Gateway Psychiatric Services - San Francisco's Online Review Report Card

In a world of overworked, inattentive and busy mental health professionals, this clinic shines. They truly care about their clients and patients. Obviously, like many things in this country it's not cheap but believe me it's worth it. Everything, from how the intakes are done to how patient and responsive the employees are is excellent. If you want to get better and are willing to take your time and put effort into your mental health, this is the place to go.

Thank you for all that you have done for Hugh, his caregivers, and his family over the past 12 years. You are a wonderful doctor and have kept Hugh on track with his medication so that he could live a full life. As a result of your care, he was able to engage with the public, enjoy swimming, walks in the park and lunches out. You will always be remembered for all that you did for Hugh. May you and your family stay safe and healthy. Thank you, thank you, again. Evelyn Porter, WCF Supervisor, Case-manager. Valerie Robinson RN, MBA, MA.

By the time you jump through all the administrative hoops at this psychiatrist's office, you will have decided to commit suicide. After 30 years of struggling with mental illness, being polluted by copious drugs at one time, and still suffering from same problems I've come to the conclusion these "doctors" do not and will not provide cures. At best I would classify their expensive services as palliative care on the way down the tube of depression. Prepay for 3 visits (no pricing listed anywhere and im guessing $300/hr) THEN and only then can you get the treatment modalities they advertise? Ive been diagnosed at Kaiser and they DONT PROVIDE ketamine infusions coz makers of Prozac are suing them because Ketamine is cheap, quickly effective and possibly a cure! PATIENTS ARE KILLING THEMSELVES because these ppl are blocking access to RELIEF! Dear fellow PATIENTS ask yourself...are these practitioners looking out for you...or only their profits?

I haven't seen Dr Forster in about 10 years. However, when I did during a very traumatic time in my life, I felt safe and empowered. I once told him that I thought about becoming taking on a new career and he said something along the lines to me of: I see you more as a leader, the top person running the show. He saw in me what I wasn't able to see at that time. His intellect, compassion and insight is truly remarkable.

Long story short, even though I live in the Central Valley, I was asked by a family member living in the Bay Area if I could help find a good psychiatrist up there. A psychiatrist at my workplace knows a psychiatrist in San Francisco who recommended Dr. Forster very highly, and Gateway Psychiatric Services turned out to be an excellent choice for my family member. Here are the things he says he likes: 1. The clinicians (he's seen more than one there) are very intelligent, thoughtful, caring, and good listeners. Side note from me: If you look at the webpages like I did -- I take the responsibility of helping my loved ones find good health care very seriously! -- you'll see that the clinicians have excellent educations and training. I think they're probably very selective about who they choose to work there, and I like that. 2. Dr. Forster is accessible and replies to emails between appointments. 3. Dr. Forster took his time and didn't just start pushing pills. Rather, he spent time before deciding whether medication was a good choice. Side note from me: Although everyone probably dreams of a "quick fix" I was impressed when I heard that -- to me, it makes sense to try to target the therapy as much as possible to the person and the situation. No one wants their loved ones just randomly taking these powerful medications. 4. The medication Dr. Forster suggested seems to be working well so far. I would recommend Gateway Psychiatric Services again without hesitation!

Dr. Forster and Dr. Schraufnagel have been absolutely incredible in treating me. Dr. Forster is ALWAYS easily reachable, never taking more than 24 hours to respond to an email. and is extremely knowledgeable and active in his field. This team is a wealth of information when it comes to bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. Kelsey's compassion and expertise in the field is palpable, and together they have completely changed my life for the better. This team is a wealth of information and resources when it comes to bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. I could not recommend them more.

We went through several psychiatrists before finding Dr. Forster and his team at Gateway Psychiatric. What sets Dr. Forster apart is not only his extraordinary knowledge of current research for psychiatric conditions, but his systematic treatment of patients, which includes thorough assessment, regular cognitive testing, mood tracking, and medication management. He is an adept clinician with a calm, quiet but powerful way with patients. I would highly recommend Dr. Forster and Gateway Psychiatric for anyone struggling with long-term psychiatric conditions.

Note: I was not able to get an appointment because Gateway is not taking new patients. I called Gateway and received a message the same day that they were not taking on new patients (but that they wish me the best of luck). I called back to ask for a referral, explaining that I needed some help. Now I can understand the practice may be overwhelmed with patients and that there was no obligation to me but I am disappointed that no one took just one minute to get back to me, providing information I am sure they have. Oh well.

I have stayed with Gateway for 11 years due to my deep satisfaction with their services. You get what you pay for in this life -- they aren't the cheapest out there. Dr Forster is immensely qualified -- I saw his resume & at age 40, he had more than 125 publications! He teaches at the local medical school (U CA SF). He has a large staff, all as knowledgable, not to mention kind, as he. He maintains 2 satellite offices, one each in the South & East SF Bay Area. His chief characteristics are his kindness & his humility. Highest recommendation!