Dr. Appelbaum has been great while filling in for my doctor who had a health complication. His assistant Renee, on the other hand, just called me pharmacy and told them, "I'm going to lose it on this patient," when I asked her about a prescription that I was missing. She followed that up with emails in all capital letters. Not very helpful for someone with PTSD that's simply trying to resolve an issue with a missing prescription (a schedule class IV with low risk and low dependence). I'll experience the withdrawals over being subjected to that kind of treatment.

Submitted Nov. 28, 2023

When you need to see him right away, don't assume he will respond right away, even if you do select "urgent" on his voice message system. Impossible to make an appointment because his consulting appointment setter's phone number was changed. What do you know!?

Submitted Sept. 2, 2014

In order to get an appointment must make it through Cheryl by phone. It took me two weeks before an appointment was finally connected. Dr. Appelbaum does not know your name. He always asks for it. I asked him why and he said he does not know any one's name; too many names to remember. He is just a pill dispenser. I've been going to him for many years. Marsha Oblath

Submitted June 3, 2013

Setting up an appointment is nearly impossible. The initial appointment is a little pricey. I do like that he takes later appointments and that is the ONLY reason I visit his office. Overall, if you don't need an evening appointment i would suggest finding another doctor.

Submitted July 11, 2012

I saw him once & paid an exorbitant amount for the intake appt. His secretary/recpt is not in his office. She works from home. She returns calls at her leisure. I called her to make a follow up appointment. It took her 3 days to return my call. That is ridiculous. When I informed her, "This is not acceptable. You need to return calls sooner than 3 days. You are dealing psych patients! It could be an emergency!" She gave me a sunny, "Eh, yeah, well, I'm calling you now. So, do you want an appointment?" I was flabbergasted. Clearly there was not going to be an apology from this woman and secondly, she is in the wrong profession. I said, "NO, I do not want an appointment anymore. I am going to see someone else now. I am going to see someone who answers the phone in a timely manner. This will not do." It was like water off a duck's back. She said, "Oh, OK then. Bye!" She was cheery. I sent a letter to Dr. Appelbaum telling him what happened & why I would not return. No reply.

Submitted March 16, 2011