I have been seeing Dr. Patel for many years. She has helped me with my anxiety tremendously. I don't know what I would do without her! Linda Lyons-Drager

Submitted Jan. 30, 2020

She's only here for 15-minute medication management appointments, nothing more, and told me as much. Rude and impatient with patients who require more of her time. Sarcastic, dismissive, and verbally abusive when angry. Pros: Accepts insurance, responds to emergencies.

Submitted Aug. 18, 2017

Came in for anxiety concerns, left with a bipolar II diagnosis and 3 different medications to take. Was blindsided and confused. She ignored my concerns, and my answers, and decided I was bipolar after only talking to me for less than 15 minutes. I am 100% sure I am not bipolar, as me and everyone else around me would've noticed this late in my adult life. Also kept asking the same questions which gave me indication she didn't actually listen to what I was saying. I cried scared for two days. Decided not to take bipolar medication, and try the anti-anxiety which turned out to be way too strong. Talked to other therapist friends and my GP that told me that was ridiculous, and to never go back. Always do your research, on you prescribed meds AND on your DRs.

Submitted Jan. 8, 2016

DO NOT GO HERE!! I have been to many psychiatrists over the years, and I didn't even know psychiatrists this bad could be board-certified. I have been on a medication for 15 years and 3 other psychiatrists. The medication is a stimulant and going off this medication abruptly (as I told her from days when I haven't taken it) makes me unable to even stay awake during the day. Nevertheless, she decides after seeing me that she won't prescribe me the medication because she "thinks it isn't helping me." Despite my pleas that I didn't have enough to get through Thanksgiving weekend (it didn't even cross my mind that this would happen) and would almost certainly not get an appointment tomorrow, and to at least give me enough to taper and wean myself off the medication instead of losing functionality.so tha switch to whatever she recommended. She refused. I left her office to call my wife to discuss what we could do (we have a 9 month old and its not fair for me to be out and unable to help), at which point she sends her receptionist out saying I'm "disturbing the clients" and threatening to call the police if I didn't vacate the premises.

DO NOT GO TO HER. Better to pay hundreds per visit to a different doctor.

Submitted Nov. 24, 2015

I've been to Smita for over a year for Medication Management. When we last met we discussed a stronger med but would see how the in between time went first. After a stressful month, I looked forward to my appointment to begin the stronger meds. Instead, she "fired" me. She told me she felt it was best I find another provider. She did not discuss what medication I was taking, how it was affecting me, what I should do until I found someone else or if I had enough meds until then. Update 10/1/2013 I received a call from Smita while in the waiting room for my daughter's therapy . As soon as she announced herself, I cut her off stating that it was not a good time, I was at an appointment for my child. She continued telling me that she "thinks (I) should make time" and that she wanted me to remove(...) I again cut her off informing that now was not a good time as I was at an appointment for my child and then disconnected. Only in her world would she take priority over my 3 year old child.

Submitted Oct. 3, 2013

She's a psychiatrist who takes many different insurance plans, a rarity in the area. She is also not a therapist, so don't expect that sort of treatment. She took the time to find the correct medication I needed for ADD, so all is good. Nothing special, but I've been to worse.

Submitted May 30, 2012

I was more or less just kicked out of Dr. Smita Patel's office. I have never before been treated with such lack of compassion and carelessness. This past year I almost lost my son, who has a rare heart defect - and am subsequently trying to come off of the drug Paxil. My withdraw has been so intense that I cannot function. Dr. Patel told me that I was not "telling her the whole story," and that she had a lack of trust for me b/c of a missed appointment. She refuses to see me again. She said she was incapable of working with me to wean off Paxil. I am left with a hopeless feeling brought on by her unfounded accusation and insinuation that I was somehow making my symptoms up. I have spent the better part of the last year in the hospital with my son, so I consider myself quite familiar with the medical community. Through our entire battle and fight for my son's life, I have never once felt this let down or disappointed in a doctor's care.

Submitted Oct. 14, 2011

I had a severe crisis recently and called Dr. Patel's answering service at 3:30 in the morning. They paged her and she called be back within 10 minutes of my call. She talked to me on the phone and then came in early to her office at 7:30 in the morning to meet me. Without her help I may have done something drastic to hurt myself. I think that she went beyond the call of duty to help me.

Submitted Sept. 15, 2010

She only spends 10 minutes with each patient. The rules include not calling the office even for an psychiatric emergency - told to call 911. She makes no effort to hide the fact that she resents treating medicare patients. She makes diagnosis without taking history.

Submitted Aug. 2, 2010

I disagree of the last 2 patients. She is very knowledge and office looks better than any I have visited. She spent enough time every time i have visited her. I think some patients are unhappy with their life and getting angry on Doctor.

Submitted July 23, 2010