Psychiatrist to Manage Meds
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Need Psychiatrist/Psychopharmacologist
August 2009
I need to find a psychiatrist with a specialty in psychotropic
mediations. I know that all psychiatrists prescribe medications, but
I've had no luck finding someone who really knows about this in detail.
Recommendations, please?
Still Looking
I very highly recommend Dr. Michael Lowenstein. I've known him for many
years and many of my clients have seen him for med evals and med
management. He is very skilled, and also warm and down to earth. He
definitely is up to date on meds. He has offices in Orinda and The
Presidio in SF and his # is 415-561-6773.
Lynn
August 2008
I am hoping to find a psychiatrist that focuses on anxiety and depression. I am
new to the Berkeley area and with the move etc. I have been out of my medications
for a few months. It is obvious to me that I still need them and need to see a
psychiatrist. Does anyone have a recommedation? Thank you.
jen
I was in a nearly identical situation when I moved to Berkeley last
year. And as you may have already discovered, there is nearly a
1:1 ratio of psychiatrists:non-psychiatrists in Berkeley, so the
options are endless.
Based on my insurance situation, I quickly chose Dr. Donald
Stanford and was quite pleased with him. He's an older man (so if
you're looking for a woman, sorry), and his office is at 2232
Carleton St in Berkeley (phone: (510) 540-6235). I saw him only a
few times, so I cannot give you a detailed analysis; however, I
felt very comfortable with him and benefited greatly from my
appointments.
The most important thing for me (and probably you, too) was to see
someone soon.
anon
I hope I'm not too late to reply to this. After trying a
psychiatrist in Berkeley and talking to several others, I've
ended up with Dr. Randall Bloch in Walnut Creek. It's not as
convenient as Berkeley, but I use it as an excuse to go to the
mall there afterwards. :-) Dr. Bloch does not take insurance,
but he's extremely competent, up on the latest research, and
really good at considering all the options--for example, he's as
open to ''natural'' treatments such as fish oil as he is to
pharmaceuticals. He suggested a drug for my mild depression and
anxiety that has helped me immensely, and he is continuing to
work with me to minimize side effects.
Now happier and less irritable
Nov 2007
My husband is looking for a good psychiatrist, preferably in the east bay, to
help him get better medication for his depression, grief and anger issues.
His GP prescribed the meds he's currently on, that have bad side effects,
such as making him feel physically numb. He needs someone who specializes in
prescribing the right meds for his issues.
Thanks
anon
Dr. Richard Levine in Berkeley is IMO very good.
Ray
Dr. Facher is an excellent psychiatrist. But she only takes clients who are in
pschotherapy which makes most sense. In your husband's case, depression can be
certainly helped by medication, however, greif and anger issue will not be. The
medication can prevent him from going into deep depression while he deals with greif
and anger at psychotherapy sessions. There are so many kids of anti-depression out
there now days that it is strongly recommended to see a psychiatrist who can find him
the best combination and dosages that works for him with minumum side effect. Most GP
has no knowledge of many anti-depressants. It is very hard to keep up as so many
different kinds are out there. Dr. Facher can be reached at 849-0807.
Good Luck
working at psychiatric hospital
I see Dr. Joseph Hartog in Berkeley. He is a psychiatrist, he has prescribed meds for
me for depression, and is a very nice person who listens. He keeps up on the
literature on allopathic and non-allopathic medications and will discuss alternatives
to pharmaceuticals. His number is 510-848-8700.
anon
I can highly recommend Michael Lowenstein, M.D., who has an office in Orinda. He is
really great with meds, but would be great for the therapy part as well. I have often
referred to him and have known him for years. He's smart and a regular guy.
His number is 925-258-9302.
Good luck. Finding the right person is really important!
Lynn
Try Dr. Shane McKay in Berkeley. I've found him to be very knowledgeable about options
and side effects.
anon
Oct 2006
I'm looking for a new psychiatrist to manage meds for depression. One who is skilled
in the pharmacology all the available meds out there, skilled in dealing with side
effects and someone who treats you like a person, returns calls and is organized. I
realize I might be asking for too much, so please if you have any suggestions at I'd
appreciate it.
Thanks,
Frustrated in Oakland
You might try Bernard Rappaport in Walnut Creek. I've only seen
him once but he seems to fit all your criteria: returns calls
promptly, organized, treats you like a real person, etc
Good luck
Oct 2006
I am looking for a good Aetna HMO psychiatrist (M.D.) in the
Albany/Berkeley area for my wife who takes medication. There are
many to choose from and I don't know which are good. I have
already looked through the psychiatrist section on the Berkeley
Parents Network and none of the doctors listed are included in
our health plan. Any recommendations you could offer would
greatly help us
Concerned Husband
One psychiatrist I would recommend is Donald Stanford. He's very
good with medication maintenance. He's in south Berkeley, but I
think a little drive is worth it if when you find the right
doctor for you. I don't know if he takes Aetna HMO. He does take
MHN, which some HMOs use to subcontract mental health coverage.
One suggestion I'd have is that you get a list of psychiatrists
covered by your plan and then ask for recommendations on those
specific names. You'll get more responses, I think.
Good luck.
tca
Aug 2006
I'm looking for a psychiatrist to help manage depression medications. Does anyone
have any good (or bad) experiences to share? I specifically need help in the
area of medication adjustment. I'm on Blue Cross, and have a long long list of covered
providers, but would love some input to narrow my search. I'm open to an MD of
either gender in the greater Berkeley or Oakland area. Thank you!
anon
My wife has been undergoing anti-depressant treatment with Dr.
Jeanne Leventhal-Alexander at Kaiser in Oakland. (she has both
a Kaiser practice, as well as a separate private practice, I
believe) I have been impressed by Dr. Leventhal's breadth of
knowledge and her desire to stay at the forefront of research
for both clinical depression, as well as women's hormonal
issues. She is well known and, therefore, very much in demand--
it took a while for us to get an appointment with her, but it
was well worth it. Just a gentle reminder-- like many other
psychiatrists, she is not really a touchy-feely kind of person
and prefers to cut to the chase, of how you're handling the
meds, what kinds of side effects, etc. However, she is
overwhelmingly committed to finding you the best regimen.
Having first-hand experience with this, both my wife and I know
how hard it is to hit on the right kind of treatment (we're
still fine-tuning things overselves)-- we wish you all the best
anonymous
I have been very happy w/ Dr. Andrew Klompus in SF. I originally
went to him to get a prescription to treat my depression. Now I
see him about meds for my sleeping problems. I think he's
knowledgeable and pleasant and, best of all, has really helped
me.
Good Luck!
anon
I have two recommendations for you, both from personal experience (mine and
several friends). Both of these people are psychiatrists and both are
excellent at
figuring out exactly what's right for you (and that part can be quite
tricky, so you
definitely want someone with a lot of experience).
Dr. Rachel L. Goldstone
5835 College Avenue,
Oakland, California (CA)
Dr. David Lewis Cherry
2424 Dwight Way South,
Berkeley, CA
I can't find contact phone numbers for either of them, but if you look
them up in
your directory (and they are on your plan) you should be good to go.
Good luck!
anon
I have used Dr. George Kaplan in Berkeley to manage depression
meds
anon.
Dr. Richard Levine on MLK Way in Berkeley is good, knows a lot
about adult depression. Also Shane McKay in the same office is
very good, but I'm not sure if he takes insurance
anon
Psychiatrist for meds: Michael Ratener in Oakland is very
experienced and a great person to boot!
I know a good therapist in SF for depression. His name is Dr.
Robert E. Wagner. I don't know his address off hand, but if you
google him you can find it. I went to him for therapy for
depression. He was very good
Kimberly
June 2006
I am looking for a male Psychologists / therapist / psychiatrist
that is good at helping figure out the best medication and dosage
for someone with depression and anxiety. Any recommendations
would be great. thanks
I highly recommend my psychiatrist, Dr. Lawrence Cohen. I have
worked with him for several years for the management of my
depression and he was great at helping me get on the right
medication at the right dosage--very attentive to my needs. His
office is downtown Berkeley and his number is 510-981-9141. Good
luck
anon
Sept 2005
I really need a psychiatrist who can manage my meds (I am
currently taking Prozac and Klonopin)because my PCP seems
extremely apprehensive about tailoring these to my needs. Also
I read on the insert that a rash is evidence of a fairly serious
side effect. I have been having an unexplained reoccuring rash
on my neck and the doctor just gave me some cream to clear it
up. I have also recently starting having extreme leg pain and
the doctor doesn't seem to know what it but guesses it is
sciatica. I'm not so sure because I feel pain in the calf area
as well--the entire leg really. I'm wondering if this could be
a side effect as well. I would also like to investigate the
possibility of talk therapy in addition to medication.
Can anyone recommend a good psychiatrist (to manage meds and
possible talk therapy) as well as someone that can do Adult ADD
management and meds if necessary.
I have Healthnet with MHN for mental health services.
Someone please steer me to a good person because my frustration
level is increasing and I really need my existing meds managed
at least.
When I was in your situation, I was so frustrated by the number
of psychiatrists who wouldn't return phone calls. I found it
really unprofessional, but I'm told that this is not uncommon.
They aren't in a hurry to get bakc to potential new patients.
I also have Healthnet with MHN. I didn't see my psychiatrist's
name on your list, but he takes the insurance. His name is Donald
Stanford and he's on Carleton in Berkeley. He returns phone
calls. His medication management is very skillful. I've been
amazed by his ability to make good adjustments and deal with side
effects. I wouldn't see him for talk therapy, but you really want
someone who's more of a technical for the pharmaceutical part of
this. There are probably docs who do both well, but I couldn't
wait that long for a response. I don't have anyone to suggest for
the talk therapy. Good luck with your quest.
anon
Depression medication specialist
August 2003
This has been discussed here before, but I'm newly curious
about people's experiences in the world of psychopharmacology.
I'd like to know the name of anyone you've had experience with
who is the best, in your opinion, at dealing with the various
medication options for depression. My spouse has been on a
couple of different meds, and I'm growing increasingly
frustrated and dissatisfied with the effects he's getting from
them. He seems to think everything is fine, but he's not
viewing his own behavior. I think a real top-flight doc, up on
the very latest developments, with experience monitoring
depression meds, might be our next step. Any advice appreciated.
Try Dr. Shane MacKay in Berkeley. He's got an excellent
reputation for being up-to-date on psychopharmacology and
drug interactions.
Sara
Psychiatric medication management
April 2003
Hi, I'm looking for a psychiatrist for medication management
for chronic depression. I have Blue Cross and almost
certainly have to pick someone from there, but I would
appreciate hearing about any doctors. Thanks.
Try Dr. Robert Levine on MLK Jr Way.
anon
Try Dr. Shane MacKay in Berkeley. He's excellent. His number
is in the phone book. I'm not sure what insurance he takes.
anon.
I have a bi-polar (type II) disorder that was very difficult to
treat. I only got good help when I went to the Langley Porter
Affective Disorders Clinic for an evaluation. They have a sliding
scale and it is reasonable, but I don't know if they take
insurance. I had a very complete, 4 session, evaluation- immensely
more complete than any you'd ever get from a private doctor. The
residents are very closely supervised so you get the benefit of
teaching psychiatrists with years of experience who are right on
the cutting edge of the newest advancements.
I now have found an excellent psych doc at Kaiser San Francisco-
Dr. Rafael Gray. He is very smart and up-to-date, and although his
style is brusque he is very compassionate. But time is very
limited in Kaiser appointments and I doubt that he would be able
to help me as fully if I had not had the earlier help outside
Kaiser. He works with vitamins, herbs, and supplements in
combination with conventional meds.
I recommend Dr. Richard Lannon in SF as a resource, 415-563-6366.
He teaches at UCSF, is associated with Langley Porter, and
although he is usually booked he can recommend young docs who were
his students and who work closely with him. He is the most
compassionate psychiatrist I have ever met (I've met a lot).
anon
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