willing to work at it, and think for yourself. Otherwise, all you get is the opportunity to complain on Yelp. Bambi M Austin, TX read more

They say healing takes time. Meds are a short term fix but good therapy CAN help the emotional issues burried in our past. Group therapy isn't what most people might think it is. Dr. Holcomb leads the sessions and is very good at keeping the focus on what it should be. Yourself. I have learned how getting undrneath my sadness helps me not be angry at a later date 'for no apparent reason.' Most importantly, Dr. Holcomb's group therapy instilled the importance of community and human connection. Which has benefited my daughters. "The worst thing you can do to a prisoner is put them in solitary confinement." read more

I'm not one to take time out to write reviews...unless they are negative; However, looking for Dr. Holcomb's phone number brought me here and after the call I started to read these reviews...WOW...I'm not a doctor or therapist, but the majority of these reviews certainly seem to have originated from some angry people with unrealistic expectations. I've been seeing Dr Holcomb for a little over 5 years now for a variety of reasons, but primarily anxiety; spending the majority of these years in group sessions. I was very reluctant to discuss my personal concerns with a group of strangers, as I have been holding these issue close to my chest for decades. Enough so, that it drove me into cardiac arrest at age 31. It took a while for me to open up to the group, but there was no pressure to do so. I was a fly on the wall for the first month. I had so much pent up, that I soon needed to be aware of how much I might be talking as to give others a chance to share. I assume Dr. Holcomb would review his notes before each session. He pays incredible attention to detail, with the ability to recall significant events you may have discussed weeks or months prior..He was subtle in his suggestion, but asked what I thought about the two events. One being when I was 7 years old, and the other being last week. The majority of the time "connecting the dots" was easy, with several "a-ha' moments. That wasn't always the case, but more often than not. It was very helpful to have an outside professional help me see how various events were stitched together and provide a basis for why I 'think' they way I do. It was eye opening to find out how much I shared with those in my group, and very comforting to have others trust me with their personal stories. It was very beneficial for me, but didn't happen overnight, and there wasn't a green or blue pill that would resolve my issues. Anyway..highly recommended, detail oriented, pays close attention, listens... read more

I'd like to say a few words about Dr. Wm Holcomb. Twelve year ago Dr. Holcomb foung me in a hospital with little to no hope. I had been misdiagnosed and mismedicated for about 25-30 years and because of my age many doctors had given up on me. But not Dr. Holcomb. With the right medication I have been able to live on my own, hold a job for 8 1/2 years and go back to school to get a diploma in the Medical Insurance Billing & Coding field maintaining over a 90% GPA. I also scored a 90% on my certification. Am now looking for work in that field. I have a future. As far as I'm concerned Dr. Holcomb gently looks into the person for all ptotential and releases the demons that bind the spirit and psychi. Anyone who is in need for such excellent care is strongly recommended to see Dr. Wm "Bud" Holcomb in south Austin. Most appreciativly one of his successfull patients in No Austin. read more

I do not recommend this man; William, Bud, Will or any other first name used with the last name Holcomb Jr. MD. I visited him, unwarned, because he had openings and took my insurance. read more

As others reported, his "exam" consists of 5 questions on a 1-10 scale. He does not listen to the patient. After spending $700 for a USELESS group therapy session, he suggested more therapy which I explained I did not have money for at this time. He said he wouldn't treat me anymore since all I wanted was pills and was not serious about getting better and listening to his recommendations. I left crying, and he made NO attempt to stop me and talk to me about my feelings. In addition, I was charged $25 so that he could talk to one of my other doctors. To me, this is part of patient care. To him, just another way to make a buck. He has no real concern for his patients, and it's blatantly obvious. This has completely soured me against the psych community in general. read more

Dr. Holcomb saved my life !! I was one of ten children, my DAD committed suicide when I was 8 years old. I began getting anxiety, panic and depressions spells in High School. I was tested by a Medical Dr. who said there was nothing wrong with me. As I got older, I had more anxiety, panic and depressions spells and by the age of 18 years old, I had a job and was able to pay to see a Psychiatrist. This Psychiatrist diagnosed me with Bi-Polar Disease and put me on six mood disorder medications. Nothing worked. I got more anxious and the depression was overwhelming. I ended up at Villa Rosa in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 37. I was once again misdiagnosed with Bi-Polar and once again placed on numerous mood disorder medications. I moved to the Austin Area and saw Dr. William Holcomb in the year 2000. Dr. Holcomb said I had anxiety and depression and put me on three medications. I can't tell you how much better I feel. I actually enjoy living, sleeping (which I had not been able to do since my DAD committed suicide) and life. I volunteer for Fr. Michael O'Connor each week, give out Holy Communion to Baylor, Scott and White patients who are Catholic and have requested it. I volunteer at the Cottages of Round Rock, and visit the sick as needed. I belong to several Clubs, St. John Vianney Women's Club, Theresians, and attend daily Mass. I read a lot and just enjoy LIFE. I never expected to be able to walk/job two miles per day with my Yorkie at the age of 68 years old. Dr. Holcomb is the best Psychiatrist on the Planet and I have enjoyed going to see him these past 16 years. Thank you Dr. Holcomb. read more

Dr. Holcomb & his staff are wonderful, warm & accommodating people. Dr. Holcomb is very knowledgeable about his field and is easy to talk to. While waiting to see him, one can relax in the very Zen-like waiting area. read more

I saw one fo the PA Megan Banks, and it was one of the best visits I have had over the years. She was very informative, asked plenty of questions, sympathized and had creative solutions for me. I would highly recommend Megan at this clinic. read more

Holcomb made our son's problem worse by barely talking with him for more than 10 minutes every appointment, and always telling him that he should discuss his problems with his therapist. His sessions consisted in asking how he was feeling, and if he had a problem or an increase in his mental problem Holcomb would just increase his regular medicine or give him Klonopin in exaggerated doses that would only exacerbate his problems. He prescribed our son Chantix to quit smoking regardless of his mental problems, just because he was also using it. Instead of helping our son quit smoking, Chantix made our son's situation worse as it seems to interact negatively with the medicines he was taking. Holcomb treatment was ineffective and counterproductive for our son but, fortunately, he moved to New York and got a psychiatrist that really helped him with his treatment and alleviated his illness by giving him the proper treatment both with the psychiatric treatment and proper medications. Do not take the risk of making your mental health worse with Holcomb. read more

After about 50 telephone calls to psychiatrists in and around the Austin area, I finally found Dr. Holcomb to treat my teenage son for depression, anxiety and ADHD. He was taking new patients, had an opening, and took my insurance.My husband took my son to his new patient visit, and a prescription for ADHD meds was written, but for a dosage that was too high for my son. So, I called Dr. Holcomb to express my concern about the dosage, AND that my son was using street drugs. His prior psychiatrist had stipulated that he was not to be prescribed ADHD meds if he was self-medicating. Dr. Holcomb's exact words were, "I wouldn't worry about it". At my son's next visit, he went (unbeknownst to me) alone. I'm pretty sure that ANY doctor isn't allowed to see a minor without a parent present. Again, Dr. Holcomb either forgot what I told him over the phone, or just completely disregarded my concerns, because he, again, gave my son the same high dosage of medication. I did call him on the telephone about that, and he told me to have my (minor) son call him, if he needed a decreased dosage!!! Are you kidding me? On the third visit, my son was in crisis and Dr. Holcomb saw him for about 15 minutes, then called me in to to join them (this is the first time we'd met). The events that transpired in his office have traumatized me beyond words. The man proceeded to tell me that, "[I] don't have anything to worry about with [my son]", and I will paraphrase by saying that he blamed my son's anxiety on me, it was all my fault. Then he proceeded to tell me that he'd be happy to treat me, and even prescribe meds if I'd allow him to treat me. He made me cry, and sat there totally silent until my son asked if the session could be over. Dr. Holcomb told my son that the things that were good in his life were "highly unusual" for a teenage boy to be interested in. He minimized the character-building attributes I have been trying to instill in my son such as teamwork, perseverance, hard work, and service to others, to name a few. He downplayed the drug use and my son's accountability for self-control. I have never been so horrified by a doctor in my life. I was literally AMBUSHED. To make matters even worse, I found out a week later that he told my son to increase his antidepressants bu 50% - yet he did not tell me, nor did he write a (new) prescription. Ask yourself what kind of doctor changes medication dosage for a minor and fails to tell the parent? I question Dr. Holcomb's ability to provide appropriate treatment and/or counsel for any human being. This man clearly does not have children! DO NOT allow him to treat your child, go elsewhere!!! And don't say I didn't warn you. read more

Dr Holcomb's practice has satisfied my needs and I highly recommend them to anyone suffering from depression and/or anxiety. After seeing my general practitioner for many years and trying different things that didn't help, I noticed a quick impact on the anxiety I had been suffering for years. For me to go to a mental health doctor was a big deal for me as I suffered such bad anxiety that talking about problems was not easy. Dr Holcomb helped me understand the underlying issues and along with group therapy I have come a long way towards being content. At first it was almost impossible for me to fathom going to a group therapy and talk about my problems with strangers, but it does help. Take the jump and give it a chance...it works. The negative reviews I read I think are off base as it sounds nothing like my experience...unfortunetely in mental health there are folks who are already very unhappy with themselves and may being way too harsh on their critisim of Dr Holcomb...perhaps they didn't get the drugs they wanted (abusers)? Anyway, I thank Dr Holcomb for making so much more content with my life and improving the quality of life....after all that is what it is all about. read more