LifeStance Health West Chester

*going to overshare to help any one out there that may be pregnant and looking for a psychiatrist* This is not the place for you! Or if you ever plan to become pregnant. Absolutely disgusted by Lifestance. After my previous psychiatrist retired during my first pregnancy, I found Lifestance so I could be put back on my medication and they offered virtual appointments which was great for my work schedule. Was first with NP Callie Hall for a little over a year, until I became pregnant again; and she pretty much shewed me away. She felt comfortable enough to abruptly stop my SSRI and immediately start me on another one - which sent me to the ER due to a bad reaction. All other professionals wondering why she didn’t wean me off one and start another. I had already told her my mom and brother reacted poorly to this SSRI, but that wasn’t a concern of hers, clearly. She also took me off my ADHD medication abruptly just for every doctor and medical professional I’ve talked to since - ER at Bethesda North , OB office at Christ hospital, perinatal psychiatry through my Anthem insurance, and perinatal unit at UC health - to tell me that is not normal practice, and they do not take their pregnant patients off their normally prescribed medications if it’s what’s best for them. “There is no healthy pregnancy without a healthy mom” I was told multiple times by every office besides this one -?point blank period! I was referred to another psychiatrist through Lifestance so I could continue medication. They were supposed to help me, but instead lied. Christina Butler saw me virtually, but due to me being pregnant she wanted me seeing someone in person to better monitor me (although my OB would be monitoring my BP). Still, I understood and appreciated her “guidance”. My OB office wanted me away from Lifestance as soon as possible, as they never hear anything good. So I reach out to UC health to get into their peritnatal psychiatry office. Ms. Butler told me she would bridge my medication as long as I had an appointment setup with UC health. I did that, and did everything she asked me to. Just for me to end up miscarrying this same week (currently), and then for her to say she now doesn't feel comfortable bridging that medication any longer and to just wait for my appointment with UC. What a joke. I only regret telling her any further information other than the appointment that she wanted me to get. Screw me for being overly honest I guess? My miscarriage is not due to the medication, but she wants me off of it while I’m miscarrying and for weeks after? Hopefully I can send Lifestance my inpatient bill, because I’m not sure why they think it’s best for me to be off my daily medications during an already horrible time. My OB office says the miscarriage is most likely an implant issue or chromosomal abnormality. Baby was measuring 8 weeks but gestation sack was measuring 2 weeks behind at 6 weeks - the week I was abruptly taken off one SSRI and put on another and went to ER. Maybe it’s just a coincidence, maybe I just want to blame someone or something. Either way disgusted by both physicians. Would not recommend Lifestance to my worst enemy.

I came out with a lot better feeling about things and my direction than going into today’s visit. Liz helped me understand my feelings about the behaviors of my inlaws. She also helped me understand the feedback I was getting on educational contract possibilities for the 2023- 24 school year.

Great atmosphere & professionalism. Ty for your services.

Very disappointed with my experience.

Terrible therapist, terrible billing dept. Therapist was unorganized and had zero meaningful impact. “Canceled” or last appointment because she said we had “graduate”, then got a bill for skipping our last appointment. Billing dept hung up on me after being on hold for 10 min to “look up my account”. Called back and they said they would look into the issues. I could barely understand them and asked where they were located, and all he could say was that LifeStance uses and “offshore” company to handle billing and calls. Shocker. Won’t be using them ever again.

First meeting seemed hopeful

I feel very unheard. I have ADHD and have been taking medication for over 15 years. I’m now 28. My previous doctor, who understood my history and treatment plan, has just left Lifestance without notice. Since then, no one at this office is willing to write a my prescription until I’m “evaluated” by a new doctor. I’ve tried meeting with my doctor before she left but she’s flaked on me the last few appointments, which is beyond my control. I simply asked for a temporary prescription to hold me over until my appointment, and that request was ignored. I’m fine with scheduling an appointment, but I should not be forced to go several days/weeks without the medication I rely on to function, especially when I’ve been stable and compliant for years. I’ve consistently taken ADHD medication since I was a child. Me juggling school, work and my everyday life will be 100x more difficult for me unmediated than the average person. This feels careless, dismissive and negligent. ADHD is not something I can just “manage” without treatment. The lack of compassion here has made an already stressful situation even harder. Consider looking elsewhere for mental health services.

I really like the therapist I have. She is so attentive to all my needs and emotions. I am new to lifestance but so far I feel my therapist is a perfect fit for me. I really appreciate and look forward to my next appointment and adventure of healing. Thank you Lifestance!!