Give us your cash, don't ask questions, and you can have whatever pills you want. I honestly really liked Dr. Lai at first, but after only a few visits I realized that this office is basically glorified drug dealing for the privileged. The office is CASH ONLY because of bounced checks and fees for credit cards. Every other doctor I see takes credit cards, so they are clearly just being cheap and trying to take as much cash as they can. They charge an absurd amount of money per visit. First visit was $300 and then subsequent visits are $200. You would think they would put some effort into the office with their cash flow, but it's literally an empty office with a desk for the receptionist and one couch. And a bug zapper that goes off while you wait. It is totally empty and creepy. It looks like they could pick up at a moment's notice if they needed to... You can only see her if you get a referral too, making what they are doing even more apparent. The receptionist is obnoxious and racist. She rushes you off the phone and talks to you like you're an idiot. She referred to the recent civil unrest and protests as end times making a joke out of it while talking about her cop boyfriend. She also doesn't think covid is real and did not wear a mask either time I saw her. She misses going to the gym, that she made VERY clear. I honestly let this go because I was finally getting the medication I needed and I did like Dr. Lai. My breaking point: I was unable to make my appointment because I was feeling sick. I called day of to say I wasn't feeling better and wasn't sure if I should come in due to the pandemic. The receptionist threatened to charge me and said nothing about me feeling ill. Finally, Dr. Lai called back. We talked for a few minutes and I let her know everything was working properly. She said she would write a new prescription for me and to make an appointment when I needed it. Perfect! Or so I thought... I got a call a month and a half later from the receptionist saying, "you know your prescription has been sitting up here for over a month" in a very judgmental voice. I didn't know why a piece of paper was effecting her so much. I said I would make an appointment when I needed it, and she replied saying, "well then you are going to be charged $200 twice". That's when I realized Dr. Lai had counted those few minutes as an actual session. I said I was not going to pay for a visit that never happened and that no one told me a 2 minute call qualified as a $200 session. THEN the receptionist threatened to add the missed appointment fee back on!! Dr. Lai would not come to the phone and instead just said, "I made it very clear to her". What the fuck?! I guess she already got $500 from me so she was over it? Then the receptionist threatened to VOID out the prescription if I wasn't going to pay in cash for it. This is how they treat patients. Give us your cash, don't ask questions, and you can have whatever pills you want. I heard a few patients say they would just come in, pay cash, get their prescription, and leave without an actual visit. I called my real doctor and got the prescription I needed in no time. Lesson learned. I am learning more and more about doctors like this taking advantage of people who need things like opioids and controlled substances. Truly deplorable. read more

I don't like going to doctors, but this year I thought I'd be more proactive about my health. I've been careful about going to a psychologist because of horror stories I've heard of medication being irresponsibly pushed to treat problems that are remedied via lifestyle. I'd actually never been to a psychologist or psychiatrist before, so I finally decided to give a visit a try. Dr. Lai listened quite intently, and asked questions that made me feel she cared. She also answered all the questions and concerns I had. Before trying any medication, which I'm glad she didn't push for, she made sure to do tests to see how my health was. I find it weird that they want cash for copay, but it's not really a problem. read more

Dr. Laura Lai is a consummate professional. I agree with those who said she is efficient and you will get 15 minutes per session as its not therapy. With that said I'm convinced if I had 20 minutes or more of medical (not therapy questions) she'd answer all of them. Dr. Lai works best with those who are intellectually honest and willing to own their side of the street as to treatment, behavior, following instructions, etc. In short, she works great with active patients. What makes Dr. Lai effective is that she watches your back on what she prescribes you affordable meds when possible. she has battled the pharmacy to get me tablets rather than capsules when necessary she returns calls promptly she doesn't judge me for asking about potential sexual side effects. I'm comfortable being honest with her so I can get her best judgment. She listens to other professionals; Two of my most successful meds came as a referral from my Psychologist (David Jarvis); She will present you with options pro/con. If I ask what she would do, she will tell me. She gets you on/off meds safely and efficiently She will reverse course as necessary with new information. I sense very little ego despite her more than decade in practice. For those who say she's interested in being paid, who isn't. If someone is good at their job shouldn't they get paid in a timely fashion. I am continuing to see Dr. Lai even though my insurance no longer covers as how do you put a price tag on competent, timely, medical care? read more

Reception lady treats you like trash. I spent 2 months trying to make an appointment and she never called back even when she promised. Later she told me dr doesn't take new patients after I complained. I called in a week and finally I was able to get an appointment. Today she calls me and tells that I can't pay my visit ($250) with debit card or my health savings account, just cash. When I asked her why didn't she tell me it when I made an appointment, in that case I wouldn't lost a whole week, she responded that it's their choice what info to disclose. Worst customer service I've ever had. read more

Pretty mixed experience with this doctor. While she was able to adjust my medication successfully a couple of years ago, she was often hurried and not terribly professional. (For example, telling a patient who was having an episode of depression that they were a "mess.") Unwilling to help patients in a crisis. If you are bad off, but not sure you actually need to go to the emergency room, don't look here for help. Staff is interested only in collecting cash. They seem unprepared to help this particular patient population. Garden variety prescription mill. Keep searching if you're looking for a compassionate doctor with an interest in improving your health. read more

I agree with the other reviewers that Dr Lai does not seem very compassionate or empathetic. I felt like she was looking for just enough "symptoms" to write down to justify prescribing a medication... almost like she was rushing through some sort of template? Although she seems somewhat knowledgeable, I never felt like she truly cared. Her receptionist is pretty good at returning phone calls and returning messages. Another plus is that the wait time is minimal, but there might be a reason for this as you will see. Like the previous reviews, I also felt rushed through the appointments. Her treatment approach didn't seemed tailored to me either but very generic. In a field like this where people are really looking for help, the doctor needs to show that she cares. I felt like she cared more about her bottom line ($$$) than for her patients. Side note, there are only two parking spots for her office and they are usually taken. Street parking is hit or miss so plan a little extra time for that. If she is out of town, the other doctor won't prescribe any meds so you'll have to wait for her to come back. So much for taking care of the patient. read more

Very thoughtful about her patients well being. Feels like she's listening to what I'm saying about my health and any side effects I'm having. She hasn't pushed me to feel and I think that's important in this line of work. read more

Dr. Laura Lai is one of the best, if not the best. She is smart, helpful, and professional. I am a social worker, and have seen different psychiatrists over the past ten years. I have learned that to get optimized mental health treatment a patient needs to be mindful of their experiences, and engaged in their treatment. Dr. Lai does not just used textbook knowledge but is able to respond with insight and experience. read more

They hired a new receptionist who followed my case for months and worked very hard at refunding my money.

Doctor Lai is absolutely wonderful. She is attentive, smart, candid, and approachable. I'm a therapist myself and have gotten to know quite a bit of psychiatrists and also for my own care. What stands out about her and my favorite thing about her is how approachable and human she is. read more

This "doctor" is as unprofessional as they come. She rushed through my appointment without listening much to my symptoms or taking an adequate assessment. She quickly gave me a diagnosis which was completely different from two other doctors. She then proceeded to tell me her standard way of treating patients, going through each step, which sounded very generic for a physician who is supposed to tailor their treatment to each patient individually. While I was there, I also saw her give out prescriptions to patients who just walked in, not talking with them, just signing for their RX and charging to see them. Very strange. After being shocked by her diagnosis and lack of listening, she then rushed me out of the appointment without much concern for my reaction. I was truly mortified. She then proceeded to charge me for an initial assessment which was quite expensive for the short time she "listened" to me. I was also completely turned off after reading her contract which stated charging per page for any paperwork needed to be completed for her patients. I really felt Dr Lai cared more about the mighty $$$ than her patients. I'd suggest you stay away. read more

I have been seeing Dr.Lai for a couple of years. Her manner is brisk and efficient, but she is a psychiatrist, not a therapist, so I am more than OK with that. I tend to run late a LOT - hello ADHD- but she doesn't fuss, just gets me through the appointment. My favorite thing about her is that she is not judgy. This is a rare thing in mental health care in my experience. She treats me like a partner in my own mental health. read more

I've been seeing Dr. Lai since 2013 or so. She's super smart and knows a lot about the various drugs, she'll work with you to figure out what works best for you. I feel heard, cared about, remembered and valued here. I agree with the fellow who said she's a great doc for a person who is smart and reflective, open and honest. If you do the hard work she'll be right there with you. read more

I am very careful with whom I choose as my doctor. Dr.Lai has been by far the best psychiatrist I've been to. She is honest, and straight to the point. Always making sure that I get exactly what I need. I make sure to see her once a month and am so thankful to have met her and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for an easy going, friendly, and respectful doctor :) read more

I've been seeing Dr. Lai for several years, and am really glad to have found her. I've stuck with her despite many insurance changes. She is always kind and compassionate, and talking with her feels like having a conversation with an old friend. She has gone out of her way to accommodate me when I've gone through hard times and is willing to work with me financially. No-nonsense, she's great! read more

I've been seeing Dr. Lai for several months now and she's quickly become one of my favorite people. She has a no-bs personality, quick (and appropriate) wit, listens to what you're saying and always digs for specifics, and an ability to understand and comprehensively explain the full range of effects and expectations. I never leave her office feeling like I've wasted any time and I always feel confident in our decisions- we very quickly found the answer I had been looking for. The office staff is SO friendly and parking is never an issue for me- there are plenty of spots all around the building. read more

Not recommended. This dr. is far too concerned with her "office policy" to show any humanity beyond making it clear that a severely depressed patient pay the $100.00 fee for the missed appointment. She does have a right to receive that payment, and she doesn't need to discuss much beyond that. But is this the kind of bedside manner you want when you need psychiatric assistance? I am not upset with the fee or pushing out the appointment 2 weeks for a patient worried about self harm. Perhaps she has too many patients to give her best. But it was the lack of empathy shown to this patient and myself that drove me to write this. Dr. Lai hung up on me. read more

Dr Lai is an extremely kind, compassionate and knowledgeable psychiatrist. she is so easy to talk to and really listens to her patients. I never am kept waiting, the office staff is great and I feel very blessed to have found her. read more