I have been seeing psychiatrists for over the years, and this is the worst experience I have ever had. I have rarely use yelp, but I feel it is my responsibility to write this review If you are in an active crisis, such as suicidal ideation, not only does he not help you, it feels like he is not taking it seriously at all. Chris is amazing. He is very compassionate and calm nature on the phone while booking my apt. I felt at ease and an exhale "finally, a psychiatrist that is going to help me" Dr. John is the complete opposite. After an hour valuation of past and present of previous psychiatrists, he told me that he did not want to treat me. I was too unstable and did not want to take on a person like me. Further, saying that at his time in his career his practice consists of people who come in, and just need refills. My case was just "too much for him". Instead of referring me to another psychiatrist that could take on more intensive needs, he gave me the phone number to the UCLA psych ward. So, if you are looking for a licensed drug pusher, he is your guy. If you are in desperate need of help or in crisis, do not go to him. I have never felt more "shamed" of my disorder, especially with mental illness already having such a bad stigma to begin with. Horrible doctor. read more

Dr. Raiss is an excellent psychiatrist who is committed to the health and well-being of his patients. I would definitely recommend him to my friends and family. Also, I will give praise to his assistant Chris, who is always very helpful and patient with each appointment and billing issue that may arise. read more

We are very satisfied with Dr Raiss across the board. Chris is awesome and we've never had any issues with anything including setting appointments. Highly recommend! read more

I've never felt better. I've been struggling with my condition all my life and have seen a variety of doctors, some helpful, others not. Dr Raiss doesn't "coddle" you; he expects you to be knowledgeable about your illness and have a high-level discussion about it. He's a masterful chemist and has prescribed exactly the right cocktail for me, even though it's a total of five pills per day. It's worth it. I'm worth it. read more

I highly DO NOT recommend Dr. John Raiss. No therapist recommends him either as he is known for being a cold, ARROGANT doctor, with NO bedside manners, NO social-patient skills, NO compassion for how the patient feels. I am not sure who are the people who wrote such false reviews. (Dr. Raiss, must have written them himself signing up as his different clients to write such untrue review of himself!) I was his patient for over a year for my unresolved depression. I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt due to being mislead by the above false reviews. Every single appointment and my experiences were disappointing. He is standoffish, and lacks any compassion or sympathy. He wants you out of his office. He gets upset if he gets calls in weekends. He brushes you off and make you come in for another appointment (even thought seen by him just 2 days before!!!) I was at times confused as to how well he knows his medication when like a guinea pig I was put on different med one after another till one would have the least side effects on me. And still depressed! He was more interested about my sex life and blamed my depression for it!!! He types everything in case there is a 'law suit' so when there is a 'subpoena' he can get paid for providing the information. The only good thing about this doctor is his secretary: Chris. A very sweet kind man who would try to make up for him! Besides the false reviews, Chris was the other reason I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt. I recently switched to another psychiatrist - highly recommended by my therapist. A very dedicated doctor who spent a whole hour to understand my situation. When I took my new medication, I felt so much better immediately that I was pissed at myself for wasting my valuable time with this incompetent doctor. My new doctor not only calls me to see how I am doing, but she also goes out of her way to have any necessary paper work done to facilitate my situation on behalf of the insurance. Dr. Raiss would never do such things and never did when I was his patient. read more

Dr Raiss: Best psychiatrist I've known in my 38 years of seeing psychiatrists. I highly recommend Dr Raiss. When you enter the office every time it's a safe serene atmosphere, very subdued and Chris and Dr Raiss both put you at ease. The depth of Dr Raisss's knowledge surpasses every Dr. I've ever known. He always goes beyond the regular office visit. He looks up alternative Drs and classes and therapies to help with insomnia or reads to you specifically about the complications of drug interactions and takes the time to read to you from books and his computer to answer questions in the most thorough way. He is kind and unassuming for a man with his impressive degrees. I had thought I was schizophrenic as I was evaluated when I was 22 as one but he identified my condition as bi polar for a variety of reasons but mostly because I don't hear voices. He told me more information about myself in the first 3 sessions than all the other Drs combined. I wanted to stop taking one of my drugs that I had been taking since my 30's but he told me of a lady who just stopped taking it and within a year had a breakdown. No one had ever been that concise with me or put it in definable terms or had any answers whatsoever when I would ask of the specific dangers. So for this reason and others I have from the start always felt very safe and confident with his decisions. Dr Raiss and Chris showed what great concern they have for thier patients when I had an emergency and had to get on a plane to see my sister who was about to have a very urgent operation. I was having a 2 hour altercation with CVS over some technicality and they had me waiting for 2 hours. When I called Chris and Dr Raiss himself both realized the urgency of the situation and interceded with CVS and within 10 minutes I was on my way. Just an example of the bond of trust I feel with them. Chris is a doll. We are moving to Italy and needless to say I'm going to miss Dr Raiss. I know Ill never find another of his caliber. He's amazing, has a brilliant mind and had been nothing but wonderful to me. He's a gentle lovely person and one in a million in his field. read more

I get it - off the bat, Dr. Raiss can seem cold and distant. He wants to lead the conversation and ask you questions that are meant to help with your diagnosis. He approaches you from a very clinical standpoint, which is what he is supposed to do - be your doctor, not your best friend. His primary responsibility is to help you with your issues, which is why you went to him in the first place. Once you get to know him, though, he does genuinely care about your well being. He likes to suggest all types of things (not just meds) that will help you. He has a solid understanding of the healthcare system (wacky as it is) and knows how to work it in a way that will help you in the long run. He's great - and I'm sorry for Mickey D's experience below, but I would not discount him for doing his job. And no - I didn't write this review because I was asked to - but rather because I think Dr. Raiss is an exceptional human being. Try him for yourself - and I think you will agree. Also - Chris (the front office chap) is a sweetheart... he'll do whatever he can to get you in, and he always has such a pleasant demeanor. read more

Dr Rais, from a personality perspective is a bit of an acquired taste, very reserved and appears to be distant; however, since being a regular patient for over 5 years, I've come to really enjoy his dry sense of humor and questions regarding my overall health and well-being. I originally sought out his services to continue medication that provides relief for panic attacks. I only see him about 2x per year but the experience is pretty effortless and Chris who manages his office is really super nice, also a bit of an acquired taste in terms of personality but very sweet, caring and professional. So what else do you want! He recently moved offices and the situation is sooo much better. Bigger and the parking is a breeze. He takes insurance and currently accepts mine but even when he wasn't on my plan, I paid out of pocket because that's how confident I was that I was not only receiving the appropriate care but couldn't' bare the thought of going thru another series of awful shrinks before finding a good one! If you need medication on a regular basis, he's your man on the Westside! read more

I've been going to Dr. Raiss for over 6 months now, so I finally feel ready to write a review. He has been great. He seems very up to date on treatment options which I really appreciate. Plus, he actually listens. He gives me the medicines I think I need and doesn't try to force me to start or stop taking anything. The only negative experience I had is when he started me on a new med. I had a pretty strong bad reaction to it and he never returned my call. read more

Reading through these you will discover he treats people that have emotional issues. There are very bio-polar reviews. I have been to several of these Drs.. I think he is very thorough, professional and works hard to keep you off the cocktails of drugs I have found other Drs. to push. He has me of the correct doses and I have been with Drs that just wanted to try all of the new drugs on me creating 2 years of debilitating depression that was mis-diagnosed. Once he gave me depression meds, it all went away like magic. He is not there for therapy. Not sure why these people seem to be expecting it. But he is nice enough. If you want the correct drugs in the least amount of pills, go to Dr. Raiss. read more

My doctor since 2013; even while I lived in NorCal and even after my insurance didn't cover him. I'm a scientifically inclined person & see him as a highly respectable source of knowledge of treatments and contraindications. Never have i felt I couldn't share with him frankly and always get immediate responses to my emails when the phone lines are busy (his assistant Chris and I play phone tag often). He is very resourceful and meticulous about his approach. Is able to pinpoint changes in your behaviors you may not notice and gives you an option to try treatment with compatible Rx - and once treated promptly removes you off it/adjusts dosages as needed. Have recommended to all my friends who have all continued to seek his care. This is the best psychiatrist for those who need Rx calibration and precisely taipored treatment options. read more

I recently terminated my doctor/patient relationship with J. Raiss. He's knowledgeable, clinical, intellectual, etc., but don't expect him to be your therapist. That was my mistake, although, you'd think a doctor you'd been seeing for a few years would provide better support in times of crisis. If you need medication, he's just as good as any I've seen. His assistant, Chris, is a very nice guy. Hope he fares well. read more

I go to Dr. Raiss for my psychiatric need. He seems to know the medications he prescribes very well and is always very quick to identify the cause of any side effects. He types everything down on his computer each time I visit, which allows him to be organized. Best of all, he has his own assistant, Chris, who calls the day before each appointment to remind, and who seems to remember me quite well. (Dr. Raiss is a bit forgetful of his patients). He also has a very east-coast elite feel to his office, evidenced by the wallpaper in the waiting room and stacks of The New Yorker. He takes my cheap-ass Blue cross plan, but I feel I get 5 star service from him. Only thing about St. Johns is that their parking situation is expensive, so bring quarters and park a little bit to the south on 21st or Broadway. They have a really good pharmacy downstairs, called Horton & Converse. read more

The folks giving Dr. Raiss one or two stars seem to be needing to be caudled or expect him to "brighten" the day of your visit. I've never felt better in my life. I'm an Iraq/Afghanistan vet (read: PTSD), with unemployment issues since returning from war, with severe depression and adult A.D.D. His recommendations now have me sleeping/waking on a great schedule, full of energy, still creative and enjoying life, despite the circumstances around me. I'm able to attack the day with enthusiasm, not overmedicated, and Dr. Raiss continues to monitor my condition. These issues require an objective approach which can be construed as unkind, or cold, but he's doing his job and doing it well. He's NOT there to make you feel good about yourself--he's there to understand your brain's chemistry and prescribe the right combination of meds to balance out PHYSIOLOGICAL issues in the brain--not to brighten the day of your visit. Be honest with him, and he'll be the best psychopharmacologist you'll ever have. read more

Went back to Dr. Raiss after trying someone else. My husband says he's the best clinical doctor. He has helped me a lot with my depression. read more

Well, I've been seeing Dr Raiss for about a year now so it's good to check-in. I couldn't be happier with the overall connection. Chris is professional, sharp, witty and does make sure it flows well. The office is quiet and easy access and Dr Raiss is always on time. We talk and share and he checks to confirm that all is going well. This is a nice addition to my corner. read more

When I see all the "5 star ratings" and read the reviews I have to ask myself if he or someone paid them to write these reviews. They all sound the same they all seem to be over the moon about him. He is quiet (buy not in a peaceful relaxed way), judgmental, rude, haughty, and extremely closed minded. The first day I met him I felt even worse than when I walked in. I definitely did not receive any care whatsoever, he made it seem as though I had more problems than I thought I did during one visit. He kept asking about my last psychiatrist and told me to go back to my last psychiatrist because he couldn't treat me until he knew me? I don't have money to pay two psychiatrists? Especially if they are not covered by my insurance!? He talked about issues that were irrelevant; the awkwardness and the way he made me feel was seriously uncomfortable and hard to bare. I refused to even pay him, saying a couple rude sentences, acting unimpressed, and possessing traits of a egotistical asshole are not "okay" just because you got your medical license in psychiatry. His assistant is so sweet I feel he is so empathetic towards patients because he knows how freakishly disgusting his employer is. read more

I first saw Dr. Raiss for general depression about 10 years ago and had a fine experience, but ended going elsewhere due to a change in insurance. Since then I was diagnosed with Bi-polar, and after dealing with the incompetant residents at the UCLA NPI outpatient clinic, I went back to Dr. Raiss as he was now on my insurance, and boy, I was so glad I did! He is brilliant at titration of drugs, side effects, and new vs. old modalities. I have never felt better, due to Dr. Raiss, and I highly recommend him to anyone suffering from mental illness. read more

Dr. Raiss is awesome. Very thorough, very proactive and seems to really care. So far my experience with him has been wonderful. He's very organized (like me) which I enjoy, and he even sends you home with hand-outs and non-medical alternative treatments. He also has a nice sense of humor and a very nurturing personality. Highly recommended. read more

Informative, none too pushy, professional. He didn't make my crazy go away completely, but I felt him a wholly competent steward while attempting the pill approach. read more

I take my 15-year old son to see Dr. Raiss based on the referral from our outstanding pediatrician. I have found him to be an exceptionally caring intelligent psychiatrist. I am thankful that he accepts our insurance. His assistant, Chris, could not be any nicer and is so helpful. Many offices do not have an assistant, let alone someone who is this competent. I would recommend Dr. Raiss to any of my friends (and have done so). I ended up going to Dr. Raiss myself and I thought that he handled my medication issue in an extremely thoughtful manner that has ended up working really well for me. (By the way, I don't agree that he seems cold and distant.) read more

Hmmm, I don't think he pushes prescriptions at all. I came in and wanted to try Prozac, and toward the end of his 40 minute data gathering time, said he wouldn't prescribe it. You see, he had noticed my report of snoring, sleepiness, and asked me to first get a sleep study to determine if sleep apnea could be causing my mild depression/anxiety. So, no, he wasn't quick to prescribe with me. Separate issue: Psychiatrists are NOT psychologists. As the below poster noted, they are trained in brain chemistry. If a person's problems are organic in nature, that is, caused by abnormal brain chemistry, then it is quite possible that the solution is also chemical (pharmaceutical drugs). read more

I have been with Dr.Raiss for almost 10 years. I got treatment with outpatient at UCLA for 8 months but after every doctors, I go back to Dr.Raiss. He graduated from Harvard. Even complicated case like me, he can organize and keep track of everything happened in my life, reaction and all other combination that I had before. I got the print out every time we meet. I am very sensitive to medication and I have 50 kinds of combination before I get to the right one. Chris, the assistant is a very sweet person. Love both of them. I feel comfortable, trust and have a better life with him. read more

Although, they don't accept the insurance I have, Chris was very kind & helpful with his assistence.

i went to dr. raiss for about a year before moving from the area, and i have to say that my experience with him was absolutely wonderful. he knows what he's talking about, and is an excellent listener who doesn't try to second-guess or discount what you're saying. he keeps thorough records of your visits so that you don't have to completely rehash your situation every time you come back (an experience i had with another psych), and knows his stuff when it comes to what meds are right for you. all in all, i felt like i'd picked the best psychiatrist in town. as another poster mentioned, his secretary, Chris, does have the memory of an elephant! it's amazing! he remembers who i am every time i make an appointment. just a little added plus :) the only downside is parking. bring cash to park in the garage, or come early enough to allow for the time it will take to walk quite a distance to park at a meter somewhere several blocks away. read more

I went to Dr. Raiss about five years ago for some medication to help me sleep. He gave me Zyprexa, a very dangerous drug that is to only be taken by people suffering from schizophrenia and bi-polar. Some people have died from it. You don't prescribe an anti-psychotic medication for someone who is not psychotic and just needs help with sleeping. As a result of his prescription I became addicted, almost became diabetic and spent a fortune in a very expensive drug rehab clinic in Malibu to get off Zyprexa. I think Dr. Raiss is incompetent and should not be prescribing meds that he knows nothing about. Avoid him at all costs. read more

Dr. Raiss is not even deserving of one star, he is that bad. He practically pushes prescriptions on you, never mentioning even once how addictive they can be. He is completely clueless, and I believe he does more harm than good. read more

My daughter, who has a very complicated mental health history, has been Dr. Raiss' patient for 7 years. My son started seeing him a 2 years ago as well and they are both quite happy with him. Dr. Raiss' specialty is psycho-pharmacology, so if you are looking for someone who knows his meds, he is is an excellent choice. I initially found him when I attended a conference at UCLA several years back on The Bipolar Child. He was the featured speaker on medications for Bipolar Disorder. After years of hospitalizations and mediocre to terrible treatment from several other psychiatrists in our part of town, I had had enough and took her to see Dr. Raiss. We've been with him ever since. Yes, he's got kind of a flat personality--definitely not the warm and fuzzy type--but he is an excellent clinician. The person who said there is an "east coast elite" vibe in his office is correct, but once you get to know him, you start to see that he does have a sense of humor and you can appreciate his dry wit. I have also found that he is very open to input from his patients, and in our case, from family who often have valuable insights to offer about the patient and treatment plans. He provides his cell number for emergencies, which I had to use last year when my daughter was in crisis and he was out of town at a wedding. I appreciated that he responded to my call and subsequent texts and helped us get through a very difficult weekend before we were able to see him at the office on Monday. His assistant, Chris, is a sweetie and is a pleasure to deal with when scheduling appointments. Unfortunately, he stopped taking our insurance this year so we may need to look for someone else for her. She needs regular visits plus frequent, outside therapy and we just can't afford to go out of pocket at this time. However, my son, whose condition is better managed, likes him so much that he is willing to continue with him even at the much higher rate. read more

He's helped me immensely with dealing with my PTSD among other problems I've been going through. He has given me many good medication alternatives including exercising and yoga in addition to suggestions for different kinds of therapy. I like that he's straight forward and to the point. He always asks if my medication is working, or I'm feeling any other symptoms. If I have a problem taking a medication, he has never tried to push it on me like many others have done. read more

When we turn ourselves over to the care of a physician, I think it is reasonable to expect them to not only be knowledgeable and very careful, but also caring and compassionate. I have been a patient of Dr. Raiss for quite a while and these are not qualities I would ascribe to him. Recently I had a horrible reaction to a medication he prescribed for me. He never informed me of this possible well known side effect. I called and told him about it. He said stop taking it immediately and come in to discuss it. He doesn't take my insurance and every time I go in, even for five minutes, it costs me $185 out of my own pocket. A few days later before I was able to make it in, the situation got much worse. I was literally scared out of my mind. I called again, begging for help, I desperately needed someone to talk to. He never even returned my call. Fortunately, I have a very caring primary care physician who returned my call immediately and help me through this hard time. read more

Dr. Raiss is hugely professional, has helped immensely, and is very responsive. Chris, in his front office, is wonderful. I would recommend him in a heartbeat and have done so. read more

Excellent physician! Professional and ethical. Very knowledgable and caring.

I've been a long term psychatry patient, and I was in the air force despite my condition due to my high score among some other factors. I've been to many of the best psychiatrist around the united states, and have had military psychiatrist from the rank of colonel downward work with me. I have been to ten times as many off base psychiatrist opposed to VA psychatrist during my life before and after the military and I've never met anyone like Dr Raiss. He and his kind hearted assistance Chris are absolutely the most approachable people for awkward situations such as explain how your mind is troubling you, or perhaps something deeper. This doctor gives me a warm feeling because you know he personally wants to solve you problem. He is highly skilled, hide nothing from him, tell him exactly how you feel, be entirely truthful and it will allow him to work his magic. He is extremely patient and doesn't get frustrated when medications aren't working. I have encountered many times in the past and a lot of the time, I would be sent home having being told theres nothing more they can do for me. He will simply continue working with you as long as you put out a little trust and effort because this is a very unique psychiatrist and he will find the right balance for your whatever problem you may be having. I'm feeling better than I've even been in my life right now. Thank you Dr. Raiss, and assistant Chris. You guys are sweethearts. read more