I am a patient of Dr. Mac's.  I go to him because I have a difficult time keeping my focus when I am working on school work and practicing difficult material on the piano.  I'm soon to be entering grad school once I finish my undergrad credits. I decided I'm no longer going to allow the ADD stigma to prevent me from getting the extra support I could get from medication.   The medication he gave me is working far better than the one I had previous experience with - the one I asked him for. I'm killing it at school now.  I got the second highest grade in the class on my Psychology 66 midterm last week - 2 points shy of a perfect score.  I am glad he fought me on my insistence over what I thought I needed. I felt compelled to say something here as the only other review is quite misleading.  It's strange that Dr. Mac doesn't have a ton of reviews, because his practice is packed full of very happy people,  at least that's what it appears like when I'm in the waiting room.  People probably do not favor revealing that they are seeing a mental health professional, and don't want to publicize that here on Yelp.  Yet, it's only right that one of his happy and successful patients say something good, truthful and accurate because the other review here seems unfair and suspect. My friend referred me to Dr. Mac.  Her story is amazing.   Her entire life turned around thanks to Dr. Mac and a therapist that works alongside him.  It really is amazing - the change in her.  She went from being a bipolar suicidal mess - unhappy at work and at home -  to being highly successful in a new, high-paying very impressive job, happily married and is now a mom with a baby girl, all the while beaming with happiness and positivity.  I just want to smack her 'cause she's so awesome now.  Her incredible success with Dr. Mac inspired me to seek him out myself. In regard to the other review here - ethical psychiatrists that actually care about the well being of their clients do not allow them to self-prescribe as I learned rather quickly.  A blood test is standard procedure and it's done to ensure there is not a preexisting health condition  This is an M.D. remember, and we're dealing with medication.  Nobody knows anxiety like I know anxiety.  I've had it my whole life.  It is an indisputable fact that Lexapro (the SSRI anti-depressant) works far better on anxiety than Xanax or Ativan, and there is no abuse potential.  I can't imagine any psychiatrist going with Xanax over a more effective solution that has no risk of physical and psychological dependency.   Because Dr. Mac cares so much about the success of his clients, he strongly encourages them to see the therapist that he works together with.  The true success stories in this realm of life seem to come from medication and therapy together.   He also advises Yoga, exercise and lifestyle changes - but not in a way that makes you feel obligated.   I'm so glad I found the courage to see him.  Dr. Mac is the Mac-Daddy! read more

See all

Dr. Mac is the worst psychiatrist I have ever known or heard about. Dr. Mac changed my son's medication after one week, if it did not work. My son was losing his mind due to the changes in medication. Dr. Mac referred us to a Dr. in the same building for testing, as Dr. Mac thought he was bi-polar. The testing doctor, I forgot the name, diagnosed him as bi-polar. Again his medication was changed. I had to remove him from all medication as the medicines were causing harm to my son. I found a wonderful doctor at UCLA who prescribed medication for my son. He is finally doing well. I would never refer anyone to Dr. Mac. If there was a no star option, I would have chosen it. I also met a lady through my sons activities that in our conversation was complaining about her son's psychiatrist. We found out that she was talking about Dr. Mac. This woman, I forgot her name, was complaining about her psychiatrist, Dr. Mac., who threatened that he would have her child taken from her because he was a little violent. No danger to himself or others. Dr. Mac is a danger to others. read more

Dr. Mac has no compassion for his patience. I was referred by my psychologist to him. I was there to get my medication which I have been taking for 20 years. I have just lost my 32 years old son and I mentioned to him that I'm really suffering obviously . cruelly he said, I'm not gonna give you your medicine. instead, he was sending me for TMS, which is a moneymaker test. I wouldn't refer him to my worst enemy. . read more

I have gone through severe postpartum depression and insomnia after having my baby in August. Dr. Mac was the only psychiatrist that I could get an appointment with in the area. I could actually get an appointment within a couple days which is pretty good from what I hear. His staff is very friendly and efficient. You have to wait a pretty long time even with an appointment. You only get about 5 to 15 minutes with the doctor. For your first appointment, he stares at an iPad and ask you a lot of questions. He doesn't seem to deep dive or take the time to explain any medications. He recommended the antidepressant Trintellix and a couple different sleep medications... all which did not work for me. I actually had really bad side effects from Seroquel. I had called him and left a message on his machine and he never called me back which is poor customer service. I get the feeling that he doesn't really have the time to show empathy or care for his patients. If you're very desperate to get on medication, this is an option for you to go to. For my situation, it was better for me to actually go to an internal medicine doctor which was cheaper for me in co-pays. She actually spent the time to listen to me and try out different solutions. read more

I've been seeing Dr Mac for 5 years and he has always been compassionate, listens and worked to get me off the medications I was previously on. Now drug free, he monitors my progress monthly. I look forward to our meetings and enjoy working with him. read more

Dr Mac is a great Dr and has been seeing members of my family for years. Steve in the front office is seriously one of the nicest front desk staff you will ever meet. He is effecient and he will do what he says. Its hard to find a Dr office that has a live person to speak to and will answer the phone . Its a busy office, sometimes in person wait times are a bit long , but nothing that is not expected at any Dr's office. Great support and response time. read more

DO NOT make an appointment. I was told I had an appointment on a specific day and was turned away due to a clerical error. The office staff seems to be unorganized and unprofessional. Do yourself a favor and look elsewhere. read more

I love Dr. MAC... He's not a therapist, he has people in his office for that. He acts on symptoms and tests and prescribes the meds needed for your unique scenerio... Also Love Patty! read more

I am a licensed MFT and refer to Dr. Mac regularly. In fact, I refer all my clients who are in need of a medication evaluation who are in the area. Dr. Mac is compassionate, thorough, and an expert in his field. I completely respect and trust his judgement about his diagnosis and the recommendations of medications. Dr. Mac does not over or under medicate. He respects each client and their differences and hears their concerns as well as explaining any prescribed medications well. All questions presented are answered thoroughly. I wholeheartedly recommend this excellent psychiatrist to any in need. Don't hesitate, call him. I have found that my clients always get a timely apt. He has employed a compassionate and responsive staff. Dr. Mac is a trusted and honored part of my treatment team! read more

When I started seeing Dr. Mac several years ago, I was so depressed and filled with anxiety and in immense chronic migraine pain, I could barely have a conversation. It took a few months but now I am living a healthy, happy, pain-controlled, and independent life. He is an excellent psychiatrist and a medication genius. He always has a friendly smile for me and voices how proud he is, of all my hard work and progress. I find it incredible that of all the big hospitals and chronic pain clinics I went to, a hard-working doctor like Dr Mac, wouldn't give up on me and provided me with the answers I needed. I am so grateful. His office staff, Steve and Patty, have always been willing to listen to me and cheer me on as well. I will always be thankful for their effective team. read more

He is a pill pusher and nothing more. He is negligent and should not even have a license to practice. He will not listen to your concerns but rather prescribe you yet another medication. He will meet with you for a max of 3 minutes, with no time to even speak and if you try he won't even hear you. It goes in one ear and out the other with no regard for you as a human being let alone his patient. As a medical professional, I find him despicable. If you truly want help, seek another doctor because you deserve better. read more

Not sure what the bad reviews are about. He's not a therapist, he's a medical doctor. I appreciate the efficiency of Dr. Mac and his staff. I only had to wait a few minutes to be called. And his new facility is lovely. Thanks, Dr. Mac! read more

The staff is friendly and helpful. The doctors provide good service in their specific area of expertise. Been coming here for years read more

D S Mac - Psychiatrists Near Me - Agoura Hills, California

Dr. Mac is nothing but a pill pusher. He doesn't care about his patients. Never asks the important questions. He just passes out the pills. read more

Only stopped going because I moved away recently but I was going to doctor Mac from the time I was 16 all the way till 21 , if you tell him exactly how you feel he is amazing and willing to make changes as needed , it's important to remember he is a psychiatrist not a therapist and overall he changed my life for the better. read more

Finally! A psychiatrist that doesn't drive you crazy! I found Dr. Mac through my insurance about 1 year ago. I've been diagnosed years ago with anxiety/depression. Dr. Mac is a very friendly and caring doctor. He is always attentive to what is going on in my life, and always take the time to ask how I've been eating. sleeping, etc. Though our visits are usually short, I never feel rushed or treated with any kind of indifference. His office staff which consist of two office workers, Patty and I'm not sure of the man's name, are always smiling, friendly and accommodating. I am usually able to see the doctor within 24 hours of when I call to place an appointment. As someone else mentioned, the other patients always seem happy and content while awaiting their appointments. The waiting area has a nice flat screen TV that is usually showing something that will please young and old, like quiz/science type programming or classic movies like "Back to the Future". I highly recommend Dr. Mac, and any reviews that aren't complimentary towards this doctor, are more than likely, not written by a regular patient or a patient that was seeing the doctor just to get meds they probably didn't need! read more

I still go to see Dr. Mac, but I don't recommend if you're looking for an in depth "diagnosis" or for him to talk to you in detail about anything. The appointments are a staggering 5 minutes and it's not extremely helpful. I feel as a licensed MD, Dr. Mac should have more than just 5 words to say to me about my situation and medication. However, he is extremely professional, polite, and educated. I just wish he would try to elaborate on the medications as well as on my conditions. read more

Dr Mac has never told me anything in detail about my medication. I never thought it was super important to ask whether my medicine had withdrawal symptoms but when I decided to go off of them he didn't even bother to mention the fact that Cymbalta even has them. I'm now SUFFERING through these awful withdrawal symptoms and called my old doctor to find an actual solution for my problem. I just wish he had even mentioned the fact that cymbalta has terrible withdrawal symptoms, then I may have never decided to go with this wretched medicine. read more

Dr. Mac has been my psychiatrist for about 2 yrs. He is very knowledgeable and professional. His office staff is also helpful and welcoming. I always feel comfortable enough to share my concerns about medication or symptoms and he answers my questions. The appointments are brief, maybe 5-10 min. I would say that based on my experience with other psychiatrists, this is pretty usual so this doesn't bother me. I think it's helpful no matter where you go that you go prepared with your questions/concerns about your condition. That way you make the most of your appointment. You have to be willing to be proactive in your treatment. I like that Dr. Mac is respectful and he has helped me feel like I am a part of my treatment vs just being a passive bystander. I would recommend his services. Contrary to other reviewers, I have never felt like Dr. Mac was a pill pusher. When I felt a medication wasn't working for me, he listened to my concerns and adjusted my medications. If you need therapy there are also therapists that work in the same office. I have been working with Jan Robles who is also a great provider. TMS services are also offered if you meet the criteria for the service. read more

Dr Mac is the worst doctor I've seen, and I've been to a lot. I've seen him 9 times and each time our visit last less than 2 minutes. This is not an exaggeration. The only thing he cares about is billing your insurance. He does not listen to patients concerns and does not take time to explain any of the medication he provides. I'll never go back. read more

He won't prescribe xanax. Unbelievable, that just caused more anxiety! ! I went to him for general anxiety. He wanted me on anti depression and big polar meds. Along with blood test, phyc tests and One on one therapy. I just need a little xanax to get me through this. He didn't prescribe it. Don't waste your time. read more

Bad psychiatrist. He is a major pill pusher and will put you on several medications at once. Doesn't listen well and ignores certain serious concerns. I won't be coming here again read more

I like Dr. Mac so far...however 3 stars cause the girl in the front, wow, every time I come in she is not very pleasant and very unprofessional... read more

I cannot say enough good things about this office! The front desk staff, Patty and Saul are seriously so kind and understanding, and Dr. Kalyani has single handedly saved my life. She is such an inspirational person, and has done nothing but encourage me and give me the tools I needed to move forward to a much happier and successful life. I also see Dr. Mac and he has been right on the nose about my diagnosis and treatment. The only thing I wish is that our visits were a little longer. Sometimes I feel rushed in his office, and I leave with questions realizing that I never really had the chance to address them with him. Other than that I want to say a big THANK YOU to the wonderful doctors and staff! read more

This Dr. Is strictly a pill pusher. You are in and out with a prescription within 5 minutes.