Dr. David D Vandervelde, DO

Dr Vandervelde is a kind older gentleman who still uses a book to look up medications instead of using a computer which was a clue to me that he was set in his ways and not able to adapt to the times to safer, more effective method of using technology. He was convinced I had bi-polar disorder despite my previous 25 years of being treated for depression and anxiety. I told him I had sensory processing sensitivity (aka “highly sensitive person”). We disagreed on my use of cannabis and I decided to stop seeing him when he got angry with me for questioning his theory that I would become suicidal if I kept smoking. My new psychiatrist took me off the mood stabilizer (anti-psychotic) and I’m on venlafaxine for anxiety only. My therapist and I counted on him and used his diagnosis as a guidepost for my treatment. Because of his arrogance, I lost 2 years of time thinking I was bipolar and I even went to a support group he recommended and it was clear I did not belong. Sensory processing… sensitivity looks like mental illness because society said we are “too sensitive “. But that is because we are 20% of the population and we have been bullied by the other 80% into believing we are mentally ill.

As others have noted here, Dr. V lacks compassion, has poor listening skills, is quick to judgement and is unethical in his commitment to patients. He "fires" (his language) his patients when they do not respond to treatment. Certainly it is his choice to work with whomever he likes, however, the standard of professional care is to calmly explain why he can no longer treat the patient and then offer some suggestions or assistance for next steps. Leaving a young, inexperienced patient suddenly with no recourse or plan regarding medication is not only unprofessional, but a matter of patient safety when toxic substances are involved. He berates patients, is highly critical with little understanding of the great effort involved in self care for patients suffering deep depression, makes snarky claims regarding patient compliance with no data to back up his supposition. This is his method for 'dumping' the patient rather than acknowledge that his treatment was failing. His procedure to… encourage compliance with his treatment is to use threatening language related to suicide. This is highly unethical and borders on mal-practice. He is snarky in the extreme, having little to no patience with those struggling to adjust to new medication. He is insulting to family members when they try to work as a team to support the young adult patient. Although psychiatrists are in short supply in Grand Rapids I would highly recommend you steer clear of this extremely unprofessional practitioner.

I have been going to Dr. V. for years. He is down to earth, and he is very easy to talk to. He is a great listener, patient, and kind. You may have to wait a bit, but that’s because he gives patients the time they need. I wish there were more doctors with Dr. V’s work ethic, attention to detail and bedside manner.

He may have been the first to properly diagnose but he failed when medications were not working. He was nice but refused to listen. Finally found a doctor who listened. Been on a regimen which allows me to have my life back. I’ll never regret switching doctors.

I was misdiagnosed and over medicated. Dr took no responsibility and blamed me. Wanted to keep me on the same medications even though I was in the hospital for toxicity. Hospital Drs thought it was unethical that he did not want to see me or discuss the matter with them.

This Dr did help me a lot over the years. However, like most Dr's he has a lot of pride. My wife was going through cancer and I missed an appointment. I made another appointment and called to cancel it when My GP offered to me (unsolicited) to refill my anti-depressants for me. Don't know why he did, he just did? I cancelled because, money was tight at the time and my insurance did not cover office appointments and a 10 min med review was about $80. Anyway, a year passed or so and I started having some symptoms again and I wanted to go in and see him. The office told me that I had been dropped as a patient?? No phone call, no certified letter, nada?? So, he dropped me because I missed one appointment, and cancelled another? For a GP maybe that is grounds, I don't know? However, for a Psychiatrist, I would think there would be a little if not a lot more grace? BTY, I was his patient for 17 years. So, patient beware. He is competent, however, not very forgiving, especially with a long… term patient, who had a lot on his plate at the time. Very unprofessional in my opinion.

Best doc! Just remember that sometimes you need to wait to see him because he took the time needed to see someone else. Another day he will be on time and YOU will be grateful that he spends all the time that YOU need with him - which may cause him to work into lunch or past his ending time. I just can't say enough wonderful things about him. He is patient and will work with you to get the right drug combo if needed. Just be totally honest with him - he is always there to help you! FYI - His staff is wonderful too of course!