I'm writing this review in 2026 about an experience I had with Dr. Matthews in 2024, because it still stands out as one of the most stressful parts of my pregnancy. I began seeing Dr. Matthews in October 2023 after learning I was pregnant. From the beginning, I shared that I was also working with midwives and hoped to pursue a home birth if my pregnancy progressed safely. At no point during the early months of my care was I told that she does not co-manage patients with midwives or that this would prevent her from continuing as my OB. On April 5, 2024 -- at 30 weeks pregnant and classified as high-risk -- I received a notice stating she would no longer be able to continue my care because she does not "co-manage" with midwives. This was the first time I was informed of such a policy. I asked for clarification and received no meaningful response beyond confirmation that she would not continue my care. Being dismissed that late in pregnancy, especially as a high-risk patient, created unnecessary stress and made it extremely difficult to secure a new OB. Many providers are unwilling to take on high-risk patients deep into the third trimester. Beyond the sudden termination of care, I did not feel supported in my birth preferences throughout my time as her patient. My concerns were often minimized, and the communication around this decision lacked transparency and compassion. I ultimately filed a complaint with my insurance and pursued additional reporting. Clear policies and honest conversations at the beginning of care matter. No patient should find out at 30 weeks that their provider will no longer treat them for reasons that could have been addressed months earlier. I'm sharing this so other patients can ask direct questions about co-management policies before committing to care. read more

Horrible office staff, horrible service, completely unwelcoming, not understanding of sensitive situations, and the doctors/staffs lack of common sense is astounding. This place should not be in business, and the doctors' licenses should be revoked. Not to mention, they have their patient files visible from the lobby, and was able to see confidential information (PHI/PII exposed) - this is a HIPAA violation. If you decide to come here (against better judgment), make sure to avoid Danielle at the front desk, she provided probably the worst service/experience I've ever witnessed at a medical facility. Goes without saying, it's not just Danielle that was terrible, the "Doctor" Mathews was 20 minutes late to the appointment (which I watched her walk into work late), then she didn't know how to use the EPIC system that shares medical information between medical facilities, and had attitude the entire time. This is not a professional environment; you can get better service in a third-world country. Overall, DON'T GO HERE!!! read more

There is a reason for all the negative reviews. Dr Matthews is the worst doctor I've ever been to--I've never felt more disrespected and unheard. Her after-appointment notes are ridiculous! She put a bunch of stuffs in the notes to pretend that our meeting lasted more than 5 minutes and that she examined me in some way which she definitely did not! I was fully clothed and she sat over 10feet away from me during the few minutes I tried to explain my symptoms while getting interrupted and belittled by her. Our meeting ended immediately after that. Thank goodness another obgyn was able to help me immediately with my very common symptoms! Ladies, there are plenty of obgyns in the area. read more

She is the best doctor you could find. A doctor who is direct and straightforward. Doctor who find even slightly of the risk. I was on verge of early preclypsia, so doctor use to send me for BP monitoring twice a week and once a week I use to meet doctor due to high risk. Doctor was so clear that I will deliver the baby one month in advance considering my earlier labor, but I insisted to keep my C-section towards the end of 9th month. When I went to different center for my scans during my 8th month, they said u need to be delivered now. They called Helen Matthews and my little baby Yara was out. Trust your doctor they know the situation the best. If I was at any other doctor I am not sure I would have been observed so closely. I owe a lot to you doctor. You are the best!!! read more

Helen Matthews, MD - Obstetricians & Gynecologists Near Me

My amazing Gyno retired and I guess Dr Matthews bought his practice. I was very nervous about coming here, because of all of the negative reviews and now I know why. Could never get through on the phone, finally got a call back and an appointment TWO months out. Showed up today and they told me my insurance wasn't valid. I've had the same insurance for a decade, and I called them and they told me I did have insurance, so I took my chart and ran, not really but I asked for it and left. . Can't deal with that type of shit. Good luck, but if I were you, I'd run for the hills read more

Dr. Matthews delivered 2 of my babies. She is one of the best Obgyns and Gyn Surgeons in the Bay Area. She is brilliant, extremely technically skilled and looks out for us moms and our babies! We are so lucky to have her in our community. I'm also a physician so you can imagine, I know what it takes to be an amazing doctor and surgeon. She has it all. You can trust her clinical judgment. She has the hands of God to me and I just adore her! Thank you Dr. Matthews for helping me with my pregnancies and for always being there for me! read more

Helen Matthews, MD - This is the last baby you delivered for me! my 4th c-section. No pain, went home the next day! We love you Dr. Matthews!!! - Obstetricians & Gynecologists Near Me

Note to new patients: They called me the morning of my appointment to say their practice is closing down and they are no longer seeing new patients. There aren't a lot of options in San Ramon and now I'm stuck 11w pregnant without an OB trying to get on another doctor's calendar. Would have been great to know ahead of time that the office was closing so I could have made other arrangements! read more

My wife visited them for consultation as she was trying to find a good OB/GYN in the area since we had moved there. She went in for a routine consultation, making the appointment for Dr Matthews. However when she visited, she was met with some other nurse practitioner, who did not do any routine exams for her. My wife never got to meet Dr Matthews and to our surprise, we later on got a bill from the practice of more than $300 stating that our insurance didnt cover the consultation. Apparently, they quoted the visit not as the routine check up, but as a specialized pregnancy related consultation visit, without even letting us know. People avoid this practice by all means, they are just out there to get your money. read more

Thanks you so much dr Matthews for the delivery of sienna. Me and Tiffany couldn't thank you anymore. Tiffany has the hardest pregnancy ever and dr Matthews was always helping us get through it. Tiffany has a c suction on 12/21/18. Cause sienna was breach and kept moving in every direction possible. The c suction went so fast and smooth. My wife is recovering so fast and doing amazing. If anyone is looking for a obgyn please see dr Matthews. She will take good care of you. Very professional at her job! Thanks again Michael abs Tiffany read more

Helen Matthews, MD - Obstetricians & Gynecologists Near Me

My original Dr retired and was bought out by this office. I've tried to give them a chance but it's the most incompetent office I've ever dealt with. My first check up was with the RN which was horrible - she rushed me and barely answered my questions and didn't warn me of side effects of a new medication. Yesterday I scheduled time to talk to the doctor on the phone today about serious topics and because I had such a bad experience with the RN but I never received the call. I call to find out their office is closed during the time they scheduled me and i called the messaging center to be told they don't know when they can call me back. When I finally got in contact with them I was told the dr was out of the day and they don't know why she didn't call me and can't get in contact with her. Like what?? HORRIBLE SERVICE!!! I regret coming here so much and now I have to deal with this BS. They don't care about their patients! Go at your own risk. read more

Horrible! Was a patient of Lollar's for years and now that he's out on medical leave Helen is taking his patients. Been here a couple times in the past couple months and I can no longer do it! The long wait is insane, had a UTI and Helen takes hours (still no word) on getting a simple urine test!! The staff didn't enter my insurance info (hadn't changed in two years) I keep getting bills $400 for an annual pap that is 0$ I agree with Ashley's 1 Star Review read more

Dr. Matthews did a hysterectomy surgery for me. I was referred to her by another well known obstetrician & gynecologist (Dr. Emil Eyvazzadeh). I was told she is the BEST. And I wholeheartedly agree that she truly is the BEST. Her bedside manner is wonderful. She is very easy to talk to. Dr. Matthews took the time to explain everything in detail to me on both visits prior to surgery. She never seemed to be in a rush. My surgery went smoothly and I am healing well. Her office is beautiful. The office staff is great, very friendly and respectful. No long waits during my visits and I was taken in for my appointments right on time. Overall a very good experience with Dr. Matthews and her staff. Dr. Matthews thank you for taking very good care of me! read more

This Dr. did not care for my health. I visited this office twice. Every member of the office staff made their own large mistake from over billing me, failing to inform me of changes to my appointment, giving me incomplete medical advice, and saying the gender of my baby when asked not to. I called emailed asking for help with a pressing health concern and the office (not the Dr.) called back a week later and left a voicemail telling me to drink plenty of water and then go to the hospital if symptoms persisted - two extremes and no offer to see me in the Dr.'s office. read more

I had the best experience with her today. Her office was absolutely so kind to me when I was running late and assured me that they would still be able to see me (thank you to the sweet woman on the phone!). The whole office was attentive, professional and aware. It was such a great experience to be treated like a cared for patient. Dr. Matthews and the nurse practitioner both saw me and it was evident through our conversation the amount of care they both had for my concerns and overall well-being. I would recommend & return to both Dr. Matthews and the nurse practitioner. The CNA- was also very kind, focused, professional and caring. Thank you so much for your care!! I was able to call my sister who agreed- this is a great office. When I have to come back I know where to go! read more

My daughter delivered a healthy baby boy under Dr. Matthews and Rehka's care. My daughter was treated as a high risk patient and her health and safety as well as the baby's were always the priority. Dr. Matthews listened and allowed my daughter the opportunity to voice her concerns and expectations for her delivery without compromising her safety. The office staff is great and I would not hesitate to be a patient of Dr. Matthews. read more

Dr. Matthews delivered both of our babies (2018 and 2022) in 2018 she had just taken on Dr. Lollars patients and was understandably overwhelmed with the influx of extra patients. I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Matthews, Rehak the nurse practitioner, and the front desk staff! They helped me even the weeks after my delivery with birth control, clogged ducts, etc. read more

In reading a lot of the latest reviews it would seem that 2018 is not a good year for Dr. Matthews. I can add my name to the list of dissatisfied patients. In April I was experiencing post menopausal bleeding which I was assured wasn't that unusual, even though it had been 6 + years since my last period. At first she seemed very nice, reassuring and seemed to care. She recommended a biopsy of my uterus to rule out cancer and warned me of the discomfort and also told me that sometimes the in office procedure doesn't work in which case I would then need to go to the hospital, and get it done with anesthesia. Fine, and of course it didn't work so I made an appt for my $20,000 outpatient procedure. Yeah, you read that right. $20,000 Luckily I had met my deductible this year so my portion was $1300. Still, a lot of money but worth it if it rules out cancer. Upon waking from my procedure in the recovery room, she comes in and tells me that once again No Luck! I'm barely conscious mind you and that's all she says. My husband then comes in and asks to see the dr after I tell him what I think she just said and is informed she's already gone. Would he like them to call her to which he says Yes. He talks to her and she reconfirms that she wasn't able to do the biopsy and would get back to me by the end of the week with our "next step". I have called her and left a message, I have withheld payment and when billing called told them why I was not paying and they said they'd tell her I was still waiting for a call. It's now August! Am I to assume that suddenly my possible cancer is no longer a threat because this dr can't seem to perform a biopsy. I don't think so. She must have been out the day her graduating class took the Hippocratic oath. read more

Sadly not a good experience with Dr Matthews. I really wanted this to be my gyn. First appt was cancelled 15 min before the time I was scheduled because she was late in surgery. No one called me to reschedule. I had to chase it myself. I felt she was rushed, cold, she was not caring or concerned about my health questions. Didn't want to order blood work I asked for. I've never had a gyn not be helpful. So strange. I was having pain in my ovaries, but after realzing that she wanted to sit in her office. I decided to not say anything and go see another doctor after this appt. Dr. Matthews spent ZERO time getting to know me at my first appointment. I have never had a doctor not want to know the patients. I tried to ask questions and be personable and vulnerable. I had a lot of questions to ask but when I realized she did not want to help me, I resigned my confidence and belief in her. I hope she reads these reviews and takes action on the feedback. Lastly, my cat gets better care and the vet than I got from "Dr" Matthews. Sad. read more

After what I have experienced with this office the only think I can say is RUN away and don't look back!!! They deserve 0 stars but I had to enter something! I went in for a biopsy due to an abnormal pap in November 2021 and went back shortly thereafter due to a strong foul odor in my urine after the procedure. I made an appointment, gave a specimen and waited for results. When I didn't hear back within a week, I called back to check myself and the nurse practitioner told me I had no bladder infection and I could stop antibiotics. I followed those orders. She did not ask me to come back in due to my original concerns of intense odor be further examined as the bladder infection came back negative She just said I was good to go no bladder infection. Fast forward a month and a half and I become seriously ill on Christmas Eve. I could not get out of bed, becoming more lethargic and my daughter was able to get me an urgent care appt for 12/29/21. The urgent care Dr. ruled out Covid and the Flu but took blood tests for my kidneys. They called the next morning and told my daughter to get me to Valleycare emergency ASAP. I was admitted to the hospital on 12/30/21 through Jan 1/22. 3 days over the holidays due to a severe kidney infection. I called to dispute the $466 charges due to circumstances and the billing person told me the charges were for the procedure and that they would not make any adjustment to my bill $466 even though all I'd been through and shared with her. She was extremely rude and when I mentioned seeking legal guidance she said that may just be the best way to go. Had no care of what I had been through just cared about the invoice. I sat in a hospital bed for 3 days which will cost me thousands of dollars and they don't have the common decency to allow any grace. I did not become ill until after this procedure. This is no crazy coincidence! My urine issue was overlooked. They brushed off my follow up concerns of intense odor in my urine with just the results of a pee test. If that is thorough medical care I question the capability and integrity of Dr. Matthews, her Physicians assistant, office staff and billing personnel. I would not recommend this office to my worst enemy. This has been emotionally devestating , words cannot describe. To be made felt like this has nothing to do with them is mind numbing. To spend my holidays sick, alone in the hospital and needing to miss 2 weeks of work has been rough. Now to wait for the hospital bills to start rolling in oh and not to mention the $466 they still expect me to pay them. What a great way to start 2022. Like I said earlier RUN!!!!!! Your health and well being depend on it. Use the Google Maps app Continue read more

Awful office! They scheduled me for my first prenatal appointment. When they later found out that I might be moving to a different state in a month, they cancelled my appointment because "it's complicated to transfer a patient's papers to another doctor's office". That's the dumbest thing I've heard in a long time. Transferring a patient's papers to a different office is very routine. Basically, since they can't make the maximum amount of profit from me, they decided to cancel my appointment. Didn't get a chance to meet the doctor, but from the way the office rep spoke to me, I could tell the practice treats its patients as nothing but cash cows. read more

The office is clean and the staff are friendly, BUT THE OFFICE IS TERRIBLE AT COMMUNICATION. They do not respond to voicemails or emails, it is infuriating. read more

Dr. Matthews is fabulous. She's easy to work with, nonjudgmental, and capable of being very clear and direct, which is nice, and a sometimes rare gift with Dr's. She provided my care and delivered my son and will be delivering my second child as well. Even when things got rough with my health at the end of my last pregnancy, I had absolute confidence in Dr. Matthews and at no point was I concerned. I knew I was in safe hands. I have a terrible fear of surgery and would be quite confident to undergo a c-section with Dr. Matthews if medically necessary. She did a beautiful job stitching up my 2nd degree tears after my son was born and I have healed (somewhat better than?) as good as new. I always do first thing appointments and never wait more than 10 minutes. My husband always comes with me, and she is patient and supportive and always willing to answer my (sometimes lists of) questions. read more

First of all I want to start this review by saying Dr Matthews is a great doctor, she is very professional and polite. Her office staff is really nice and answered all my questions. I have seen some bad reviews on here, don't let theses reviews scare you, She is great! To be completely honest she gets her job done and she does it very well and that's all that really matters to me. read more

I've been going to Dr. Matthews for a couple of years now, and I am so thankful to be one of her patients. It's rare to find a Dr. who makes you feel like you are more than just a number on a chart, and that make you feel like they actually care about you. I'm pregnant with my first child, and have emailed Dr. Matthews several times with different questions. Each and every time, she's gotten back to me within just a couple of hours. I know that having her own practice keeps her a busy woman, and the fact that she takes the time to provide information and reassurance in a timely manner is invaluable to me. read more

Went in at 8.5 weeks pregnant for my first appointment with Dr. Matthews today and because my husband just recently started a new job, we have not yet received our insurance cards yet but we absolutely have active insurance. We had no way to access our online portal until next week, because of this the Dr refused to see me even though I offered multiple times to pay in full for my services that I would need for my appointment and then deal with my insurance later once I received the cards/information...reason being? Because "she prefers not to do it that way" not because of policy or anything of the sort, it was very clear that they do it, just not today. Unbelievably disappointed in how I was treated today, there is no excuse for the situation. I will absolutely NOT be back. read more

I haven't been to Dr. Matthews in quite some time and I finally got the time to go and do my yearly female checkup. Liz in the front office is very sweet and professional. She makes you feel so comfortable and is very helpful. She has been working for Dr. Mathews for years and they are a great fit. Dr. Matthews is AWESOME. She is very personable, cheerful, knowledgeable and makes you feel so comfortable. Years ago before I had went to her, I have had other exams and 1, the person doing the exam was never as cool as her, and 2, it was very uncomfortable. With Dr. Matthews, she is so quick and efficient. Before I knew it I was done. I know we all get nervous doing those yearly exams as im sure we've all experienced uncomfortable exams, but not with her! And not to mention, I love how she has an emergency line so you can get ahold of her after business hours. She is awesome and I will continue going to her and when I have my first child, she will definitely be my #1 choice for my doctor. Thanks Dr. Matthews! read more

I've never felt more disrespected. I'm 16 and this was my first gyno visit. Intimidating enough as it is, the nurse was rude to my mother because she didn't know she couldn't come in for the first half of the appointment. The doctor was horrid to me because I told her I prefer to fix my issues the most natural way possible. She treated me like I was stupid! She even called my functional medicine doctor a "charlatan" even though I told her the supplements I got from this supposed charlatan helped me more than anything. When my mother was let in, she had my back, and explained how we're against CERTAIN forms of contraceptives and doctor Helen Matthews ever so rudely says "well it's not YOUR decision it's HERS." I mean, she never even asked me nor my mom why were against some of these things, as if we didn't know what we were talking about. The visit awkwardly ended as my mother and I walked out in shock of how we were treated. I hate to leave a review like this, but wether you're having a bad day or you simply disagree with a patients lifestyle, it is never okay to judge or disrespect someone because of their lifestyle. Especially if I'm paying you to help me. read more

I had the occasion to find a new doctor and Dr. Matthews was recommended. With all of the challenges with the new ACA and networking issues, there was an initial question as to if she was or was not networked with Blue Shield EPO, but after a few clarifying calls between Blue Shield and her office, that was quickly cleared up and it was confirmed she IS in network with the Shield EPO plan. The office is very quiet and LIZ at the front desk very attentive and friendly. There was nobody else in the waiting room, and although I arrived early thinking there were forms to complete, it all took less than five minutes, with the doctor taking the health history in the room during our initial meeting. thus reducing the endless paperwork ahead of time. Dr. Matthews herself is very friendly and easy to chat with: answering any and all questions in a comforting manner. I highly recommend Dr. Helen Matthews to anyone looking for a new provider of care. read more

Dr. Matthews is wonderful. I recently switched to her from my other OBGYN and I couldn't be happier . I feel like I made the best decision ever. She is super professional and incredibly sweet you really can't ask for more then that . I loved the fact that she sees you for your exams not a nurse. Dr Matthews spend a long time talking with me and making me feel very comfortable . She even calls you personally with your lab results , which is not very common with other practices . I highly recommend her!!!!!! read more

I just want to add on that my baby medical issues are for life. He had two major surgeries and more to follow throughout his life. Helen Matthew, you need to reflect on your professionalism. read more

Do not go in there! Dr. George ordered ridiculous lab orders that cost me $500 after insurance!! The problem was so common it is ridiculous! This is unacceptable!! read more

I had my first (and last) appt this past week. I went in with one issue and my yearly pap and check up. Dr. Matthews was highly recommended, however, my experience was far from positive. I was seen by the nurse practitioner, not once did I meet Dr. Matthews. I had a cyst on the panty line and the nurse practitioner used a pin to open it and when that didn't really work she tried popping it with her fingers. No deadening the area nothing. She did somewhat of a breast exam, I do better in the shower, and I think she did a pap but can't swear to it. Call me zany but when I make an appt with a doctor I want to SEE the doctor, especially if it's my first time. read more

This is the worst doctor I have ever encountered. I will skip the long story and just day she is a very rude, insensitive, "doctor" with no bed side manor. She should not be allowed to practice medicine. After reading some of her other patients horror stories it makes complete sense. For those of you who use this atrocity of obgyn do so at your own risk. She is more like a car mechanic then a doctor. Ask yourself if you want this hack delivering your child. read more

Wish I had read the reviews before I came here. My appointment was to go over a handful of health issues I have been having. I was her last appointment and she wanted to go home as she walked out while I was checking out. I explained a few issues and to all she said were not issues... she even laughed some of them off, very snarky. A month or so later I got a uti, something I am very familiar with. I called and asked for antibiotics, was told I HAD to come in for a urine test so they knew what antibiotics to give me. I explained it was a challenge for me to leave the house, they refused. I had my husband get azo so I could leave the house, called back. I told them I took azo and I had blood in my urine, I needed fo do the test. Thankfully I asked how long after the test I could get the antibiotics ... 3 days! I was told to go to the urgent care. Here's where things get comical ! The urgent care doctor told me they couldn't do a urine test because I took the azo. I explained I had these before and she asked what antibiotics I usually get. She prescribed them no questions asked. I asked why my doctor would do this and have me waiting uncomfortable and in pain. She said she had no idea why she would do this to me. I called back only to have the receptionists argue with me. You were going to have me wait 3 days in pain for a test that wouldn't have been able to work regardless?! No offer for a prescription for relief from this while I waited or anything? This walks the line of malpractice if you ask me! read more

Warning: no curtains! I have only been seen once in this office but I would not recommend it until they install privacy curtains in every exam room. Although Dr Matthew's web site says that she cares deeply about the comfort of her patients, the office set-up does not support it. I went in April 2019 for a procedure. I was asked to undress in a room that opened on the reception desk without a curtain, and plop myself on an exam table that aimed my genitals right at that (open) door. When I insisted, they moved me to a back hallway room (without curtains) and did a fine job with the visit. I asked the NP to address the concern w Dr. Matthews. One month later, nothing changed so I complained to the office manager. 2 months later they are "working on it." All they would have to do is rotate the exam tables 90 degrees and patients would have some privacy. Dr. Matthews probably does care about her patients but I would find someone more patient-centered in their behaviors as well as their words, if you can. read more

The absolute best experience that I have had. Dr.Matthews takes her time and is very helpful in all aspects of pregancy. Mind and body. I look forward to the rest of this prenatal journey with Dr.Matthews and her amazing staff. read more

Dr. Matthews is definitely not a very warm doctor. At my first appt she seemed very cold and made no effort to get to know me or my medical background. On that visit I made an appt for an annual check up for 3/19 and to my surprise the office called me yesterday to let me know I need to reschedule my appt as the doctor wasn't available that day! Based on my very cold first encounter with Dr Matthews I told the lady on the phone thanks but I'll go somewhere else. Why is it so hard for Doctors to have good bedside manners. After all I am a paying customer with amazing health coverage. Sadly I get better customer service shopping at Nordstrom!! I wish I read her reviews on here before I went to see her. Found a new doctor and fingers crossed she will be more human and less robotic!! read more

My experience with her has been nothing but amazing! I've only been to one other gynecologist whom I absolutely did NOT like, so I was a bit nervous to switch. She made everything so easy. She listened to all my questions, was calm, patient, and never rushed anything. I had to get my nexplanon (arm implant) removed and I decided to switch to an IUD. I was really scared of the pain of doing this switch, but she made me feel so comfortable. It barely hurt and everything was so nice. The whole office & staff is super sweet. I would definitely recommend her practice to all of my friends. read more

Dr. Matthew's delivered my baby girl in January 2019. She is really a fantastic doctor. Due to my advanced maternal age, she closely monitored my pregnancy and ended up delivering her via C- section three weeks early. The delivery went very well, and several nurses commented on how excellent the incision was. The healing process went great. I understand that doctors have a lot of patents and are extremely busy. However, she was so attentive and communicative, she always made me feel like a priority. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for an exceptional and caring doctor. read more

I had to find a new ob/gyn last year due to insurance issues. My only option in Castro Valley was Dr. Matthews for my annual exam. Long waits, dreary office and exam rooms, no one to check in and tell you it'll be a 45 minute wait even though you were first appt. of the day and you know the dr. is there because you can hear her laughing and chatting with other patients/staff. I left without being seen with no apologies or assurances I would be seen anytime soon. Not impressed and can't recommend as I haven't spent more than 5 minutes with this dr. in two visits. read more