Dr. Sharyn Ann Lenhart, MD

If there were zero stars, this would be my choice. Where do I start? Dr. Lenhart is a bully and called me derogatory names. She was clearly not a "people" person. I was newly arrived in MA and needed a psychiatrist that would accept Medicare. In my medical files were a history of seizures and a frontal lobe brain tumor resected, and these present with psychiatric symptoms. Dr. Lenhart didn't research further the affects of empty nest syndrome and environmental factors after a long-term domestic violence marriage with a complex divorce. She also was not up on battered woman/wife syndrome where I was taken advantage of in the court system. I tried to convey that I lost the marital home where my identity had been as a suburban housewife to 4 high functioning children. Dr. Lenhart had me sign a legally binding agreement whereby she would charge extra for speaking with my daughters and Boston neurologist. I was supposed to have neuropsychological testing, and she didn't arrange it… so delay ensued for years. Instead, Dr. Lenhart and a mental health predator social worker, John Sciretta of Cambridge and Belmont, took charge and informed me that I was to be under the McLean umbrella when I didn't have reliable transportation. They were urging I go to an adult day care center of urban anti-social people at Waverly Place. It was the wrong fit. Dr. Lenhart would wave her agreement in my face if I didn't adhere to her beligerent demands or else she would charge me extra like a lawyer. After going to McLean to the BHP program, I had a chance to attend a black tie formal brain tumor fundraiser for survivors in Boston which was a positive. Dr. Lenhart was upset that I had to cancel an appointment with 24 hours notice and bragged constantly about her brand of so-called therapy. I was never so glad to leave her practice. I was desperately calling other psychiatrists, and one finally informed me that I should be under the care of a neuropsychiatrist in Boston and not waste time with Dr. Lenhart who made me more depressed and would not contemplate another diagnosis. The only real benefit to seeing Dr. Lenhart was I realized there are better doctors out there and always check the internet for ratings. I wish I had done so before seeing her for about 6 months--the longest ever.

Like others, I found her to be initially thoughtful, insightful and interested in my well being. Over a short period of time she became aggressive and condescending. I felt that she was imparting more harm than good. In my opinion she should not be treating patients. I emphatically recommend staying clear of her. Wish that I had checked the reviews before seeking her help.

In my opinion she should not be allowed to practice psychiatry. Hopefully she has retired by now.

Initially, I considered Dr. Lenhart to be warm and kind. She certainly helped pull me out of depression. But as time went on I felt she became erratic in her responses and advice. If I cancelled a session she often rebuked me for my lack of commitment to therapy. Yet on many, many occasions she cancelled my appointment at the last minute, double-booked, or "forgot." I understand emergencies but she did not reciprocate. On one occasion she spent less than 10 minutes with me, after being 30 minutes late. She had an emergency and I had to leave yet she billed me for the full session. She refused to reconsider and became quite angry. I feel her policy regarding prescription refills violated HIPAA. She refuses to fax or call in prescriptions. She will leave a script taped to the outside of the exterior door with your first name. Anyone could take the script. She is stern, abrupt, officious, and disapproving. Disagreement is not an option. Once when I explained why I had rescheduled an… appointment due to a professional responsibility that I could not postpone, she argued with me and told me that it was not the "real" reason. She interrupts, becomes impatient, and labels any disagreement as disrespect. She feels that therapy should be the top priority in terms of time and finances. Never answered me when I asked what she wanted me to achieve before decreasing and discontinuing therapy. Dr Lenhart is very knowledgeable and has been the recipient of many awards and professional recognitions. However, I would not recommend her as a therapist any longer.

I have reviewed previously. Am doing so again because the doctor, despite my goal to remain off all neuroleptics, insisted I take xyprexa which has basically destroyed my career and my life. Dystonia, akathesia, cardiac abnormalities after 3 doses. No follow up. Case not closed. ......

I would not recommend this doctor. The drug she put me on, xyprexa, has destroyed the quality of my life. I did not need an antipsychotic.

I believe that this woman should no longer be allowed to practice. Her behavior was exceptionally inappropriate and harmful. Her narcissism was a constant throughout my treatment and was detrimental to me. She insisted that I NEVER miss a scheduled, weekly appt but the client preceding me was never the same. She was reliably late for my appointments, anywhere from 15 to 35 minutes. When I told her I felt my treatment over several months was not helpful she became enraged and repeatedly asked "What about my commitment to you?". She was so totally self-absorbed it limited her ability to provide good, empathetic care.

I was sent for an evaluation. I was nervous. She was very calm and nice.

Dr. Lenhart is invested in her practice and is a well trained doctor. Unfortunately her personal views and opinions seep into treatment in an unprofessional way. She uses intimidation and "tough love" approach which is, at times, inappropriate. On one occasion she even breached confidentiality and shared details of discussions from therapy with someone outside of treatment. I would not recommend seeing her. There are many fine doctors in the Boston area and I would keep looking rather than see her.

I don't normally go through the trouble of writing online reviews, but I felt compelled to write this review because I completely disagree with the other reviews for Dr. Lenhart. Dr. Lenhart is extremely perceptive in assessing issues and takes a comprehensive approach to treatment. She cares a lot about her patients and is willing to make early morning or late evening appointments to accomodate work schedules, which I think is hard to find with doctors in general.Dr. Lenhart is not a pushover and asks a lot of patients in terms of work on emotional wellbeing,but she gives a lot of her time, patience, and expertise in return. I highly recommend Dr. Lenhart.