I agree with the other reviewers that Dr Lai does not seem very compassionate or empathetic. I felt like she was looking for just enough«symptoms» to write down to justify prescribing a medication… almost like she was rushing through some sort of template? Although she seems somewhat knowledgeable, I never felt like she truly cared. Her receptionist is pretty good at returning phone calls and returning messages. Another plus is that the wait time is minimal, but there might be a reason for this as you will see. Like the previous reviews, I also felt rushed through the appointments. Her treatment approach didn’t seemed tailored to me either but very generic. In a field like this where people are really looking for help, the doctor needs to show that she cares. I felt like she cared more about her bottom line($$$) than for her patients. Side note, there are only two parking spots for her office and they are usually taken. Street parking is hit or miss so plan a little extra time for that. If she is out of town, the other doctor won’t prescribe any meds so you’ll have to wait for her to come back. So much for taking care of the patient.
Nicole W.
Place rating: 1 Los Angeles, CA
Pretty mixed experience with this doctor. While she was able to adjust my medication successfully a couple of years ago, she was often hurried and not terribly professional.(For example, telling a patient who was having an episode of depression that they were a «mess.») Unwilling to help patients in a crisis. If you are bad off, but not sure you actually need to go to the emergency room, don’t look here for help. Staff is interested only in collecting cash. They seem unprepared to help this particular patient population. Garden variety prescription mill. Keep searching if you’re looking for a compassionate doctor with an interest in improving your health.
Jessica M.
Place rating: 5 Los Angeles, CA
I’ve been seeing Dr. Lai for several years, and am really glad to have found her. I’ve stuck with her despite many insurance changes. She is always kind and compassionate, and talking with her feels like having a conversation with an old friend. She has gone out of her way to accommodate me when I’ve gone through hard times and is willing to work with me financially. No-nonsense, she’s great!
Tina L.
Place rating: 5 Pasadena, CA
Dr Lai is an extremely kind, compassionate and knowledgeable psychiatrist. she is so easy to talk to and really listens to her patients. I never am kept waiting, the office staff is great and I feel very blessed to have found her.
Paul J.
Place rating: 5 Los Angeles, CA
My experience echoes the first reviewer. Dr. Lai is an excellent doctor. She listened carefully to my symptoms, asked intelligent follow up questions and accurately diagnosed and treated my symptoms effectively. I would recommend her highly.
Stephanie D.
Place rating: 5 Glendora, CA
I am very careful with whom I choose as my doctor. Dr. Lai has been by far the best psychiatrist I’ve been to. She is honest, and straight to the point. Always making sure that I get exactly what I need. I make sure to see her once a month and am so thankful to have met her and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for an easy going, friendly, and respectful doctor :)
Music F.
Place rating: 1 Pasadena, CA
This«doctor» is as unprofessional as they come. She rushed through my appointment without listening much to my symptoms or taking an adequate assessment. She quickly gave me a diagnosis which was completely different from two other doctors. She then proceeded to tell me her standard way of treating patients, going through each step, which sounded very generic for a physician who is supposed to tailor their treatment to each patient individually. While I was there, I also saw her give out prescriptions to patients who just walked in, not talking with them, just signing for their RX and charging to see them. Very strange. After being shocked by her diagnosis and lack of listening, she then rushed me out of the appointment without much concern for my reaction. I was truly mortified. She then proceeded to charge me for an initial assessment which was quite expensive for the short time she«listened» to me. I was also completely turned off after reading her contract which stated charging per page for any paperwork needed to be completed for her patients. I really felt Dr Lai cared more about the mighty $$$ than her patients. I’d suggest you stay away.