Dr. Robert Benson Freele, MD

I have read all these reviews, & have answer for each one that gave less than 4 stars. So, Dr Friele is a Psychiatrist, not psychologist. The only reason people would go to Dr. Friel is to get an initial diagnosis and maintain medication and for me I had absolutely no problems doing that with Dr. Friel. He treats patients at his office AND Green Oaks, which is where I met him. Granted I only needed to get off opiates, and of course, there’s medication for that, but I am also a dual diagnosis, requiring other meds as well. Dr Freele treated me like an accountable adult every step of the way. It is my responsibility to log side effects and stuff when I’m at home, & bring that with me to my appointment. I thought at the beginning, wow, how can he diagnose blah blah when I see him for only 15minutes? The answer is this, we are not unique cases. Dr Freele has been treating folks for the same issues for (at the time, it was almost 20 yrs) and has essentially seen it all. He’s very… well-educated, and always professional. He stated clearly, some years ago, if I’m looking to talk, schedule an appointment with a PSYCHOLOGIST or therapist, not a PSYCHIATRIST.. He is responsible for multiple new patients daily that come in through the hospital in Greenoaks. Some days there are more new patients than others, and if you’ve never been treated before, by anyone, I suggest not scheduling with Dr Freele. Schedule with Holiner instead, if you need hand-holding or babysitting. He doesn’t go home with me, so yes, I am responsible for my therapeutic self outside the office, & to explain any side effects, or whatever, to Dr Freele during my appointment. That being said, Dr Freele is the absolute BEST, for people like me- willing to be accountable for one’s self, and follow a treatment plan, which includes in/out patient treatment, seeing a therapist and/or psychologist to help with anything else, sometimes. he isn’t responsible for “fixing” me either, that’s my job. He is there to treat disorders by prescribing the right meds to treat whatever, nothing more. Sometimes it takes a while to find the right ones, but he doesn’t give up. I found He helps best when I’m willing to help myself.

Dr. Freele spoke to my son for 10 minutes and concluded he has depression. I question the reliability of a diagnosis, that has very real consequences on my son's life and his brain development, that was made in under 20 minutes. How could he possibly have gained an understanding of my son's natural personality, his coping skills, his intelligence, his behaviour in such a short span of time? Another example of many I have come across, particularly in this practice, The Holiner Group, of psych meds being handed out VERY IRRESPONSIBLY. I suggest finding a psychiatrist who will take time to understand your individual and unique personality before handing out a mind-altering and potentially dangerous drug.

I’ve struggled with bipolar 1 rapid cycling, anxiety, addiction, and alcoholism since I was 15 years old. My life was on a constant cycle of different meds and hospitalizations. I was left hopeless by many physicians and therapists. I started seeing Freele about four years ago and he recommended a therapist that couldn’t be more amazing. His connections and recommendations have been very beneficial. He has been the ONLY doctor to ever get my medications right and in a fairly short amount of time. He has been one of the most supportive people in my recovery and I couldn’t be more grateful for him. I honestly don’t feel like I could have a more fulfilling and lovely life without his help and knowledge. Today, I’m not being admitted to psychiatric units, but instead I spend time volunteering there. If you or your loved one feel as though your mental illness has put you into a hopeless position, go to Freele, follow his direction, take his recommendations and watch your life go from… hopeless to hopeful.

I have been a patient of Dr. Freele for 6 years. I have had countless psychiatric experiences but Dr. Freele is hands down, the best doctor I have ever had!

Spent very little time with me. Didn't seem to have much empathy. The whole experience was like a drive-through medical service--very impersonal and very ineffective.

I have been seeing Dr. Freele for many years now without a lot of luck finding a good Dr. in the past. I am very happy to have found him. He is a wonderful doctor and very professional. I find him very easy to talk with. He spends adequate time with me and is very knowledgable in his profession. He is funny, compassionate, and caring. I would recommend Dr. Freele to anyone I know.

a very good doctor. Unfortunately, said Dr. works for a 15 min in and out "fast food" approach to patients.He has learned that writing as many scripts as possible pays the bills and supports fancy vacations. He is all to quick to pawn you off on one his two VERY intimidating and insincere "nurses" I ever encountered. Be wary..phone calls about adverse reactions to new medications could get you sent to "Green Oaks" to be assessed. I am sorry but why would I go to Green Oaks to be assessed when just having difficulty transit meds?? Something is not sitting well with me ... On the chance you do get a phone call back if you don't answer you have lost your chance .. how many times does one answer an "unknown phone call??If someone does leave a message the messages make you feel like you are doing something wrong.The only "wrong" here was being prescribed the "wrong" meds,After almost three years of never missing appts, always on time doing what i am told to do,, I was basically… shown the door. ( maybe because I came packing document after document of everything bad that could and did happen while transitions meds... such a shame .Next time you are in the waiting room 'listen closely as the Dr.s blurt out patients names every five to ten minutes I wouldn't be surprised if you heard :"do you want a side of meds with that" This is just my opinion and everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion, moreover one SHOULD be entitled to quality care and top notch service ,, hey you or someone is paying big bucks for your well being .and one should receive the" bananas foster treatment of sorts every time" but alas you get treated like you are "bananas" Go figure

Had to wait an hour to see his PA who was rude and un-attentive. Went in to see him because of the medication I was on was causing headaches and stomach issues. After talking to the PA, I was put back in the waiting room for 45 minutes. Finally get to see Dr. Freele and the PA in the same room at the same time. Get accused of IV'ing drugs which I never Have in my life, and get told to stay on the same medication to see how it goes for another month. I have been on it for 6 months! I know how it goes! I got screwed out of $290 dollars.

I don't get the reviews where it's complaining about how your insurance covers the visits. That's your issue. That has nothing to do with the quality of the doctor's care. I may have a high deductible, but I can say that Dr. Freele's care is great. He's very compassionate, caring, and patient with me. He's helped me throughout the year with my medications and I do get a response if I have a question. The staff is nice to me, I didn't know it was a problem with others. They call me back to confirm appointments, and they seem friendly. Like most psychiatrists, it can take weeks to get an appointment, but that's not saying they lack quality.

Biggest waste of time. I could tell that this guy has by far more issues than probably all his patients.