I was afraid of therapy, I was afraid of being over medicated. I had a lot of fears, I had a lot of…read morepre-expectations. I was afraid that I would get someone that just wanted to push pills on me. Afraid of a big stooge for big pharma. What I found instead was a psychiatric nurse practitioner (I hope I got that right) That explains to me what he's prescribing and why, making sure that I understand it before moving forward. I always feel like I'm in control of my own treatment and I never feel pressured and I always feel welcome and comfortable. Mike has made me feel comfortable and alleviated all my fears, and I never even had to state them to him, he's just a chill guy on top of being good at the medicine aspect of mental health. The whole office he works out of his very professional and it comes highly recommended by me.

Run! First, he is…read morelate for the appointment. He begins by getting stuck on my last name and what famous actor has my name? I try to move him along and now he wants my address, telephone number, family history, etc. I reply that I filled all of that information out in the intake packet, did he not receive it? I have a copy with me. Apparently I'm the only person in the room prepared for this appointment. He says something like he doesn't look at it because he likes to make up his own mind. That's fine, but maybe don't ask me and fill it in yourself later because it doesn't give me a great first impression. We're here to get someone to manage my daughter's medication. We've moved here from out of state and she's taking some medication a developmental pediatrician typically oversees. Apparently in Salem, there aren't any developmental pediatricians so we were told to look for a mental health nurse practitioner. I should have read the reviews here first and not wasted our time. Next, he asks questions clearly trying to find any improvement or differences and declares you cured. He's known you less than 20 minutes but okay. Convenient for his upcoming statements about his patient cure rates. He draws on a write erase board he keeps propping up on a chair but when you press for more information he's got anecdotal evidence or nothing. He's wildly unprepared and even his plugged in computer is having issues. Too bad he can't cure it. Long story short, he doesn't believe in pharmaceuticals and is only interested in curing everything with diet, vitamins and lithium. Lots of his patients are on lithium and successful with it. You don't need a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or anything for him to prescribe this because it's on the periodic table so it's okay. You just start with one pill and work your way up until you feel good. He goes on to say that it'll be hard to know when you feel good/normal because you probably haven't before. Oh and no worries he will gladly up it anytime like in winter for seasonal affective disorder even though you don't have that either. The state also requires him to test your blood when you're on lithium but he doesn't know why and thinks it's dumb. Speaking of blood, he knows about blood tests that other people don't know about. How does no one else know? I'm betting it's because they're not based on any real evidence or facts. When he gets those bloodwork results, he can cure depression, anxiety, autism, just about anything really. Yay! Let's all get on this dangerous crazy train and see where it goes! If you're still not sure you want to join him, you should know he's had an 80% success rate with his patients but he has nothing showing that fact either. His office is cluttered but his bookshelf has empty shelves. Weirdly, nothing he refers to and wants to show you is among the clutter. My guess, because it doesn't actually exist. It's a really strange experience meeting with him because he isn't interested in why you're there in the first place. He actively moves the conversation away from that. Instead, he has this canned spiel he's trying to sell you on whether it relates to you and your particular situation or not. If you try to play along and he spouts specifics not relevant to your situation, he says outlandish things like he can cure autism. I don't know how he's still practicing or how he has any good reviews? If I diagnosed him, which why not- I have opinions too, I'd say he's ADHD and could really use some pharmaceuticals to help with his executive functioning, organization, listening and presentation skills. He's just off on tangents and then works his way back to his canned non scientific opinions. He doesn't perform any diagnostic tests or even refer to the established criteria for his opinions. He just says whatever comes to mind. I really hope if you or your child have a neurodiverse diagnosis that you don't buy the snake oil he's selling. Please do better by yourself and your family by going to see someone actually familiar and experienced with your diagnosis . I truly believe he is dangerous and does more harm than good. I strongly suggest someone in authority to do something about this guy. I'll say it again, run don't walk away. You've been warned.

Easily the worst MD I have ever met. Like "get over it and find God" kinda advice. I'm amazed he is…read moreallowed to practice any form of health care.

He is only a see him get meds prescribed doc. Not one to actually help you as far as figuring out…read morewhat your problem is. He only talks about attitude which is extremely important but does not listen to specifics. I am only guessing that he isn't able to relate to his patients in America and only an philosophy that westerners do not understand he can't train us, not at his prices. Baring that I am not sure what other than meds the patients already know that work. Which is ok. We are supposed to go to psychology doc for counciling. We just need to know what works for us before we go.

Can't say enough great thins about Dr. Taxman! He is the rare kind of doctor who genuinely cares --…read morenot just about your symptoms, but about bringing you into full health. What sets him apart is his ability to balance naturopathic and allopathic approaches in a way that's truly tailored to you as an individual. He doesn't apply a one-size-fits-all protocol -- he listens, assesses, and meets you where you are. Working with him has been a genuinely positive experience, and I would recommend him without hesitation to anyone looking for a thoughtful, dedicated practitioner who takes your whole health seriously.

Well Life Doctor's office is aManning! They have a well diversified staff. they really care and I…read morewouldn't go anywhere else!

I enjoy working with Kathy very much. She is very knowledgeable and is able to offer various…read moredifferent techniques. I don't feel like I am reduced to some list of DSM labels ... she treats me like another other person who is working to be the best that they can be. I appreciate that she is respectful and does not apply a "cookie cutter" approach. Talking to Kathy is like talking to a wise and insightful friend. It is refreshing to finally be treated like a human being.

From the owner: With over 20 years of experience, I am a dedicated therapist that provides my clients with…read moreindividualized treatment based on their needs and preferences. By having an interaction style when it comes to session, that during each session I am listening, understanding, and providing feedback. I have excellent methods to dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression that enjoy teaching to my clients. Please call today!

Joan Williamson, MA LPC is an excellent counselor. I saw her off and on for about 3 years. I…read morestarted seeing her due to an eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, which I struggled with for 6 years of my life. She specializes in treating eating disorders and successfully helped me treat mine. She counsels on many other things such as grief/loss, relationships, anxiety, depression, and others. She has a very natural approach to treatment and I left with numerous words I reflect on in my every day life and other helpful coping techniques. I attribute a lot of my happiness today to the time I spend with Joan healing my body and mind on many levels. I highly recommend this lady for anyone going through a difficult time. She is part of Poyama Counseling services. A little bit more on my experience with the Poyama office: these people really work with you financially. They are happy regularly receiving payments even if it's $30 one month and $50 the next. I was never ever badgered about my bill (that for a while kept getting larger). I think they understand that by seeking help you may not be in the best place in your life to make a full and complete payment right away. I couldn't be more thankful for their understanding and kindness as I slowly chipped away at my bill even after my sessions were finished. If you are looking at seeing anyone in the Poyama network, know that the office practices good and kind business. They should be proud.

This is long overdue... Several years ago I saw Joan Williamson, MA LPC for about 1-1/2 years for…read moregeneral anxiety and an eating disorder. I'd ignored my needs for so long because I didn't wanted to address issues that seemed frivolous. I'm so glad I finally took time for me. Joan helped me more than she'll ever know. Her straight-forward, but kind manner was exactly what I needed. Her knowledge, experience and compassion gave me tools I'd never been given. Joan stayed connected with my dietician, Denise Cedar throughout the process & although it wasn't easy, getting here I no longer struggle with an eating disorder! Life is better than ever, career is on-track, family is good and I'll even be finished with an advanced degree soon. Thank you so much Joan! When I was ready...you were definitely a God-send!

its easy to feel, when speaking with anyone in the mental health business, that you are being…read moreevaluated, studied, and diagnosed. I love to come to Chris because she is the exact opposite. She is caring and kind, fun and sweet, and she has an infectious laugh. She is ready and willing to listen and just be a safe space. We talk about everything, my concerns about finances, school, family. and she is just so levelheaded. Im a firm believer everyone could use counseling to sort through everything from the hard stuff tot he everyday nonsense and good. and I think everyone should see Chris! she also makes it very affordable :) Its like talking to a friend, that youre paying, who has great advice and knows how to listen and talk you through the things you need to be talked through :)

I went to see Carmen during my "dark night of the soul." My impending divorce brought on a slew of…read moreintense flashback-like feelings to traumatic childhood grief and anxiety. I was suffering from severe crying spells that felt unending and left me emotionally and physically drained. I felt like a small helpless child in an adult body. I was also recovering from mono and had a lot of tension that I was carrying in my body that was causing me health issues. Although I had done some traditional counseling, I knew I needed something more body-focused. After reading about somatic experiencing therapy, I decided to give it a try (along with acupuncture, hypnotherapy, and physical therapy). Carmen is one of the wonderful healers I worked with that helped mend my broken heart. I went from feeling so out of control emotionally to feeling so comforted by my newfound ability to self-regulate. From the beginning, I witnessed the miraculous ability of the body to self-soothe and heal. I looked forward to my sessions with Carmen, because I felt that I had a safe environment to bring awareness to the emotions in my body. During the year and a half I worked with Carmen, not only was I able to survive my dark passage, but I also started thriving : ) For example, I have been able to reconnect with my creative and artistic side, which is a huge, essential part of me. I have been able to say goodbye to those relationships in my life that don't honor me and to make space in my life for joy and hope. I am moving forward with love and light in my life. Of course, I still experience moments of grief and anxiety, but they are not the backdrop of my life anymore. Carmen is such a masterful healer that she makes the whole process feel so simple and easy. You're not quite sure what she's doing, but you leave the sessions feeling lighter and more refreshed. She is a true gem.

From the owner: Body Psychotherapy and Counseling for the treatment of stress/overwhelm related conditions such as…read morePTSD, Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma, etc.

Judy Tuttle Zolner a dedicated, caring, inspiring and amazing counselor! She has guided me through…read moresome of the toughest times in my life! She challenges me to be the best me I can be and I truly look forward to each appointment! She always brightens my day and helps me see clearly when things seem so hopeless! I don't know how to thank her for all she has done for me!

From the owner: A ministry of counseling, compassion and care…read more Salem Pastoral Counseling Center offers counseling services by well trained and licensed counselors who have a sensitivity to religious and spiritual concerns. Counseling is provided for a wide variety of individual, relationship, and family concerns, in an atmosphere of confidentiality, acceptance, trust, and understanding. Salem Pastoral Counseling Center is committed to the following: - Each person is valued by God. - Each counselor is a well-trained, competent and recognized professional and also a committed person of faith, in good standing in a religious community. - The counseling process will usually be short-term, supportive, and focused on improving relationships and one's ability to cope with life. - Counselors will develop trusting and helpful relationships with other counselors, pastors, and persons in the helping professions. - Counseling is a ministry which can assist in fulfilling the purpose of the church. - The center is interfaith in spirit and practice. To contact the center you may telephone us. For information or to make an appointment, please leave a message on our confidential voice mail service and you will be contacted by a counselor as soon as possible. The offices are easily reached by city bus and are accessible by ADA standards (Americans With Disabilities Act).