When I think of Dr. Smolowe, the following words come to mind: humor, compassion, wisdom, brilliant, whimsical. John has helped me navigate many life challenges and transitions, with career, family, marriage, and parenting. My work with Dr. Smolowe has been transformational- giving me greater self awareness and teaching me tactical skills. I am deeply grateful for all his support over the years. It is rare to find someone with John’s character, ethics, values, and kindness. I know I can count on John always being on my side, yet he also helps point out blind spots. It is rare to find a psychiatrist so knowledgeable on medications and the latest research and that is an amazing talk therapist. Dr. Smolowe gets my highest possible recommendation.

Submitted Aug. 1, 2019

John Smolowe is a rare and wise therapist. If you are fortunate enough to work with him you will find your life turning around in subtle yet profound and meaningful ways. I have seen several therapist in my life and John is by far the best of the best. He is profoundly skillful. I recommend him to anyone seeking an experienced mature true therapist. If only every therapist was as compassionate and professional. John has been in practice and teaching/mentoring at Stanford for many years. He is a superbly wise and experienced psychiatrist among the few psychiatrists who actually provide therapy rather than just prescribing drugs. He can do that also, prescribe medication, but in the context of healing, deeply healing, real therapy. You don't just come and blah blah blah with John, you heal.

Submitted July 22, 2019

I have seen Dr. Smolowe for years and he is absolutely fantastic. Extremely helpful and thinks of creative solutions to problems. He also is very knowledgable about medication, flexible with scheduling, and very prompt with communication.

Submitted July 6, 2019

Dr Smolowe has a strong alpha male personality, which he occasionally let lose on me during session where we were treating my severe depression. Seeing as part of my depression stems from having had overbearing parents, his need to tersely establish dominance over his patient did more damage than good. I suppose he is good for other types of people, but his need to assert himself as an unapologetic alpha did not do any good to my recovery. The meds, along with the help of another therapist worked wonders though (at some point, I even had to talk to my other therapist about Dr. Smolowe).

Submitted March 2, 2016

I have been a patient for several years and I have always found Dr. Smolowe to be one of the best doctors I have seen. He is professional, ethical, kind, compassionate and understanding. He is extremely flexible with his time when scheduling appointments, helpful with all insurance issues, promptly returns messages and easy to work with in all ways. I have always found him supportive, knowledgeable and would highly recommend him as a psychiatrist.

Submitted Aug. 2, 2014

I have been seeing Dr. Smolowe for a long time and feel well qualified to rate him. From the very first meeting and continuing to the present Dr. Smolowe establishes a trusting, compassionate relationship and I have always felt that “he has my back” and my interests at heart. He is truly interested in learning how I feel and I find it very easy to talk with him. He has an amazing ability to provide wonderful insight and explanations for my experiences and moods, and consistently provides me with wonderful constructive and very helpful advice. I have never felt that he is taking down to me or not paying attention (which are remarkable qualities). He is always available and is able to accommodate and adjust his schedule to make time to see me even on short notice. . I give him the highest ratings and think he is truly a gifted therapist/psychiatrist.

Submitted Aug. 2, 2014

There is no problem too big or too small for Dr. Smolowe. John listens actively to my anxieties, desires and joys and always helps me feel more comfortable in my own skin. I can tell him anything with confidence that I will be treated with respect and sincerity. John is a role model for a balanced, creative and happy life. I feel lucky to have him as my therapist and recommend him highly.

Submitted Aug. 1, 2014

John Smolowe is the finest psychotherapist/psychiatrist I have ever known. I am in the field of psychiatry and thus have had a great deal of experience with other psychiatrists. John is incredibly insightful and helps you think outside the box to solve interpersonal issues. He uses role playing in a brilliant manner that has been instrumental in both improving the relationships in my life and giving me new ways to approach issues relating to my career. John's knowledge of medication management is top notch and he is up to date on the latest medications. He is compassionate, caring and extremely accessible. Knowing John is there to back you up in times of distress is remarkably empowering. In summary, John is all you could ask for in a psychiatrist and more than I ever hoped to find.

Submitted July 27, 2014

Dr. was 10-25mins late for appointments. And he even didn't show up for 3 of my appointments. You can find a much better psychiatrist than him. He didn't listen to my concerns, especially when I told him my medication was not helping. I saw a new Dr. who said I shouldn't have been on the medication Dr. Smolowe was giving me. My new Dr. is much better.

Submitted March 3, 2009