I had only one session with her and it was weird--and then I read the reviews about her unprofessional approach. I had contacted her by email through the Psychology Today website. When I got there she read to me from what was clearly someone else's message, saying so this is why you're here. I said that is not my story, you must have me mixed up with someone else. I suppose anyone could make that mistake, but she doubled down and insisted it was me. Then later, she asked me about my experience living in another country. I said, again, that isn't me, I never lived in that country--and she insisted again, that I'd had these experiences that weren't mine at all. I felt like I'd walked into a Stephen King story in which a therapist tries to implant a patient with some kind of alternative memory. Avoid her if you value your own sense of self! read more

I have been with this doctor for many years. Simply the best of the best! Five stars! The doctor will walk through any issue you may be having with great care! read more

I cannot emphasize these two points enough: 1. Do not judge Helen by your first visit (unless it is terrible). She typically puts her best foot forward but it is a total misrepresentation of her intentions and abilities. 2. Sort Zocdoc reviews by lowest rated before deciding to see her. The only reason she appears to be well rated on there is because she pressures people (and not even subtly!) to leave a review there after the first visit (i.e. the only visit when she pretends to be a professional). I am still a little too shaken up by my three visits with her to go into detail here, but I feel I need to warn others that this person is a danger to your well-being who will ask you unhinged questions and berate you for not going with the flow of her wildly unprofessional behavior. Do not be fooled by your first impression if it is a good one. She is diabolical and the opposite of a mental health professional. She does things I have never seen professionals in any industry do to their clients, let alone those in the mental health field. Horrifying. read more

Yes.. Helen is no joke, in the way a great therapist should be! She wants you to get better, if "you" want to get better...I literally went to her because of the negative reviews on yelp. I used to be personal trainer and people used to come to me and expect me to change them, do the work for them.. Its not the way it works.. I wanted a therapist who was going to call me on my Shit. I knew I was coming in with a "mask" on, I actually told her this.. I said.. "Don't let me get away with anything". I know I am a very smart individual, so I needed someone sharper than myself. I really needed help when we first started.. I was broken. Fast forward about 4 months.. I did ALOT of journaling, ALOT of reading, ALOT of crying and I am managing to get to a better place in my life with Helen's help and her straightforward honesty.. I hated that I had to face the Darkness inside of me but Helen was there holding my hand the whole way, into it and out of it.. I am in a better place now and I continue to keep working on myself. read more

She's very charming the first session, then it's all downhill. She asks offensive out-of-date questions that I won't mention because they are just too weird. She'll cut sessions short, text and make phone calls all while you're at your most vulnerable state. She brags about being in the business for 49 years but she doesn't really do anything but half-listen and only fully listen if you give her a compliment. She brags about living in Westchester but I'm from the West Coast so that brag means nothing to me. Don't trust her, you'll regret it. read more

She is awful. I went to her years ago and still remember how horrible she was. She would talk about herself, wasn't helpful, and talked about her other clients. She tried to set me up with one of her clients. When I told her that was unprofessional, she hung up on me. She is an awful representation of the profession. read more

I had a good impression of Helen the first time, she seemed very professional and knowledgeable. But the interruptions were ridiculous, I went to the office on Manhattan, she has nobody to assist her so she just pause you to open the door or answer the phone. Next time I went she asked me if I was on a rush, she said she was going to see someone else first (even tho I was there earlier) because she wanted to spend an hour with me and she didn't have any other client. Actually, more people came. Once I get in the office she told me to set the timer for an hour, but she was very odd. She even asked me about the differences on bipolar I or II and talked about other client. Then she asked me how I felt in my previous sessions and then she interrupted to look for a cough drop and use the restroom. When she finally comes back I lost my line of thoughts and it wasn't even 30 minutes when she was asking me to leave because she had other people to see. I was very confused and disappointed by her attitude. I don't think she cares about anything else but money. A waste of time! read more

Besides filling me and my son's head up with a bunch of empty compliments/fake flattery and telling me to ship him off to military school if he's unable to resolve his own mental health issues, the "office", which is a filthy basement, and service is mediocre at best. Something about her is strange, during the first session, she told us about one of her patients who was a 9-year-old boy who ejaculated in his bathtub, saw "white stuff" and became afraid to speak to his parents about it (she bragged on herself about making a breakthrough), the during the session she indicated that it was okay if my son had an oedipus complex (not sure where that came from as his only struggle at this time is highschool). Plenty of interruptions on her part during the session. Pushing me to have therapy alongside my son, which should be 90 minutes, but is usually less than a half hour. Asked for a school note stating her diagnosed for my son by email and was ignored. This was a waste of time and sadly, my son has only gotten worse instead of progressing. I believe this is just a hustle for her and she can care less about patients. read more

Dr Helen Schwartz knows you're checking out her reviews on ZocDoc. That's why she'll push you, as she does with everyone (including the person who wrote the positive review below this), to leave a review after your first visit. And your first visit will be fine. A little dingy, but fine. She'll be very sweet and see you more or less on time. After that, things get weird. "Weird" is being generous. It would be more accurate to say things get.. Unprofessional: She often runs hours - literally, hours - behind schedule (see below before you complain to her about this) bc she purposefully overbooks, she falls asleep during sessions, asks you the same questions week after week with seemingly no memory of previous sessions, rushes you in and out...the list goes on. ...and downright irresponsible: I have seen therapists for most of my life and let's just say she's the first one to be openly condescending and even accusatory in the face of vulnerability. I could name several examples, but my "favorite" happened on my third and final visit when, after waiting for over two hours after my scheduled appt time, I let her know when she stepped out between "sessions" that I had to get going because I had plans with my sister. Her response was to ask me - in front of a full waiting room! - how old I was when I was "molested." (Fortunately no such thing had ever happened to me, but regardless...what?!! WHAT?! This woman should not have whatever license she has, and it freaks me out to think that people who really need help put their well-being in her negligent hands. I mean...what?! You don't have to take my word for it, though. Just sort ZocDoc reviews by "lowest rated" and you'll find plenty of reports to corroborate my points. This will forever go down as the strangest medical experience I've ever had. It's become a funny story in my house, but I do feel genuinely concerned that others seeking help will wind up in harm's way (i.e. Helen's "office"/basement) just because she'll happily swipe their insurance card. Do not go see her, and, if you do, don't be fooled by your first visit. You'll find no help here, truly. read more

I was recommended to her by my doctor, since I was going through a rough time, and had voiced the need to talk to someone. I am so glad that I was referred to her, because she is great. I feel safe and secure meeting her in her space, as it is a space that is private, clean, and comfortable. Her office is in Bay Ridge, but the commute is worth it. She's an important and inspiring professional, and I am so so glad that I am blessed with her as a confidant and teacher. I have to also give a shout-out to Stacy who is super sweet and makes waiting around and checking out a painless experience :) read more

I was referred to Helen a few months ago, but couldn't see her due to schedule conflict. However, It turned out I needed her again and boy am I happy I visited. After just one visit I can tell she is GREAT at what she does. She makes you feel right at home in her cozy little office space, which doesn't make you feel like you are some kind of clinical patient. She is attentive and ask very personal questions without making you feel like you are being interrogated or violated. I have more visits with her and I am honestly looking forward to them. So far so Good.NO COMPLAINTS whatsoever. Her assistant Stacey was also very sweet. 5 STARS AND TWO THUMBS UP. read more

I had a handful of visits, I went to see her after I read good reviews on zocdoc...most of which I see how they could be true if you left out a lot of things or only saw her once. At first I loved her. I felt like she was so caring. (This was my first visit to a psychotherapist btw) but as time went on I realized she wasn't all that caring actually. She would be on the phone more concerned about other people or texting or interrupting to talk about her own life. She lacks professionalism. One time I came to her office early while nobody else was waiting (SHOCKER: the wait is usually about an hour) and she told me to wait for her there while she went and did her nails. When I said no she got snobby and told me I'm a bad listener? Like she felt attacked so she attacked me? We had our session, that is supposed to be 45 minutes but is actually 20, and she was on her phone as per usual. That was my last visit there. I do not recommend her at all. She is fake nice and very unprofessional. read more

I had my first session about two weeks ago. The first session I filled out paper work while she was with another client. After that she informed me she may or may not take notes and their maybe some calls she would have to answer. This session last about 20 mins. I thought so felt comfortable speaking to her until my second visit. This time it seemed as if she was in a hurry to go to the bank so once again this session did not last long, from my knowledge one sessions is usually 45 min to one hour long. She said something to me I didn't like; try to work in a hospital and get with a doctor. Helen knows I am in a relationship so for her to make a comment like that was inappropriate. For this is the reason I decided not to return. read more

After hearing about this place from my primary care physician, I decided to hop on board since the location was in the neighborhood. So glad that I did! Helen is so informative and caring. Sure, she tends to get backed up from time to time and she's always running around. But besides that, she really listens and gives great advice. She's highly qualified and I love what she's done with the office. She keeps the place very calm and quiet, definitely a comfortable environment. The girls that sit at the front desk are very sweet as well, especially Stacy. Helen tends to stay late, so she's able to accommodate with hectic schedules. She accepts just about every health insurance, even medicaid! So that's very convenient. If you're looking for a good shrink, definitely see Dr. Schwartz. read more

First of all helen is the best person in the world. Iam 11 years old and I have been going to her for therapy and she is amazing and has helped me out with so many things. She's loving and kind and she will help you out with anything you need help with. Believe me. I have seen people who walk in there crazy like something happened and they walk ok and relaxed. And you should go to her. She helps me with father issues and she tired to help my father and my mom and she is the best at these things. She really cares. From eleven year old Daniel read more

I gave it a good try. I saw her hand full of times. The wait is really long, I mean an hour and a half to talk for only a half an hour? She says 45 minutes, half hour for talking and 15 for her writing. I never heard that before. I still went on with it being I really feel a need for therapy and figured her long standing career has to be worth a bit of hassle. The last time I went to see her, it was so crowded that my knees were touching another and he was a bit odd, sorry but he gave me the creeps. He was babbling on and staring at me and stood in the doorway outside staring at me again. He canceled due to the long wait and I was going to as well but I saw him waiting for me outside and I got nervous. After I finally got in to chat I could feel the pressure of four others waiting to see her and she was distracted. She took two calls and said she feels she should always be there for her patients, they wanted appointments and medical coverage info.wait, I'm talking about something that is happening in my life that is of great concern, aren't I her patient as well? Do you know how distracting and almost embarrassing it is to be near tears of emotional pain and she puts her finger up and says one moment?? Also, As I was speaking, I look up and she was almost on the nod as she does long hours and is well retired, I find this woman to be a scam. She is feeding off her old profession to get as many paid visits as possible and cares nothing about the person sitting on that couch. I also spoke about something we discussed a week ago and she totally forgot it, I guess she didn't write it down in that fifteen minutes. I'm frustrated that I must once again look for someone and hope I don't wind up in some odd situation of someone who doesn't give a damn again. It's hard enough to open up in an office with a stranger. She has appointments online and by phone call and she triple books just to get the pay, trust me. I have watched this game go on for six weeks. Don't waste your time. Very insulting of a situation. She will seem very interested in the first visit which I didn't even get the full amount of time, she says it doesn't always happen that you can have your full visit. I'm amazed the nerve of her greed! Also, I have seen a couple of people say her office is cozy. Let me tell you what is truly is. It's in a basement of a house, the ceilings are low and it's like a tiny L shaped hall with seating. When someone walks in you have to turn to the side so not to touch each other. To me that is sitting in a hallway. It's very very small. She won't even hire someone to take care of her calls and handle appointments. She has one intern meaning no pay for her either. This woman may have been a great therapist but now she traded that skill in for the need for a cushy retirement. read more

Charlatan. Takes phone calls, texts & other visitors while you're in mid sentence. I heard good things about her before but nothing vaguely resembled my experiences. Weeks after my experiences, I spoke to others that have come forth about seeing her & she literally will close for the day & not inform anyone that had appointments. She seems more about money than really avout helping anyone. I switched to another therapist not far from her. That alone made me feel that I took control over my own situation. read more

Do not go to this person. She is very nice the first visit and you will feel she will help you. She presses you to write a positive review. Then, by the 3rd visit she is dismissive, late and walks in giving you 25 minutes instead of 45. She makes you compliment her shoes and if you don't she says you should be glad to have her because she could charge you 500 dollars/session. She is rude and non caring. Do not if you go to her be quick to write that glowing review until you have had several sessions. Then you will find she comes in late and dismisses you early and gets angry when you don't compliment her. Terrible, terrible therapist . I don't give a hoot about her pedicures, new shoes etc. All about her. If you are on medicaid she will make you feel small and unworthy of good care because you are not paying her cash. read more

The most unprofessional "therapist" I have ever met. This woman is nasty, full of herself, gender-biased and provided me with a horrific experience. After feeling completely violated by her within the first 10 minutes of our first appointment, I took a deep breath and told her that I did not want to be given a diagnosis at that point when she barely knew me. After she told me I should be in the kitchen and cleaning all day for my husband rather than seeking work, I was shocked. I kindly told her that her gender roles and values that she kept imposing on me did not match my cultural worldview. She didn't like that I stood up for myself and confronted me telling me that I am too sensitive and cannot receive criticism. I thought maybe she is having a bad day and agreed to return...feeling sick and dreading our next appointment. I tried to cancel and tell her I didn't want to return back but she never returned my calls. At the next session I professionally told her we were not a good fit and she angrily threatened me. Talk about sensitivity to criticism...I think she has a problem with projection as well. She reminded me of how many 5-star ratings she had...(which obviously she does herself) with the true ratings coming to light when real people like myself give her one star. She had been late to both appointments and took calls during the beginning of both sessions which was wildly inappropriate as well. I would recommend this quack, Helen Schwartz, only to my closest enemies. read more