Dr. Lenore Lawson Doster, PhD

Last night, I scheduled a therapy appointment with Dr. Lenore Doster via a telehealth service offered by my private insurance. I must be honest and say that this "visit" was very, very disappointing. I was holding back tears by the time I hung up. This was supposed to be a 50-minute visit, but she cut it to 25 (she offered to cut it to 25 and I didn't agree, but she began ending the visit right at the 25-minute mark anyway) because she "didn't think she (or this service in general) could help me because I need a higher level of help." She did prefer me to "Charlie Health," though. I find it odd that she believes this service would be unable to help me because I absolutely have used it services in the past...for the EXACT same issues. I gave her a little bit of my background and she basically said that my "trauma is too much to be dealt with here." While I understand that certain issues may not be appropriate for this, I reached out because I feel that talk therapy would help at this… moment - as it has in the past. This is simply not how you treat people who reach out for help, especially when it was very hard for said person to do so. She could've at least completed the 50-minute talk therapy session, then referred me to another therapist here if, in the end, she felt as if SHE could not help, NOT every single mental health professional participating in the service. Her dismissiveness was highly insulting, and she has 100% turned me away from therapy at this point. The irony is that "trauma" and "OCD" are listed when one goes to schedule an appointment. All she did was hear a very, very small amount of my history and turned me away. She has absolutely zero idea how much trauma I do or do not have. She has absolutely no idea where my OCD actually is at this point in time because she didn't even attempt to find out - I simply told her what has gone on in my life and why I felt I needed therapy.

I had an extremely disappointing and upsetting experience with Lenore Doster. Instead of providing support, she was dismissive, culturally insensitive, and unprofessional throughout the session. She suggested I find an “Asian therapist so I wouldn’t have to speak English,” questioned my ability to communicate, and made condescending remarks about my mental health. When I opened up about struggling to eat and focus, she told me I didn’t understand “basic biology.” She ended the session abruptly without allowing me to respond, leaving me distressed. I came to therapy looking for help, but I left feeling shamed and invalidated. I do not believe she should be working as a therapist, and I would strongly caution others from seeking support from her.

Dr. Doster was understanding with my situation and I appreciated her help.

She made some great observations today that helped kind of reframe my mindset and helped me rethink my situation. I feel better about what I can achieve going forward - I can still find a purpose.

As always Dr. Doster is very kind, understanding, and encouraging. Couldn’t have asked for a better support system.

Dr. Doster is truly such a wonderful support. Her listening skills and lack of judgement make it very easy to communicate honestly and openly.

She is the absolute best! So blessed to have her helping me be the best me I can be - one day at a time.