Dr. Stephen Alden Hockenbury, MD

Hockenbury has 2 disciplinary actions against him and many negative reviews on Yelp. Including over-prescribing, which is my experience with Dr. Hockenbury. The short story is he labeled me "bipolar" and put me on A LOT of stimulant medication, aka "uppers" or drugs that are like "speed." The overprescribing of medication was what was making me sick; I recovered under the care of a different doctor who identified that I was on too much medication. During the years I was under Dr. Hockenbury's care he sent me in and out of the PSYCHIATRIC WARD HE WORKED AT like a revolving door until, by chance, I found a doctor who took me off medication. Unfortunately, by the time I realized I wasn’t “bipolar” the statute of limitations had run out on my case, and I wasn’t able to pursue justice. Fortunately, others have!! Court records that show Dr. Stephen A Hockenbury was recently disciplined by the medical board of California for medical negligence. Court documents can be found online under… his name Dr. Stephen A. Hockenbury, Case No. 800-2014-003623 As you can see Dr. Hockenburry was reprimanded by the medical board for three reasons 1) gross negligence 2) repeated negligent acts, and 3) General Unprofessional Conduct. Just thought you should know! We all should know about our doctors BEFORE we see them. Patients are a vulnerable population; we need to arm ourselves with information before we place our trust in the hands of a medical professional who could cause immeasurable hurt and pain to you and those who love you. Lastly, I’d like to reach out to any former patients of Dr. Stephen Hockenbury. If he has caused you and your family hurt, pain, or undue mental illness; I am so very, very sorry! I am so sorry this happened to you. I am sorry the medical system failed you. My loving thoughts are with you, and I wish you the speediest recovery and an incredibly healthful, balanced, and peaceful life.

Dr. Hockenbury is over prescribing dangerous amounts of amphetamines to wife and son after his office was made clear they both had prior drug abuse issues

Dr. Hockenbury is an exceptional psychiatrist, who is kind, and easy to talk to, with impeccable integrity. I have been going to him for years, I am very thankful to be in his care. He is a real lifesaver, and I trust him.

I have been with Dr. Hockenbury for 14 years. He has saved my life on more than one occasion. I am a very hard client to diagnose. I have multiple issues and only Dr. Hockenbury took the time to understand me on the inside as well as the outside. He has an excellent bedside manner and a comforting way about him. I have had him checked out by world famous Dr. Bear of NY. and he stated to me " He is on the cutting edge with mass combination medication and would consider him a top notch Dr. I drive over 150 miles for the last 3 years to continue my care and would go to the ends of the earth for a Dr of his Caliber.

Doc Hock is an unpretentious "regular" guy who happens to be a great shrink. He's easy-going, funny (dry sense of humor) and very easy to talk with. But he's also a skilled medical practitioner, tenacious about proper diagnosis and then carefully-crafting a treatment program tailored specifically for the patient. Don't be alarmed about his disheveled (but not dirty) office or casual appearance - these are the hallmarks of a great psychiatrist. I've seen three different shrinks in my lifetime. The first one had an impeccable office, but was worthless as a doctor. The second one, who retired and led me to Doc Hock, was great - and he had a messy office. Doc Hock is also great, and he also has a messy office. So, from my extensive research and experience, I've concluded that the best shrinks are the ones with messy offices.

I would not see him if you are looking for therapy. If you are just needing a prescription and do your therapy elsewhere, he works out okay. Some days he really seems to care and spend extra time with me, others I barely spend five minutes in his office. He has canceled appointments multiple times.

I have been with him for 5+ years. It has taken a long time but we have ultimately acheived a high level of sucess.