Hightower Behavioral Health

“I had my first visit with Queendaline "Miss Queen" Nwobodo. If you read my other recent review on this subject, I have been dealing with overwhelming panic attacks that are essentially paralyzing when they happen. I become hypersensitive to light, noise, and any sort of stimulation. In my worst episode, I had a heart rate between 150 and 180 for about 2 hours while totally sedentary, lying supine in bed. The visit started fine, with Miss Queen asking me standard questions about my mental health history, possible triggers for my anxiety, etc. It devolved somewhat quickly from there. I'm not an idiot, and I'm not a new entrant to either my own mental health or, more generally, life, and I have found myself frustrated by the way providers have treated me while trying to get the help I need to be able to function, and hopefully to prevent these panic attacks from occurring at all. Unfortunately, Miss Queen made me feel degraded several times throughout our discussion. The first red flag for me came when I suggested one treatment plan that would have involved starting me on a medication that my half-brother, whose mental health history is very similar to my own, said worked well for him. Having tried multiple SSRIs and SNRIs already, and knowing how long I tried them each before concluding they were ineffective for me, I was happy to hear from my brother that he did have one medication that he had tried that did work well. I suggested this medication to Miss Queen, and she smiled in a way that I can only describe as condescending, then asking me "Do you think this medication will work for you just because it worked for him?" And my answer to that, which I did not verbalize in the moment, but thought, was... well, not necessarily, but it feels like a much better option than a shot in the dark with something else. Considering that family history is absolutely a relevant and necessary part of ensuring patients get the proper care when they are being diagnosed (Miss Queen herself had asked me about any family history of certain disorders like bipolar, schizophrenia, etc.), I don't feel I'm out of line in saying so. Ultimately, because I am already on a high dose of Buspirone - which I had expressed a willingness to discontinue if needed - Miss Queen only ended up suggesting that I try Hydroxyzine for a month and come back for a follow-up visit. Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine, most often used for allergies, but with an off-label use for treating acute episodes of anxiety. My anxiety attacks are acute, this is true, but my anxiety itself is not. It is constant. I expressed as much to Miss Queen, and told her I would strongly prefer to not take a PRN (as-needed) medication, but rather something which would be preventative, taken daily. We still proceeded with her original plan of trialing Hydroxyzine, because she was concerned about Serotonin Syndrome if we started me on something else. While I can appreciate Serotonin Syndrome as a consideration and concern, I also know that it is *extremely* rare, and since I had already suggested tapering or discontinuing my Buspirone if we started something else for which Serotonin Syndrome would become a serious concern, this was more frustrating to me than anything else. I tried the Hydroxyzine twice, and while it didn't calm me down, it did "help" me to feel both extremely anxious and sleepy at the same time. So... I guess that's something? Ultimately, while she was still lightyears ahead of the past two providers I've seen in my efforts to get the help I need, the bar was in Hell, so I'm not sure that saying that means much. My next visit will be with a Psychiatrist (a true MD) and hopefully I'll get some real help. Lastly, while I can appreciate that working from home has its appeals, I think it's extremely unprofessional to be "working" in a place that sounds like there is a full-blown zoo in the background. Can we please try and be better about this?”

“Im a 10 year military veteran and this establishment is horrible they do not return calls nor do they keep up with issuing medication or there medication appointments. The secretary Titi is always accusing us veterans of being rude because we have to WAIT weeks and sometimes months for a response. I will be reporting these individuals ASAP to the VA! Dr. Ida is horrible..and she lies bad. Tamara Thomas is horrible..Michael Benjamin is a liar and Dr Mary never returns calls in a timely fashion! AVOID THIS PLACE! They will be soon out of business!!”

“I have had multiple panic attacks when trying to get through to these people. As a veteran I feel the push and pull with these providers is unreal. I shouldn't have to chase after my own health. I provided multiple copies of documents they requested but I'm still trying to get medication multiple professionals have said I've needed. I got a different provider, THEY GAVE ME THE MEDICATION ON THE FIRST VISIT Do not give these people your money and I've told the VA to stop sending people here”

“I'm not sure why this place has so many negative reviews, I've had nothing but a positive experience here. I sought mental health treatment for the first time in my life in November 2022 and decided to try this place on a whim and I'm glad I did. Idara, CRNP has been nothing but amazing and has changed my life. From my initial appointment until now she has always listened to me, addressed my concerns, and was always available via text when needed. I look forward to our monthly appointments as she is very personal, friendly, and reassuring. I don't see myself ever seeking treatment elsewhere.”