Psychiatric Wellness Center

I'm deeply disappointed with my experience with the Psychiatric Wellness Center. Over the past two days, I've called twice, only to be placed on hold for an unreasonably long time. Yesterday, I waited nearly 25 minutes, and today, after holding for over 30 minutes, I had no choice but to hang up.This is especially troubling given that this is a mental health facility where timely and compassionate communication should be a priority. For those of us reaching out for help, this kind of service--or lack thereof--is disheartening and unacceptable.I had high hopes for this center as a place to help improve my mental health, but this experience has left me with serious doubts. No one seeking mental health support should have to deal with this level of frustration. It's clear something needs to change here to ensure others aren't met with the same discouraging experience.

The psychiatrists do video visits and spend maybe 5 minutes with you once a month. All they do is give you pills, but then when you run out they lag on approving refills. Cold turkey with psychiatric meds is dangerous. I've called the pharmacy and the office and have been told they would call me when it was approved. It is overdue, what are you waiting for? The psychiatrist are cold and have no compassion when you are going through something like the loss of a family member. You can complain, but nothing will be done and nothing changes. They also refuse to complete forms for social security, I was told that I would have to be denied three times before they would complete any paperwork. That is really testing the patience of someone who is in need of mental health support. Shameful!

I would like to update my review of Dr. Bhurgri specifically. He has been much less rushed in the last few months. He has also not canceled or moved an appointment once since September. He has also always done a great job of listening to the patient; he talks you through different possible treatments with the drawbacks and benefits of each and makes sure you understand why any changes are being made. I have also had more luck with the office staff in the last 6 months. I moved all my prescriptions recently when I moved houses and they were very helpful and ensured I did not miss a single dose. Thank you, everyone, for your improved service.

I finally got the correct diagnosis since seeing Doctor Bhurgi. I am on the correct medications and feel better then I have in more then 20 years!

I made an appointment with a doctor to discuss adult ADHD. I ended having a tele appointment with a PA who was cold, distant, and unqualified. She told me that because I had achieved degrees in higher education I couldn't possibly have ADHD. I have a masters in counseling and know first hand this is not true. She focused solely on my relationship with food and repeatedly asked if I feel guilty when I eat (for the record, this wasn't something on the intake form. I am 5'10" and not overweight, nor do I struggle with food). Every question she asked, I answered honestly and she seemed displeased by my response. This is not how mental health professionals should make anyone feel. They should leave their biases and prejudices at the door and foster a relationship of trust and respect. I was contacted to make a follow up appointment and informed them I had found a professional that I feel comfortable with and no longer wish to be contacted by anyone from their facility. I would NEVER recommend this establishment as far as mental health is concerned. In this day and age, be better and do better.

I am really pleased with my Doctor and his staff. Never had an issue the whole time I've been a patient.

I needed important paperwork filled out for my University and was told Vanessa would reach out to me and take care of it. She never did so I called and someone transferred me over to her. This was on a Wednesday and she told me she was off the next day so she would have it back to me by Friday. Never heard from her. So, I called Monday, no answer, I left a voicemail, no one got back to me. Called THREE times Tuesday (today, 6/6/23) and was put on hold for 30min the first call, sent to voicemail the second call, and was put on hold for another 7min the third time. Extremely unprofessional. I also should mention I live two and a half hours away because I am at university and now I am having to drive down there so I can go into the office in person and make them fill this paperwork out for me. Absolutely ridiculous.

He has saved my life! Before him, I had attempted suicide and was only seeing a counselor. His medication regimen and TMS therapy has turned my life around!

If I could give this office zero stars I would. Absolutely disgusting how they set up appointments and "call back." My dad needed an appointment here over two months ago. They need to verify, wait, call, this is why our mental health is so screwed in this country. My dad couldn't work, sleep, eat, grown man now weighing 140lbs. He's in a psychosis and suicidal now, hasn't slept 5 days, Benadryl and melatonin won't knock him out. He's been to urgent care, Bakersfield behavioral health was full, and now at the ER. He's suicidal and 10000x worse than what he was when he tried getting in. Be ashamed of yourselves, learn to take each call seriously and get people in asap before they have a horrible psychotic break. Take things seriously and get people in faster, do better.

I'm upset that I have to assign them one star. No stars is the option I'd prefer at this moment. I have had an extremely upsetting and awful experience trying to get my elderly mother a first appointment at this location. Twice now they wait until the day of the appointment to call and cancel on us with little explanation or care. The receptionists are dispassionate and fast talking (good luck understanding their light speed babbling), and you get the impression that patients are being processed like cattle. They try really hard to get you to agree to remote appointments. They really don't want to see you in person. I can only surmise that a video call is more profitable for them. I will not go through the hassle of making a third appointment that they will inevitably cancel at the last minute again. This whole experience was extremely upsetting, and from a place that is supposed to help with your mental health no less. Thank you very much indeed.