I was referred to come here for therapy and dietary needs after staying in a residential setting. My team was wonderful, but as the rest of these reviews read, their policies are not so great. I was okay with the 24-hour cancellation policy, but what I'm not okay with is being charged when I cancel my appointment before the 24-hour marker. I had hip surgery planned and called them to cancel all my appointments. The day of my next scheduled appointment, my doctor calls wondering where I am. So, i called the receptionist, and she remembers me calling, and confirms that my appointments were cancelled and I won't owe money. However, 3 MONTHS LATER, I get a bill for a missed appointment. I tried to contact them on the issue, but kept playing phone tag, and their voicemails would just say basically I owe them. I left a complaint through the BBB that they ignored, and the case is now closed, so that tells you there they are just money hungry... Honestly, I don't see anyone anymore because I'm too afraid the same thing will happen again. Long story short: this place is more about profit than treatment.

Let it be said that there are qualified people working here, but the bottom line is for them make money even at the disservice of the client. In the mental health field this is shameful and a poor practice. So remember, don't run late even a few minutes or there will be a fee beyond the price of your appointment as well as forfeiting the appointment. I'd thought this may be waived a first time, given that I'd come in early for my previous appointments (sometimes with the office in delay)(And I've never demanded a refund for the loss of my time) Yes, it is in the agreement and I was at fault, but I will not be going back here. Don't make the same mistake that I made, find another business with better policies more of a humanist approach.

I would recommend steering clear of this place. I saw two different providers here, and I had nothing but problems with the office. It is nearly impossible to get a hold of anyone to schedule or reschedule an appointment. Usually you have to leave a message on an answering machine, but then they don’t call you back. It is also nearly impossible to try to pay your bill. At one point I had called and emailed several times, and they still wouldn’t respond. Dealing with this facility was incredibly frustrating, but I liked my provider, so I put up with it. The second provider, who I was seeing for a separate reason, was also good, but I stopped seeing him because I couldn’t deal with the office who seemed to be overcharging me, then refunding me, but also billing me at the same time. It was very confusing. They don’t seem to care if you are having issues connecting to their telehealth zoom sessions, and will charge you for missing the session and terminate care because of this.

My Girlfriend talked to a "Coordinator", trying to get questions about this Institute and what they offered. She was very rude and not very helpful at all, and sounded more interested in just trying to get her signed up with no questions asked. It's a terrible sign when you talk down to mentally impaired callers who just want help.

These people do not care. Once I stated I wanted to look elsewhere after a year of working with the same therapist to no avail, I get ignored and openly refused a referral despite being in/out of the hospital. Don't waste your time with Dr Randy Flanery. This man has no heart and he does not care about his clients. It's no wonder he's had several patients kill themselves before. Also don't bother trying to get meds from Dr. Grewal who can't even keep her own appointments

Throwing someone in a room after they've revealed all their problems, saying terrible things about those problems to heighten their anxiety and then leaving them in there to "reflect" for 20 minutes or much longer on it isn't therapy.

Went to my Psychiatrist appt that was a referral. Dr. Gunderson. I had my 10 page packet filled out, did my intake ahead of time. I arrived 45 min early. This appt was very important since there is a month and half wait, am off my meds needing new prescription and feeling like hell. As I was checking in the Dr came out. His office was not more than 15 ft. away. Door open. The clerk than tells me that I needed to pay up front. This was never told when it was set up and I had asked them to chk my insurance. I immediately start crying because I don't have the $ and knew I wouldn't get in anytime soon again. I asked, please bill me...clerk got someone else. She said no too. I even asked cant i talk to Dr. just 5 min. I was told no. I'm 15 ft away from the Dr's office crying and pleading. Dr. Didn't even come out. I told them my situation. And Dr had my papers reporting I have severe depression and off meds. It had to look clear that I needed help. I was a mess. I can't believe the Dr just let me leave. Can't believe the treatment from a Mental Health Institute!

SLBMI expected my husband to complete an odious amount of paperwork, all typed and submitted online with NO allowance for handwritten completion. When the office was unable to open one of his forms the day before his appointment, they did not wait for him to be able to correct it later that day. They cancelled the appointment he had waited 2 months for. This office did not offer any support for completing the documentation, offered zero empathy, and were not apologetic for cancelling the appointment. I truly believe dealing with this place could give a person mental health issues.

I appreciate that people in the mental health space are likely as overwhelmed as the rest of us lately, but I have no confidence in this establishment. Condescending intake staff, robotic clinicians, confusing and incomplete forms... it was just too much for me as a new patient. I would rather delay care than continue to seek assistance here.

I just visited the chesterfield office for my first time last week. Typically I do a lot of research before coming to an appointment with a new place. But I did not take the time to research this time around. After reading the reviews I am terrified of returning to this place in fear of getting charged money for reasons that do not make sense. I understand the 24 hour policy but reading that people are still getting charged anyways even if they did cancel weeks, days, or months in advance. Wow. I did not find a connection with the counselor I met with. There was no compassion. I was still going to return to see if I could give her a second chance but no. And after noticing the owner only giving praise to the positive comments but not acknowledging the people who have many concerns. Big red flag.

Doctors are extremely kind and encouraging, and genuinely care about helping you. Psychiatrists receptionist, (Shauna) is probably one of the most professional and helpful people I've met in my entire life, don't listen to the negative ratings, if you genuinely want help and have even the smallest modicum of patience this place can help you achieve that. Again, don't listen to the negativity, this place has helped me tremendously and it could also help you if you're willing to be patient and work for it.

Dr. Sara Timmerman has helped both me and my son for the past 5 years. She's an excellent psychologist and we can't even express how much gratitude we owe to her. Angela Kunze

I have had nothing but trouble when trying to communicate, schedule, and work with this office. It began by them not informing that they did not take my insurance and telling me I owed hundreds of dollars 2 DAYS before my appointment despite scheduling the appointment two weeks prior to that! Following that appointment I have been attempting to schedule my other appointment for 3 WEEKS! I finally scheduled it today after talking to someone multiple times a week. But the kicker is I have to wait ANOTHER MONTH to see the doctor. THIS OFFICE IS TERRIBLE! I absolutely love the doctor, but the office staff clearly does not care, does not understand responsibility or flexibility, and are all around poor at coordinating. Please go anywhere that isn't here, I would have if I had a choice.

The front desk employees at the Chesterfield location are extremely rude. We will not return.

Please DO NOT go here! Go to another practice where the doctors and staff actually care about giving good patient care. This place does not.

I agree with everyone else ... all they care about is the money. My kids have been seeing the same doctor for 4 years. My son hurt his foot and my daughter called and said she would be taking his appointment. The doctor said that he was going to bill our insurance company, bill me for the copay AND BILL MY SON $78.00 FOR A MISSED APPOINTMENT. (for the same hour). They tell you what you want to hear - -- and then take your money. Don't go here. Find someone else who cares about the patients.

First off: my psychiatrist transferred her private practice here in late spring 2021. She is wonderful, and I’d give her 10/5 stars if I could. She ran her own practice before moving to SLBMI (including billing, customer service) as a single person with a part-time office assistant much better than this whole team can at SLBMI, due to the lack of client-centered training and awareness of process from the customer/client end. As is echoed in many comments below, the organizational structure is abysmal. Due to changing jobs, my insurance changed several times in 2021, and there wasn’t a clear process in getting that swapped over, outside of calling billing and hoping to reach someone (not as easy as you’d think). When I first transitioned to SLBMI, there was a delay in processing a claim to my insurance, due to me initially not putting down my group # on the intake insurance form. However, I thought I remedied that by emailing a photo of my actual insurance card to 2 different parties, including the intake team, at SLBMI. Still, I received a bill for the full, private pay amount filling the appointment for months. They eventually filed the claim and it was covered, though not in a timely manner. I reported this issue plus another billing problem due to insurance change, recently to the billing supervisor. Their response was to encourage me to put a credit card on file to prevent a balance, as the balances are run at the end of every month to cards on file. I… am not made of money, and due to the above issues, I told them I’d prefer an option to pay ONLY my copay at the time of service— even if it’s a tele health appointment. I don’t want to pay for services that could have been covered by my insurance, and frankly, I don’t trust their process. The billing supervisor’s response was to blame me for not knowing their clear-as-mud process, and she refused to admit that their process could use some improvements (like online, self-service billing). TL;DR- this place looks great on paper, and the care providers may be excellent (mine is!). Heck, even the front desk staff is kind and helpful, when you can get them on the phone. Billing and communication with said department is a nightmare. If you are comfortable paying privately with a card on file that debits automatically at the end of the month, this place might be a win for you. If you have to deal with insurance, save your time and sanity and explore other options in town.

Don't start here if you want continuous care! My daughter seen a doctor here that left and she was moved to Dr. Chi and what a disaster she started her on a medicine that was highly addictive and when we ran into a withdraw issue she tried calling the office multiple times to get help with no response so then I left a few messages for the doctor's nurse with no response. Well she ended up in ER and inpatient. Pretty poor operation when you are dealing with mentally ill patients. Guess that is why her old doc and counselor left this group. Update: I did reach out as you said below and no one has contacted me so does appear that your business cares just trying to save reviews.

I've had a very positive experience at STLBMI. It's a shame that the reviews are so low because of their policies. They make the cancellation notices very clear and I've never had a doctors office or even hotel stay that didn't come with a similar standard. I've worked with Gina and Maiya. They are both absolutely wonderful and have helped me so much. The office staff is great as well.

I would absolutely avoid this place if you can. I set my son up for counseling. The second appointment was scheduled for a Saturday. When we arrived there were no cars in the lot and every door was locked. I am still being charged a fee for the missed appointment even though there was no way for us to physically get in the building. Seriously, if you have any other options for care, go there and avoid this place.

Looking at all the reviews makes me thankful I never actually saw a doctor because it is absolutely impossible to get through to a human there. My therapist referred me to discuss medications. I called dozens, no joke, DOZENS of times and literally nobody would call me back. For a mental health practice you would think they would pick up the phone and call people back. Luckily I found another doctor to give me the care I needed.

My friend has a great experience here however I wouldn't know- you CANNOT get a hold of them or get a call back for anything. She said I should try them and I really want to becaues it seems the docs themselves are great. but i've called, emailed, everything and the only repsonse Ive ever gotten back is that they're really busy. they never followed up with me. they said intake department is too busy to add new patients, well if they can't add new patients then why are they so busy? I really wanted to be their patient but they just don't care.

I sought out help in a really low point in my life. I had just lost two family members, my job, and distances myself from my support system due to the pressure of everything. When I had a consultation with Michael, he wanted to do an assessment of my anxiety and depression which I already have a diagnosis of. He quoted me an amount for the testing which I told him I was not able to pay so he simplified the testing to half that amount. He scheduled a follow up after the testing to read a piece of paper and tell me I have anxiety and depression and referred me to talk to another psychologist if I wanted to be treated. I then received a bill in the mail almost double the amount he told me it would cost and when I raised concern with the billing department they told me it was my fault for not knowing how much mental health visits cost and that they are not responsible for being transparent about how much the full treatment would cost. I am now in debt to St Louis Behavioral Health and I’m worse off mentally than when I first reached out. A very very hard lesson to learn at 24 years old. He is not a comforting person to talk to and does not genuinely care to help you get back on your feet.

The doctors are alright, but the staff and institutional policies are ridiculous. They enforce really high late fees regardless of your circumstances, even if you're slightly late and have a legitimate reason to be late. It seems counter-intuitive that an institute dedicated to helping people get through difficult times would be so rigid in their late policies. Additionally, the staff is extremely condescending and sometimes rude.

My son has been seeing a therapist here for severe anxiety and insomnia - the therapist is basically worthless - my son had an especially acute attack and talked to the therapist about it and the therapist was very dismissive. The therapist has done nothing to help. Nothing. In fact, I believe my son is worse. Don’t subject yourself to these incompetent people.

My first appointment went well, but I haven't been back since. Why? Because they cancelled all of my appointments, some without telling me. The receptionist told me that the therapist wanted to do group therapy during my scheduled appointment times, so they had to move mine. I was called about ONE appointment, which we rescheduled. That appointment was also cancelled WITHOUT me knowing. The receptionist said she'd call me back to figure out better times for my appointments, but she never did. My therapist recommended that I go once per week, but my appointments were cancelled and now she's booked up for a long time. I'm so irritated.

I have been going here for over four years and I really don't understand why there are so many negative reviews. I've always been able to communicate with the front desk staff (leave a voicemail or email and they call you back) and I've seen a total of two psychaitrists (for different things) and three therapists (depending on which issue needed focus). They have an amazing team with a diverse skill set. If you need treatment for a specific issue, you can go to a doctor who specializes in that issue and your entire team will communicate with eachother for your treatment plan. Don't like your current therapist? You can switch to another one! Keep in mind that a lot of people are seeking help for mental health right now, so yes it can be hard to get an appointment. Just do your best to schedule ahead, keep your appointments when you can, and email if you can't get through on the phone. These people really do care about you.

Do not call looking for compassion. Staff is the first point of contact one would have inquiring about this facility and they were unfriendly, abrupt (they told me my insurance wasn’t accepted and immediately hung up, I called back to ask if there were out of pocket payment options and still, gave me my “answer” and hung up), & made me feel that much worse about what I’m going through. I spoke to two different people which made me wonder all the more why they bother answering the phones at all. Do not recommend at all. For your mental health, go anywhere else.

I wish Drs would stop referring to this unethical and greedy business. They will tell you they are taking new patients, when actually they are full, then put you on a 6month waiting list to get that appointment, plus another 2-3months wait for a follow-up. Our only follow up appointment was then cancelled by the therapist just 4hrs before we showed up. Totally neglectful patient care.

I'll preface this by saying the receptionists in the front office were always kind and professional. Aside from that however I am extremely disappointed with this place and will personally not be returning. My doctor (Dr. Gunderson) recently moved, and I never received a letter they supposedly sent about this. So imagine my surprise when I go to get my prescriptions refilled and I am told my doctor is gone and I need to find another before I can get the refill. I call the office, and am told flatly that I should have made an appointment before he left and there's nothing they can do. Period. Aside from the callousness of that response given I rely on my medication and get terrible withdrawal symptoms without it, you'd think given a doctor leaving they'd AT LEAST place a follow-up phone call to make sure his patients were aware. I'd gladly have set up an appointment before he left IF I KNEW HE WAS ACTUALLY LEAVING. This office showed an embarrassing lack of communication and empathy. I personally hope whomever told the receptionist "there's nothing we can do for him" is held accountable. You are working in the wrong field if that's the way you believe patients should be treated. Shame on you.

If you are looking for a practice that doesn’t return your calls when you desperately need them, this is the place for you. Marc Gunderson MD did not respond to multiple messages left by my son who needed to talk to him very badly. I won’t be surprised if they charge my son for the appointment he cancelled (3 days in advance) This practice is fine-tuned when it comes to BILLING. Otherwise, this doctor and this team of “professionals” don’t appear to care much for their patients. Never. Ever. going there again. I have never left a bad review in my life. I’m gracious and realize things happen. This, however, is inexcusable.

I was charged a missed appointment fee after I missed n appointment that I received no reminder about. My therapist signed me up for group sessions without my knowledge, and he didn't even seem like he knew what he was doing. The police memorabilia in his office made me very uncomfortable to discuss anything with him

Every time I went there they overcharged me. The first doctor I met with was horrible: gruff, judgmental, cold, and actually made my anxiety far worse. The second was much better on our first meeting, but since the intake interview, I have felt like just another problem for them to demand money from. I think there has to be better sources for help than this place. They care about your $$$$, not you.

It is IMPOSSIBLE to speak to someone, they NEVER return phone calls, I’ve been trying to get my medical records for MONTHS to no avail! I even went up there in person to fill out the appropriate forms and was assured that I’d be contacted when my records were ready… over two weeks later STILL NOTHING! This is incredibly ghetto. You’re dealing with people’s health, it’s nothing to take lightly!

Seek help elsewhere, or you stand the chance of feeling worse than where you started. In addition, you will lose months of time that could have been spent somewhere that cares. I was on a wait list for a few months. My first appointment was canceled due to the clinician leaving. They scheduled me with someone new, Laura. I saw her in early December. I actually really liked her. Nearing the end of the appointment, she says "I don't take medicare". They had my insurance the whole time. This should not have been an issue. So, I had to wait again. I met with Christina a month later. I saw her 5 times and never felt comfortable. She was hyper focused on diagnosing me vs working on my present day issues. Issues I truly needed a kind support through at the time. She actually told me talk therapy is not effective. She needed a specific method to help me, thus the need to diagnose. During this time I was set up with the nurse practioner for medication management. The week before the appointment with the NP, I canceled with Christina because I was more anxious working with her than not. I just wanted to reevaluate. Christina sent me an email stating she assumed I no longer wanted to work with her and she would refer me to another therapist. I did not respond because I have mental illness and my anxiety overtook me. I had no idea what to say. She just assumed. I felt like I'd done something wrong trying to take care of myself. Apparently my lack of response was not acceptable, and I was let go. My appointment with the nurse practioner was canceled the day before, and no appointment with a new therapist was ever made. I left a message as soon as I was canceled to reschedule, and nothing. In addition to these issues, I was required to complete intake paperwork four times. The exact same forms for every person they scheduled me with. I have a long history that is very stressful. They need a better system. It completely overwhelmed me to complete my history over and over again. I've worked with the mental health community for many, many years and I have never been so disappointed in an organization. They litterally put my life in danger. I am fortunate that my primary care physician is managing my medication until I find someone. I highly recommend Inizio Counseling for therapy. The only reason I left is my insurance. Whatever you do, don't give up on getting help over these people, and their unprofessional practices.

Counselor Kent Newcome was friendly and helpful but the billing office continues to charge my credit card for appointments that never took place. $150 so far. And they've ignored requests to refund the money. Don't give them your credit card info.

One of the worst experiences I’ve had at a doctor’s office. I reached out to SLBMI in the summer to schedule an appointment with a therapist. I promptly filled out my intake materials and sent it back to them. I heard nothing for a week. I reached out, was told a scheduling email was on the way. Nothing. I reached out again, and again, and again—at one point, I was told to fill out the EXACT SAME intake forms I had submitted 3 weeks prior (which I did, again, and sent it back to them, and again requested an appointment with a counselor). I thankfully found another therapist, and stopped contacting SLBMI. The crazy thing is—that I never told them I no longer needed treatment. For all they know, I’m still waiting to schedule an appointment. It’s now been two months. No one has tried to contact me. Awful & unprofessional. I’m sure their doctors are fine but their intake department is wildly incompetent. It’s a shame.

I have never had anything but a wonderful experience here. I have been treated with dignity and respect and feel that I have made significant progress over my time here.

I called to try and set up and appointment with one of their Doctors. (I'm new to the area) My first interaction with their staff was a receptionist who picked up the phone and was incredibly rude. When I explained that I trying to set up an appointment, she cut me off and said "You'll need to call back during business hours on Monday". I'm all for being out of work on time on a Friday, but that attitude did not give me a great first impression of this office.

I have been seeing a therapist for over a year at SLBH. I have had the opportunity to be engaged with a couple of clinicians who are excellent. During the time I have been in therapy it seems the front end office staff has had a high turn over. I believe there could be better training on customer service and interaction the clients receiving mental health services. I don’t like the rigid policy about canceling appointments 24 hrs before the appointment and would like to see a little more leniency. I drive 70 miles away and have health issues that always don’t allow me to know if I am going to be ill the day of the appointment. I am self employed and know if my clients don’t show up, I don’t get paid. Then I can’t pay my bills. SLBH must be able to pay the clinicians, staff and pay the office expenses. Additionally, someone else could have been booked for the time slot for the cancelled appointment or no show. There are other reasons that could apply. I would recommend SLBH without any hesitation.

Just got off the phone with the scheduling intake lead, Maria Boyd. She was incredibly kind and very efficient. Most places are about 6 months out and after explaining the dark place I've been in mentally for the last 3 years, Maria was quick to get me an appointment that was sooner rather than later. She was also very understanding. I can see why she's a lead! Thank you for your help and kindness!

I love the team approach that they have in the intense outpatient program (IOP). All of the therapists were understanding, knowledgable, professional, easy to talk to and caring. I felt so much better after 4 weeks of IOP. I am continuing to see my therapist so I can stay on my path in my life journey. They are not in it for the money. They do have a very strict policy about missed appointments. Most therapist/doctors at other places have no show fees. It also makes patients responsible and take treatment seriously. Give them a call. Meet with someone. I highly recommend them.

Overall it has been a good experience for me, especially for psychiatry. I would recommend Dr. Saini. It can be difficult to get a hold of them by phone, and of course they will charge you if you cancel your appointment after the 24 hr mark.

Worst care I have ever received in my life. Therapists were judgmental, sexist, and pushed their religious beliefs on me. My time here actually exasperated my symptoms of anxiety and depression, and left me feeling like there was no help out there for me.

The organization was fine, it never really gave me any issues. The person I was seeing, Dr Christina Fales, however was not the best person to be seeing in my situation, and I think it would have been better to recommend I see someone else. Instead, she just kept insisting that I no longer needed counseling (she literally mentioned it a few sessions in and then kept bringing it up AGAIN and AGAIN). I disagreed but eventually I just stopped seeing her because her insistence that I was there unnecessarily was very disheartening. Maybe not the best therapist technique.

My psychologist (Dr. Timothy Grove) at SLBMI hit on me. He'd asked me to come for an appointment when he was the only one left in the building (I found out when I arrived). He broke down crying saying he'd fallen in love with me and attempted to kiss me (I pushed him off). I quit therapy but was too afraid to report him because he told me he had guns. He was 30 years older than me. The damage to my life was immeasurable. I happened to Google him and saw that he passed away, so I'm not afraid of him coming after me anymore if I report. SLBMI, please be more selective who you allow to counsel vulnerable people. Many therapists are crazy themselves but this is a whole new level of crazy.

I've been leaving messages to schedule an appointment. I have not received any return phone calls. It's been weeks now. I just left one today. Hopefully this review will get me a repsone.

A truly horrible place. After searching for help for a while I was referred here. My sessions were repeatedly canceled and I had no way to contact my doctor. You’re only allowed to call the front desk for some reason and yet when I called to refill my prescribed medicine, the front desk became extremely accusatory that I was trying to illegally get medicine. I had to go around their system to contact my doctor who sadly wasn’t surprised the front desk failed. I found out she dealt with this a lot and didn’t blame me for leaving as she was preparing to do so as well.

Horrifying. They don’t answer the phone, they don’t return calls if you leave a voicemail. The one time I actually was able to speak to a receptionist, in an emergency, she falsely accused me of being “rude” and twice threatened to hang up on me instead of assisting with scheduling. Worthless. Don’t waste your time.

Really awful management and there is no “care” to speak of. They don’t have any way to talk to a human—they *may* call you back if you leave a number, but it’s like a message spoken into a void. Refills are often mishandled, their prescription system does not seem to communicate well with multiple pharmacies I’ve tried and there are always issues. They will cancel sessions last minute, but not accommodate unforeseen circumstances for needing to reschedule if there is an urgent, unforeseen issue within 24 hours as their policy states (unless I guess if you’re in the hospital). You can totally forget about getting records sent to anyone else. I’m actually trying to switch providers because of the sheer incompetence, negligence and disregard this place has for patients but I’ve been struggling to do that because they can’t get their act together/ couldn’t be bothered to send over records. Practitioners worth anything have left—Hoyt and Saini. Others like Knobeloch and Peebles are borderline incompetent. It’s a racket, stay away if you have any other options.

Terrible office coordination. It's been over a week that I've been without my psych medication. I highly recommend seeking a better organized system. The staff is terrible. I do like Dr. Sofia Grewell, but the office staff are very slow.

Great doctors and therapists, especially Dr. Diantonio and Dr. McKean. The front office staff takes ages (I mean weeks to months) to schedule an appointment or request a call back (even if you are an existing patient). They keep blaming this on the pandemic, but it's been nine months... time to stop looking for excuses and fix the problem.

After repeatedly expressing the importance of my faith, my counselor flat out advised against my religious beliefs. I felt incredibly disrespected, uncomfortable, and unseen. Needless to say, it was a lousy fit.

This “medical” office has no interest in their clients’ wellbeing or mental health. Do not for any reason go to this office. They will overcharge you every time. I have had to initiate a formal complaint with the state, federal government, and the AMA.

I've had a lot of good experiences working with the eating disorder team at SLBMI. They are committed to ethical care and best practices for their clients. They have strong leadership and many of their staff have been with them for a long time which speaks to a good work environment and effective communication. I'm happy to refer clients to them who need treatment for an eating disorder.

Dr Gunderson is trash.

My experience has been great. I am definitely better now than I was when starting a year ago. My therapist gave me real tools I could use.

Great. Doctors. Staff very courteous

This place is a scam. They will quote you a price and then they will charge you more without telling you. Stay far far away from this place unless you like getting scammed out of your money.

I have no idea why so many reviews are low, other than people do not understand how psychiatric and therapy appointments and scheduling work as a whole. I've been a patient at SLBMI for over 10 years and had nothing but wonderful experiences. A few benefits include: (1) Unlike private practice psychiatrists, theirs are held to a specific standard which avoids them over-prescribing medications. I've known multiple people in the past who have nearly died from deadly interactions with medications prescribed by their psychiatrist, being prescribed upwards of 8 medications, with dosage increases every. single. session. At SLBMI, if this occurs, you can report it, and chances are you'll not only be assigned a new psychiatrist but so will all their other patients, as their position will be terminated. (2) The psychiatrists will listen to and answer any questions you have to the best of their ability, including questions such as "How addictive is this medication?", "if I need to stop the medication can I do it cold turkey or do I need to ween off of it to avoid withdrawal complications?", "Are there any side effects I should be concerned about?", "Does this interact with any of my existing medications?", "Is this medication safe for someone with X condition?", etc. If you're concerned about a medication they're prescribing, chances are they'll offer alternatives. (3) If you do not like your current psychiatrist or therapist, YOU CAN ASK FOR A FORM TO REQUEST A NEW PROVIDER IN THE GROUP. The form lets you explain why you wish to change providers, your preferences on what you'd like from your new one, and what you'd like them to do differently from your current. (4) They have multiple specialty programs, including ones for OCD and anxiety disorders; eating disorders; Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT); reproductive mental health; gender-affirming care; and even psychology & religion. On their "Clinical Team" page (located under "About Us" > "Our Staff") you can see every provider they have, and it will even specify their specialties and what programs they may be a part of. This means if you want a therapist or psychiatrist that will take, say, your religious beliefs into account, YOU CAN FIND ONE! You can even request specific providers and see if they have openings! (5) If phone communication is difficult for you, they also can communicate with you via secured email. I am on my 4th psychiatrist with SLBMI after the previous 3 left for reasons unrelated to the group (i.e. moving out of state, domestic emergency, etc.) and not only did I receive a letter informing me of this, but I was also put on a priority list for their psychiatric providers to get in as soon as possible, with accommodations such as 3 month supply prescriptions from the departing provider to avoid lapses in medication therapy. When I had an emergency back when I was under my parent’s insurance, they got me into my therapist and psychiatrist THE VERY NEXT DAY when my mum called and informed them of the situation; this was after a lapse in care (my own doing, not the fault of SLBMI) that lasted 3 years. Most places wouldn’t be able to get you in that soon, but SLBMI did, with the exact two providers I’d seen previously. When you do your part to properly set up your appointments (including providing a reliable contact number and email), you’re guaranteed to find a reliable provider that fits your needs at SLBMI. I refuse to get my care anywhere else, especially with how common the malpractice of over-medicating is in St. Louis’ psychiatric providers (something that’s been an issue for at LEAST 20 years and CONTINUES to be a massive issue). I feel safe, cared for, and listened to here; you’ll be hard up to find another mental healthcare facility that does it as well as SLBMI does.

I've been going for almost a year now and I've never had a bad experience with my therapist or the staff. They are all very friendly and welcoming. I never feel any judgement when I come in.

I truly love this place. I recommend you ask for Lauren R. She’s such an amazing therapist and they are so great at their job. So grateful I have the opportunity to use their services 🩷

I've had nothing but helpful people there. Whenever I have a concern or I'm anxious about anything they help me. Much better than my last dr. They actually care & that means a lot

I think it wound help them is offering online billing. The woman who you have to speak with hasn’t ever been kind. It wound be a better service to just by pass her all together.

Awful customer service. My daughter was a patient until they stopped answering phones and didn’t return phone calls. Wouldn’t let us schedule standing appointments for same day and time to avoid this problem.

I have had a telehelp conference with a psychiatrist canceled twice!!!! It took months just to get on the books with her!!! I need new meds and no one seems to give a s**t!!!! Also, I have been seeing a counselor and all he ever does is repeat back to me what I just said!! How is that helping me?? I would find a new place if I were you......

After 12 long, brutal years at SLU seeing the residents that changed over every summer (no insurance, where I went when I had to go to the psych ward-some were great, a few were horrifying, most were middling), I was sent here for counselling, which was honestly pretty useless. BUT, from there I switched, since we finally had insurance, to seeing Dr. Butcher as my primary psych doctor. She was wonderful, but when she left for unexplained health reasons, I was thrown back into the waters of trying to find a practice that took my insurance. Ended up in S. Co. at a doctor whose office doubled as a methadone clinic, charged me $50 every month to sit there for (literally) 10 minutes just to get my scripts filled. It was awful. I was able to get back into STLBMI and started seeing Dr. Saini. I'll admit, we got off on the wrong foot, but after a year and a half, with the prospects of switching insurances at the beginning of the month, I'm PRAYING that whomever is our new insurer is covered by the clinic, as I feel that Saini and I have come to an understanding and she is willing to work with me where I need it (and right now, I definitely need it). The process of trying to get in or get a refill can be wonky, but after around 7 years here, minus the time I was gone after Dr. Butcher left, I am more than pleased with my treatment and am hopeful that I don't have to go on another search for a new doctor.

I was 20 minutes late to cancel an appointment and they still charged me. The first therapist wouldn't look at me. The office staff screwed up so many times that I never did see the second one. DO NOT waste your money and time.

The doctor here was arrogant, condescending, rude, judgmental, and uncaring. He seems to have NO experience talking with kids, and when there were times of vulnerability the doctor told us to "save it for the therapist." This was said more than once. This doctor ruined the experience for my son. I didn't want to give this place a single star, but it's required to post a review.

I go to the location on Macklind. The best therapists I have ever been to, and because it's an institute, if a doctor feels unequipped they can transfer you very quickly to another specialist which is how I got tested for ADHD. My therapist and psychiatrist both go through the institute and work together to help me the most efficient way possible and are very empathetic and care about me as an individual. The only issues I've ever experienced are low front desk staffing and administration causing billing errors, but it's something I've experienced everywhere and they are still very friendly.

The staff and Doctors are excellent. I would highly recommend it. Drs. Lewis and Gunderson are professional, kind and compassionate. I have been going here for about 5 months and I have made significant progress. I am treated with dignity and respect by every staff member I have met. I did have a bad experience once here with a doctor several years ago (nothing serious, just rudeness) and they apologized for that whenever I returned and assured me he was no longer with the company and no longer seeing patients. I have no indication that this is anything but the case. I am very pleased with the facility and staff. There is a policy that if you cancel your appointment with your doctor or clinician less than 24 hours before your appointment starts, you will be charged $75. This is very clearly explained before your first visit and when you arrive the first time, and is also posted prominently in the lobby where you check in and make appointments. This may be unhelpful, or seemingly uncompassionate for those who cannot keep a schedule or make it on time. That being said they did allow me to see my therapist when I was significantly late (over 20 minutes) due to an accident closing down 170 and I-64. I did not get charged on this occasion, and I got to see my therapist like it was any other day. This was the case for everyone else who showed up late while I waited in the lobby. That being said I have been charged before when I have been significantly late, but it was always my fault and there wasn't enough time to make my appointment during the time period I was scheduled and not inconvenience every other patient that was scheduled with them after me. When they did tell me I was being charged the staff was kind and professional. I have never had an appointment dropped or changed by the staff, except for my own lateness. Overall they are very professional and compassionate and express a desire to help the patient. I haven't had any issues since the first time I went here over 7 years ago. I would like to say thank you to the staff for their kind and caring work.

If you want the police called on you without justification, Dr. Michael Knobeloch is the right person to see. Totally unprofessional and unhelpful. Save your money

STAY AWAY FROM HERE!!!!!! THEYRE ONLY IN IT FOR THE MONEY

Im updating this to see if things change from a 1 to 5 star. Will update accordingly but i believe they are doing theyre best to reach out to me now.

I did outpatient here and this place gave me my life back! Everyone I worked with here was kind, compassionate, helpful and professional. Appreciative of my time here :)