Crownview Medical Group & Mental Health Services San Diego - Coronado, California

Matt O.

After a rough start with my previous psychiatrist Dr. Sidransky, switching to Dr. Melden has made a difference in my mental health, and I’m satisfied with the care I’ve received thus far. They’re always busy but they do their best. I’ve had a great experience with the staff at Crownview, Ariana and Kim (I believe her name is) have been especially helpful with medication requests and refills, always going above and beyond. They’ve been very patient with my situation, big thanks to them.

Drew L.

pros:
- making an appointment was quick

cons:
- the nurse practitioner (who is not a psychiatrist) did not make me feel heard. tried to imply that my attention issues were affected by my sleep patterns (I get a full night's rest every night, the times I go to sleep can vary though, basically a completely non relevant issue; biphasic sleep patterns exist all over the world since forever).
- insisted on starting a medication from a class of meds that have a demonstrated history of not working for me (epinephrine modulators).
- wanted me to take a computerized test that gave me the impression it would be used as a diagnostic tool (these tests are virtually useless for diagnosis).

ms perez (note that these people are not doctors) was assertive which would have been a good trait if it felt like she actually wanted to help me, but instead it seems like she was looking for any out possible to not give me the first line treatment that I very obviously require. so unfortunately I cannot recommend this place for seeking ADHD treatment. I know it's because of the legal stigma around medication which is why these places don't want to prescribe them, but it's also something that we know is a safe, effective treatment and I meet all of the diagnostic criteria as outlined in the DSM V, so the experience did not feel productive. It instead felt dismissive and invalidating. there was no effort to understand who I am or what I need. the attempts to relate to me came off as unusually patronizing and condescending, rather than empathetic. The plan for care was opaque and so mishandled that it was almost obvious that it was meant to set me up for failure.

the front office is also the most hostile and uncaring experience I have ever had in healthcare. they were shouting me down as I was trying to explain myself, making accusations and belittling me. the level of professionalism was nonexistent, I am left baffled with how people so bitter and cruel could allow themselves to work in mental health care. It seems I am far from alone in my experiences.

for your own sanity, seek care elsewhere. the people who work here should feel ashamed.

Steve J.

Didn’t seem like they were interested in me at all. Little eye contact, definitely not warm and fuzzy. I signed in for my appointment and waited for more than an hour with no explanation before I got my copay back and left. No follow-up or apology for wasting my time.

Shannon K.

I was ill and concerned. Office kindly worked me in in 2 days. Dr. Cox has been completely supportive, kind and thoughtful. She listened to me and offered a new solution. I have improved with her treatment plan. I have gratitude.

Kim K.

I have had a great experience with Crownview Medical Group and Dr. Mark Melden. Contrary to others’ reviews, I find Dr. Melden understanding, friendly, upbeat, pleasant, good natured, open minded and very thorough! The staff has always been helpful and friendly to me. I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Melden! I have been a mental health patient all over California with different practices (due to my location and insurance) for over 25 years, and Dr. Melden is one of the very best psychiatrists I have ever encountered.

M A.

I like our providers. But they’re billing and admin staff aren’t the best. They’re all about “you leaving a card on file.” All they care about is $$$. They called me two mos after they had been trying to charge my card for previous visits to tell me card wasn’t working. And naturally I have a huge balance. They gave me a song and dance “oh we tried to call you.” I’ve looked at my missed messages, and had only two mos prior and no vm. No letters or email were sent. How about you mail me a bill!? Poor customer service. I feel like all they care about is $$$$.

jason W.

It has been six months since my daughter was treated at Crownview and I wanted to share my experience with you.

First some background.

Several years ago my daughter attempted suicide. It was a shock to me and my wife. We had no experience in dealing with mental health issues and sent her away for a month of treatment at a different facility loaded in Tucson Arizona. She came back and was better for a while but then last year she suddenly ‘snapped’ and became extremely paranoid. She thought our neighbors and other strangers were trying to hurt her and started engaging in self harming behavior like banging her head against the walls. It reached the point were their was no other choice for us than to commit her to a mental heath hospital.

For anyone who has had to do this for any of their own loved ones you know the feeling. These places are run by people who are for the most part completely desensitized to feel any compassion for the patients in there care. I felt that I had put my daughter into a medieval torture chamber. I had to endure her daily calls to me the explain how the staff was trying to hurt her and how no one cared about her. She was also terrified that she might end up like the other inmates who were even sicker that herself.

So we called up the Tucson Arizona place again. The agreed to take her in but after a week they called and told us she could no longer stay there as my daughter had resumed her self harming behavior by again banging her head on any convenient hard object (She later told me she wanted to knock herself unconscious because of the voices in her head). They referred us to Crownview in San Diego.

They admitted her into their six month onsite program. They first took steps to get her psychosis under control. Then began a process of adjusting her medicines and giving her extensive therapy. Finally they started gradually teaching her coping skills and how to handle her own condition by gradually giving her back her freedom through a series of steps. Once she proved she meet certain criteria she would be graduated to the next step. The final step was her release from the facility.

She completed the six month program and returned to us. She has done wonderfully since and has exceeded me and my wife’s expectations. The voices and paranoia are gone and she has slowly started to smile and laugh again. She has even recently started working a part time job.

I wanted to personally tank the staff at Crownview for all their hard work and dedication.

Tyler L. P.

I have had a pretty good experience with Crownview Medical. They have competent staff and have taken very good care of me for almost 3 years now! I’ve always done telehealth appointments through doxy me their online virtual site with Nurse Practitioner Kimberly Umansky, unfortunately I did have to leave her service as my disability became to severe to be handled by her.
Which is when I was put with Dr. Rodney Sidransky M.D. he is very kind and has treated me with dignity and respect while being able to control my symptoms.

That being said, I wish Crownview had an online portal similar to MyChart and more access to patient resources on line.

Recently 01/04/2023, Medicaid recipients apparently now need to go into the office for an appointment. No more telehealth services available for Medi-Cal Patients. This is rather inconvenient because I live in Tijuana and having to commute to coronado every 2 weeks through trolly and bus is going to be a nightmare…. I hope you guys allow doxyme again.