Dr. Mark Randall Bloch, MD

There are plenty of positive reviews of Dr. Bloch (both on Vitals and Yelp) that give praise for his ability to care for his patients and be compassionate. However, most of these reviews provide little to no information on exactly how he runs his practice, which isn’t helpful as Dr. Bloch doesn’t have a website. Most of the time patients go to him through referral. As someone who is neurodivergent, I originally saw Dr. Bloch in the first place because I had a more complicated psychiatric condition that required someone of his expertise to resolve. He was able to do this effectively. In explaining my intent of wanting to prevent further problems in getting these issues in the first place, I wanted specific treatment for my neurodivergent challenges. Dr. Bloch evaluated me using I believe a 20-question form but he also did not look at my evaluation history even though I showed him stacks of evaluations going back well over a decade. I suppose this is how he’s trained but I would… have thought he could have taken more interest to learning more about this history. In working with Dr. Bloch to resolve my issues with my neurodivergence, I found him to be complicated to work with and having a completely basic understanding of my issues. As another reviewer here eloquently described, he can be “conflict adverse and a people pleaser.” Yes, he communicates effectively in person and email and you have no problem getting prescriptions ordered. The problem is that Dr. Bloch practices in a rigid, structured way that makes it hard for you to get enough efficient care or even conversation about plenty of things. Sure, certain reviewers say he’s great and compassionate but that’s contingent on your medical condition and whether you are able to fit within the parameter of what Dr. Bloch is capable of doing in his practice (much of which he doesn’t do a good job at describing or even being transparent about to patients). On multiple occasions, when I was trying to resolve problems as a result of ADHD medication he prescribed me, I found him to be quite impotent at addressing complicated issues as a result of life stressors. I would get basic solutions at best but nothing on an ongoing basis to suggest there was enough attention to detail in resolving my underlying problems. It was even more challenging to me to work with Dr. Bloch when I was trying to find the right practitioners who would manage my care with him. To ensure this, I wanted both my primary care physician and cognitive behavioral therapist to talk directly with Dr. Bloch to ensure I was getting the most optimal kind of care. It ended up being that my primary care physician tried talking with Dr. Bloch and said he was an awkward and difficult doctor to get answers from whereas Dr. Bloch simply said, “I talked with your primary care physician” and then immediately transitioned to a different diagnosis he gave me. Additionally, my CBT specialist said a particular anti-psychotic medication that Dr. Bloch prescribed me was done so for a particular reason, which as it so happens Dr. Bloch failed to effectively tell me in the first place. It’s also even more awkward that the CBT specialist, who specialized in working with patients with neurodivergence like me, was a direct referral from a colleague of Dr. Bloch’s, who I was originally referred to by him. As a reminder to psychiatrists like Dr. Bloch, we want healthcare, not therapy. Referring us simply to therapists or an outpatient center at a hospital isn’t always the answer. Lesson learned – If you’re going to see a psychiatrist, thoroughly vet the person and be able to have a good BS detector so you can understand where to draw the line. And above and beyond, don’t go to a psychiatrist who doesn’t have a website or isn’t going to have a quick informational call before meeting with you for the first place.

Dr. Bloch has been helping me for over 10 years. He is someone you can trust to guide you in a comforting and successful manner.

Very knowledgeable and Communicative. Great understanding of mental health and especially medications. Had issues for 20 years he was able to correctly diagnose and prescribe after two visits. Actually responds to emails and will provide what assistance he can outside of an office visit.

Highly recommend. Best doctor ever.

Extremely intelligent, honest, and patient doctor. Outstanding service. Helped resolve lifelong problem/illness.

I e-mailed Dr. Block and after over a week he never acknowledged me. In fact when I tried to understand what was the matter he BLOCKED my e-mail. For a Dr that I had always looked up to.... this unprofessional action left me hurt and I am in disbelief. I hope someday he stops and really thinks about his actions. This is my response... and I never thought this day would arrive. "Thanks Dr. Bloch.... I think we agree about one thing.... and that is karma. I did NOTHING wrong for this cold and callus behaviour .... may you reap what you sew." I don't know what happened to you but I did not deserve this.... and you know it. Signed in disbelief...

good doc, no complaints

This psychiatrist is highly regarded in the Walnut Creek community as being highly intelligent, competent, Ivy league trained (Stanford), responsive and compassionate. Much of this is true, sometimes, for some people, in some cases. However, as a female, I would defintely NOT recommend this psychiatrist to another female. I'll leave my comments at that. I was initially satisfied with the level of care he provided, however, when some interpersonal issues developed, he was unwilling to discuss or work through the problem. I have experienced him as both conflict adverse and a "people pleaser". As long as things are going swimmingly, you'll most likely be satisfied with the services. However, if there is some "hitch" some "glitch", a interpersonal issue or something that reflects upon "less than perfect image" he projects, you might be unpleasantly surprised by his response. In my case, his attitude became less professional and less responsive over time and he did not follow up… on treatment which is part of his responsibilties towards his patient. I was very disappointed and saddened by his behavior because initially the relationship was positive and I felt nothing but admiration and respect for him. I ended up having a quite serious health problem develop due to the drug he prescribed. He quickly became unresponsive, uncooperative and would not provide follow up or help me taper off the medication (which was necessary). I became emotionally unstable under his care. During this time, he left me to seek out the help of another psychiatrist (without a referral), essentially forcing me out of his practice. I later found out he misdiagnosed me as well. Like many psychiatrists, he is quick to prescribe dangerous antipsychotics. He overdiagnoses ADD/ADHD and bipolar disorder (his specialties). If you think have one of these diagnoses and it's genetic, check out the latest research, you may be surprised by what you learn. I have learned my lesson the hard way. Psychiatrists, including Dr. Bloch are quick to diagnose and put you on a drug that may have potentially dangerous side effects that can have long terms health impications (this is what I experienced). This is why I say, "Be Forewarned!" Do not believe all the hype. Keeps your eyes open and trust your intuition whenver you seek the services of a psychatrist.

Terrible experience with this physician-he missed a crucial diagnosis and didn't refer to specialist when he should have. Did not taper meds properly causing more medical issues. Many other problems as well. Cares more about the money than patients. Run away, fast!

solid guy helped me with adhd