He's really great doctor, really confident, and makes me feel confident. My favorite part is he's Dr, Stanford and he practices in Berkeley :-) read more

This psychiatrist is a genius with medication and all around extremely knowledgeable professional.

Dr. Standford is a joke of a mental health professional who ignores the needs of his patients. Most worrisome is his dedication to his secretary, an individual who is the bottleneck of his practice, constantly leaving patients in a lurch. I once waited 36 hours for Dr. Stanford's office to get back to me on psychiatric medication If you are a patient looking for an antiquated physician who does not keep up with medical literature, Dr. Stanford is a perfect fit. PS - Cash only! read more

Dr. Stanford is awesome. I started seeing him because I was dealing with intense postpartum anxiety, which was obviously hormonally induced. My OB acted like PPA/PPD was a totally foreign concept to her, would not write a prescription for anything, and had no one to refer me to. (What the hell, Alta Bates?? Where is your postpartum support??) It's been my experience as a woman (I say that because I *think* this is a problem largely faced by women) that doctors mostly react to me with complete skepticism; their responses dripping with condescension. "Oh, you're suffering you say? I'll sit here with a feigned sympathy face for 5 minutes while you explain, and then I'll explain to you, real slow, in words you can understand, how you're overreacting, and how I'm not going to do anything to address your imaginary problem." So I was nervous walking into my appt with Dr. Stanford, afraid I'd be shamed for reaching out for help, just like pretty much every other time I've sought medical care. But Dr. Stanford is great. Totally human. He treats me as though I am totally qualified to asses my own body, my own mind, my own struggles, my own feelings. (What a concept!) He doesn't force a mismatched diagnosis on me just to prove he's the authority. He never dismisses my concerns. He just listens to what I've got going on and how I would like it addressed, and then offers his expertise in choosing an appropriate prescription. Easy. And here I am, totally free from the hell that was postpartum anxiety. Can't recommend him enough. read more

I have been Dr. Stanford's patient for a few years now and I could not be happier. He is easy to talk to, understanding of my concerns and explains things clearly. A HUGE SHOUT OUT to his secretary, Linda. She is amazing. Extremely professional and on top of things. She always calls me back when I leave a message and goes above and beyond to help me with insurance issues. I don't understand some of the nasty reviews left for her. So unfair. She is kind, respectful and professional. She runs that office like a pro! read more

I agree with Paco below. The doctor and his office are too unreliable for something as delicate as mental health. After reading positive reviews from years back, I went out of my way to see Dr Stanford. It took a few months to get a first appointment, and his systems are a bit old school (no video appointments even with COVID, paper prescriptions until they became illegal), but I figured it might be worth it. The first appointment initially confirmed my hopes: the doctor listened to my history and didn't seem to rush to conclusions. From the second appointment onwards, though, his tune totally changed. He was ready to prescribe pretty much anything and everything, with no interest in making a diagnosis, and essentially leaving it all up to me. He minimized any concerns I had about any medication. After 1 month of treatment at a standard dosage, I was inclined to stick with it for a few more months, but the doctor proposed increasing it. I tried the increased dose, and I developed a pretty worrisome side effect (which I'm still dealing with after getting off the medication - luckily it is now less disruptive). As it took days (as always) to get a response from either the doctor or his secretary, I had to do my own research to determine a taper-off schedule (which the doctor confirmed once he finally got back). The doctor claimed to have never heard of my side effect, even though it turns out to have a 6% incidence in official studies. His secretary is particularly unreliable and unprofessional, and it takes multiple calls and texts throughout the week to get her to follow up. The most egregious instance happened when I decided to start my medication, a little over a week before a major holiday. I called her with plenty of advance and she said she would get back with some appointment times. Radio silence for two days. I kept calling and texting, and she finally responded on the afternoon before the holiday break, saying I was "next on her list". She asked me to show up at the office at 5pm (closing time), but to pretend that I hadn't talked to her and I was just passing by to ask for a sample. I ignored this extremely fishy proposal and simply delayed my treatment, but this was obviously stressful. Likely she was trying to cover her own back for not doing her job, and instead making me look rude and inappropriate. The doctor seems aware of his secretary's ineptitude as he tries to schedule follow-up appointments directly, but he also doesn't seem open to discuss the issue. read more

It just does not get any better than dr stanford....he recently prescribed Parnate for me....I have tried everything and parnate is so so effective it has truly changed my life. I have never been happier, more articulate loving life. Thank you Dr. Stanford Julie Barbett707-676-5220 A++++++++ read more

I have been seeing Dr. Stanford for many years now. I have ADHD, and also a struggling craftsperson/artist...1) he believed me when I told him that I had ADHD, and had been taking meds for it for many years ....of course a few minutes conversation probably gave it away ..snicker...but it's lovely to know that he saw that I wasn't playing games....just speaking the truth ...That is something many Dr.s of all specialties seem to have trouble with ....He is the island of positive calm in my hectic life ....and is a wonderfully positive person about my work ...it's a scary life sometimes...I lived just a few minutes away for several years, and now even though I am way up in Santa Rosa, I come down to see him instead of trying for find someone closer...he's worth the drive read more

I saw Dr. Stanford many years ago when I was going through a very turbulent time in my life. He helped me get through this trying time not only through careful selection of medication, but also took time to listen to what was going on with me in my life, and gave me some very insightful ways to deal with the problems. How do I say this... He saw the good in me and helped me to see that as well as I was quite broken at the time. I cannot thank him enough for the love, care and support he gave me. What was really cool is that I was able to get through that time in my life, without having to take any meds for an extended period of time. I guess through the thoughtfulness and careful selection of medication, I didn't have to continue the medication. Who knows :) Thank you a thousand times! read more

I'm not sure why my experience is so different from other patients, but unfortunately I can't share their enthusiasm. I found Dr Standford through his glowing reviews on Yelp and to his credit, I would say he is an effective psychiatrist though his bed-side manner isn't the best I've experienced. Practically every time I visited his office, with exception of my first visit, he apologized for not remember who I was. The first couple of times I thought nothing of it, but after the 4th visit I have to admit getting a bit annoyed. Then last week I called to make an appointment and left a voice mail which has gone unanswered. Maybe my case was a fluke but having a doctor who remembers their patients and returns voice mail doesn't seem like too much to ask, so I am now looking for another doctor. read more

I am in the world of Psychiatry, many doctors are fair to okay, I cant say enough about Dr. Stanford,s, devotion, his real concern and willingness to keep trying with my difficult symptomology. He make witty humor, and includes you in your treatment and knows how to combine medications , life and is straight up with you, but then smiles and you leave with hope, He is a patient advocate and has class. read more

Dr Stanford has an easy manner that is very much appreciated. He listens and ponders and advises.

Administrative staff have changed for the better, so it's easier to get through outside of appointment times - but still note they are not available 5 days a week. Still best to get everything squared away at your actual appointment. read more

I am lucky in that while I was searching for the right therapist for me, I began seeing Dr. Stanford for my psychological medical needs. Because of his excellence I am able to hang in there while I look for the right therapist for me. He is so knowledgeable, so expert in his field and so easy to talk to, that I recommend him to anyone who wants to see the best in the field of psychiatry. Much thanks to Dr. Stanford. read more

A single visit cost several hundred dollars out of pocket as it was not covered by my insurance. The thing that bothers me most is that Dr. Stanford became very irritated that I wanted to discuss the problems in my life rather than receive some sort of prescription from him. He also cut the appointment short, having only spoken to him for about thirty-five minutes before he ended the appointment (and charged me $300). read more

Dr. Stanford transcends therapy as I have experienced it in the past by listening with more focus on the patient rather than the problem. He's also helped me eliminate bad eating habits that really had me swinging from mood to mood to mood. I highly recommend Dr. Stanford to anyone frustrated by seemingly endless, pointless sessions that seem to go no where. He is knowledgable on current rx issues and will work with you to find a suitable / agreeable approach where meds are concerned. He has also helped straighten out certain family relationship issues I (we) were experiencing. read more

Very bright, accessible, kind, and smart about pharmacopoeia. Doesn't foist on you his own neuroses like most psychiatrists do. And, he takes insurance instead of charging 600/hr, fee for service, while answering phone calls and sifting through flying sheets of disorganized patient folders (last psychiatrist). He is very old school, doesn't watch the clock, and, clearly, considers medicine a calling. He's a good guy. read more

I wouldn't even rate this doctor if I could. I called over 2 weeks ago, gave them my information, and set everything up with my insurance. Have they given me an appointment? No. I was told I would hear back the next day. Nothing. I called 2 days later. They said the doctor had my information and would get back to me. Nothing. I called again. Nothing. This is by far the worst experience. I need my prescriptions looked at. If someone called that's unstable and had this experience who knows what would happen. I was told that they were accepting new patients and I would get in as soon as possible. Absolutely horrible. I called another office and they were able to get me in. I will never come here. If you need help and need to get in to see someone, don't even call. read more

I usually don't write reviews unless I feel others might benefit in some way. I read Dr. Stanford's reviews before I became his patient and since the reviews were all glowing, I didn't feel the need to add anything else since my review would have been glowing as well. Yet, upon reading Jay G.'s most current review, I thought I should comment because I had the exact opposite experience. I was having a rather urgent medication issue that needed attention asap. I left a detailed message on Dr. Stanford's voicemail and he called me back within ten minutes, spent twenty minutes on the phone with me and resolved the issue promptly. Since I've been seeing him I've called him on numerous occasions and I've always received a call back in a very timely fashion. In cases where I just needed to schedule an appointment, the return call may have come the next morning. But when it's been urgent, Dr. Stanford has never dropped the ball on me. The glowing reviews for him express just how I feel - he actually listens, really listens and this makes all the difference when dealing with pharmacology and mood disorders. I'm sticking with him. read more

Super thorough and genuine! He is super accommodating will do everything he can to make sure that you are getting whats best for you. Cant recommend him enough! read more

Great psychiatrist. Doesn't rush, gets to know his patients, and he's very understanding and sympathetic. It takes him a while to return phone calls. I recommend him. read more

I think he fired me as a patient. He's no longer taking my phone calls. That's bad cause he's good. ;(

If I could give negative stars, I would. I saw Dr Stanford once for possible anxiety attacks-- he prescribed me a medication he didn't understand, which I even questioned him about at the time because I didn't think it could be used in the way he prescribed it. He assured me it was ok. When I did what he told me to, I ended up passing out on the BART and needing to go to the emergency room. In the appointment, he actually told me that he "wasn't much of a prober" in therapy. WTF? When I called to cancel my followup appointment after his horrible treatment, it turned out that he hadn't even bothered to write down our next appointment in the schedule, despite the fact that he was standing in front of the scheduling book when we made the appointment. Careless, careless, careless. Go elsewhere! read more

Dr. Stanford is very experienced and knowledgeable. He has helped me find the right combination of medication to control my depression and anxiety. He is honest and straightforward with a refreshing sense of humor. I highly recommend this doctor. read more

It truly does not get any better than what Dr. Stanford offers to his patients. The fact that he knows the various medications so well allows him to treat his patients with tremendous success. I have been seeing Dr. Stanford for over 10 years and without him I would be such a mess. If you are fed up with being anxious, depressed he will find the medication that will work for you. I could not recommend a Dr. more highly than Dr. Stanford. Julie B read more

Just the best Always parking positive vibes all around good location been seeing him for years cash is a must no credit cards very nice Dr some times a Lil wait but worth it also ways able to reschedule very accommodating read more

Even though I'm a fairly new patient of Dr. Stanford's, I knew after the first visit there was something special about him. He was so understanding of a condition I have had most of my life and his knowledge of medications for this was such a relief for me. I drove there feeling off the charts anxiety and left feeling I had found the doctor that is right for me. He is very compassionate (also has a good sense of humor:) and I am very grateful to have found him. Thank you, Dr. Stanford ~ Sincerely, Victoria C. read more

I am surprised by the low ratings by a few patients. Just to clarify- he is NOT a therapist. He does medical management. I find my 15 minutes with him far more useful than the many therapists i have seen. He DOES NOT care about the money. He takes insurance- and in fact, is absent minded about billing- in fact, i have had to ask him " Don't I owe you a fee?". He is an expert, genuinely interested in making you better, calm, reassuring and has helped me through the worst of times. I fear the day he retires. read more

I recently had a horrendous experience with a psychiatrist, a freak and a liar who knows nothing about privacy rights of patients, and was fearful upon seeing Dr Stanford. His beaming face read trust. He reminds me of the perfect father, never hurtful always encouraging. I cannot say a bad word about him. I only wish they could clone him. I read that some lunatic gave him a bad review. I can only imagine that this patient brought her own ugliness to that interaction. But her aside, you have nothing to fear from Dr Stanford. He is the consummate ideal psychiatrist. I would never want to take my anxieties and insomnia to anyone else. Do yourself a favor and call. read more

I was desperate, on the verge of suicide, when I finally found a true healer. I had seen several psychiatrists who prescribe medications versus those who do talk therapy. These medicine prescribers were a terrible disappointment. Usually in a rush, not really interested in taking a complete history, and quick to make a snap diagnosis and push you out the door with a prescription in your hand. And you better not forget your checkbook. Finally a talk therapist recommended Dr. Stanford. I had been burned so many times just going by one person's recommendations that I decided to read every yelp review on him and read them with a discerning eye to be able to sort out phony reviews from "friends" of competitors, or those from really angry people who are crazy. Remember we are reviewing psychiatrists here, not hot dog stands. They are easy to spot, over the top, furious about silly things like the guy who was angry at his receptionist who he found rude or the woman who was furious because the secretary couldn't stop what she was doing that moment to figure out how much money this woman spent (I guess because she didn't know how to keep a balance in her checkbook). Of course one of the problems with reading reviews about a psychiatrist is you must realize up front that some of these reviewers are disturbed people, folks with serious emotional problems. What a strange collection of reviews. Most of the people who have seen him, and have seen him for extended periods, rave about him. Caring, compassionate, sees it as a calling, not a money making machine, bright, open, incredible skills, and I must say I would use all of those words to describe him. He brought me back from the pit of despair by realizing that I had been prescribed the worst possible medication for my condition which was probably most of the driving force behind my problems. He was so right. Within two months on the medication he prescribed I had gotten my life back. These positive reviews were incredibly helpful to me because there were so many and because they all seemed to come from the heart. Then I looked at the negative reviews. I'm sure a couple of them really were unable to relate for various reasons. Unfortunately they used their inability to make it the doctor's fault used their problem to blame him. A couple of the negative reviews are obviously coming from people with the kind of problems medication most likely will not solve. Perhaps long term in patient care would have a shot. These are the ones full of rage, hateful, almost sounding as if their problems were created by one visit to Dr. Stanford. At first I didn't understand why he only had 4 stars as the positive reviews were glowing, to a person, and each gave him the maximum number of stars. But those full of rage gave him one star which of course pull down his start average. A couple of friends of mine own restaurants. Both places are excellent and also get top reviews, but then you have the tell tale ones, the guy who didn't get his water fast enough or the bread tasted "funny" and so on, Especially in restaurant reviews competitors often get friends to post positive reviews for them but also slam the successful competition. It is sad that people go along with this, obviously people of no integrity. But at least the angry restaurant reviewers are most likely not crazy. Not so with the angry psychiatrist reviewers. I am grateful to the reviewers who wrote thoughtful, intelligent reviews. You got me to see him and I am eternally grateful to you. read more

I should start by saying that Dr. Stanford was pretty friendly and seemed competent. However, he had (has?) one of the rudest receptionists I've ever met. (I think from the picture, it's Millicent.) Every interaction with her was unpleasant. Here is one example: I called to get the amount I'd paid the previous year for tax deduction purposes and she sighed like this was the most unreasonable request she'd ever heard and told me that she'd have to look through an entire year's worth of records, which it didn't sound she would consider doing. They don't take credit cards, I don't have a check record of it, and she said if I paid cash, they would have given me a receipt. I told her I thought they were required to provide this information for patients. Then she handed the phone to Dr. Stanford, who sounded irritated. At least he said he'd write me a receipt with a guess as to how many times I visited, but jeez. I didn't even want to go into the building again, it was embarrassing. She also violated HIPPA last time I'd talked to her, asking if I was (insert someone else's entire name here). When I told my psychiatrist, he just shrugged it off. She's been rude to me from the outset the 4 or 5 times I've interacted with her. Anyway, who doesn't keep records of how much money they receive and from whom in some way that's easily accessible? He also gave me crap before for not having more appointments with him for medication management, but I couldn't reach anyone the couple times I tried to make an appointment later that year. They just don't seem very organized and really need to hire a new person for the front desk. Anyways, I have a different psychiatrist now and I'm not going back. Dr. Stanford was nice and gave me some useful information about my medication that no one else had in the past, but it wasn't worth the unpleasantness of the visits. read more

I have been looking for a psychiatrist after having gone through half a dozen of them in the last two decades. I chose Dr.Stanford because of the reviews here on Yelp and wasn't disppointed. It did take me a while to finally get an appointment but since I retired after becoming disabled in 2010 my schedule is pretty flexible. Dr.Stanford knows his pharmacopoeia and I don't have to go through a whole lot of changes to get prescriptions filled with Dr.Stanford. He also quickly returns your phone calls and works with pharmacies even if they're out of state. I went home to Ferguson,Missouri for the Thanksgiving holidays because Ferguson is where I grew up as a child. I ran out of a medication and Dr.Stanford quickly called in my prescription to a Walgreens here in St.Louis where I'm staying with my aunt. Unfortunately the Walgreens in Ferguson fell prey to rioters. Like a previous poster stated I dread the day when Dr.Stanford will retire because I'll be up the creek without the proverbial paddle. Highly recommended Dr.Stanford as the go to guy if you're looking for a good psych and have the proper health insurance. read more

I'm a fan! The only reason why he didn't receive 5 stars is because it took me 4 months to get an appointment with him!! But I can see why. He's a great psychiatrist! He was worth the wait. He is very personable, kind, funny, and he knows his stuff! I just hope that he doesn't retire soon...dude is old. :/ read more

A kind, knowledgeable doctor. I like working with him very much. He is expert in medications and their side effects and will patiently work with you to find out what works. I'm very grateful. read more

DO NOT EVER GO HERE!!!!! They charge you a hundred dollars if u won't show up when ur sick. Only cares about money. Donald Stanford doesn't even care about u. Mike on the other hand yells at patients over the phone. Seriously the worst place ever. When I was there it was horrible. I had to see him for fifteen minutes once and still I had to pay the full price. read more

I am standing in our kitchen. My son's and my wife's. I am smiling! I'm peeling tomatoes from the garden to make a home made sauce for the two of them when they arrive. I have my wife to thank for being well enough to write this review, and Dr. Donald Stanford, MD. This fine Doctor has helped me more than anyone in my life! I feel undepressed for the first time in many years. I have voluntarily quit drinking. I went through a detox that took five days. All because I FEEL BETTER. Now, I had been to other doctors of psychiatry. One that almost killed me (I'll yalp about that separately), and another that was to tentative to take on my case. Dr. Stanford took about two minutes to fix me. That's not to say that he did not spend time with me. He is generous with his time and with his unmatched skill. He will put you on the right medications, at the right dosages, at the right times, for YOU! And it will feel like coming home again. Like meeting another you! One that you lost a while back maybe. That's how it was for me. I wish the best to anyone dealing with depression, and complex other symptoms that make diagnosis difficult for others. Dr. Stanford seems to simply see what it is that you need and suggest it. I took his suggestions, and myself and my family all thank him. I believe my case is\was exceptionally complex, and as I said; first time at bat, Donald hit it out of the park. He is a truly good guy. See him if you can. read more

I saw him for a workers' compensation matter and had heard that some comp doctors see you for 10 minutes and then write their reports. In comparison, Dr. Stanford is a very caring and meticulous psychiatrist who really listens to you and digs into the heart of the matter. He is simply excellent! read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Stanford's for over 5 years. I was initially referred by a colleague who is an MFCC. He knew that Dr. Stanford was highly rated by patients who used the managed health insurance benefits offered by my former employer. I was suffering from acute depression and had been prescribed a series of medications from my GP. Dr. Stanford interacted and worked with me month by month to adjust my medication and doses to a level at which I am now stable, fully functioning, and dare I say happy! Dr. Stanford is astute. He makes intuitive yet highly skilled and knowledgeable assessments. His style is relaxed & informal yet he is highly professional in his approach. I have found Dr. Stanford to be a warm and caring person who interacts with his patients in a way that helps them get the best results possible. If you are used to lying on a couch while someone takes notes & looks at their watch every 2 minutes you will NOT get that from Dr. Stanford! Instead you will find a man with a gentle sense of humor who genuinely cares about you. read more

I'm puzzled at these high ratings. I was Dr. Stanford's patient for a couple of years, and, although I questioned his competence, I continued to see him because I have decades of experience with medications, and I have a very good understanding of what helps me and what does not. Dr. Stanford was not particularly helpful. For example, it was my therapist who suggested that I switch medications (from one solely for depression to another that helps with both anxiety and depression). He did little to draw me out on the life issues I'm facing, and, on a couple of occasions, responded with naive platitudes that were very inappropriate -- e.g., in reference to a relative who is an addict, Dr. Stanford commented, "He'll grow out of it." Dr. Stanford's office is in disturbing disarray - dusty piles of books and papers, dead plants, stale smell of cigarette smoke. I'm no longer taking medication, but, if I need medication again, I'll find another psychiatrist. read more