my family loves Dr. Kwako. He is thorough in explaining everything to you. He suggests going the natural route before going with pharmaceuticals which is rare wi doctors nowadays. It's rare too when you can get an appointment on the same week as opposed to month. read more

I'm so thankful for Dr Kwako and his openness to alternative forms of healing. He has a very open mind. I believe he strives to help us heal without so many of the toxic pharmaceuticals that are out there. He is not perfect and his personality can come across as a bit dry. I admire the fact that he is a spiritual person, always striving for truth and enlightenment. Dr. Kwako has helped me through some difficult relationship and healing dilemmas within my family. He has a lot of wisdom. We need more doctors like this. read more

Loving, caring, understands the human body can restore itself & will help if otherwise needed. Very good on the human Spirit which means almost everything to me! read more

Had some pro's and con's to visiting Dr. Kwako. I've been experiencing back pain for the better part of two years. I have already gone through physical therapy and was hoping to get some additional info about the injury. Long story short, we got an x-ray and nothing abnormal. He wants me again to go to PT to fix an issue we don't know anything about. Given the level of pain and PT not working previously, I asked to get an MRI so we could pinpoint the issue and then work to correct it, or decide if surgery is the best course of action. He refused to give/recommend me for an MRI. Dr. Kwako basically said that the way he does business is for me to go to PT and then ONLY have an MRI if I 100% know I want surgery.... This is backwards thinking and only supports the Western Medicine way of forcing patients to spend an abnormal amount of money before they are willing to help you. Besides, why try to treat something when you don't know what's causing the pain? Makes sense to get as much information as possible and then discuss a treatment plan. I only think this is fair since PT didn't work for me the first time.. read more

Terrible, rude bedside manner. Never called me back and then scolded me for calling again after two weeks. He told me I should not have children. Sadly I can't anyway. That was beyond cruel. I've never had an issue with any doctor before this. This was traumatic! read more

I found these comments interesting. I absolutely have no animosity regarding Dr. Kwako, but my own personal story might be illuminating; maybe even funny or entertaining? I hope "entertaining!" Nearly 40-years ago, I was a guest/patient at the famous "Meadowlark" retreat in Hemet California. This was a beautiful medical resort started by Dr. Everts Loomis (sometimes called the "father of holistic medicine"). Dr. Kwako was the new supervising physician and, under his care, I went on a 2 - 3 week fast (water only). Close to the end of my fast, I developed lesions all over my body. I told Dr. Kwako I was getting "weird pustules on my body." (Joke, I suppose), but he said, "That's because you're a weirdo." (Funny how you remember such statements?) He said that my body was "detoxing" and that the lesions were a positive sign of good results; and to continue-on with the fast. Driving back to Santa Barbara I became very ill. Luckily, I was able to see a dermatologist in the San Fernando Valley. His first question was, "Have you been fasting?" He explained what was happening, and that the "detox lesions" were actually Staph infections (a direct result of fasting) that were taking over my body ... and, could have been life-threatening. Luckily, I had friends in the area and stayed in Van Nuys while the anti-biotic medication took care of the "detox" lesions. Um ... staph infection! Look, everybody is entitled to a little boo-boo now and then! Enjoy! read more

Dr. Kwako was very thorough in my first examination. He listened intently and I felt comfortable with him. It was important to have an immediate appointment, so lucky for me, I was able to be seen within the week. , After having blood work done he explained the results, which were very complex in terms I could understand - better then any other general MD had done for me in the past. And finally, prescribed remedies to current condition which has now resolved itself. I like the fact that he is in touch with alternative medicines. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Kwako for a couple of decades. He was the first in his field to venture into integrative medicine; he is a definite trail blazer. He doesn't just give treatments that fit the mainstream Pharma narrative, he gives you treatment that works. He is part western doctor, part healer, part shaman, part wise sage, and part Eastern doctor. Sure, he can get uptight and crabby if he is stressed, but what doctor doesn't? I cannot say enough good things about Dr Kwako and now that I have moved to NC, my appreciation for an excellent doctor like Dr Kwako has only become greater. read more

I went in to solidify a doctor and possibly have him recommend treatment for my mental health. I told him about my issues with anxiety and he went quiet for a few minutes and finally spoke up. However when he did, all he said was "what would you like me to do about this". I said I wasn't sure because I had no experience with help in mental health. He kind of just smirked at me and gave me a couple numbers to call but that was about it. This was an awful thing to hear as it has taken a lot in me to work up the courage to admit my mental health struggles. For someone to just seemingly disregard it felt terrible. He then told me to go sit in the lobby afterwards and finish my paper work. I sat there for a few minutes thinking he would come back out and say goodbye or thank you or something. But I got nothing after that. I heard him then taking care of another patient on the phone. I left my appointment feeling very awkward and disappointed. I do not feel comfortable going back to the doctor. read more

I went to this guy once for a standard physical and he was extremely awkward and had me do things that weren't standard for any other physical I had to do before. I had to have a prescription refilled for something so routine that I've never had to go for a recheck for this, but he said I had to come in for it anyway. Done with him. Highly do NOT recommend. Awful receptionist also. read more

Dr. Kwako is by far one of the best doctors I have ever had. He asks lots of questions and spends time getting to know exactly what is bothering you physically or mentally. He looks at whole picture before prescribing meds and prefers natural remedy over Rx. He does have supplements there in the office but you are free to purchase them anywhere if you want to try that route first. He lets you decide. he takes tons of notes during the visit and checks progress continually. read more

Dr. Kwako sent in a diagnosis to my insurance company based on a confidential conversation we had without my knowing he had diagnosed me. He did not treat me for the condition he diagnosed and did not disclose he was sending this in to the insurance. The sole reason I was at the office in the first place was because he called me in to review my yearly blood work. That was the only reason I was there. He then led me into a conversation about my life and what was going on. I foolishly told him thinking this was doctor patient confidentiality. As a result, I may be dropped by my health insurance company. Do not trust this doctor! read more

Dr. Kwako is brimming with information, compassion, and a track record of success treating patients with chronic illnesses such as ME (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), Fibromyalgia, and Lyme disease. He always looks for the non drug solution first and is very much in favor of empowering patients with natural wellness strategies including nutrition, natural supplements, and lifestyle changes. I have had the pleasure of calling Dr. Kwako my doctor for 20+ years and he is a hero of mine and a hero of many patients. read more

Pretty rough, I'll be honest. I have gone to him for awhile and every time, he looks at me like I'm a new person. In addition, he doesn't seem to listen to what I say and asks the same question 3-4 times. I had an injured toe that was clearly swollen. When I asked him to take a look at it, he looked at my foot and focused on the wrong toe (all the others were ok). I was like...huh? I'm not really sure what's going on there but its hard to find a good doctor in SB. Also it can be very hard set up an appt here. I want to be happy with going to this practice but this isn't very good. read more

Epic FAIL in every possible respect. I've never been so disappointed in any medical professional. Nothing was resolved. There wasn't even a step taken towards resolution. This man should not have a license to practice. I am outraged. read more

Worst doctor EVER!!!!!!! I can't believe I have to even give him one star. Save your time and money people. I have seen him for years and he still doesn't know my name. Constantly forgetful and consistently prescribes the wrong medication even though he has your chart in front of you. One time he prescribed my friend a medication that she is allergic to and that is IN HER CHART and her kidneys almost shut down. Don't think about calling him and asking for advice he will charge you for a "phone call fee" if you need to ask a minor question. He won't give you attention unless you are old and have money or if you're willing to spend even more money on overpriced supplements you can find at CVS. If you give poor service expect poor reviews. I have warned all my friends in the area of this crook. read more

I am so happy that I finally found a kind, caring doctor who didn't immediately want to put me on medication. I had a very positive experience and recommend him highly. But not too highly, I don't want his office to get too busy. read more

I went to see Dr. Kwako at the recommendation of my chiropractor. I went in primarily for a routine physical, which went fine. While there, I also inquired about getting tested for food allergies, which he said he could help with. I was very clear with him that I needed it to be IN NETWORK with my insurance otherwise I couldn't do it. He showed me a brochure from Genova Diagnostics and showed my insurance carrier on the list, so I agreed to go through with it. Long story short, they are NOT in network and now I have a huge bill I can't afford to pay. Thanks for nothing! read more

I've been a patient of Dr. Kwko's on and off for maybe 10 years. I've been really healthy so don't really see him for more than an annual physical. He is through, listens well, goes over lab results in detail, and is proactive about talking healthy lifestyle and alternative medicine. I would highly recommend him as a primary care physician. read more

Dr. kwako is a wonderful man, and a caring physician. I came into his office in the throes of menopause feeling bedraggled. and exhausted. I have experienced a miraculous energy level because of him and have embarked on some entirely new interests. He's pure gold and I thank my lucky stars I found him. read more

Have gotten the complete run around on prescription follow through. Called in to have an RX renewed, and was told to contact pharmacy to have them call the office for renewal. Spoke personally with the doctor to do this, then received a call back to schedule an appointment before getting the prescription. I scheduled and had office visit, and was told that they'd call the pharmacy. Went to pharmacy the next day, and the RX was not called in. Called Kwako's office and they said that they would create a new RX. Went to pharmacy again, and the RX was for less doses and less refills. This is the third time that I've had a problem with prescriptions and feel like I'm spinning my wheels and am extremely frustrated with the process. The time wasted is incomprehensible. read more

Dr Kwako has always provided me with excellent care and advise. I really appreciate that he offers non-drug solutions. My experiences have been great. read more

This man is dangerous. I went to him because I had taken a class at Adult Ed. Even though we belong to the same social group and I had taken classes from him, he acted like he didn't know me. Worse yet, he was rude and impatient. He ran a lot of blood tests and even though my Thyroid levels showed borderline, he kept increasing the dosage as well as selling me more "supplements" from his office. I regretfully went back several times, each time telling him I felt worse instead of better. He kept increasing my Thyroid medication and supplements. I finally stopped going after I took a Thyroid prescription to my Pharmacist and he alerted me that he never fills that high of a dosage and would have to special order it. He asked if I'd had my Thyroid removed and I said no and that my Thyroid levels were borderline "low'. He looked shocked and shook his head. I asked him not to order the medication and quickly found another Dr. read more

I have been completely disillusioned by the standard health care system. I always felt like I was "just a number." When I discovered dr. Kwako, it was a relief. He can usually get me in for an appointment in very short notice. He actually sits down, looks me in the eyes, and asks me questions so he fully understands what my symptoms are. I love that he uses a mix of eastern and western medicine for diagnosis and treatment. And, when needed, he has referred me elsewhere, well aware of where his scope of practice ends, and an outside referral needs to be made. I greatly appreciate his kindness and empathy. read more