Dr. Richard E. Rochester, MD

“I had a very discouraging experience trying to schedule a new patient appointment, which is disappointing as the doctor has great reviews. I explained my urgent situation to the initial nurse who was very kind and she assured me intake would call back the same day. After waiting over two hours with no response, I called again. The next staff member I reached was very dismissive, and told me that no one would have called me back today, and as a matter of fact, they wouldn’t call for a few days to set up the initial appt …and casually mentioned the doctor would be out for over a week as well, in which the first appt would be well over a few weeks out. When I inquired as to why this wasn’t disclosed when I explained the urgency of the matter in the initial call, I was again met with a dismissive response rather than an apology. When I asked to have my information removed from seeing the doctor, the young lady didn’t even bother confirming my name. I asked her if she needed it, she said no. I asked how she would know who I am? She stated that it’s in the paperwork. I asked to speak to someone else in the office that would handle this situation more professionally, she replied that no one else was there - when I clearly heard others talking in the background. I then asked for her name, where she hesitated briefly and answered “Sharon” but as young and unprofessional as she sounded it didn’t give “Sharon”…and it felt like she either made up a name or gave me the name of another employee there. For a clinic that serves people dealing with sensitive health issues, this lack of compassion and clear communication with this one employee was extremely disappointing. The indifference I was met with left me feeling more discouraged than supported. To whomever answered that call, I pray that you’re never on the receiving end of the indifference you showed me today while in a dire situation.”

“Dr. Rochester is an awesome psychiatrist! He really takes his time with you and truly cares about his patients. He always personally returns your phone calls and will call something in to the pharmacy if needed. I would highly recommend him.”

“I saw Dr. Rochester over the course of ten years. A true professional, excellent listener, very in tune with his patients and visits were always timely. I always felt like I was heard.”

“If you are on the fence, dont worry. Try him once. Hes been an amazing positive and helpful force in my mental health journey since 2004. I even moved 3 hours away and still see him. Amazing human.”