So to be 100% honest I haven't seen this doctor in several years now, but the last time I had an appointment with her is something I've thought about multiple times in the last few years so I feel like writing a review may be helpful.
For starters, it always took forever to be seen by Dr Raj. For example if I had an appointment at 2 PM, I would get there at 1:50 to check in, and then be in a room waiting for 30+ minutes until 2:30 or even later, while I could hear Dr Raj laughing and chatting in the next room. I understand having rapport with your clients, but when she would come into my room she seemed cold, un-empathetic, and rushed, when the timing being so delayed was not my fault.
The last time I saw Dr Raj she diagnosed me with depression. I was 18 (26 now for context), and honestly I was really scared. I had never been diagnosed with anything before, and I told her I was really struggling and needed help. I explained that I wanted blood work done to check for various vitamin levels and serotonin, before I jumped into taking something that could negatively impact me long term (like an SSRI if my serotonin levels were fine). Not only did she refuse bloodwork, but she actually told me (and this is a direct quote) that I "was not strong enough to survive depression without taking antidepressants," and that I would eventually end up committing s**cide."
Like I said- she said this to me 8 years ago and it has negatively stuck with me since. I have a psychology/neuroscience degree now, and even though I'm not a doctor, I would never in a million years speak to ANYONE in that way. That is a deeply inappropriate, reckless, and harmful thing to say to a child that is asking you for help and clearly scared. She also told me that "when" (not if) I changed my mind, she'll write me any prescription I want, no questions asked, which is an extremely irresponsible way to be practicing medicine.
It took a few years of some other not-so-great doctors, but I eventually got bloodwork done that showed VERY low vitamin levels, and taking care of my vitamin deficiencies helped with my depression tremendously. There's also 100s of different ways she could have responded to me that would've been kind, helpful, and considerate, rather than what she chose to say. I wish potential physiological contributors had been investigated before medication was pushed as the only solution.
You would think that a baseline level of empathy would be present in a healthCARE provider, but not with Dr Raj. I truly hope she is retired and doesn't speak to clients in the ways she spoke to me. Due to her lack of basic consideration and care, as well as time management, I would not recommend going to her, especially if you're struggling with your mental health. read more
