I personally had a good experience back in 2023 and 2024 and met some amazing people. Nurse Amanda…read morewas amazing and she was always there for me. I loved how we got to watch movies and have "icees" every night. Group therapy was fun and I loved our social worker. Evie Rose is your seeing this it's vanessa and I miss you sooo much

This is the place were I first experienced rage so intense I would crawl up in my bed in that god…read moreforbid whatever they want to call it pyschactric hospital out of the 3 ish times I been sent to this hellhole , I never experienced anything pleasant or an ounce of happiness infact I think I felt more horrible in my life , Mr .dooey I still talk about 2 years later and how much hate is festering in my soul for you Mr.dooey , my anger 2 you is unspeakable, Mr . Dooey when it was my first ever time there you told me how can I experienced cptsd and proceed to go on tell I had too good of a life to be acting up in this place little do you know Mr dooey, I was there on my birthday and this man had the audacity to tell me after my first ever major sudice attempt just because it was my birthday I don't need to be that happy and loud and told me to stop lying it was my birthday , gotten my period right before my birthday first ever psych vist and I had asked to talk to an female cna 2 him and he had said I have daughters you can tell and I said no thank you and he proceeded to start laughing and yell loudly " someone get her pads/tampons" to the nursing station, see this isn't what was the rather embarrassing part I know that now but he had called me out when I was in pain depressed and had blood all over my pants , the ass paper thing type of pants that the hospitals give you , he even had the audacity to make me practice saying no over and over because that's why I got raped huh I can't say no? Every word this man says makes me more and more upset , I'm so glad I didn't have to see him there on my 3rd time I don't recall much of my second experience it was perhaps maybe in 2025 back to back when I was in a place in Fremont California which was probably one of the best places I have ever went alot better then John Muir , my third time I was sent right to an another semi long term place for other issues I won't be mentioning but I was treated with no kindness no empathy nada I was treated horrible during one of the worst episodes during my life i remember this with the psychactircts more then the last two but i remember the doctors could have less then an care in the world about the health of there patients, barley any time for an proper talk to get on an better med , too many people , horrible syestm of getting them 2 talk , doctors treat you horrible and more then a job to get done with rather then an person with actual feelings like an test project no more that's the thing with a lot of this places this doctors and workers think it's another day of work when this is the lowest an person feels and I tried to go in every time with an open mind hoping I would get treated with an single bit of empathy I got nothing Fremont was a lot better then this place , think of who you hire everyone here is horrible I have narcopelsy type 2 and I wasn't diagnosed at the time and the nurse had accused of me of having an mental breakdown when I had fallen on the floor orginally and didn't help me up it took them an three hours to evaluate me for an head injury at that point I woukd have died they kept me in a little room by the station, only checked me with their note pads no regard of how I was doinging in my 3rd vist I was upset with my life and they put me in that room and the medical doctors don't even get me started oh my god they pissed me off even more and they had slapped an helmet on me the whole time took my privileges to do things away on my own didn't let me talk or do anything and tried to keep me in my room I was horrible and miserable dwelling in my halluctions feeling crazy and miserable , they had no respect for my arfird and treated me as if I was an problem I felt embarrassed humiliated everything above horrible place overall don't recommend mr.dooey was an asshole

Gretchen Fluegel at The Amen Clinic is amazing. She is always on top of the clients' needs and…read moreis extremely timely in her responses to my (sometimes) desperate and untimely requests or questions. Whether it is refill for my meds or help with the patient portal; I can always count on her to get back to me quickly. She is upbeat, caring, and personable. I'm not sure what the clinic or I would do without her, but I hope we won't have to ever find out!!! Thank you and God bless you, Gretchen. Lynn M

I wanted to make a further comment after receiving my scan results. I left an initial review on…read morethe Walnut Creek office. The office and staff were great! The results provided by Dr. Danial Amens appointed Doctors or should I say N.D, was not good! I came to the Amen clinic for a specialist that focuses on the Brain and perform a scan that goes beyond what an ordinary hospital or V.A can perform. I have been spent over $5200 with Amen to get a scan and a doctor to review and assist me in progressing the damage my brain has sustained from a TBI in the United States military and many other injuries after that. You claim you're a doctor but cannot assist me in time off? I spent three days angry, after talking to you on zoom meeting. I was scared and trying to comprehend all the areas of my brain you said were affected with damage. I initially walked into the clinic on day one and asked the front desk to have a doctor sign a release form so I could go back to work, because my current employer thought I might be a liability since I informed them, I needed two days off work for imagining of my brain. Only "After" my zoom meeting with Dr. Mendenhall, was a freaking out and scared from the results of the scan. I clearly stated that work was causing me sleepless nights for years and I worked in hostile environments on a daily basis, working as an Investigator. The biggest issue was I was in a vehicle, alone for 12 hours a day and getting irregular sleep, due to the unethical scheduling from my employer. My issue is that I'm told in this email from Dr. Mendenhall that she does not have a long history with me and I should seek time off from my primary care doctor.... Then why the hell would you prescribe me an "ANIT-DEPRESANT" along with another synthetic sleep aid? You are the brain doctor, and my primary care doctor is just that, "PRIMARY CARE!" They do not specialize in the brain and that is why I came to Amen clinic. If you do not have a history with me, do not prescribe me a drug that is an Anit-depressant when I am NOT depressed. I can take a photo of the bottle and the remaining pills inside the bottle. I had to stop the medication because it almost ended my life on I-680 on August 5th. I had to stop in the express lane because my vision suddenly viewed everything like I was under water. I could not see any cars or even my hazard lights. I thought I was going to get rear ended and die that day. Two minutes later my vision slowly came back, and I proceed to my mother's that is a retired medical nurse. This occurred an additional time for 30 seconds after I made it back home and thankfully, I was in the presents of my own house. After speaking to my therapist, I explained what occurred while driving and she asked what changes in my life occurred. I explained I completed my brain scan, and the results were not good. I was nervous, scared and an emotional wreck. I explained my recovery was three phases and emailed her my treatment plan and the zoom video between my doctor and I. My therapist got back to me right away and asked why I was prescribed an Anit-depressant when I've never been diagnosed with depression though my 30 years with Kaiser, my post evolution in the Marines, nor through Sutter Health? I explained that Dr. Mendenhall stated it was for anxiety and nothing about depression, so I took the medication. After further investigation the drug "Bupropion", I immediately stopped the drug. The side effects were everything I was experiencing. I even informed Amen clinic I took blood pressure medication, and Bupropion elevates blood pressure, which it did, and is known for causing "HALO'S and vision issues". I have anger disorder and it elevated that as well. How can a N.D functional doctor for Amen, prescribe me non-natural medication but not assist me in providing a medical note to allow me to try and proceed with a treatment plan to heal my disastrous results? She clearly understood my work and also stated in the Treatment plan, that I needed to "Avoid occupational isolation, seek work that involves regular socialization with others and minimize time alone in my car!" How do you need a longer history with me to provide me time off to heal my brain? You are the specialist and that is what I paid you $820 for 1.5 hours of your time on zoom. I paid an additional $200 to prepare two short reports and another $390 for "Initial comprehensive and management". The aftercare, after my initial testing at the Walnut Creek location has been dog shit! I did not need synthetic medication for anti-depression, and I did not need Trazadone to get sleep. Trazadone (another synthetic drug) had me bumping into workout machines the next day and also made me feel like I was seasick. What I needed was some time off to heal and complete the phases you stated.

Their methods of verbal and play therapy were so helpful for our child. He learned to like school…read more Learning was fun for him. It wasn't forced upon him. Their methods were also very respectful and inclusive of our family. We were one team. I'm so thankful that we found this organization.

From the owner: In 1988, Dr. Partington founded Behavior Analysts, Inc. in order to provide effective,…read moreevidence-based services to individuals with autism and or other developmental delays. The original services focused on providing services to children in their homes and consultation with in the school systems. Being frustrated with the lack of evidence-based educational services that were provided by the public school systems, he opened the Strategic Teaching and Reinforcement System (STARS) School in 1991. The staff at Behavior Analysts also provided clinic-based services for families who wanted their child's skills to be evaluated. The families received recommendations to teach specific objectives and strategies.

Growth and Optics Over Quality of Care…read more Families considering services here should look very carefully before committing. The company presents a polished, growing image online, but behind that image there appears to be far more focus on expansion, outsourcing staff, and maintaining appearances than on truly understanding and supporting the children they serve. ABA therapy requires thoughtful, individualized care and a deep understanding of each child's needs. In my experience, that level of care and attention was often overshadowed by operational priorities and business goals. Hiring and training practices are particularly concerning. Individuals with little to no experience working with children are frequently brought in and placed with clients with minimal training and limited supervision. Rather than investing in developing knowledgeable therapists, the approach often feels more like filling positions quickly to maintain coverage. For a hybrid program offering both in-home and clinic services, families should expect strong therapist training, consistent supervision, and reliable session coverage. Unfortunately, that consistency and support did not always seem to be a priority. The result is an environment where services can feel transactional rather than genuinely centered on the developmental needs and wellbeing of the child. There are individuals within the organization who care deeply and try to do their best, but systemic priorities ultimately shape the quality of care families receive. Children receiving ABA services deserve thoughtful clinical oversight, properly trained therapists, and leadership that prioritizes care over rapid growth. There were also concerning lapses in professional standards, including environments where basic expectations of safety and conduct were not consistently enforced. For families, this raises serious questions about whether the focus is truly on the child's wellbeing or more on maintaining appearances and staffing coverage.

They try their hardest to provide staffing to our kiddos, but ultimately do not meet the demand. I…read morefelt misguided by their processes and did not feel like they were at all ethically aware. Be cautious of this provider.

Our child was a late talker, so we did our research and found East Bay Child Development Center…read more(formerly PLTA). From intake to our final class, the staff made sure that the scheduling process was a breeze, and that visits did not fall short of expectations. They have an excellent staff dedicated to your child's development, and the office is pristine. Not just clean; very well kept. I noticed that there wasn't one tear on a book or broken toys. They put lots of effort into upkeep, knowing well that toys and books can take a beating with younger kids. East Bay Child Development Center has terrific speech therapists and therapists specialized in helping in all other types of child development, including but not limited to physical therapy, etc. We went through 2 different speech therapists and 1 or 2 therapy students which was a little harder for our son to grow accustomed to because it would take him awhile to warm up (which I've learned isn't unusual for any development therapy center), but each therapist tried their absolute best to ensure they were giving him the utmost care and attention.

They failed my son after 3 session. Excuses that he doesn't listen, he runs fast that worried about…read moreyounger children there. That speech is not a good fit for him, that his sister runs around the hallways exploring toys and opened doors of offices, about me get a phone call so they discharged him from services. This is racism and discrimination by the way ladies I want to give you suggestions, your office needs a new administration, organisation and functionality. Everybody there seems to go everywhere, I don't know if these people work here are they clients. The back door to the outside was open, this is called dysfunctional. The office receptionist was like his first day to work, confused and looked around like a lost boy. There four people by office were speaking loud and chatting. They failed my son years ago when he was younger because they said he was not ready for speech when I just changed my insurance to get accepted to come here. Now he's 12 years old saying he's not a good fit. Shame on you to say that to me. You can't discharge him that's illegal. My son is trying with his speech and he has rights in California to receive speech therapy any age. Discrimination by the ability, then age, what's next because his sister running around the office and also I was on the phone? For that lady who spoke with me today over the phone couldn't wait on me. And making me feel like I was being fired from the job, she sounded rude and said my daughter was running around the room and I was speaking loud on the phone so the excuse to fail my son. Then changed her words saying he's not a good fit and he runs fast and wants to push the kids. She needs to find more excuses for her to dismiss him. You don't know how hard and challenging to be a mother of autistic kid. I finally thought I have him his speech going and then you locked me up like shutting my mouth. Go see if your speech therapist is the one who has the problem. She too lazy to give speech therapy or has a lack of skills. This is Shameless and discrimination.

I cannot say enough about FirstSteps for kids inc in Walnut Creek. They literally changed our…read morelives with our angel. Our son needed help learning, and from day one my wife & I were greeted(By Katie & Sam) with a smile and supported by them(entire Team) in such a way that I tear up sometimes just thinking about it. I feel so fortunate and lucky that we have had the honor of benefiting from their services, it really is a blessing. Everything about this team is extraordinary; they are courteous, they are well organized, informative, knowledgeable, courteous, genuine, professional and caring. Our son has learned so much working with the Team (Amanda, Ashleigh, Estefani, Sam, Samantha, Katie, Jaime, Courtney, Ariana, Solemon, Lisa, Diane, jennifer and Alyssa, from my wife and I, THANK YOU!!!

(Part 2 continuation)…read more Once again I had expressed my concerns with our new BCBA, Amber and she suggested we all meet for a meeting in person (Clinical Regional Director, Wai-Ling would be virtual since she is in Alhambra) BCBA, Amber and Program Manager, Ariana and myself to address my concerns and she would get back to me with a date and time. It turns out it would have to be virtual. We had the meeting and right away the Regional Clinical Director stated "we will not be going to be reviewing details of prior concerns" but she wants to review an agreement they drafted. They should have had in included along with all the other forms when we first became clients. Basically it was an agreement that was probably made up right before the meeting and whatever was not on the original agreement that I had signed in the beginning, they just added it to this made up one. Basically they went behind my back and thought I was going to sign a made up agreement. Their service agreement says one thing and they do another thing. Then the Program Manager, Ariana calls one of our RBT's to tell her that we will no longer be a client just so she doesn't come to our home blind sided. I'm surprised they were able to communicate that. First of all she shouldn't be discussing anything about us since they take everything so secretly. Then our BCBA, Amber sends a message to all our RBT's not to be discussing and scheduling or instructor questions with me (once again behind my back). I can say whatever I want at my house. If they have that rule for their RBT's in the center, that's fine but do not tell me what I can or can't say or do at my own house. I reached out for help and support but all I received was stress. Every night I would go to sleep (especially Sunday) and have so much anxiety just thinking what's going to go wrong the next morning. I regret our former ABA therapy recommending clients there. It's difficult enough having to see your child go through ABA and they just made things worse. It's sad how the RBT's get attached to their kiddos and they don't even notify the RBT's when their last day is with their kiddos. They have no heart and don't care for the kiddos and should not be running a business. The RBT's are just a number who have no say and are treated like slaves wasting their time driving from place to place since there are so many mistakes made by the scheduler and the company only cares about making money. Seems like the parents they have as clients are just treating it like a babysitting service. Last but not least, our BCBA, Amber emailed me (the night before) talking about our RBT, Caitlin's last day will be Friday (the next day) knowing that this was approved a month ago. Talk about last minute and no communication. Caitlin (RBT) had thought all her families were notified with enough notice, but not with her kiddos she was assigned with (Amber) BCBA. Caitlin (the original director) needs to come back ASAP or else they are going to bring that company DOWN! FIRSTSTEPS needs to take the first step and GET IT TOGETHER.

I called the office to complain against someone that did not follow my child's behavior plan. I…read morecalled 4 times and was not contacted until a month later. They wanted to set up a meeting about "communication" when they had not contacted me about the incident. I have had years of positive experiences until this person came along. My issue is not so much the person, but that management was not interested in the incident.

My OCD was a new diagnosis and steadily worsening and disabling me. I needed to be with…read moretherapists who have "seen it all" and can tailor a program for my specific needs, which were rather unique. All of the therapists were highly experienced, very perceptive, collaborative, and kind. My Rogers psychiatrist helped me understand my behaviors and, as he specialized in mindfulness, helped me see my relationships and our tumultuous world in a new way. As with all CBT and ERP methods, patient engagement, doing the hard work of acceptantce, reflection, and exposures, is a big factor in outcome. They were all compassionate, yet firm, coaches. I was very, very fortunate to have insurance coverage for this intensive program, but the therapeutic experience and skill acquisition was so transformative for my family and friends (and got me back to work), that even self-pay would have been the right investment. Needs improvement: The Teams portal for telehealth sessions was a bit clunky, needed more IT support, and required mindfulness and humor. As my family and I were new to the nuances of OCD and OCPD , an orientation before starting for the best resources for family support would have been very helpful as the SF Bay area center did not have an well-organized program.

When our 12-year-old daughter was diagnosed with severe OCD and anxiety in March 2025, our world…read moreturned upside down. We started at Rogers Walnut Creek in their IOP and quickly stepped up to PHP due to the severity of her symptoms. To say this journey had ups and downs is an understatement, but ultimately, this team helped save my daughter's life. The Pros: The clinical team here is genuinely invested. Special thanks to Dr. Yang, who is a knowledgeable psychiatrist and took the time to answer my deep-dive questions about the philosophy of psychiatric disorders and medication management. I also want to highlight Emily and Simran on the behavioral team. They worked patiently with my daughter on difficult exposures and cheered her on when she succeeded. They helped us navigate the scary moments when her anxiety spiked, and their dedication was a lifeline for us. The Reality: Treatment isn't linear. Onboarding can feel uneven. Kids may spend long stretches confined to their rooms, while parents are informed about the process but not always the day-to-day or week-to-week structure. We had terrifying moments; my daughter even tried to run from the facility once in a moment of panic. We also hit plateaus where basic home-life exposures, like showering or changing clothes, felt impossible despite her progress in the clinic. But the Rogers team did not give up. When it became clear she needed a higher level of care, they did not simply discharge her. They helped facilitate a transition to the residential program in Wisconsin. The Outcome: After she returned from residential, the Walnut Creek team welcomed her back for the step-down process. By November 2025, she was discharged with subclinical scores and ready to take her life back. If you are a parent scared for your child, know that this place provides the expertise needed to fight OCD.