Dr. Santapuri Damodher Rao, MD

If you already know what meds you need and want a psychiatrist that is for the most part out of the way, he is for you. However, if you are in the middle of figuring out your mental health issue, there are much better options. Dr. Rao is at best curt and efficient and at worst, somewhat rude. His appointments are very in-and-out; he is not interested in your experiences and concerns, he simply wants quick answers to your questions so he can be done. He does not offer much explanation or reassurance about your condition or the medications prescribed. He can also be a bit difficult to reach as he is old school, and only communicates via phone calls that are not followed up on as promptly as I would hope. Good luck trying to understand his mumbly voicemails. Again, if you know what meds you need, he is fine. However there are much better psychiatrists out there, even in the same building. He did refill my meds for a year after I saw him though, which was nice.

He is very helpful and knows alot about medications.

Lousy doctor. Refuses to do paperwork for prior authorizations. This was reported to the board. He doesn't have compassion for his clients and should retire.

Left me without my meds ( Xanax ) on few occasions, knowing full well that they are highly addictive and I would go through the horrible withdrawal symptoms ! I have been with him for 20 years on and off. I find he has very little compassion with my current situation ( eye sight is a big problem for me the past year ) so I have had to cancel a few appts. Maybe he forgot the Hypocratic Oath. Not to cause harm to patients !

There was no office staff at the time when I was seeing him but the waiting time was never an issue. I saw him at his Victory Blvd location. Parking was somewhat of a hassle. Whenever I had a problem with meds, appointments etc, Dr Rou always returned my calls promptly.Relocating a couple of times I've found it more difficult to find a doctor I could feel more comfortable with. Im guessing from my researching, it would be his years of experience that would qualify him as being a good Doctor.