Dr. Laura Chapman Renbaum, MD

This post is dated since I was a patient back in 04-05 but I still feel it is relevant. I came to her office experiencing panic attacks and was prescribed Zoloft. She told me I may experience some nausea but not to worry. She claimed I would be back to my old self in no time! I was so hopeful and just 17 years old. My side effects were so awful from this drug that I truly felt I was losing my mind. Instead of admitting it was side effects of the drugs, she proceeded to tell me it was part of my “underlying condition” and prescribed me Xanax and then Klonopin. I experienced years of protracted withdrawal including brain zaps and intrusive thoughts. 14 years later I am still chemically injured. The worst mistake I ever made was stepping foot inside her office. Please read Toxic Psychiatry by Dr. Breggin or literally any forum about psyc meds before making the decision to get on one. They ruined my life.

She saved my life!

The first time I took my daughter to Dr. Renbaum, Dr. Renbaum was completely ill-prepared and read my daughterâ??s file in front of me for what was obviously the first time. On a subsequent visit, Dr. Renbaum started the visit by reading a list of medications aloud that she had prescribed to a different patient! This time, Dr. Renbaum had the wrong file and she laughed at her mistake. This was my daughterâ??s third or fourth visit and Dr. Renbaum still didnâ??t know who she was. Dr. Renbaum then proceeded to tell my seriously depressed daughter that a) my daughter had created her own depression and sense of hopelessness b) my daughter did not want to get better c) my daughter should not be in a relationship because she is irritable and d) my daughterâ??s depression is not biologically based. My daughter has experienced serious, life threatening depression for many years. It was a big, difficult step for her to go to Dr. Renbaum for help. All my daughter received from Dr. Renbaum was… an accusation that her depression was my daughterâ??s own fault, a list of pop-psychology books and a bill for $135. I cannot express how harmful this is to my daughter. Dr. Renbaum displayed a complete lack of preparedness, lack of basic empathy and shocking lack of knowledge about mental illness.

Dr. Renbaum not only focuses on mental health, she also is attentive to the overall physical health. She brought my hypertension to my attention. However, one of her receptionists is incredibly rude, condescending and unhelpful. She will speak down to you as if you were a child, and forgets to call back about making an appointment often. It is also difficult to get refills taken care of if you speak to her. The other receptionist is wonderful, though.

I have been a patient of Dr. Renbaum for almost 4 years. After seeing many psychiatrists in my lifetime I have never known one to actually care for her patients and know them on an individual basis. She knows who we are, our struggles, our strengths....and she is dedicated to us. She's one of a kind and I'm glad I have her.