Reviews of Gaertner Psychiatric, PC (Psychiatrist)

Lady E.

The nurse Tamika is the BEST! She is the first component of THERAPY that individuals recieve when coming to any appointment. She works very hard at making you feel relaxed, de-STRESSED (LOL) and all around comfortable while coming in for or from STRESSFUL issues. I recommend Gaertner Psy., they are a very good, strong and beneficial practice.

PATRICIA FERRARI

I'm trying to get an appointment since I got out of Snowdon. It's going on almost a month without a call back. Good thing I'm not suicidal!

Hannah Orbon

Love the doctors HATE the staff!!! Rude, unhelpful with paperwork, was told they wont keep faxing information even though it was never completed and sent, bill incorrectly all the time.

megan anderson

Everyone was helpful and so friendly! I hope my experience is like this every time!

Donna Thrift

I have been seen at this office for over a year now. I have always been treated kindly and my appointments are always on time I see Paul and he is top notch in my book. Tamika also always makes you comfortable as soon as you walk in the office. I highly recommend this practice.

Jennifer Hagan

I have been seeing both Dr. Gaertner and Elizabeth since Aug 2014 both in the hospital and in the office. I have seen other psychiatrists before and they are by far the best. They actually listen to you and work with you to help your issues; unlike a lot of others that just tell you what you news or what they're going to do without even listening to what you have to say. I've only ever had one issue and that was when they changed phone systems, but even then my problem was addressed in under 48 hours. I usually talk to April when I call in, but I have talked to a few others and they have all been really nice and we're either able to help me, or get a message to Elizabeth quickly. Elizabeth has even called me after hours on a few occasions due to issues I was having. By far both doctors are two of my favorites that I have on my team and I'm very grateful that I found them after issues I had had with prior doctors.

Cheryl Hensel-Smith

I have been a patient of Gaertner Psychiatric for a little over 10 years. I saw him originally in richmond and have followed the practice for many years.. i have always been treated with the utmost respect and with true compassion of my health and well being by Everyone in this practice. In the last 5 years of my life I had to give up my career of 25 years as an orthotist/prosthetics . I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder along with many other mental and physical disorders. Dr Gaertner and Dr Elizabeth Wheatley were a massive part of my continous extensive care. Twice in the past few years I was inpatient at Snowden psychiatric hospital under both of the Dr.s care.. they are the best providers that I have ever seen particularly in the field of psychiatry . I have NEVER seen any other doctors that take tremendous time to truly listen to their patients and treat them with the absolute best care available and the work that the doctors put in on any Givin day shows extreme dedication and true concern for their patients. I would not be where I am today without Dr Wheatley and Dr Gaertner. Also the staff at Gaertner Psychiatric is the best staff I have ever encountered at ANY doctors office. All the staff work so hard every single day to take care of their patients. People don't understand how dedicated the staff is and people don't realize thassets doctors couldn't do what they do without the amazing staff that is at Gaertner Psychiatric. The staff work many long hours everyday getting correct information about so many patients to the proper insurance company or for ss disability or long term or short term disability just to name a few. They also take and deliver messages to the correct provider, schedule appointments and send prescriptions to the right places just to name a few things they all do. In all tthe doctors offices that we have ever been to i have never seen anyone who is as good at their job as April. She is extremely important to the excellence of the practice. She is very dedicated and truly cares about what is best for all the patients of Gaertner Psychiatric. Any time I need anything done she is always very prompt in getting it done. April is irreplaceable at Gaertner Psychiatric. Another staff member who is excellent is Angie. She also is very dedicated and truly cares for the patients and works very hard in doing her job . She provides prompt attention to the patients needs. I would recommend to anyone the excellence of the entire staff and the providers of Gaertner Psychiatric. A great practice of dedicated doctors and staff is extremely rare and everyone there cares so much and they change people's lives for the better everyday with professional excellence and also with smiles on their faces and care in their voices. I wish I could give 10 stars as a rating instead of 5 stars. April, Angie and the rest of the staff are wonderful along with Dr Elizabeth Wheatley and Dr Gaertner. Thank you all so much for all that you do everyday.

Stacy Armstrong

I have been calling for over a month for an appointment. Already did the intake call and now just waiting to set up an appointment. Every time they say they are going to call back, they don't. I keep being told that the file is sitting on Sharon's desk and that she will be calling me in the next day or 2. That was 3 weeks ago and still no call and whenever I call to chek in, I get told the same thing. There has to be a more efficient way to run things.

Christine Alvarez

At first it was okay, of course because I made it to all of my appoitments. As with anyone, life has thrown me a few curve balls and tends to do so all at once at times. Every time I've missed an appointment due to a non-emergency matter I pay the "no-show" fee. I also always pay my copay and anything else they might come up with. Having started a job after two years of not working and my son being in the hospital I missed an appointment again. I get a call from April who informs me the Dr. Prewitt who I previously thought the world of, wants to discharge me from the practice because I didn't show up to my last appointment. April also informed me that there are new patients "who actually need help" and "actually want to be on medication" who have to wait six months to be seen. After trying to tell her well if that's the case, I will go elsewhere I began to feel as though I was being harassed to return the office. I told April I would go in August to ensure I did not miss my appointment but she would only let me schedule in July and told me "well it's a month out, doesn't that give you enough time?" I would have never thought after being a patient of theirs for 2 + years I would be treated so poorly. So disappointing but it's okay, I'll go spend my money elsewhere.

Madison Seaver

Had a wonderful experience with my provider, Henna Habib PA-C. My insurance sent me a letter telling me that one of my drugs wasn't on the approved list and they wouldn't cover it (and isn't it wonderful that we have all these profiteering insurance companies involved in healthcare? \s). I was dismayed, because I'd been on this drug before under different insurance and it's the best of its class that I've taken. So I thought to myself, "I'm going to have to call the office and ask if there's anything they can do, or what other drug I'm going to have to try... what a pain!" And then I didn't actually do that, because I'm very distractable. Well, a few days later, I got mail from my insurance again letting me know that Ms. Habib had gotten in touch with them and made sure that they would in fact cover the drug she prescribed — she advocated for me and my care under her own initiative! It really makes me feel like I'm in good hands.

Goddess Girl

Dr. Prewitt is a horrible, uncaring, unprofessional doctor. She does not fill medication prescriptions, she doesn't listen to the patient, nor does she seem to care at all. She also is very judgemental with what you tell her about yourself and your personal serious issues. She is very quick to get you out of her office. Tries to rush you. She should not be licsenced at all. Horrible horrible doctor.

BRUCE BECRAFT

All my years of going to mental health doc. I have never had such a bad experience. Would not recommend them to my worst enemy.. instead of changing one med at a time Josh changed 3 phy.. meds at one time . Then thought I should be in a hospital.. a lot more to this I just wanted to give you a idea.. Bottom line don't go here

Michelle Hoff

I have been a patient of Dr. Gaertner's for about 3-4 years now. He is hands down the BEST psychiatrist in the area!! I'm so lucky I finally found a doctor who understands and really listens to you and your needs. Oh...and, I can't forget about his amazing receptionist, April!! She tries her ultimate best to accommodate your needs. She is the nicest receptionist ever and she is always calm and collected. April has such a positive vibe and she has a great personality. Working in the mental health field can be rough at times. But April was made for this field. She always keeps her composure. And I think I, as well as other patients need to remember that you are doing everything you can possibly do to help. Dr. Gaertner is so knowledgeable about psychiatry. He can never retire, by the way....because no one compares to him!! Thank you Dr. Gaertner and April for always putting up with me!

Tom Cooper

They are condescending and neglect their Patience's feelings, or state of mind and compasity. They are rude, bad at communication and greedy. Unapologetic when they make a mistake, they won't even acknowledge it when it's blatantly screwing over my entire day. They lie about refill so make sure you know for yourself

Mamabear Bordelon

Since Dr Gartner has been on leave, I've had nothing but issues with this office. They are so non caring, rude, and treat their patients as numbers. I've been at this practice for over a year and I am strongly thinking about switching ! I know I wouldn't have to even think about this if Dr. Gartner was there... it's a shame. He's Staff is dragging his practice down hill. Sincerely a current dissatisfied patient

Jo Cofam

I would have to agree with the other two reviewers here. Nobody gets back to you for days even if you have a medication complication or concern. There seems to be no way to talk to an actual person. You are instructed to leave a message and told that someone will return your call within a certain (somewhat reasonable) amount of time, but don't wait by the phone. You will wait days and never hear back from someone. I recommend using the line they have for doctors. Sometimes someone will answer that one. So if you want a healthcare provider that you can get in touch with if a problem arises, I would look elsewhere. Don't expect that with this practice. And when you finally are able to get someone to return your call, don't expect the person to act as if she has any why you called, or even that you called.

Kathy Barrett

I have had a wonderful experience at the practice. I am sad to need to leave because my personal provider is moving out of state. The people I have delt with have been warm and friendly and caring. Thye have helped me with insurance issues at the front desk and the Nurse Practitioners I have seen have been warm and caring. I would highly recommend this group.

kindle urie

Doctor pruit is the best psychiatrist I have ever been to. Many of them have a problem of asking you what's wrong and handing you a prescription. She takes her time and talks to you and is no bs at all which I find wonderful.

Elizabeth Christine

We recieved a referral to this practice. After calling and leaving several messages we were told it takes two weeks for the intake person to call back. It's been a month now. For a practice that is suppose to help mentally ill patients I find this unacceptable. If you can't return a phone call then don't say you will, say you are not accepting patients at this time. It's a shame that you are still getting referrals when you are so negligent to people who desperately need help. Please update your practices to either help people or turn them away but stop giving hope of help to people seeking treatment.

Carol Chudoba

I have been seeing Christopher Wheatley for more than a year now and I have to say, no psychiatric provider has ever taken the time to get to know me and really listen to me as he has taken. My first appointment with him lasted at least 45 minutes and in my follow-up appointments it is clear he will take as much time as I need. He is not in a hurry to just write a prescription for your medication and move on to the next in line, like so many psychiatrists today are. Christopher Wheatley genuinely wants to help you have a better quality life. April, in the front office, is awesome. Always helpful and smiling! I'm glad she's the first person I see when I enter the office!

Michelle L

The provider I see NEVER returns my calls and uses "she's w other patients" as an excuse. She does not have 5 minutes in over a week to return my call. I'm a patient too. The office staff is not very understanding or caring. The practice has no email or voice mail so my only choice is to leave a message w the receptionist. I have 7 other medical specialist and by far she's the worst. I would suggest if you want someone to care, find a different practice.

Natasha Gabaldon

I contacted this office for psychiatric care for my 17 yo. There is ONE woman that does intakes and schedules appointments. I had to call several times to speak the first time. After I FINALLY got my child through the "intake" conversation, it had to be sent over to a PA for evaluation and approval. We're cash pay why do we need approval? Then an appointment can be made. 2 weeks later get a voicemail on a Friday afternoon to call on Monday to schedule an appointment. Monday rolls around, I call first thing in the morning and was told another person was out for the day so the lady who schedules the appointments is unavailable because she had to cover that person. I call the next day, I wait for a call back. Finally get the call, she explains they are extremely understaffed and she does the work of 3 people. Then I couldn't get my kid in for over a month!!! Just imagine the chaos going on in this office! How do you not have a receptionist that schedules appointments??? Seriously!?! Find another office, this place is not the place to call, imaging the nightmare of being a patient! Would your meds get called in or would you have to wait for the overwhelmed Dr to call it in next week or so!

steven jenkins

I cannot say enough good things about this practice! While it may take a little while to receive your first appointment, you will instantly understand why that is once you are seen here. The staff are extremely competent and caring from intake, to gathering vitals, to actual visitation of psychiatric care. This practice places a premium on actually improving the lives of its patients. Anytime I have asked a question, the staff have gone over and above the call of duty to respond and provide an answer. As an African American male and Marine Corps Veteran, I have battled with ethnic stereotypes as it pertains to mental health. This practice has done alot to breakdown those barriers built up throughout my life. In particular Crystal whom I see is a God send! The personalized care that she has provided me has surely increased my quality of life. I truly recommend this practice to anyone needing help. You will not be disappointed!

Katie Bratton

I was seeing Elizabeth Wheatley for a little over 2 years. I feel the same as the day i walked in there my sympotoms habe not changed. . But my problem lies with the staff. One of the ladies in the office called me due to me missing an appointment that i had already called & told them traffic was horrible & there was no way i could make it. I had left my home an hr before my appt. Anyways i asked if i could get a refill for my prescriptions to last me until my 1st appointment with my new dr the woman was very rude & hung up on me. In a prefessional field you cant be rude & hang up on a patient especially if they are in the middle of asking a question! I have never ever been treated in such a way. & the sad thing is i wasnt even being rude with her. I then called back & spoke to the front desk ladies who are absolutely awesome. Wheatley on a personal level was awesome. She & i bonded over the time of me going to her.

Bonnie Schilling

I have been calling their office for weeks...the phone is ALWAYS busy...really? Ill find another place to go that is interested in helping.

Laura Kirsch-Hudson

I have been taking my teenage son to see Christopher Wheatley for a year and a half. We have had no issues with him at all. He has taken the time to make sure my son feels comfortable and given sound advice on medications to work in conjunction with the therapy he is receiving for depression, anxiety and PTSD. Unfortunately, we have been informed that Christopher is leaving the practice in a few weeks and they don't have anyone on staff to take on his patients. I've also had numerous issues with the office staff. Most recently, my son had an appointment before the school day let out. When I went to get him out of school, his teacher took twenty minutes to release him. Since our appointment was only 15 minutes away and the drive from his school to the office takes 20-25 minutes, I called the office as soon as we were in the car and explained the situation. The office staff told me to come on in, they were behind anyway and my son could be seen. We ended up arriving eighteen minutes after our scheduled appointment. The staff told me that we were now too late and we could no longer be seen. I was furious, especially since I had called before driving all the way across town in traffic.

Melissa Wood

Crystal William's is awesome she actually cares about her patients. When I first called to schedule an appointment I had special requests all my expectations have been over and beyond reached. You can be your self I never feel as if I have to make up stuff,she takes me as I am. I would recommend Mrs.Crystal to anyone dealing with mental health-care. I love Mrs Crystal she has helped me so much.

Brandi Johnson

Paul is really nice caring doctor

L. Richmond

I am not writing this lightly. I am a 30 year old woman dealing with bipolar disorder, and my treatments no longer have the same efficacy. I have barely been able to function so it was no small feat to get up the courage and motivation to call a new doctor. I was given a referral weeks ago to this office by a wonderful, renowned PCP in the Spotsylvania area. I called the beginning of this week, and was told I must leave a message with an intake person before I can make an appointment. I was sent to her voicemail where I left all of my information. No call back for a few days, so I try to call again. The receptionist wanted to send me to intake nurse's voicemail again, so I asked if said "intake" nurse was there. The answer was no. I asked when she would be in and was told Friday. Why would she connect me to someone not there instead of telling me to try back Friday, knowing this was my second attempt? Today, Friday 10/28/18, I called again and again was thwarted by something nonsensical and insensitive. When I asked whomever answered why I could not make an appointment, she replied "we are booking out through March, sweetie." I replied to her that I was referred there and in desperate need of psychiatric care as I've been dealing with suicidal thoughts. I expressed to her that the situaton is severe and she said, in a rude tone, "I'm sorry, sweetie" and hung up on me. For anyone who cares, I'll be seeing my wonderful PCP again Tuesday. I'm hopeful he will get me on track. I'm also hopeful when I tell him this story he will stop referring anyone to this place. It is a shame. Dr. Gaertner helped save one of my friend's lives, so I was originally excited to find what I was told was "a good one." I hope the doctor becomes aware of how his staff is treating suicidal patients over the phone.

Crystal Samuels

My family sees Dr. Prewitt, she is wonderful.

Steven Salerno

They are unorganized, uncaring, and blam their patients. Wish I could give them negative 5 stars! Stay away!

Crimsyn Reighne

Best psychiatrist was Paul Colton. Christopher Wheatley is horrible! Doesn’t listen, constantly changes meds.

Gaby Rios

I was originally being seen by Dr. Gaertner who is both extremely professional and compassionate, I never doubted his intentions while in his care. After his injury and finding out he will no longer be seeing patients at his practice for the time being I was placed under the care of Elizabeth Wheatley, NP (one of the Nurse Practioners at Gaertner's practice). After my first appointment with Elizabeth I felt uneasy about the plan of care she had chosen for me. Shortly after my appointment I ended up needing to reach out to the office because of a problem that I hoped to get addressed in a timely manner but was blown off for days by a staff member named Debbie. Finally I stopped by the office in hopes of addressing this issue. I spoke to a staff member named April who took down my message to Elizabeth and said she would pass the note along to her as soon as Elizabeth became available. Unfortunately, it would be another few days before I heard anything and when I did it was Debbie telling me that Elizabeth would address the problem I had with my medication at my next appointment and the next available appointment was in A MONTH AND A HALF. A week before this appointment I put in a refill request for a medication I had been taking daily and gave the appropriate 48 hours to process it. After not receiving a refill after 72 hours I called the office where Debbie told me that Elizabeth was out of the office for the day but that she emailed her about the medication refill and "hoped that she got to it before 5:00p" considering it was a Friday, needless to say I was speechless (this would of NEVER of happened with Dr. Gaertner). Finally, I reach the date of my appointment (still without my medication) where I am so warmly greeted by Elizabeth explaining to me that she wouldn't of had to deny my refill request if I would remember to make my follow-up appointments. I had to politely remind her that I DO make my follow up appointments and I'VE HAD THIS APPOINTMENT SCHEDULED FOR A MONTH AND A HALF. That's not even the best part...the appointment ended in her telling me my only interest was pills which is not the case in the slightest. Not once did Elizabeth apologize to me, she made it seem like it was my fault that I was suffering. Never in my life have I been so disrespected and dismissed by a healthcare provider. Elizabeth's behavior was disgusting and cruel. She doesn't deserve to care for a dog. DO NOT go near this practice unless Dr. Gaertner comes back. Heidi (Gaertner's personal assistant) and April, thank you so much for treating me like a human being. To everyone else, shame on you.

Victoria Collins

Let me start by saying that Dr. Gaertner is amazing. However, there were circumstances that caused him to cut back on seeing patients. I was one of the patient's that was moved to a different Physician in the practice. The Physician was very rude and would make me get on the scale every time I had an appointment. There would even be times that I would try to refuse. I was on multiple medications that caused weight gain. Then she would be very rude about my weight. I called and spoke to the office manager and told them that I wanted a different Doctor and was told. We are just going to discharge you from the practice. They have also done similar things to others that I know about. A family member has tried going through the intake process several times and never gets a call back. It is not easy to find other competent Psychiatrists in the area. And most are not taking new patients.

Red Diamond

I would love to be able to give this business a better rating but after almost a month with no call back i just cant. I have called every week for over 3 weeks to have my assisgnment done to match me up with a therapist. I was first told the coordinator was out sick...then i was told she was back and to leave another message she was catching up after being gone a week. Well called a 3rd time and told again to leave a message someone would be calling me. Its like there are in no rush and people are calling just for a yearly checkup. I wish they had better service since they were so close to my home guess i gotta search elsewhere.

Tony

Great group of helpful people. It says on there website they treat the whole person. This rare in the mental healthcare field. I recommend this place to anyone who is looking for a good psychiatrist.

Shannon McNeill

This is a fantastic practice. I recommend them all the time. They had some problems with office staff (not doctors) at the beginning of the year but that has been resolved. There is a nurse that checks you into your appointment and she is the absolute best. I would be lost without Tamika and Dr. Colton!

Melissa Sultan

Horrible office. Did not like my provider at all, he was rude and obnoxious and refused to listen. This office also refused to allow me to see a new provider. Staff is rude. Found a much better practice.

Castlewellan Dunstable

It was a bit of a rough start when I first started working with this group but they have made some changes and they are all worth your consideration. I have never had an issue with the NP's that I worked with and as a matter of fact after the changes in the office staff itself I started bringing my wife and 12 year old son here as well. The only reason I give a 4 and not a 5 is because of the way things USED to be. They are a great group, give them a try and you may give them a 5.

Lauren Spinelli

I have been with Gaertner Psychiatrics for almost 3 years now and I LOVE them. I enjoy the atmosphere and all the women at the front desk. They are always friendly and treat you like you have a purpose. Every time I have walked in I am greeted with a huge "hello" and "how are you?" The ladies at the front desk are always friendly and spark up conversations with you. When I have had to call them they are always prompt and available. The office has really worked with me financially and with any scheduling issues I may have. The office manager is also very prompt with any issues I have had regarding the office and makes sure to address any issues right away. Elizabeth is one of the best NP I have ever seen. She is very engaged and acts as if she truly cares about your wellbeing. I have never had an issue with her or felt as if I was unwanted in her office. She is prompt and engages with you as a person. I would hate to ever have to leave this practice. After 3 years everyone feels like family to me. I know I am in good hands and they care for me as a person.