Far West Center

“I want to start off by saying, I love Far West, I felt it was finally the best mental health clinic for me. I even loved my therapist Allison, and yeah, I understand that It was hard for me to know if therapy was right for me or not, and Allison really tried her best to continue to reach out to me. I really appreciate her and I will miss her. I also love the receptionist. My case was recently closed due to me missing my latest appointments and I knew it would happen, but after my last visit, I knew I wasn't going to come back again and I even was afraid to talk about it with Allison or anyone else. But Far West recently gained a new psychiatrist and it was going well until my last visit, when I asked a very personal question, it was a question I hesitated to ask, and the very first thing she did was laugh, it wasn't a full laugh and I feel she tried to catch it, cause it went away fast, and then she said it's something I should talk to my therapist about. But that laugh, even if it wasn't intentional, and I know in my heart it wasn't, for that moment, it hurt me so much, it was all I could think about when I left. It stayed in my head for days and I just couldn't get it out of my head, all I saw was that laugh, and I knew then , I would never go back because I was no longer comfortable to see her. I felt I would not be able to open up to her, again. So I never went back, missing my appointments, didn't say anything and they closed my case. I get it, it's my fault for not staying in contact and maybe I could of rectified it, but I was already dealing with a lot mentally, and that laugh was not what I needed to see that day. It haunted me for a long time. So, that is why I didn't come back anymore. I hate that I have to find another mental health clinic, cause it took me years to finally open up to someone to get help and to get comfortable and now, I'm having to start all over again, having to tell my story all over. I really wish she didn't laugh. Like I said, I know it wasn't intentional, I know it wasn't, but it really hurt me, a lot and I just couldn't face her again. Now Allison, she is a class act therapist and I hope to one day find someone just like her because she really tried her best to work with me and I know I wasn't that easy. I still love her as a therapist and I wish her all the best.”

“Catherine Novak is an excellent Therapist. My dog Panda and I are so grateful for her. She's a good listener and very helpful in so many ways She's an asset to Far West Center in Amherst. The front desk staff/secretaries are very helpful. **Whomever is in charge of allowing Therapist to have Telehealth option, please take this into consideration. When some patients have bad anxiety days or bad pain days, this option would make their lives much easier, while being able to continue therapy. Thank you!”

“Good facility and kind, helpful people. Staff are always friendly and appointments begin on time. Abby, Stacy, and Catherine are wonderful! Stacey is very conscientious and caring, and she helped me adjust my prescriptions to find what works great for me. I did have to wait a month to get my first appointment as their office is popular, but once I got in I was able to schedule regularly. If the Far West center reads this, please consider introducing a telehealth option! It is convenient and helpful for people with anxiety or transportation issues. I think your patients would really benefit. Thanks for all you do.”

“I used to like this place… but then I noticed my therapy sessions were essentially gossip sessions about other clients and I didn’t understand why I had to go into the office to do telehealth. My provider gets to sit at home but I don’t? Also, they just want you doped up. Since I’ve left, I’ve been able to lower or eliminate some of my medications without any negative effect. Another thing that pisses me off is the fact that these people NEVER ANSWER THE PHONE. Which, sure, if you don’t need anything it doesn’t matter. But I was always bothered by the “what if”. What if I was in crisis and I didn’t know to dial 988? Even just trying to call to get the date of my next appointment was literally me calling ten times in a row and no one would pick up. I hate to say this but this place is a cash grab and I’ve received exponentially better care at Cleveland clinic and Metrohealth. Do your brain a favor and go elsewhere. Ps. If for whatever godforsaken reason you come here , don’t get attached, their nurse practitioner turnover rate is high.”