I have struggled with a complex history of brittle bipolar disorder, anxiety and PTSD for nearly 30 years and life for me was always a constant roller coaster ride. I had a gifted psychiatrist in CT who kept me stable and out of the hospital so when I moved to NC two years ago, I was devastated. My health suffered as I searched, three times unsuccessfully, to find the right doctor. Honestly, online reviews were of little use to me in my search for a new doctor in a new state especially those from patients overly enamored or spitefully griping about an experience. I hope this review serves as a candid, honest and critical guide and that it leads you to consider AND meet Dr. Chepke and his staff.
Everyone at Excel Psychiatric is patient-centered and the office is run that way. I have regular appointments and NEVER wait longer than 5-10 minutes to see Dr. Chepke or for a ketamine treatment. This is a luxury as I routinely wait, sometimes over an hour to see my PCP or other specialists. The staff is attentive, cheerful and always responsive to my needs whether it is for a refill, insurance authorizations, the boatload of paperwork I routinely need completed or for an appointment. People have complained about getting in to see Dr. Chepke but it has been my consistent experience that if I need an appointment or to change one, I get one promptly and in a timely manner. Dr. Chepke is very involved in education and cutting edge medicine (which is a true bonus) so often travels to conferences and seminars. He and his staff always take this into account and when needed, offer office hours at non-traditional hours INCLUDING weekends. I have never been left dangling as was suggested by a previous reviewer. As a graduate of Duke University, Dr. Chepke is well-educated and knowledgeable, but more importantly, is extremely involved in knowing the latest treatments and advances in psychiatry. I am currently receiving ketamine from Dr. Chepke and it has changed my life. He is only one of a handful of docs in NC approved to administer this treatment. Ketamine is not a money-maker but Dr. Chepke offers this and other treatments because that is the BEST treatment for his patients. I can't stress how important this commitment is from ANY doctor. It is rare in today's world. Equally important, Dr. Chepke is compassionate, caring and kind...he always focuses on me and my needs and never makes me feel rushed. I am gay and at Excel, I always feel welcome and able to be candid about my life. The office is a true judgement-free zone. I've never had a question or concern not addressed, and Dr. Chepke and his staff are timely in getting back to me with answers and/or a plan. Lastly, I want to mention that I am a physician assistant and am the first to admit that I have high standards and expectations because of my knowledge and experience in medicine. I speak as an unbiased patient and provider when I say that Dr. Chepke is what I'd call "a doctor's doctor." He is THE doctor a doctor wants. Dr. Chepke KNOWS medicine and uses his knowledge and experience with innovation to provide the best treatment possible. He thinks "outside-the-box" when needed and is not afraid to go the extra mile to keep me feeling my Very Best Self. read more