Dr. Varu left the state without providing medical records and did not fill prescriptions without…read morewarning. He left his patients with a letter in the mail months after the practice was already closed claiming there was a patient portal with records- this portal was not named in the letter and when it was finally found it was not medical records but a list of medications that were incorrect dosages, appointments that were not accurate dates and diagnostic lists of things that he did not in fact, diagnose. The letter claimed that refills would be made for patients for the next few weeks but they had already gone unfulfilled for months before the letter and despite the claims that a request from a Pharmacist would result in a refill, it did not. Nothing was filled suddenly without warning. Emergency care was necessary to obtain a prescription refill until new care was found. The medications I personally was put on were rejected by every Dr I contacted for months because the combination was deemed too dangerous and another Psychiatrist said it would take a year to safely remove one of the medications Dr Varu prescribed but without access to any of said medication the removal would have been overnight, which could have resulted in hospitalization or worse. The answering system said calls would be returned in 72 hours but they were not returned all all. The letter seemed to be crafted to give the illusion that care was being given when it was not. Dangerous situation. I am personally glad he has retired from medicine because nobody that behaves like this should be in charge of the care of psychiatric patients.

The best, most understanding doctor in his field in my opinion. I had been seeing Dr Varu while he…read morehad his practice in Bremerton, then the absurd Board of Directors Or whatever they choose to call themselves decided that Harrison no longer needed a mental health unit and closed it down. This meant that patients and doctors that used their facility no longer had anything to do with them. Although Dr Varu shared a practice in Bremerton separate from the hospital, things changed and ultimately he made the decision to move and start his practice on Gig Harbor where he lives. I valued Dr Varu's practice and attention to his patients so much that I continued to see him, driving from Poulsbo to Gig Harbor for my appointments. If you need someone who will listen, not be judgmental ( except when you aren't telling the whole story ), and will correctly diagnose you to get you the help you need, see Dr Varu. He and his staff are excellent, truly excellent.

He is a God send! Great listener, amazing advice and the ability to properly diagnose on the spot!read more

I credit Dr. Varu with saving my life. I truly do…read more Without insurance, and without much hope for my mental state, I was lucky enough to find Dr. Varu. His cash pay rates were very reasonable, which made it easy for me visit him. Dr. Varu asked very direct, succinct questions to diagnose and get to know me. We quickly identified my needs and started a very basic medication regimen. My progress steadily improved under Dr. Varu's care. Within a few weeks I was feeling and living much better. In a few months I felt I was truly normal for the first time. Over almost 5 years of semi-quarterly visits, Dr. Varu has kept an eye on me, asked about my life, shared a bit of his, and even given me some good fatherly advice when I needed it. It's too bad that I've moved out of state. I will miss my visits. (Thanks, doc. I followed your advice and I'm now in the highest paying job I've ever had -- more than double my previous salary!) While Dr. Varu is an excellent listener and he does show great empathy, I feel his strength is getting at root causes using sound medical science. I very much appreciate how he found medication for me that did not leave me feeling dulled or empty or edgy. Yes, I'm sure we could have talked forever about my awful childhood. But just one visit and a skillful prescription is what put me on the right track to health, productivity, and happiness. Thank you, Dr. Varu!

I only wrote an update as an edit to my earlier review. I had not looked back at lots of reviews I…read morehad written in the past until now. Dr. Sands and Julie (office manager), couldn't be more legit. Upon review, I didn't feel the need to make major changes. However, I was kind of embarrassed by my grammatical errors, etc. _________________________________________________________ My best friend and I have been going to see Dr. Sands for over 8 years. Dr. Sands is exceptionally non-judgemental and easy to relate to. You can't possibly freak this dr. out, no matter what you say. Everything you say is confidential so you don't have to worry about other people knowing your business. Further, Dr. Sands is quiet; he listens to you and then asks you questions to try to bring out what you are really trying to say. Eight years ago, I found Dr. Sands. He prescribed anti-depressants and medication (Adderall) that changed my entire life. Whereas I used to be suicidal, regularly- angry/anxious and desirous of forcing myself into anything I considered exciting, after two years of treatment from Dr. Sands, I became non-depressive; I was able to work in a high-level professional career and found myself enjoying a level of life- satisfaction I never thought possible. His fees are extremely fair. He might not take insurance, but I guarantee, a visit and regular dr./patient relationship, will change your life for the positive. I don't think i would have ever become remotely as productive as I am today, without Dr. Sand's treatment and counseling. Now let's talk about Julie, Dr. Sands's office manager. Julie is amazing! She fits you n when she can and doesn't sell you on anything. Best of all, she doesn't get crazy -angry at you when you can't make your appointment because of a (real) flat-tire. She is extremely professional and kind. I love JULIE! She is a sweetheart who is professional- to- the- extreme, protective of Dr. Sands, and a really kind person who cares about patients she interacts with.

Dr was uncompassionate when it came to treating PTSD. I suffered from severe side effects due to…read moreDr's lack of experience. Dr's condescending nature was startling, and Dr ended up overcharging me hundreds of dollars of the course of several years.

I had a really positive experience with Amity. She is incredibly caring and consistently reminded…read moreme that she was there if I needed anything. She's very easy to talk to and creates a comfortable, supportive environment. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for a compassionate psychiatrist. I'd also like to mention how sweet and welcoming the front desk staff member was--she made the whole experience even better. I would highly recommend seeking care here.

I've been here for years now and I'm so impressed. Best medical care I've gotten since I was…read moreyoung. Receptionists care and the provider I've used is so helpful and truly cares about her patients.