Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Center's Online Review Report Card

I don’t typically leave reviews but I just wanted to share my experience to help others who might be scared of getting help due to such bad ratings. I was at Unit 3 so I don’t know about the other units but my stay here was absolutely great! The nurses were so kind and the doctor was very considerate of my situation and willing to listen to my wants and needs (which as somebody who has had plenty of experience with doctors, I’m used to the opposite). Yes, it can be boring and can feel like time goes on so much longer but that gives you the space to reflect, meditate, read, journal, and overall think about how you got there and what you’ll do after. There can be small irks like one nurse who seemed a bit irritated all the time said something like “omg that’s giving me ptsd” to something very minuscule and if I were more sensitive, that would’ve hurt more but for other people I think that’s the kind of place where you wouldn’t want to make light of a disorder or use it so flippantly. That was probably the most distasteful part of my experience. Considering I have PTSD from a terrible mental hospital experience in the past, it was just a little too on the nose but take what I’ve experienced as a learning ground to know that one bad experience doesn’t mean all of them will be. The second night I stayed over, I was incredibly homesick and anxious and even fainted. I talked to two kind nurses who helped me and comforted me and I was in such a panicked and confused state yet they were very calming and understanding and quick to help. Overall, the majority of the nurses were very caring and even had a sense of humor and willing to joke WITH you not AT you which helps a lot when you’re in a very vulnerable place physically and mentally. Besides feeling safer and calmer and the unexpectedly nice views of the city, the highlight of my experience was…the other patients! I had never gone to an adult ward before so I didn’t know what to expect but definitely expected the worse and thought it was going to be an absolute nightmare. I was happily surprised to find that being here restored my faith in humanity. I had been isolating for MONTHS but participating in group and being myself here for even just a few hours changed me. If only the other patients saw themselves the way I saw them…Some of the most bright, lively people I met were here. Everyone had a story and I think I learned something from every interaction I had. We were all there for each other in a unique bond that isn’t the same in most other places. I got to comfort someone younger than me and learn from someone older than me. I guess it just felt good to experience human connection again. Unrelated note but I also really appreciated how accommodating they were to my vegetarian diet. If you are or someone you know is struggling, this is a sign that good help can be there for you and it’s worth a try especially if you were like how I was for months knowing I needed extensive care but avoiding it due to bad experiences and reviews. Nothing beats home and I missed home dearly while here but if you make the most of any experience you get, you have nothing to lose. I took a leap of faith to be here and I’m glad I did because it was so much better than I expected. Best wishes.

A truly abysmal experience trying to receive care for my son over the past year. Continually being funneled to a singular outside provider to engage in a care methodology that we are actively trying to avoid because it does not serve the outcomes that we are seeking. I have filed two grievances and explained our situation countless times, it seems that the board is only concerned with controlling costs and utilizing preferred vendors, not what serves the best interest of patients. If you can use an other provider, do so. I will be filing a complaint for an outside medical review and seeking legal recourse.

Poor care and staff was not welcoming to family support. Dad felt trapped and in the dark for mental health support

They will cause more mental health problems just by trying to get an appointment with them. They literally hung up the phone on me and then they were closed and never got a called back. The most useless services ever. That's what happens when he's becomes a business.

Worst experience ever! I had to fake being ok just to get out of this hell hole. A nurse--maybe his name was Mark or Matt, a psychiatrist with very empty eyes, a couple of female night nurses (who wore pants that were way too tight), night-staff security people. And they think we should be in straight-jackets? Physicians, please heal yourselves. Because you do so much harm. Why don't they understand trauma better? Maybe one of them or more were in Gulags. And if not, maybe they should try it out some time. And the name you chose "kaiser," what a stupid name. Think about how crazy some emperors are. Get right with God....judgement day is coming for all of us, sooner or later! Emma, I just read your "caring message." You have made a deal with the devil! How can you stomach waking up in the morning as a representative for this awful place. You will be judged too. You are a sell out!

In 2025, while under a psychiatric hold, I was pressured into electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in order to be released. I did not want it. I was given the option of ECT or a 180 days hold. Consent gained under pressure is not consent. The treatment left lasting changes to my brain and sense of self, and it did not help me. During my stay, the environment I felt unsafe, my belongings were repeatedly taken, and support was minimal. In a moment when I was vulnerable and in crisis, I felt coerced, punished, and alone. Patients in crisis deserve safety, dignity, and real support. They should not be pressured to undergo treatments they do not want that may be life-altering. This facility needs serious review. If you or a loved one are considering care here, be aware that your autonomy and safety may not be respected. I hope Kaiser takes this seriously and ensures that no one else is forced into a treatment they do not choose.

This place traumatized me more than the reason why I ended up there in the first place. Completely dehumanizing treatment, you’re stripped off your identity and freedom, and treated like a dangerous individual. “One size fits all” approach. The only nurse that treated me like a human was an older Asian guy (I don’t remember his name because I was in shock and drugged). Over a year later I’m still dealing with the consequences of spending 3 extremely long days there. I don’t trust mental health professionals like a did before.

Years of negative reviews and nothing has changed. I also dont think they plan to change any behavior from their staff here either. Theres definitely a superiority complex with most of the staff here. Simple questions were asked and they respond with an attitude or look at the patient like theyre asking a stupid question. I go on and on with examples but I just want to get to the point that this place feels like a prison and after youre released they're no help at all. Youre better off NOT accepting their help and figuring things out on your own. The same feeling were shared to me when I spoke other "inmates".

I called the appointment center for health services 15 minutes before closing time because i get out of work late. Waited for 15 minutes. At 5:02, they picked up the line but instead of answering they hung up.

My daughter had a visit here and despite all the negative comments it was a wonderful facility, wonderful nurses and staff. Wonderful psychiatry department and wonderful Security. It was very nice clean and they treated her Well, I’m grateful for their help