Northern California Center For Well-Being's Online Review Report Card

I had to advocate hard to get a Kaiser referral for the HeartWorks Program at Center for Wellbeing, as it isn't a service KP provides to patients who have heart valve surgery.  However, after having completed my designated 12 sessions, I couldn't disagree more. With the support of P.T.s Brittany & Erin, and under the supervision of Gina, nurse practitioner, I am feeling significantly better. I was hooked up to a heart monitoring device for the duration, and had blood oxygen & pressure monitored before and after each 3 machine session (tread mill, rower, stationary bike, or elliptical trainer) . I was able to receive immediate feedback on anything I was feeling, thereby serving as biofeedback. Granted, I was extremely motivated, and am exercising outside of this program. However, the technology, professionalism, education, and encouragement I received during those 12 hours was invaluable. I have regained optimism that I can return to hiking and long walks, which had eluded me for 2 years after surgery.  I am deeply grateful to everyone at HeartWorks!

I have attended the center for well being before. I've attended quite a few classes over the years. The weight loss class, the diabetic class as examples. Recently I had just started to attend the center for well being, seeing Trina the nutritionist, right before covid 19 broke out. I was really struggling with my weight, not only was I overweight to begin with but I had also gained another 20 pounds after my husband had died. I was so discouraged. I had stopped believing that I could ever really change. Trina was right there for me, partnering up with me. Never did she shame me or admonish me, but always encouraging, even when I would screw up on my food. She has been a wonderful support! Other places would have charged me hundreds upon hundreds of dollars for the quality of support I receive from Trina, even with the Corona outbreak she consistently stays in touch with me , always encouraging, always supporting. I have lost almost 20lbs, and while I still have more to go, for the first time I have hope. It is not just a diet, it's about so much more.  It's about food, and what it means to me. How I use it to cope.  What are my food triggers?  It's about  learning different skills like mindful eating, taking the time to focus on what I'm eating and not watching the t.v . Learning am I eating out of hunger, or out of emotion? What does it mean to actually feel full or hungry? Can I tell myself no, I'm not hungry now, I can wait to eat, without feeling deprived, Can I tell myself for now I am satisfied? All this and more, Trina helps me explore, and  she he!ps me better understand my relationship with food with my body mind and spirit! Trina truly listens and her feedback is so very valuable! I would highly recommend the center and especially Trina, for all her time and energy and commitment.Thank-You! All!!!!Nancy

They are helping you focus on your health

Awesome staff with community centered programs!

Wow! I could not disagree more with Meggie M and her experience. Not even the brightest of places can cure a sour perspective on life. I have been to NCCWB on multiple occasions to gather information for patients at our rehab facility: Petaluma Post-Acute Rehab. Every time the staff has been gracious and accommodating to my every inquiry. I stop by to hear about new classes being offered regularly so we can increase the health literacy of our patients upon discharge.They went as far as to offer on-site educational diabetes classes when I only came for some informational pamphlets, now that is above and beyond.

Where to begin... I came here to see a dietician. I am quite petite and skinny just because I have a fast metabolism. I came here seeking help with improving my nutrition while maintaining the guidelines of my strict gluten free diet.  I walk in the main waiting room and its almost 80 degrees inside which is very unpleasant when it is also 80 degrees outside. There are only four chairs total in the waiting area, half of which are located by the bathrooms. If you are sitting in the area where the bathrooms are(because the main area is full and stuffy) you will see every person that is there for classes, appointments etc. I happened to be there when a Diabetes class was starting so some of the larger members walked by. The whole time I was sitting there I felt increasingly feverish and nauseous. (I had arrived early per their request to fill out a questionnaire) When I finished the questionnaire it was the time of my appointment; however, the receptionist told me it would be another 15-20 minutes. Another 15-20 minutes in the most miserable place I have ever been. My mother had come along with me and she too was feeling nauseated while we waited. I was done with this place, I couldn't be there a second longer, I felt sick to my stomach. Had I spent another minute in there I would have barfed. The receptionist went and got an older woman to check on the dietician to see when she would be done. My mom and I got up to leave and as we are making our way towards the door, the older woman says "But your appointment is now." in a slightly rude tone. "I don't feel good" I say and leave. On the drive back we both felt much better now that we're away from that awful place.While the receptionist was helpful and cheery, the overall atmosphere was hopeless and sad. The way the staff talks to patients is the equivalent to that of a mental hospital. It seems like the Center for Well Being is their last hope after some sort of breakdown, rock bottom. Being that I was just a normal to skinny type of person seeking a little help, I felt very out of place. The general feeling is if you're not on the brink of death because of obesity or an eating disorder you are the odd man out. I didn't see a single regular sized person there, besides the staff. I understand that obese people seek help too but the way the staff handles everything coupled with the overwhelming ER feeling was overkill. I also had a sinking feeling that they were a bit of a bullshit place. Am I really talking to a certified dietician? Or am I being passed off to a volunteer? I had no idea one office could affect me as much as this place has. I will never return here. I will sooner drive out to Novato or Walnut Creek than sit for another second in this hellhole. If you are thinking of checking this out for basic nutritional advice you will find better information at your gym. People shouldn't have to feel anywhere near to this bad for wanting to slightly tweak their diet.Overall, The Center for Well Being should advertise itself as weight loss and nothing else because the majority of their cliental is on the brink of some disease brought on by being seriously overweight.

I would not step foot in this place if it was raining fire and they were my only shelter. It is run by a bunch of childish people with absolutely NO respect!  I took ONE class and was so disturbed by the lack of any professional decorum, I refused to go back!  I got there and the gal behind the desk was talking on the phone, and it was not a business call, or at least one of any professional manner, and the gal running the class was disorganized, boring and snotty. It was only because I AM respectful that I did not get up and just leave!These people go on about well being and making a difference, someone needs to remind them that the changes and differences must start from home! Practice what you preach!

*********Do you want to Feel Better - Physically************I just got done with taking a wellness class for 16 WEEKS!! Wow - I learned so much from Nora Bulloch - she's this dynamite, very knowledgeable, super compassionate person that teaches while she understands what people go through. Her approach is about always striving for improvement, not beating yourself about it because it's life - 'if we are not trying to lose weight, then we are gaining weight in America'. {Profound Stuff}. So there's real accountability - honestly one of the best classes I've taken having to do with Weight Management, Weight Loss, and learning how to find time for exercise, eating healthy, and easier than before resistance. In fact - in my humble opinion - NORA - is so great that I took the class twice in a row, and learned so much about myself - as well as - made small improvements in my lifestyle that have stuck and I'm losing weight and have increased mobility and I don't hate myself for not being perfect. This sounds like Therapy - ha ha, but it really is great. I would recommend it to anyone that wants to lower their blood pressure, has sore knees and back, has a pouch or a ton they can't get rid of. It's not some voodoo that everyone promises. Thanks Nora!!!