Update: Jan 21, 2010: In the past couple of weeks, one of my children was experiencing debilitating stress and fatigue from circumstances at work. As parents, we tried our best to encourage him to persevere, but it became apparent that he needed to get professional help- and we turned to Dr. Kron. After one lengthy session, our son came home with a much brighter outlook, a clear understanding of his condition, and some ultra-helpful recommendations for short-term actions to take. Dr. Kron is that rarest kind of physician; he makes you feel comfortable from the outset, and that comfort translates into a strong sense of trust. We trust him with our children, they have no reservations about calling him for help, and he treats them effectively. I'd like to finish by saying that I've been to many physicians and specialists in my lifetime, and Dr. Kron is the only one I've made the effort to recognize, online, in this manner. What follows is an earlier post I made about Dr. Kron: Both of our now-grown kids were diagnosed years ago with ADD, and we've taken them to various doctors and clinics to manage their symptoms. Invariably, treatment consisted of a quick, superficial interview by the psychiatrist, a quick check for allergies to meds, and then the prescription would be given. The two previous docs seemed singularly uncurious about how ADD was affecting important aspects of our children's lives, from schoolwork to social problems. We never left their offices with any substantive recommmendations or suggestions from the doctor. Now that both children are in the work force, we decided to set up an evaluation with Dr. Kron. What a refreshing difference- he's smart, funny, engaging, and my son and daughter really felt comfortable with him from the outset. He spent a much longer time with them during the first appointment- it seemed like more than two hours! His fee was very reasonable, especially compared to the other psychiatrist we've been paying for, on a quarterly basis, for years. I took some time to chat with Dr. Kron myself, more to gain some assurance that he cares about my kids, etc. I came away with a wonderful impression- he's an Ivy-League educated, articulate, insightful, empathetic psychiatrist with whom we will definitely continue our relationship. read more

I finally found the perfect doctor. After moving across the country from Texas to California I needed to find a doctor. I had been on every website, reading every review, and I waited for ever on hold over and over again while my health care provider tried to locate a doctor for me. I'm not sure how I came across Dr. Kron, because he is not an Atena doctor, but it didn't matter. When I made my first appointment we had a mini-consultation over the phone then he emailed me the forms I needed to fill out, and detailed directions on how to find his office. There was no stress. When you sit in his office you feel like you are visiting with a friend. Dr. Kron always speaks with you directly, and will always call you back.He does everything in a timely fashion. His communication with patients, in my opinion, is excellent. I went to him for adult ADD and because I was feeling a little down. Dr. Kron actually listens. He does not just hand out pills for the payback, and then rushes you out of his office. Instead he correctly addresses the problem, and explains what is needed to overcome the problem. I had already been taking a certain prescription that was working for me and Dr. Kron did not try to change it. He wrote a prescription for me that day. He truly listened and found that I wasn't depressed, but that I was having trouble adapting to my new surroundings and offered a solution that worked. I can honestly say that I am the happiest I have ever been, and I am the healthiest that I have ever been because of Dr. Kron. I just moved again, and he still checks up on me, and he made sure I was set on my prescriptions so that I had time to find a new doctor. Dr. Kron is a true professional. read more

Both of our now-grown kids were diagnosed years ago with ADD, and we've taken them to various doctors and clinics to manage their symptoms. Invariably, treatment consisted of a quick, superficial interview by the psychiatrist, a quick check for allergies to meds, and then the prescription would be given. The two previous docs seemed singularly uncurious about how ADD was affecting important aspects of our children's lives, from schoolwork to social problems. We never left their offices with any substantive recommmendations or suggestions from the doctor. Now that both children are in the work force, we decided to set up an evaluation with Dr. Kron. What a refreshing difference- he's smart, funny, engaging, and my son and daughter really felt comfortable with him from the outset. He spent a much longer time with them during the first appointment- it seemed like more than two hours! His fee was very reasonable, especially compared to the other psychiatrist we've been paying for, on a quarterly basis, for years. I took some time to chat with Dr. Kron myself, more to gain some assurance that he cares about my kids, etc. I came away with a wonderful impression- he's an Ivy-League educated, articulate, insightful, empathetic psychiatrist with whom we will definitely continue our relationship. read more

I was diagnosed with acute anxiety and depression two years ago. Even though I had a good relation and trust with my original psychiatrist, I felt like the medications that were prescribed to me at the time were over-medicating me since I was not able to sleep, had continuous panic attacks and was not able to function at work on a daily/hourly basis. I received a 2nd opinion from Dr. Kron in April, 2010 and within weeks he had completely overhauled my medications to the point that I'm now sleeping regularly and managing very well my day-to-day activities where months prior, I wouldn't have been able to handle or cope with any given situation. From the very onset, Dr. Kron made himself available to me soon after our 1st meeting where calls to him were returned almost instantaneously. He would even call me out of concern even when I didn't expect a call from him. I can honestly say that working with Dr. Kron returned me to a life of normalcy and I am just thankful that I was put in contact with him. Dr. Kron truly knows his field with intelligence and integrity; but most importantly he goes the extra mile to get to know his patients with the sole objective of getting them back in the right direction. I strongly recommend him should you ever need psychiatric help with a personal flair. read more

I have known Dr. Kron for eight years, so I can say clearly: I know the guy. Over the years he's given me a lot of advice on everything from sleep to pain, even to communicating with surgeons and other doctors so I get the best care they have to offer. He has also helped my friends and a couple family members through difficult times. They all think he's great. What can I say except I feel very confident in him. I'm a big believer that your doctor should be compassionate and caring. He is. His diagnostic skills are sharp but thank God he cares more about getting good results for you instead of obsessing endlessly on diagnosis beyond where it actually matters. He is thorough when examining both physical and chemical issues and he will try multiple approaches to help his patients get on to a path of healing. If something is not working he will try something else.It's clear that Dr. Kron cares about his patients. He listens thoughtfully and he offers clear explanations. He is also superbly trained and makes sure he always knows the absolute latest on which treatments work and which don't. These are truly rare qualities to find together in a doctor. Edit Remove read more

I had the good fortune to be treated by Dr. Kron while he was a psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente, Oakland. He diagnosed my major depression, anxiety disorder and ADD...all untreated for decades and which had resulted in low self-esteem, chronic mood swings, learning difficulties and finally a breakdown. He prescribed medications that helped balance my conditions. Finding the right combination of medications can be difficult, but he encouraged me to share my symptoms and fears, because he gained crucial insights into ways he could better help me. I was able to progress to talk therapy and also to classes that helped change my behavior and reactions for the better. The outside world no longer feels threatening because I understand myself, know my strengths, and feel I have tools to cope with difficulties when they come up. Dr. Kron has an understated manner that made me feel extraordinarily safe. He has a gift for turning complex issues inside out using kindness and humor as guiding principles, all the while grounded in the best clinical practices psychiatry and psychopharmacology have to offer. read more

I worked with MIchael as his patient for about 5 years at Kaiser. I came seeking medication that would help slow my reactiveness, particularly quickness to anger. Over time, it seemed that the problem was actually rooted more in the inability to maintain focus. Michael was extremely open, listened very carefully, and was cautious and prudent in a way I found reassuring about what medication he prescribed. I particularly appreciated the fact that he treated me as a peer in age and life experience. He took my description of what was bothering me; my thoughts on what lay at the root; and my own previous experience with pscyhiatric work into careful consideration in suggesting a prescription. He allowed and invited considerable back and forth in the process. He was extremely clear in explaining what could be expected of the medication---and what could not, and about the time it would take to see results. He was receptive to modifying dosage, and, when it proved advisable, to changing the medication in a new direction. I couldn't recommend him more highly. Robert M. read more

Dr. Kron has been very helpful in addressing all the issues that are special to adult women with ADHD. Although I was treated for ADHD from another physician, I felt the treatment I received was only superficial. Even with treatment I was still having problems in all areas of my life including satisfying personal relationships and under performance. I feel fortunate to have found Dr. Kron to treat me for my ADHD. He is easy to communicate with, very engaging and I feel he understands my struggles. Just a few days after starting my new treatment plan, I am much improved. I am using the tools that Dr. Kron gave me for keeping track of my ADHD symptoms too. This has been very helpful to see how I am progressing as I follow the treatment plan. I feel so hopeful and encouraged now. I realize that for so long that I was under treated for my ADHD. I now know that I have a wonderful advocate to help me manage my disease. I am excited about my new life with more clarity and peace. read more

I have travelled to several countries; seen and came to know many peoples; but till today, I have never come across a professional doctor like Dr. Michael J Kron, MD. He is not only professionally skilled, he is courteous, amicable in interactions, friendly in gestures, always looking for ways to help the patients, patient, knowledgeable, always keeps abreast of the new findings and developments in his professional arena, and above all he is a thorough gentleman. I wish we had more such professional individuals in the important areas of medicine and related field (and of course all other fields). [His office-address is: 1655 North Main Street, Suite 200; Walnut Creek, CA 94596] read more

Dr. Michael Kron has been fundamental in helping me deal with unresolved ADHD issues. As a previously diagnosed patient, I was able to get the help I needed right away without having to spend a lot of time getting re-evaluated. He set me up on a treatment plan that was not only effective from the start, but one that inspires and brings me hope everyday. He makes me feel comfortable speaking with him about my long-standing struggles with ADHD whether it be time management, focus and concentration, or miscommunication surrounding my personal relationships. Dr Kron is no doubt the right doctor for me and I am so glad to have found him! read more

I worked with Dr. Kron for five years when he was at Kaiser Oakland, he helped me with anxiety and depression, his relaxed and calm manner was something that I could always rely on. He helped me through a very difficult time in my life's was always honest and easy to talk with. I miss him and am still searching for a replacement doctor at Kaiser that is as receptive and listens to what I have to say as Dr. Kron. I think that he is caring and quite easy to work with! Good luck in your research and with your private practice! You're a great doc! read more

Last year, when our adult son was diagnosed with an acute depression, we felt he was not receiving effective treatment. His condition continued to decline until he sought a second opinion from Dr. Kron. From the time of his first visit and over the next several weeks, we could tell he was on the right track. His transformation back to his fun-loving self has been most remarkable. Dr. Kron's professional knowledge and deep sense of caring made a world of difference. We cannot thank him enough for achieving such great results. read more

I was a patient of Dr. Kron's for almost six years. I found him to be a highly competant, kind, and compassionate professional. I was struck by his insight to my personal problems and his willingness to listen to my concerns. I feel I greatly improved under his care. I would recommend him to family and friends without reservation. This guy is great at what he does. He needs to be cloned. read more