Dr. Valerie Josephine Buyse, MD

If I could summarize Dr. Buyse's attitude in one word, it would be "cold". I attempted suicide twice under her care. As I was in the hospital having barely regained consciousness from the second attempt, I was informed that she had fired me as a patient. I learned later through my hospital records that she had told hospital personnel that she found my father borderline racist (she repeatedly turned away his requests for updates on my progress during my treatment; I was a teenager at the time), that she did not believe any of what I told her about being depressed, and that she thought I had narcissistic personality disorder (I often asked questions about treatment, as I was curious about neuroscience at the time). Our time together wasn't that bad, and was probably comparable to not getting treated at all (but much more expensive of course, since she's out of network). Although she was pretty good at handling medication trials, she increased medication dosages very quickly, without much… regard on the psychotherapy front. All in all, I just think she had a lot going on personally and couldn't keep her ego out of our interactions. According to online records, during the time I was with her her license was being scrutinized for divulging patient information responding to a review written on google. It was also clear that she thought very highly of herself and couldn't handle any sort of questioning, even if it was out of wanting to know more about the treatment and not doubt of her abilities. I echo what others say (and it is evident from the other reviews) in that she seems to care much more about what her peers have to say about her abilities than what her patients have to say about their treatment quality.

Dr. Buyse is always prompt, and is a great listener. I had a near crisis moment an d she let the session fun over a few minutes to deal with it. She is very thorough and fair in her evaluations and suggestions.

I have been seeing Dr. Buyse for several years now. We've made a lot of progress and we've worked through a lot together. I am very thankful for her hard work and dedication to her patients.

I have been going to Dr. Buyse for sometime and I have GAD. She has helped me a lot. In the beginning I had my doubts but as time progressed I felt better. She introduced me to mindfulness and meditation. I read books about mindfulness and tried meditation. In the beginning I saw it very flower child like but as I got into the books and meditation I realized it was helping me. What is important is you do not give up you have to give time to change your old habits and behavior. Dr. Buyse is very calm and nice and she listens and she remembers about me so I see her like a big sister. Many times she made me ohhhh ok never thought it that way that realization is like awakening. I consider myself very lucky to have met her and recommend her 100%. If you have GAD or panic attacks there is a solution. Listen to her, don't be judgemental or at least try and give it time. She will not pressure you on anything unless you dont want to but she is stern which I like about her. My… final words on Dr. Buyse; she is a good doctor and I trust her!...

Like that she got back to me when I called within hours or at least the same day: felt I had a collaborative relationship and that she was flexible, I was feeling better fom a depression that I had for years within a month.

I have been going to Dr. Buyses for 3 years now. I have always been treated with respect and kindness. I feel that Dr. Buyse really cares about me and my well being. In sessions, she always listens to my problems and concerns to the fullest extent. She is very sensitive to my situations and emotions. Due to a medical condition I cant take certain medications, but she always tries to work around it. When I ask a question about anything she explains the pros and cons for selecting my treatment and my medications. At times I have to see her on short notice and she and her staff do everything to accommodate me. Sue, her office manager always responds to my needs. Dr. Buyse also has a very good sense of humor.

Dr. Buyse is an experienced and dedicated psychiatrist who has earned her reputation as the best in her specialties throughout the greater Washington, D.C. area.

Dr. Buyse is one of the most available and caring physicians i have ever met. I was extremely anxious in the beginning and she was very patient, answering all of my many questions and staying in phone contact with me in between meetings. I felt better very quickly with this approach. She is very holistic, and concerned with all aspects of my life- my relationships, my physical health, etc and helped me with cognitive therapy, exercize, meditation, getting out more as well as some medication. She is knowledgeable and has a quick ability to pinpoint problems.

I have been going to psychiatrist's ever since I was 14. I have had my fair share of doctors who just want to medicate you without full knowledge of your illness. This is the first time going to a psychiatrist and being 100% satisfied. She is very well organized and definitely knows what she is doing. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a new psychiatrist. She is rather expensive but well worth the price.

Dr. Buyse is extremely good at perceiving where I want our conversation to go without my actually saying so. She is just an all around great doctor.