Richard Heidenfelder M.D.

I am a new patient and I don’t think I will be coming back. The doctor does not really reply to email, can’t talk to him on the phone. There is no crisis line I know of, and even with problems he did not respond. His office is scary to me. Too many bright colors and really dirty. He wears a white undershirt and shorts. He doesn’t have a staff to assist at the front desk. His office is an old black house in the east village. Just a weird scene all in all. I think I will find a doctor closer to my house and stick with that.

This is very distressing. To date, I have not been able to see Dr. H. Two days ago, I received an email that my upcoming appointment on ¹⁄₂₁ was rescheduled to ¹⁄₁₉. I waited in front of his office for 15 minutes, but there was no response. Yet apparently I was not on the scheduled to see Dr. H today? Ugh. Well this is very unnerving and disheartening. This is where the people in the «middle» really get screwed over. You are too high functioning for other county-​funded services, and/​or it is too much of a luxury to see a psychiatrist in private practice. I will just try to remain positive and hope there are other resources in the city that are reliable.

I have nothing but excellent reviews for him I would definitely recommend him to any one of my dear friends to visit him. His office is eclectic and always is there to give me a warm welcome. I have been seeing him for 5 – 6 months and his expertise in his field blows me away. I have had doubts about seeing a psychiatrist but at 56 yrs old I finally decided to try. I was referred by a patient of his and the change I noticed in her was amazing. The way I feel today is I believe strongly is that Dr. Heidenfelder knew exactly how to treat me. I will always be a loyal patient to him.
Deb Kahler

This office has the most uncustomer-​centric approach I have encountered. They do not take phone calls. They do not take credit card payments via mail or phone. A number of times they have communicated that their office would be open, only for me to drive down there during standard and confirmed business hours and find no one there. Their tone is inappropriate and ill conducive to a positive relationship with a health care provider, a mental-​health care provider at that.

I don’t understand why he’s getting such awful reviews Dr. Heidenfelder was great! He treated me with respect and genuinely listened to my needs and concerns about my situation and the kind of treatment I would be receiving. He took his time during our session and did not make me feel rushed or unimportant. Because he takes this kind of time with his patients you may have to wait longer than you would like to, but trust me you guys he’s totally worth it!
Filling out the paperwork that they request ahead of time is a must! It is emailed to you when you schedule the appointment. I cannot stress that enough… fill out your paperwork! They are very busy so you need to come prepared to expedite your visit to his office. I found the receptionist to be polite and courteous and I did not mind the baby. I think it’s kinda rad she can have her baby with her at work. The atmosphere is eclectic and laid back. I have a motorcycle so parking is a breeze for me, but if you have a car make sure you come way ahead of time to find parking. It is downtown and it can be difficult. I think I overheard the receptionist say that there is a parking garage near by that charges $ 1 per hour so that might be a good thing to look for.
Scheduling an appointment needs to be done with plenty of time because they are more than likely booked solid for 3 weeks in advance. If you are willing to be patient to receive good and thorough treatment check them out!

I wish I could give less. They cancel appointments at 11pm the night before. Won’t give reasons. I’ve tried setting an appointment for over a month and they always last minute cancel. Screw them!
Just be upfront and say you don’t take new patients or stop being so damn cheap and hire a real receptionist/​admin that knows how to do their job. So rude, lazy, cheap and inconvenient. Like why even bother?! If I last minute cancelled I’d get a bill. They have no respect.

Dr. Heidenfelder is an amazing psychiatrist. He understands the needs of working professionals and makes time for an appointment. His staff is technologically advanced and can handle all scheduling via email.

Lengthy but thorough.
Pros: Cool looking office. Looks like a house turned into an office. Front desk lady friendly. Dr. H. casually dressed in shorts and a T-​shirt. Doesn’t have an office feel, very comfortable environment. Dr. H. knows how to talk to kids but didn’t really engage him in conversation very much.
Cons: Location near petco park so parking can be difficult. Multiple people came in at the same time, one with the same appointment time. We didn’t have our appointment until almost an hour later and didn’t get out of the office almost 2 hours later. Front desk lady was pre-​occupied with her baby that she had with her, gave her my Driver’s License and patient’s (my nephew) card info only to find out later that none of that information was taken down, so why I gave it to her in the first place is still a mystery. New patient paperwork was appropriately lengthy but was unaware to fill it out ahead of time so when we actually had the appointment, Dr. H. just asked for the information but was very general. He didn’t seem interested in the details of my nephew. When I asked about the paperwork and whether or not he wanted me to complete it, he stated, «I got all the information I need, so it doesn’t really matter, but you can email it when you can». He literally asked for the spelling of my nephew’s name but continued to mispelled it. That’s not much to ask. Spelled it differently on his paperwork and different again on his prescriptions.
I later received an email about me needing to send the patient’s address and card info, which I gave at the appointment. They continued to spell his name wrong and referred to him as a «she». Working with those with mental sensitivities should be taken more seriously, especially with new patients. When I brought up my concerns via email (because that’s the only way to contact this office btw) they responded with a very defensive «seek treatment with an alternative provider»…because «he does not feel that we can provide you the level or service you seem to require»… expected level of service doesn’t include getting a child’s name and gender correct and having information that was given when requested?! OK!
It’s nice to know I can share my concerns and get such an unprofessional and inappropriate response.
Bottom line: unprofessional. If you’re expecting actual help, «seek treatment with an alternative provider». If you base your care off of style, location, cool vibes… go for it!

I have been trying to book an appointment for 2 weeks. Kalyn, has canceled all of my appointments the night before at 7pm, or changes my appointment time then emails the day before, as if this is an ok business practice. I have made accommodations to make it in; calling out of work; switching shifts; and missed other appointments to make it on my scheduled time. They do not conduct any communication via phone and all through email. Kalyn, only checks the email 2x a day; at 8am and end of business day. The manner in which this office is run has become comical! Good luck ever.

Dr H specializes in autism for children but has also been kind enough to help me with other issues to. He is a big hearted man who won’t turn anyone away even when his practice is full he has changed mine and my sons lives!

I moved and got a new Dr., but «Dr H» is the best! Awesome funky office, laid back attitude, VERY knowledgeable about meds & insurance. He takes Medi-​Cal, which is amazing. He might run a little late, but is worth the wait!

Best doctor for sure… the only one to help me after 7+ years of no help from other doctors. I couldn’t be more thankful for Dr. H and staff!

I have seen Dr. Heidenfelder twice for anxiety\depression. He was OK but not great. Both times he made me wait over 45 minutes past my appointment time. Office is very unorganized and the walk in population is out of control. I have switched doctors.

Dr. H. specializes in treating children and teens and his approach is very mellow and cool. What I have to give 5 Unilocal STARS for is his awesome office. It is located in an old house that once was a café. Now it is a funky medical office very near Petco Park. (Watch that you don’t schedule appointments with him during baseball season or you will never be able to park.)
Every room is painted a very vivid color and the knickknacks, memorabilia, and collectibles are quite a sight. Maybe all this is meant to distract from all your problems as you sit in the little waiting alcove full of fluffy pillows and hanging angels? No matter, a place this awesome is guaranteed to have a cool guy doling out advice on stress to kids!

What a great experience! I hope I never have to see another psychiatrist!
Dr. H is sincere, bright and genuinely cares about his patients. If you are looking for a doctor that is not like any other-​he is the one!

I’ve seen many doctors in 3 different states over the last 15 years for bipolar disorder. I have had good doctors. However, Dr Heidenfelder is the best doctor I’ve had in 15 years. He also has a very relaxed approach to his practice of which makes me feel very comfortable. Do not hesitate for a moment to schedule an appt if you are seeking one terrific psychiatrist.