Psychologists - Ventura, CA

"Dr. Laurie Montes is ok as a therapist as long as you agree with everything she says, but you cannot question her methods, or ask her to explain them, because she will become offended. If you are on exactly her wavelength though, then she can be laid back and have a cool relaxed bedside manner. She works VERY SLOWLY, giving long drawn out metaphores and examples of things that could be explained quite quickly - seems to love hearing herself talk. For some, this slow pace might be relaxing - for me, the parent, it was very stressful, because we were making no progress. After 10 visits we still had no practical advice or plan for improvement at home, still feeling lost. When we asked for more explanation of how she came to her conclusions, she immediately became haughty, uncomfortably passive aggressive, and extremely defensive. Most medical professionals realize that patients, and especially their parents, sometimes need to have their minds set at ease, and require explanation, whether you’re a surgeon or a psychologist. Her lack of patience and understanding was disheartening during a very difficult time. She was 10-15 min late to every appt. She would also end late, so full time was given,. but never any apology for making us wait, even on the very first visit. Overall she seems immature and unprofessional because she was so sensitive and easily offended by reasonable questions from worried parents. She is controlling, and makes progress in a slow, meandering way on a path she is not willing to explain. It was a very negative experience. We have since started with someone else and can’t believe we waited so long to change - the new therapist is so patient and efficient and professional, our eyes are now opened to the insufficiencies of Dr. Montes. "

"Dr. Adina McGarr-Knabke is a licensed Psychologist and Psychotherapist. She helped a family member overcome drug addiction. It was so bad -- he was also displaying self-injurious behaviors that everyone decided we take him to a good psychotherapist. What Adina did for him and our family will forever be remembered. She saved my brother from himself and she saved us from all the stress and even trauma of coping with his addiction, and eventually his struggles. Despite all the hardship, it was a battle worth fighting. Thanks to the good doctor for bringing him back... and this time, he's become so much better. "