If you're looking for a dangerous, negligent psychiatric practice, look no further than Elevate…read morePsychiatry. My experience here has been filled with administrative incompetence, medical negligence, and a blatant disregard for patient care. This practice appears to prioritize profits over patient well-being, leaving itself wide open to legal liability.
The issues began immediately with billing errors. I was repeatedly overcharged for visits due to misinformation about my co-pay, which required me to fight for refunds. While frustrating, this was just the beginning compared to the negligence in my psychiatric care.
Dr. Sused Hidalgo prescribed a medication for my diagnosis, but when my insurance didn't cover it, the pharmacy suggested an alternative. She issued a new prescription within minutes--without reviewing my chart or evaluating if it was appropriate for my condition. When I raised concerns, I found out Elevate had never even obtained my medical records from my previous psychiatrist. Despite completing a HIPAA form and requesting the transfer myself, they failed to follow through. Dr. Hidalgo prescribed medication without access to my medical history, and when I pointed this out, she dismissed my concerns, stating we could "discuss it during the next visit." There was no accountability or acknowledgment of the potential harm caused by this negligence.
In search of better care, I was assigned to Dr. Dolores ("Doly"). Her approach was even worse. Despite providing her with genetic testing results showing which medications would likely work for me, she dismissed them as mere "suggestions." When I reported severe side effects from her prescribed medications--worsening anxiety, sedation, and erratic behavior--she refused to adjust the treatment plan.
Dr. Doly also made bizarre and offensive comments, such as:
"Depressed people don't wear makeup. I recommend some women wear makeup to feel better." "I don't believe in bipolar II. Depression is just a side effect of bipolar, and I think you're bipolar I."
Her assessments were conducted entirely via Telehealth, which is not permitted for diagnosing and treating complex conditions like bipolar disorder. This is unethical and a violation of medical guidelines.
On July 12, I sent a detailed email to the owner, Mr. Bhatia, outlining these issues. Despite following up with voicemails, I never received a response. My last appointment was on October 31, and as of December 10, no one from the practice has reached out. This lack of follow-up makes it clear they only care about money, not their patients' health.
Elevate Psychiatry's negligence includes:
* Medical malpractice: Prescribing medications without proper evaluation or access to my medical records.
* HIPAA violations: Failing to request or obtain my previous medical documentation.
* Insurance fraud: Overcharging me despite confirmed coverage.
* Negligent Telehealth practices: Diagnosing and treating complex conditions remotely without required in-person evaluations.
This practice is not just incompetent, but dangerous. If you value your health, avoid Elevate Psychiatry. I have documented proof of every interaction to support my claims.
I feel so strongly about advising others to avoid this practice that I have written multiple reviews across platforms, filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and made two separate reports to the Florida Department of Health (DOH) and HIPAA. I want to be very clear that this is not slander, libel, harassment, or defamation. This is my honest experience, and my only intention in sharing it is to warn others and hope that Elevate Psychiatry will make serious changes to avoid causing harm to more patients.
