Mental Health Professionals - Westlake, OH

"TW: SI I’ve been admitted to the University Hospital’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit (a place where Dr. Ahmad works) several times. Dr. Ahmad was one of the worst influences on my mental health. These are statements I was told at my most vulnerable and how they negatively impacted me: - "Why didn’t you just ov3rdos3 on pills instead of cutting yourself? I know someone who died from taking 5 tylenol." After that hospital stay, I researched tylenol and ov3rdos3d on it to try and end my life. She planted that seed in my head, and directed me towards a deadly su!c!de method. - "You wear a seatbelt and a helmet, so you aren’t always su!c!dal." This made me question if my su!c!dal feelings were valid, and if I shouldn’t wear a helmet or a seatbelt because that would decrease my safety. She completely missed the opportunity to validate my feelings and instead attempted to prove to me that I wasn’t as mentally unstable as I claimed to be. - "You have no reason to want to d!e." This was from my first stay there. At that time, I didn’t understand my trauma and I didn’t trust anyone, so I didn’t mention a whole lot that was bad about my life. Dr, Ahmad took that as me having a perfect life, and no reason to have mental illness. However, I was diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and anorexia at the time. THOSE are all valid reasons for feeling su!c!dal. - Her: "But that happened a year ago, why does it still affect you?" Me: "Because it was traumatic and I have flashbacks from it." Her: "Well there were still good things that came from it." I have ptsd and chronic pain now from an abusive program disguised as therapeutic. A common theme is her trying to make my struggles seem small and not difficult to overcome. She questions every word I say in an attempt to "show me a new perspective," but fails, and effectively worsens the state of my mental illness. These are some of the most prominent examples I have of her disrespect and lack of empathy. I never once got outwardly angry with her, cussed at her, raised my voice, or was rude to her. I write this as a warning for people who are considering her services. She has decreased my self-esteem and confidence in recovery when it was her job to uplift, validate, support, and help me. I cannot speak on the behalf of any patient but myself, so other people may have different experiences. Thank you for reading my review!"

"I met with Joe for the first time today and he was so attentive and I felt as though he actually heard me. I didn't feel rushed at all, plus it was very easy to get an appointment. I highly recommend him!!"

"I've had Kasandra as my therapist for several years. She has always been the friend you want; but one who needs to tell you what you need to do to get better. She helped me though a divorce and continues to help me through dealing with difficulties in life. She introduced me to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, which had an incredible impact to me. I would definitely recommend Kasandra to anyone."