Dr. Patrick Helfenbein, MD

Very rude and inconsiderate. Showed to me that he was surprised of all that I have accomplished in my life even when I have periods of my life that I do struggle. When you work in mental health show empathy and understanding not something he has mastered.

This man has zero Empathy and does not care. Plain and simple. He has no interest in how you feel on your medication, only how much you use. He doesn't listen when you ask to try a different anti-depressant because the one you've been on for years seems ineffective and dismisses anything you have to say. Worst experience ever in the visits I had with him - his gross demeanor and lack of caring nearly made me stop seeking mental health care completely. Doctors like this are what make people not seek help. Avoid him at all costs, there are better options around. This man needs to find a new profession where he doesn't interact with people, especially fragile ones.

I’ve been seeing Dr Helfenbein for the past year and I’ve been searching for a new psychiatrist for months and I finally start with a new one next month. He is insanely patronizing and clearly does not actually care about his patients. He is pumping me full of antidepressants and refused to even consider that my mood symptoms could be caused by a condition other than Major Depressive Disorder. I’m not upset that he didn’t agree when I thought I had Bipolar Disorder, I’m upset that he completely dismissed my concerns. When it comes down to it, Dr. Helfenbein will always do what is easy for him than what is best for his patients. He even gaslit me during my last appointment. I wouldn’t recommend him to my worst enemy, I don’t even think he ought to have a license.

He Does care. I met Dr Helfenbein "Dr H" on one of the worst days of my life. My brain was in grave danger and he helped me. He saw how scared and alone I was and set out to help me the best he could. I then became his patient outside of the hospital. He always encouraged me to be in control of my health and my addiction. He listened to me and my concerns and medications I was interested in trying. Anything that may potentially cause issues in regards to addiction, he let me know and why he doesn't prescribe them. Anything else that could be helpful and was appropriate, we tried. You got to keep your appointments. He will help you if you are willing. He doesn't prescribe medications known for addiction issues. He's had enough experience in this field to trust why. Would you trust an addicted fam member in the hands of Dr who does prescribe those things?? Thank you Dr H.

Very to the point, and willing to listen to my past treatment, medications, what worked and what didn't. He did not, as some others have, try to re-suggest medications I've tried and know don't work. I'm always open to new ways of managing my miswired brain, and he thoroughly discussed a proposed medication change. He is very no nonsense, and I can see how he might come off as blunt, which some people might find off putting, but it's the sort of personality I get along with best where my mental health is concerned; I know my mind, I know how it works, and it's nice to be able to discuss it frankly, objectively, and without putting emotion into it. The medication switch up worked exactly as he'd theorized it would and works better than the previous set & dosages I'd been on.

Quite possibly the worst "DR" I have ever seen. I admitted myself due to severe depression and suicidal thoughts. First order of business, lithium. I have been on it in the past and it never did anything for me. I told him this but that didn't matter. Second a complete stop of my xanax. I haven't felt right for weeks since going there, now I know why. You can't stop xanax cold turkey. Also, worst attitude towards people with mental illness. I ish I could give negative stars