Dr. Marietta Aster N Almazan, MD

Marietta Almazan is a very dangerous doctor who should be prevented from practicing. How it is that she's continued is beyond my understanding. Fifteen years ago, when I was about 35, she diagnosed me as bipolar in 10 minutes. Not questioning the possibility, but a direct, complete diagnosis. She wrote an Rx for Lamictal on a different Rx pad than the other meds she prescribed me (pharma kick-backs to doctors who prescribe them?). Then, most dangerous of all, she changed me from my main on-going life-saving Rx to another over a period of 4 weeks. The change was from Effexor to Lamictal. She didn't think I would have any problems, ignoring the evidence and known effects of quick withdrawal from Effexor. I mentally and emotionally started falling apart over a period of 3 weeks, and it turned to losing my ability to manage my emotions or thoughts almost completely, ultimately creating compulsive, intrusive suicidal thoughts that reached a point where I felt I was crossing over to… possibly acting on them in spite of my not wanting to die. I called her office, desperate and crying. She asked two questions and she said it was the bipolar. I ended up in my first hospitalization shortly afterwards, and it took months to fully recover from it physically, emotionally and mentally. It was the most terrifying experience I have ever had, and remember it now still, 20 years later. If you have seen the painting 'The Scream,' it accurately portrays my experience of devastation from following her directions. Most amazingly of all: 1) One of the professionals I saw at the psychiatric hospital (Heritage Oaks in Carmichael, CA), upon my telling him my regular psychiatrist was Marietta Almazan, grimaced and said, "We're familiar with her work." 2) I met a woman close to my age who had the same, exact experience with Almazan--changed by her from one med to Lamictal in a very short period of time, falling into devastating dysphoria, and ending up in Heritage Oaks, not long after I had been out. We couldn't believe it, and wondered how many other patients of Almazan had suffered or even died from her negligence. In the office, her manner was pompous, cavalier and unquestioning confidence in her judgement. She spoke in a manner of those who believe they are all-knowing. I've never come across someone like that in a professional medical capacity before or since, and felt uncomfortable around it, and now I know it is extremely dangerous. She reminds me of a true narcissist, on the edge of a pathological level. These may seem like harsh, heavy words about another person, but I stand by them. I absolutely do not write this post lightly. I almost died following her directions, and am not alone in the hellish experience. I have had a number of excellent psychiatrists as I have moved for work over the years. When I provide my history, they have expressed disbelief and shock that a psychiatrist would do what she did. I'm writing this to encourage anybody considering seeing her to not do so. She is harmful and blind to it. I can't say it enough--I implore you to seek a competent, thoughtful, professional, and balanced professional with good ratings and reviews for psychiatric needs, and avoid Marietta Almazan, at all costs. If there are any psychiatrist or other mental health professionals reading this post, and you know of the avenues to take in the difficult but necessary actions of seeking removal of a psychiatrist from practice because of negligence and willful harm, I hope you will post that information here (anonymously of course). When I experienced that horrific time, the internet was a fledgling. I often thought about filing a complaint, but was scared of retribution and retaliation from her if she learned who had filed it (ie lawsuit, or harassment). After moving back to CA recently, and still seeing that she practices, I would be willing to file a complaint or class-action if needed. How does that work?

I credit Dr. Almazan with saving my life. I was on anti depressant medicine and it wasn’t helping me. She correctly diagnosed my disease and put me on proper medication. I have been stable for years.

I had many suicide attempts before I went to Dr Alamazan. She properly diagnosed me and put me on the right medicine. I have been stable for 18 years now. I have not had any deep depression or uncontrolled manic swings. I credit Dr. Alamazan with saving my life.

Any time I asked a question she turned into an argument claiming she is the expert and specialist. I have seen very good psychiatrist in the past. One left private practice so to make things easy I stayed wt office and ended up with Dr Almazan. It made things impossible. She made diagnoses based on simple questionnaire before even talking to me. When I questioned that, as had never had that diagnosis. I had good medication protocol it she insisted I needed other rx. She bad mouthed previous Dr and did not like his treatment. I stayed on those meds but she added another I was not comfortable wt. she raised her voice almost every appointment because I questioned medication because if how it made me feel. Finally she would not listen to how drug was making me feel. She argued that she was specialist and knew what was right. It became an argument, again, I took a breath quietly asked her to lower her voice and listen. She opened the door still arguing so I walked out. I stopped medication… and had my PC take over prescribing protocol that worked. Was relieved to get away. I cannot recommend at all. She is narcissistic and does not listen. I have had good professional psychiatrists. She is neither.

I went to Almazan for medicine management as my meds had been working very effectively for me for years. Almazan demanded that I switch to a newer drug. This threw me into a bipolar episode that lasted 3 months and required me to go on disability. I strongly recommend patients go elsewhere for a psychiatrist.

Hands down the worst doctor I have ever seen. Uncaring, insensitive, narcissistic, drug pusher, talks down to you, condescending, does not want you well - wants you on drugs. DO NOT SEE THIS DOCTOR!!

Dr Almazan is the best Dr i have experienced in my mental health journey. Coming out of Kaiser i went to Dr A along with a therapist tied to her office. Dr A keeps current on my blood ork while prescribing enough meds to control my condition (BPII). My first appointment with Dr A, she was met with shock at the high levels prescribed me by Kaiser. She immediately ramped me down and worked with me to find the point where my condition has been stable for years. Cycles that would have occured are non-existant. I am a high funtioning, director level that has come about only through the hard work and dedication Dr A has displayed. If you choose to visit Dr A, do not go in with a self diagnosis and allow the Dr to do her job. Dr A is a proven leader of her craft.

She doesn't listen and her questions make no sense. If you insist on her attention or that she be clear, she loses it and quickly becomes abusive. I sought help for stress and anxiety and practically rant out of there feeling much worse.

Never ever ever go to this doctor. She will say you bipolar even if you are not. I just lost a year with her. (((

Dr. Almazan will find you bi-polar even if you are not. My experience with her was a nightmare. I saw her for depression in 2001 and was quickly found by her to be bi-polar even though I had never experienced a manic episode. She put me on Lithium, Depakote and Respiridol. I became paranoid, extremely fearful, zombie like and had to move back in with my parents. Thankfully a psychiatrist I went to church with helped wean me off these drugs. I do suffer from depression which is why I went to her. I take Cymbalta for depression and have since late 2001. It has been a godsend. Please read her reviews online before seeing her. My experience with her is the norm.