I absolutely love Dr. Saleem! She has been here for me more than I want to admit. (Mental health is hard to talk about!) I love the fact that our "visits" are telehealth now. I can talk to her during my lunch and not worry about missing work! read more

This is a tough review to write. I first saw Dr. Saleem about a decade ago and found her friendly and polite. But when I started working with her, I noticed that she changed my diagnoses and started prescribing me different medications than I had ever had before. Nothing wrong with this inherently, but she diagnosed me with Bipolar disorder (which I've never been diagnosed with before or since) and put me on an antipsychotic (Geodon) which caused some really severe side effects (I was awake for several days, unable to sleep, and had some hallucinations towards the end). I told her at first that I didn't think an antipsychotic was the right fit and she told me to keep an open mind. After this happened, I felt I had experienced something very unethical, stopped seeing her, and switched to a new psychiatrist. My old psychiatrist retired, and I decided to give her another shot, with the understanding that I would never go on an antipsychotic again (not that antipsychotics are bad, just that they're not for me). In our first session, she showed up ten minutes late and didn't apologize. I also had to remind her that we worked together, and while she didn't remember me at first, she later added that she did remember me and that she remembers "helping (me) a lot." She also said she didn't recognize me because of the weight I've gained in the past ten years. This is the second doctor I've seen recently who has made a comment about my weight, and I am honestly pretty upset about it. Like many people, I gained weight during quarantine and am quite self-conscious about it. I would like to lose weight and hopefully will in the near future. But there's no need to treat a patient this way, and I'm honestly sort of floored that some doctors think it's acceptable or professional to behave in this manner. I really wish that this was a glowing, five-star review (as I want to see a great psychiatrist), but I have to be honest about my disappointment. read more

Hated to leave Dr. Saleem! My child was seen at both locations, and received excellent care. The office was helpful when another doctor's office refused to see us on an urgent matter. So glad we ended up with Dr. Saleem! She prescribed the correct meds and listened to my concerns. She did not over-medicate, and recommended homeopathics when possible. She is the most caring psychiatrist we have found, and I am sorry that we moved away and can't see her anymore. read more

People need to be warned about this dr.. When my son saw her he had such an adverse reaction (rare) to the meds that his primary Dr was suspecting that he had lymphoma and was about to admit him into children's hospital Oakland. Dr Saleem suggested to increase his meds to see if his symptoms got worse. That's the last time I spoke with her.. I have zero tolerance for someone that wants to mess around with my child's health like that.. He was so sick :( .. Thankfully he got well as soon as I stopped giving him the meds. First do no harm -- I don't think Dr. Saleem knows what that means. read more

Will never recommend her or go back to her. She has one treatment for early onset bi-polar disorder and that is to over medicate your child. She told me she could see my child cycling in front of her .. what BS is that. My kid moved ... I put too much faith in her and as a result my child was a zombie for a year, I hope to GOD she has no long term effects from over medication. When we had a severe medication problem her answer was to give Gatorade. I've gotten second & third opinions and not only is my child NOT bi-polar the medications she gave (her "formula") are way to high for any child!!! Learn from my lesson ... do your homework and find the right fit for your child!!! read more

So far I've seen this doctor twice, she has really listened to the issues I had going on and she was very careful about what she would prescribe me so that it doesn't make any of my symptoms worse. She doesn't rush into things she doesn't in a timely manner. Her evaluations are clear to my understanding and I didn't have to wait long at all. I'm not sure why she's gotten all these bad reviews but I beg to differ. So I'm giving this woman 5 stars for the good experience I have with her! read more

This Doctor saved my teenagers life! Yes she asks specific questions but she is listening to things we are not familiar with and she is observng actions, weight, blood work and asks the right questions. This is her expertise and she has a unique way of doing it but she does not give up until you are feeling better. If you are going there to tell all of your whoas well she is not the doctor for that get a phycologist or counselor Dr. Saleem means business and she understands the brain. If you brain is not in balance then it causes specific feeling, thoughts, actions and if your honest with her she can balance your brain. I am now taking my preteen Son for an evaluation because I trust her and she has earned that. I am a Monther of Seven children and these two that are in her care are my last, my babies and I would only take them to the best. Just my 2 cents... Cynthia G read more

Totally horrible and incompetent doctor. She doesn't care, doesn't return phone calls promptly or for days if patients are in crisis. I think she is too busy running between her two practices and doesn't check messages on her answering machine. I will be filing a complaint with the medical review board tomorrow. Please don't make the mistake I made and continue care with her because of the effort required to find a new psychiatrist. I think she loves money much more than her patients. read more

I have been treated by Dr. Salem for many years now. I always leave her office satisfied with our counseling. She is extremely attentive, considerate, professional and has a wealth of knowledge. After our first session she ordered a full blood screen. Subsequently we spoke of diagnosis and available medications for my bi-polar symptoms, anxiety and PTSD. We spoke in depth about medication, as i was adverse in taking medication, so we started on the less invasive formula. We saw and I felt leveled for the first time since my post trauma. As we get older our life circumstances change such as children growing up and leaving the nest, parents and friends die, job changes, relationships become stressed etc....life changes also change our chemistry. Mine was out of wack! Dr. Saleem provided me with extensive counseling and the tools (knowledge) to help me with my body/mind changes.I continue to see her and we look back at OUR progress and are pleased! Her tools have guided me to a good place in my life. Her staff is great!! read more

She is also located at: 2324 Santa Rita Rd Ste 10 Pleasanton, CA 94566 (925) 462-6441 I hope this review is helpful to you... I have had an inconsistent experience with Dr. Saleem, but my husband has had nothing but a positive experience with her. We both go to her for medication management and for very different things. I don't really want to blurt out what's wrong with me, but I will say that I've been turned away by other doctors because of the complexity. My husband is very open and will tell you he has severe ADHD, PTSD, and depression. Dr. Saleem also diagnosed him as having anxiety, which neither of us readily believed because of his personality -- sure enough, she found the exact correct mixture of medications for him after her anxiety diagnosis and the difference is like night and day. My husband is very very happy with her treatment. Every time he goes in, she's very kind, supportive, and he never feels rushed. Me? Well, the first time I went in I told him I was never ever going back, that her phone wouldn't stop ringing, that our conversation lasted about a total of 3 minutes, but I didn't really care because I just needed someone to manage my medication and already had another doctor for the talking part. She was close, she took credit cards, but she really irked me with that visit. The next time? Same thing. My husband was perplexed, it was like we were going to two different doctors. The calls always were emergencies, for example one time her Tracy office had the alarm going off and I could easily hear it from where I was sitting. She has never taken another patient's call while I was in session with her and she repeatedly apologized. I still was left feeling well... unhappy. Finally I had a visit with her where there were NO calls, no interruptions, nothing. I had the visit that my husband always has -- a very pleasant and productive one. I have seen far too many medical and psychiatric doctors for my age, but that's also given me the ability to figure out pretty quickly the good doctors from the mediocre to the just plain bad. If you are there for medication management, she is excellent. She is on top of your blood work and making certain that what she is prescribing is working for you and that you are responding emotionally and physically well to it. If you are there to talk to someone about your life and feelings and things unrelated to your medication management... personally I would rate her as mediocre because of the mixture of experiences I've had with her. I have also been a bit of an accidental flake with her (very unusual for me) and she has been kind enough to call me when it's clear that I'm missing my appointment and we've had phone appointments. My husband on the other hand really likes her for both the talking and the medication part. read more

Very condescending Dr. She doesn't seem to take into account anything you discuss with her. I went in for Anxiety/Depression. She prescribed a mood-stabilizer, which seemed to work. but when I came in for a follow-up, she no-showed on me, and then had the nerve to bill me a no-show fee. Still trying to get it resolved, but I'll definitely be sharing this with my Inurance Co, my regular doctor, and anyone else who'll listen. I wouldn't recommend her to my worst enemy. read more

I was already reluctant about scheduling an appointment with this doctor due to all the bad reviews however; because it been difficult finding a child psychiatrist, I scheduled appointments for my 3 kids anyway. The appointments were made months ahead of time so when the weeks got closer and my schedule changed, I had to call to reschedule. The receptionist was so rude that I ended up hanging up on her and will never go to this office no matter how desperate I am! read more

I went to dr. Salaam to get help with some OCD issues I was having. I explained to her that I had a seizure disorder that caused auras. She prescribed me a medication for the OCD, and then ended the appointment never really talking to me about my issues. A month into taking the medication I started getting several seizures multiple times a week, and went back to see her. She then tells me that the medication she gave me for the OCD causes seizures. This is the first time she mentions this. Her solution was to then up my seizure medication. Every appointment I had with her she never discussed anything with me, and she just wanted to prescribe more medication. I found her very cold, and will not be coming back. Since getting off the medication she prescribed my auras have stopped altogether. read more

Dr Saleem treated me and several members of my family for several years. Although she correctly recognized what the problems were (which was a moot point since we had all been previously diagnosed) and her approach to diagnosis was thorough, her approach was to just keep throwing more medicine at things. If things weren't perfect, she'd just increase the dosage. If that didn't help, she'd increase it some more. In some cases, she got the type of medication right, but after years of working with other doctors, we found that amounts of half or less were as or more effective. In some cases, the medication did more harm than good. One medication she prescribed caused my son to wet his bed regularly. She dismissed it as unrelated and increased his dosage. Once we got treatment with another doctor and stopped the medicine, that problem went away. But the experience left my son uncomfortable sleeping with the lights off, even years later. It never had anything to do with a fear of getting up to go to the bathroom, but he had convinced himself otherwise. She was also located in an inconvenient place, which was not her fault. But she insisted on unnecessary office visits whenever a renewal was needed. All doctors I've seen since, and everything I read in the texts of the laws when I was her patient, said that it's not necessary. She (as with all doctors) does have to see patients face to face and evaluate them before prescribing medications, but that doesn't mean that a face to face visit is needed to hand somebody a prescription, which can be mailed. If that's not obvious by my insurance company's insistence upon using mail order pharmacies, I don't know what is. read more

I needed a psychiatrist when I was 14 for a psychotic break I was having, so we went to Hala Saleem because she was accepted by our insurance and was able to squeeze us in the next day. We got there 15 minutes early to fill out the paperwork as recommended, but then we had to wait until about 30 minutes after our scheduled appointment to get to talk to her. She asked about my parents mental health history and as soon as she heard my mom had a psychotic break like mine, she concluded that it must be Dissociative Identity Disorder. Now, I don't know if you have ever heard of this, but DID, previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder, is extremely rare. Especially in kids and teens. Now, that doesn't mean I don't have it, but she was talking about how many teenaged patients she had that were diagnosed with DID, which makes me think that she may have been doing something wrong. She started me on 5 medications that day on really high dosages, but we were just glad to have an answer. The next time we visited her, we had to remind her of everything that we told her before. I mean, she was aware of the big details, but she takes notes while you talk to her. You'd think she would remember some things. Like every visit I reminded her what grade I was in. Things like that, that wouldn't change over the course of a month. The medicine she put me on? Eventually, I was on seven things, all high doses. At one point when I was admitted to Sutter Center for Psychiatry in Sacramento they even said that they couldn't legal give me one of them because they conflicted with each other. My medicines made me really drowsy and I slept all the time. It was hard for me to formulate sentences correctly, and the Risperdal I was on made my nose swell up and made it hard to breath. I was always breathing out of my mouth, making for bad table manners as I would have to chew with my mouth open to breath. I went to an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor who gave me a steroid shot to help me breath better. It helped for a day when it should have helped for a couple of months. I discussed these concerns to Dr. Saleem with my dad who, by her rules, sat in on every appointment unless I needed to tell her something privately. (Real quick, I know she isn't a counselor, but if I am feeling suicidal, but won't act on it, and I don't want my dad to know, that could help her treat me. And if I'm not a danger to myself, he doesn't have to know.) She increased my meds and said that it should help. Oh, at one point I told her privately that I felt like I wanted to kill myself so I could get rid of the other personality inside of me because I never knew when she was going to act up. She then proceeded to tell me about a movie where a girl with DID killed herself to get rid of her personality, but it turned out the personality was the one who killed her. And then she laughed and said I should see it. Like, sure, I watch movies like that because mental health interests me, but why do I need to hear about it when it is happening to me? She also told me about her other clients (not saying their names of course) that have DID and things they have done and at one point my dad stopped her so I wouldn't get any ideas. I finally got tired of my meds, so I stopped taking my morning ones and faked being better so I could get off of my other ones. She has no idea. And I feel so much better physically, and everyone knows it, just not mentally. I am currently in the process of finding a new psychiatrist. I have seen her since I was 14 until now and I am almost 18. I kind of have the feeling I don't have DID either. EDIT 1/29/2017 9:17 AM - She will also diagnose you with anything. You tell her that you couldn't concentrate on one test so you must have ADHD and be given medicine. You lost 20 pounds and won't eat, but now two weeks later you are? Anorexia Nervosa. You threw up on purpose once? Bulimia Nervosa. I'm diagnosed with so many things. I mean, these are concerns, but diagnosing someone with a serious disorder that can affect them for the rest of their life after hearing one thing for one minute about it is a little much. read more

My ex-husband found Dr. Saleem for our son who is 11 years old. He did so without consulting me prior to choosing this doctor which he was supposed to do. Because of the issues between my ex husband and myself, and because of his history in relation to medication and mental health issues, I was very reluctant to trust that Dr. Saleem could remain objective in listening to our concerns. Dr. Saleem based her diagnosis of my son solely on a conversation with my ex and a form that we were asked to complete. She was ready to diagnose and prescribe medication without having any conversation with me. This was another red flag. When first speaking with her, I asked that she speak with both my ex and myself together without our son involved in the conversation. I felt that the three of us needed to be given the same information and be on the same page prior to introducing our son to her diagnosis and any medication. Initially she said no; she did not have time to deal with us. Another red flag. When I indicated that I wanted a second opinion, she became hostile and very condescending. Her lack of professionalism was also reflected in that she seemed to take my ex husband's word for the issues relating to our son while dismissing my perspective. Having been diagnosed and treated for mental health issues for several years, I felt that she treated me differently or as if my perspective or concern for my son was less important; I felt as if she perceived my concerns through the eyes of my ex. I believe therapy can be very effective and necessary, and I accept that medication can be beneficial, but she gave me the impression that her decision was a rush to judgment. She has not been clear in explaining her diagnosis of my son and the choice to prescribe medication. Also, she has not been clear on the reasoning behind her choice of medication. Whenever I try to ask a question, she is quick to cut me off and make assumptions about what I am asking. Consequently, she has yet to address concerns. She seems to take my questions as attacks on her expertise, which is NOT the case at all. In fact, in our last appointment over the phone, she again continued to interrupt my efforts to share information about my son's diagnosis and the use of medication. Because she did not hear my concerns, she provided responses that were irrelevant. At one point, I first apologized for raising my voice and I told her how I did not appreciate being dismissed or interrupted, nor did I appreciate her condescending tone. When I mentioned again that I wanted a second opinion prior to increasing the dosage for my son, she then lectured me about how she was the expert and about how I did not know anything. She was very unprofessional in dealing with a very sensitive subject--the well being of my son. She then told me to hang up and that she was done with me--keep in mind that my ex was in on the appointment. I told her that I would wait for her to hang up as I wanted to discuss my concerns with my ex and because I did not want her to continue a discussion about my son with only my ex. Eventually, she hung up the phone, and before I could say anything to my ex, he accused me of not putting our son's well being first. This only validated my previous concerns. Because I have had the experience of being a patient of professional psychiatrists and psychologists for over 10 years, I knew that the way she spoke to me was far from professional. I also know the consequences of being labelled with a mental illness and having to take medication. Unfortunately, there are people in our family who perpetuate the stigma of mental health conditions and the use of medication, and I experienced how they treat such issues first hand. This makes it even more important,for my son, that both of his parents have a clear understanding of how the diagnosis was reached, why the diagnosis was given, what medication was being prescribed, and why/how it could or could not help. There is a discrepancy as to the "symptoms" that my ex experiences with my son and the "symptoms" I experience when I am the custodial parent. We have joint custody. This discrepancy seemed to only offend Dr. Saleem. From my experience, she has not demonstrated professionalism, patience, compassion, or empathy. Instead, she has demonstrated bias, condescension, impatience, and a lack of understanding of our son and our situation. She seemed very quick to "side" with my ex, and dismiss my experiences. This makes me question her judgement in relation to my son's diagnosis and his need for medication. As a mother, as a parent in general, it is essential to feel comfortable with the expert for the benefit of the child's well being. It is the expert's job to make sure that all parties feel comfortable in sharing concerns and asking questions. A professional should expect these from parents; after all, we are talking about our child--not a test subject. read more

In the past, I took time to write a long review about this doctor, but it apparently has been deleted. Hmm... Bottom line...don't visit this doctor! I am so scared that what she did to me and my life will happen to others, especially the children and teens she considers her specialty. I honestly should've reported her to medical board (as my other docs begged me too) but I was just so tired of the whole situation. I went to her for treatment of depression. She decided (incorrectly) that I has three other psych disorders too, and started drugging me up to the point of brain damage. I actually almost died three times due to her over medication!! I've spent weeks in hospital and now years on disability due to the permanent physical damage her treatment caused. Stay away!! read more

*15-45 mind late for every appt. *Interruptions during appts. *Turned on a live video stream of her receptionist during the appt and complained about her employees. *Unaware of dosage prescribed and didn't read the chart in front of her. Argued with me about who is responsible for the mistake. *Did not follow up adequately with patient after a crisis from bad reaction from medication side effects. Much more to say but I'll let the facts speak for the experience. read more

There used to be 4 reviews on yelp for this doctor, all negative. They suddenly disappeared. I wrote a review about her. Now, my review has been removed. Yelp won't ever share why they do this. I suspect it is because someone thinks a negative review must be removed -- as opposed to positive reviews -- I don't know. Here is my experience with this doctor. I was referred to Dr. Saleem by my primary care physician. Without going into extensive detail as I did in my initial review, I will just say that the 2 visits I had with her were both very short -- the first about 40 or so minutes and the second, less than 15. She allowed her phone to continually ring during both visits and because it was so annoying I told her to answer it. Overall, she hurriedly diagnosed me, prescribed heavy medication (which I did not take) and rushed me out the door. I chose another provider (I sought assistance due to a death). I am going to try to re-post my first review. It is "here" for me, but does not show in a search for the doctor. read more

Bad service. I stopped going after two visits. She then billed me for two extra visits, put me in collections and is trying to extort nearly $600 from me. Stay away from this Doctor. read more

HORRIBLE ....SHE DOES NOT CARE FOR HER PATIENTS JUST THE MONEY..I suffer from anxiety, and panic disorder. I had an appointment with this dr and I had to wait a month to be seen and my panic attacks had become more frequent and severe. I finally saw her Dec 4 2014, excited that I would finally be seen and get treated she was late and when talking to her she didn't focus on the main reason why I was there... after so long of being asked unnecessary questions she go to the point and asked me what I would like her to do for help (seeming very tired and exhausted like she just wanted to get this day over with) I said CBT, cognitive behavioural therapy and she seriously went from straight up tired serious, to chuckling and grinning like that wasn't enough and she made me feel hella stupid saying basically in cbt all you do is learn to control your breathing its very easy. OH IM SORRY DO YOU HAVE P.D? DID YOU GET OVER IT QUICKLY? NO?? THEN TAKE ME SERIOUSLY AND DONT TAKE THIS LIGHTLY PD IS VERY SCARY TO DEAL WITH omg I wanted to cry and the first time I saw her SHE MISTREATED ME meaning she prescribed me a medication for what I hadn't even come in for!! Both prescription she gave me I never took and shredded... she barely even looks at you and takes her time or really talks to you she asks you questions weighs out the basics and writes u a prescription and sends you on ur way WTF I'm currently looking at another dr in Pleasanton and I heard he is amazing so if he is ill come back and recommend. But damn shes horrible.. read more

Please DONT take you or your loved ones to this woman!!!I saw this psychiatrist about 9 to 10 years ago when I was a teenager.she was very condescending.My father has just died and I was understandably a bit depressed.She shoved pills down my throat and said I was a ocd depressed bipolar and adhdShe didn't listen to me only mocked me.I was on birth control in the 8th grade and wasn't even having sex.i was nauseous was from the birth control and several other medications given to me at a high does.my father just died..maybe considering that when diagnosing me would have been better.she shouldn't have prescribed me meds on the first visit.My mother made me go to her for a few months until she came into a joint session with me and saw the cruel treatment given.I had it with the poor treatment and walked right out in the middle of my session and have NEVER been back.please don't go to this woman,even out of deperation.She should truly be inspected by the proper authorities.she is unethical,condescending and doesn't diagnose properly.if I could give no stars I would read more