Dr. Jacobson is a lifesaver. I have been in his care for over 20 years now. I first saw him in Northridge because he was the psychiatrist my insurance company was contracted with. Immediately I bonded with him. His bedside manner is delightful and his work ethic is admirable. He after the first visit discovered that I wasn't just clinically depressed,I was manic. I was laid off my job in 2009 after the company was sold and went into a deep depression. I had been working with Tri-anim for 24 years. Dr. Jacobson worked with me closely. He was pleased when I found another job in just 3 weeks. He told me to update my resume and told me about Monster and Indeed.com. When my contract job ended I couldn't find anything because I didn't have a degree. He told me about online universities where the coursework is easier than going to college for 4 years. I was extremely anxious about how I was going to pay my rent. I had amassed over $375K in my 401K, and Dr. Jacobson told me to take out some money for the bills. When I called they said that since I was no longer an employee I had to leave it alone or open up a Ira at a bank and then transfer everything to the new account, so that's what Dr. Jacobson said to do. One thing I forgot to mention is that he moved his office to Agoura Hills, and he was not accepting Medi-cal. He said don't worry" I'll charge you the insurance rate of $75 per office visit which is unheard of. Psychiatrists of his caliber charge upwards of $300 to their cash patients. When I complained about the drive to Agoura Hills from Northridge, he said " Jordan don't stress. We can do television via Whatsapp and I'll see you at no charge. WTF? That was unbelievable. This is the kind of human being he is. I continue in his care today, and haven't paid him a dime since 2009. What a mench. Jewish for an angel. Recently my insurance company stopped paying for my medicine so he put me on Abilify. I only pay $25 per month, but it doesn't work as good as Vraylar for me, but the share of cost for Vraylar with Humana is $400/mo. I am only in Social Security and my husband is disabled so our monthly income is only $3,000. Our rent is $1895. My insurance broker Steven Ruhkmann told me to call the manufacturer and apply for financial aid. Dr. Jacobson texted me on Sunday evening at 7:00 pm to tell me he is finishing his part of the application and he needed to send me a document to sign. On a Sunday night he's still working. Old- fashioned work ethic. Now, I need a note from him to make my new kitten an emotional support animal for me because I wasn't allowed to bring him aboard the bus for a Grand Canyon West and Hoover Dam tour in Las Vegas. So, my husband stayed in the hotel and I and my best friend took the tour. When I asked to get a refund for my husband's ticket they refused. They kicked him out for a 3 week old kitten and won't give me my $109 back. I called Viator who is the 3rd party and they got back to me with the same answer: No refunds. Dr Jacobson suggested that I contact an attorney and sue for discrimination. Always looking out for me. I told him that I won $150 in Vegas and to give me his Zelle number so I could at least send him $50 bucks. He responded to me this morning at 4:00 am and told me "I got plenty of money and you don't. Enjoy your winnings. So, I asked him where I can share my experience with his wonderful care, and he said Yelp. I've given too much information but you won't find a more dedicated, hard working professional psychiatrist than Walter E Jacobson, MD read more

Not the care I expected. I was initially hopeful starting out with Dr. Jacobson. I looked into providers in my area and found his "shrink bites" on YouTube insightful, especially on forgiveness. So, I became a new patient. Unfortunately, I was quick to realize that he rushes his appointments, leaving no time or opportunity for questions for further discussion. I did not feel invited to share anything or ask questions, as he often responds quickly with little patience--at least that's how I interpreted it. I followed his instructions when I started my medication and provided a summary on my experience, as directed for ADHD. I was responded with criticism for sharing too much. And this over-sharing happens to be an effect of the medication, which he failed to recognize. In my perception, his demeanor is overly professional and he does not take careful effort to monitor his patients' progress. I understand that he may have a large number of patients, but he should have at least take demonstrate patience with each one of us and have interest in our subjective worlds as patients. Speeding through obligatory questions and concluding an appointment in one minute was not what I was expecting. I believe patients have accountability on our ends to reach out when necessary, but we struggle with mental health and sometimes require an extra hand. We shouldn't be expected to be perfect, formal people. A passive aggressive text informing that I need an appointment is not the best move, considering I was going through an SSRI withdrawal for a few weeks. My depression got worse, as I felt uncared for and I blamed myself for expecting too much. It took me some time to get over my anxiety to reach out. Even though his part of my treatment is psychiatric medications, I could at least expect some empathy or emotion in his messages. A welcoming attitude is necessary on the provider's end for patients to open up. I struggle with depression and social anxiety, and it didn't seem as though he was considerate of that. I decided to accepted my mistake and moved on. I entered a PHP program after my SSRI withdrawal had sent me into a long depressive episode (which was my fault). There was a psychiatrist at my program who made minor changes to my medication plan. She knows I see an outside provider and I had allowed disclosure of treatment information to Dr. Jacobson. I did not consider her my primary psychiatric provider, so I continued seeing Dr. Jacobson. It seems there is this expectation from him that we know everything about insurance and the healthcare system and he gets frustrated over misunderstandings. So I was scolded at and I felt genuine fear as it reminded me of my childhood trauma. I was then instructed to come back when I am discharged from the program. Essentially, I just felt like another patient, and not another person. He just isn't what I was looking for. Maybe I should've been transparent, but I fear talking to him honestly. I've never felt this way with someone who is supposed to make me feel the opposite. He is not the best fit *for me* but he does his job sufficiently. If you just want a prescription quickly and conveniently, Dr. Jacobson may be your provider. read more

Poor bedside manner and communication. I would not recommend. I did not enjoy my minimal experience with this man.

This doctor is genuinely honest and direct like no psychiatrist I've spoken with before, very quick with his responses compared to others and seems to have genuine empathy. read more

This guy is rude and unprofessional. I'd suggest seeking any other doctor to assist you. And god for bid you ask him a question about billing even after he had claimed your insurance denied him even though they didn't... you will receive the most unprofessional rude response. :) lol look at this dudes reply. This guy is a joke. Definitely don't go to him. Look at his reviews , not the first time someone has said this guy is rude and unprofessional. He's lying because he got angry when I said I was going to reach out to my insurance. And said "You do that. It is best if you understand how insurance works rather than assuming that a doctor is trying to take advantage of you." Because I asked a question about his billing. Which hasn't shown up through my insurance. Hahahaha this guys a JOKE. read more

Honestly this man deserves a second review. I have been treated by Doctor Jacobson for over 6 months now. Sometimes we agree to disagree. However what really separates Dr. Jacobson from any psychiatrist that I have worked with in the past is his patience, his genuine care for my wellbeing, and his high level of transparency. He has sincerely helped me through some of the hardest moments/ months of my life. My advice to anyone considering being treated by him: Be transparent Be naked in your truth Listen to him and follow his direction precisely read more

Dr. Jacobson is very patient and practical. When you do your first intake, he will listen and ensure he understands you and the issue. Then he prescribes accordingly. When you check in they are fast and efficient, but if you want to change dosages or try something different, he is open and willing to help so long as he feels it's safe according to the medical implications. If you need more time to describe a change he will give you that time and work with you but ultimately the check-in appointments are quick and easy. I have been seeing him for 6 years and my husband sees him too (though he does not know we are married.) I am getting so frustrated with trying to find a good children's psychiatrist (we all have ADHD) that I think I will be transferring their care to him. read more

He's been my Dr. for many years. He is bright, open-minded, kind and compassionate. I highly recommend Dr. Jacobson. read more

Dr.Jacobson really is as good as it gets. He is patient, understanding, intuitive, kind and excellent at what he does. When I walked out of his office for the first time, my life honestly changed in ways I didn't know it possibly could. Over the course of years, I had gone to many different doctors, in hopes of figuring out why I had felt so "off". After being recommended to Dr.Jacobson, I made an appointment asap and I was able to see him in a very timely manner (which was a pleasant surprise, after being beaten around the bush for so long). After being evaluated, he knew exactly what it was that was causing detriment to my everyday life, and knew what it was that I needed to make a positive change. Almost a year later, and I have nothing but wonderful things to say... and I also have the peace of mind knowing that he genuinely cares about his practice, his patients, and making a positive impact in people's lives. I would highly recommend anyone who is ready to change their lives for the better, to see Dr.Jacobson. I honestly do wish I had sooner, but I am so thankful to have a great doctor in my contacts. It really does make the difference. read more

I have had this DR for a long time. He recently does texting only sessions with me, has less impulse control with angry sarcastic text messages ad discourages me from seeing him. He prefers texting/phone. I am quite disappointed in him and I never know when he will be explosive or the old DR Jacobson that he used to be. I would think the psychiatrist not the patient should have better impulse control not poorer! read more

About 6 months ago I gave it another try and started weaning my daughter off her medication. The first attemp was a disaster, but she is older and ithis transition went very well and she is doing fine. She's getting good grades in school and she is a Honor Roll student now. When she went to Dr. Jacobson at 7 years of age, I was desperate and knew my daughter was suffering and needed medical attention, that my husband wanted to deny, because he felt ashamed. I honestly could not have made it through all of the challenges we faced without Dr. Jacobson. HE diagnosed her and helped her through an extremely difficult period in her life and I am deeply grateful to him..This journey could have ended many other ways for her had she not received the medical attention she needed. My words cannot express my gratitude to Dr. Jacobson for helping my daughter deal with the health problems she faced. He was there at the fork in the road, and HE made a REAL difference in her quality of life. I consider him a gifted expert in his field. I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Jacobson. read more

If you have anxiety, panic disorder or depression please read my review. I thought it would be easier to write a review about this, but how do you start to write about a man who truly changed my life? I was assigned to this doctor either by luck or as a godsend. (I am agnostic as you can tell) I went to see him about 5 years ago after I developed panic disorder. I never thought of going to a shrink or taking pills; all that was so unreal to me since I thought I was above that. It was unreal and unthinkable until I found myself in a full blown panic attack where I had no Idea what was going on. Did I have a mental breakdown? Am I crazy? I was referred to him by a GP. So here the journey begins... It wasn't easy, but it was revolutionary. I had erroneous thought processes that I was entirely unaware of! My whole life, in order to survive, I tried to make sense of other peoples behavior and excuse it with out noticing how this was damaging to me! From the first session with Dr. Jacobson I was amazed at how great, sensitive, and sane a person I really was. He helped me to build a shield of (self esteem I THOUGHT I had) that would protect me from the turmoil of my life at that time. I saw him for less than a year and was completely transformed!! I finally felt like I was me without the burden of guilt, fear, shame, etc... Sooooooo a couple blissful years passed after I stopped seeing him. I was strong, independent, fulfilled and free from panic. Then... Life smacked me in the face again! I had all new skills learned and could handle it all but I was confronted with my emotional vampire of a father again. After trying to help him out of the goodness of my heart, duty, whatever bull crap you want to call it; being exposed to his abussive nature broke me down again over the period of a year and a half. Yes, I am patient, or stupid, to remain by someones' side so long. I developed panic disorder again! Here is the reason I am writing this review now. By this time I had no medical insurance since I like you or many around you, became unemployed. I went to a mental clinic and saw a few different doctors. I don't want to tell you the terrible experiences I had with these doctors in order to not re-live the horrible sessions I had with them. NOT ALL PSYCHIATRISTS WERE CREATED EQUAL!!! I had enough! they seemed to make the problem worse than before if you can believe that? Then one day I became enlightened. I NEED to go see Dr. Jacobson again. Truly my life depended on it this time. Not only did I have panic disorder but I developed agoraphobia, social anxiety, and social phobia! What the hell right? I almost developed a stutter during high anxiety times! This was sooooo NOT me. I was the life of the party before; a true social, networking, life of the party kind of girl. So I went back. I didn't know what to tell him. I imagined my seeing him again like 10 times in the waiting room. Some of these scenarios went like this: "Hi Dr. Jacobson, it's me again. Yes, I messed up all the great work you did... tee hee." or simply "Hi, yes it's me again" head down and sheepish all the way in the "the chair." BUT instead I see him and he says "Hi stranger!" with his wide, bright, friendly huge smile. All my fears melted and I new I was where I needed to be. I have a huge smile on my face as I write this. I open up to all of you only because many of us don't and the whole trial and error of finding a psychiatrist can be more hurtful than helpful. I know people invalidate your feelings because they don't understand, but how could they? I know you are in need like I was and am again. I hope in my heart of hearts this review has touched you because I know how you feel and I know you need understanding. Keep Dr. Jacobson in mind when you finally decide you had enough and need help. I hope I was helpful. Add me as a friend if you'd like to. I know I could use more understanding people around. read more

I have never met a person let alone a psychiatrist Who is as abrasive and rude as this human being over text . I had a couple questions about pricing and he told me that I was "taking up too much of his time" and he "didn't like my attitude" when all I did was ask a few quick questions. I would think that someone who deals with mental health would know how to speak to people. I cannot believe the unprofessionalism. If you're a person who is as sensitive as me and dealing with your own struggles I can tell you that this does not make it better, in fact after my conversation with him I feel a lot worse. Stay far away. read more

Dr. Jacobson is working with me to get better. I feel like he really cares. My last psychiatrist was like talking to a wall. I felt like he didn't care and I was about to give up. Dr. Jacobson gave me hope. I would highly recommend him. read more

Walter is great at what he does. He brings his many life experiences to his practice, and deals with things and a practical and straightforward manner. I would recommend him to anybody looking for help and guidance in their life. read more

It is extremely difficult to find a good therapist these days, especially one who takes insurance, and an actual psychiatrist to boot -- you can get medication if deemed necessary, and talk therapy at the same place. Dr. Jacobson cuts through the BS like a hot knife through butter, but he does so in a kind but direct way, pointing out the behaviors and thinking patterns that are making you and everyone you love miserable. I cannot say enough good about him. read more

After losing my father I've been struggling with anxiety attacks. I started by going to my GP who tried treating me with meds that didn't work. I then went out looking for a psychiatrist and ran across dr mack in Agoura hills. I had a weird experience with this dr, he basically told me I did a good job diagnosing myself without asking me a single question and sent me on my way with a prescription. So I went on the search for a new dr and came across dr Jacobson. He was incredible. He listened, gave advice and was very straight forward but also beyond caring. I am so excited that I found an amazing dr who I am confident will be able to help me. Thank you dr Jacobson for showing me how a true dr should treat a patient :) I wanted to add to my review after working with dr Jacobson for a few months and I can't tell you in words how truly amazing, patient, and caring he is. I presented him with quite a challenge since many medications that should have worked didn't. But he never gave up or made me feel like a freak he just thought outside the box and found a solution . I have him to thank for finally getting sleep for the first full week since my fathers passing 4 months ago. He also got my anxiety under control. He gave me above and beyond excellent care and I would recommend him to anyone! read more

I called Dr. Jacobson based on the stellar reviews I read on Yelp. I left a message requesting a new patient appointment and suggested we might want to talk on the phone for a minute before scheduling that. I got a return text the next day saying "I'm super busy and talking on the phone doesn't really work for me." His text went on to say that he has no openings for a month but if I want to make an appointment to let him know what my insurance is. Wonderful that the reviews indicate people have such a good experience with him but if a doctor can't find 5 minutes to return a call from someone seeking their services, even if it is to say that he doesn't have an opening for several weeks, and he's more interested in my insurance carrier than why I called in the first place, that's not the doctor for me. read more

As with Ana, this man changed my life too. He cuts through the bs and gets to the heart of the matter right away. I love his outlook on life, his interactions with people, and his shining and happy soul. Unlike others, he doesn't just sit there and nods his head while you talk about the same stuff. He listens, hears and gives you tools that open up your mind to an entirely different level of understanding and thought processing. I can not recommend Dr. Jacobson highly enough. He is truly a life and relationship saver, a genius at work. read more

I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Jacobson. He has been treating my Anxiety and Depression for the past few years. He is professional and is extremely knowledgeable in his field. He really cares about his patients and goes the extra mile for them. I feel that Dr. Jacobson is really dedicated to his patients. It is hard to find a good therapist and I am so glad that I see Dr. Jacobson to help me live a nice life. He gets to the point with you and uses his expertise to give you the best therapy he knows. I appreciate all his help and I feel very lucky to have him as my doctor. I recommend Dr. Walter Jacobson to anyone who needs a GREAT Psychiatrist. read more