Starkey, Gary L, Md - Churchland Psychiatric Assoc

Excellent customer skills doctor!. February 16, 2011 Churchland Psychiatric Associates located in Portsmouth Virginia has been my lifeline for over 12 years. My doctor’s dedication to his job and patients is impressive. He is the first doctor I have ever had that wrote down his pager # and said call if you need me. The security net he provided when I was at my lowest point bordering on suicide is what saved my life.

When I was going through chemo treatments some of the drugs I was taking destroyed my ability to think clearly and make rational decisions. I turned to my doctor to help me survive one of life’s cruelest and unfair events. When he suggested I have counseling I saw one at the same office. She was kind, gentle, and sensitive to my immediate needs. I credit her and my doctor working together to put me back together as a whole human being during this time.

I feel that the customer service that is given to me in person and on the phone is very satisfying. They are polite, knowledgeable; and have a common goal in mind, which is to resolve whatever need you may have. I feel comfortable calling my doctor’s office and leaving a message.

I live in Virginia Beach and I hate driving over the bridge and through the tunnel. I just hate traffic. But I do it for only one reason. I now have a life worth living! I am happy, enjoying my family and friends! I can do so many things I was unable to do before! It didn’t happen overnight but it did happen! I owe my new life to my doctor at Churchland Psychiatric Associates. I worked hard and failed a lot too but my doctor managed my care and I stuck with him and myself to be who I am today. Don’t base your judgments on good or bad reviews, go there a few times and find out for yourself.…

Thank You!. I am searching for counseling for my child and I was referred to this office by my child's pediatrician. I decided to search for information regarding the quality of care that this office gives. I am so thankful for those of you that have posted these reviews. This does not sound like an office that will take care of my child's needs and I just wanted to let those of you who have posted reviews know how helpful the information that was provided has been. Thank You…

appauling. If you are ever in need of counseling, I encourage you to search elsewhere. I know the location is convienant, but that's the only 'plus' for this business.... and that's what they are- a business. Do not expect to be treated with any respect when you're in that office. There's hardly anywhere to sit, the waiting rooms are crowed and noisey, the staff only cares about your copay. I have seen 2 people turned away because they forgot their copay(one woman was crying & obviously needed treatment that day), and no- that is not normal. I have worked in a few medical office's over the the span of my career. And "workinghard".... you must obviously work for CPA. I will admit, some employees are great there! But management obviously sucks. Never expect to get a phone call back... sometimes, don't even expect them to answer the phones.... Trust me, go elsewhere. It's worth the drive.…

New Patients and Front Desk. In defense of CPA's new patient scheduling since she is the only one who answers the new patient line and returns their phone calls, not to mention calling all new patients insurance companies to verify there insurance, I think she does an exceptional job. She receives anywhere between 50 to 75 phone calls a day for new patient appointments from patients and other doctors office. I realize that the mental health field is very different. Let me explain something, they ask for your insurance information before scheduling because of the following: 1. To ensure that the patient has insurance that covers mental health (because not all insurance covers mental health. 2. To ensure that the patient will be placed with a therapist or doctor that takes their insurance (so that the patient does not get stuck with an out of network bill) Would you not want to know that your insurance does not cover this service, I know I would. And 3. So that if you do have a co payment the front desk will know that they are to collect it (which is required by ALL insurances. And in defense of the front desk, there job is very demanding. They have to answer multi phone lines, check in patients, collect payments, check patients out and schedule follow-up appointments. All of this is done with patients (and some not so friendly or just plain rude) in their face. So before you go and judge someone, you need to put yourself in their place. Granted we all have bad days but all in all I think the office is doing very well with the employees they have. I can say this because I am the Intake Coordinator at CPA and I have been in the medical field for over 15 years and I do have sympathy for people who are in need.…