Indian Wells Psychiatry - Indian Wells, California

Roxy T.

My husband went in today for a psychiatric evaluation. He has been treated for years for ADHD with an Adderall prescription. It is such a relief for him as his symptoms affect his every day life drastically. However, moving to the desert semi-recently, he has been made aware that without a psychiatric evaluation, most doctors will not prescribe anything for him. That is entirely fair so he waited to get in to see Dr. Chenik.

Today was the day we had been waiting for! I was so excited for my husband to have some relief from his symptoms and to get the chance to talk to someone who wouldn't make him feel embarrassed about his condition. My heart sank after talking with him this afternoon. My husband had a very terrible experience. Dr. Chenik told my husband that as of January 1st, 2017, Doctor's can longer prescribe Adderall to adults because ADD and ADHD is a children's disease only. He then told my husband that he should seek treatment for depression instead and to try and "talk it out". My husband told him that he has had a prescription for years from his GP, but Dr. Chenik told him that his Dr. performed malpractice by prescribing him that. He also proceeded to tell my husband that if he ever has problems focusing, he should just "stop and pay attention". That is extremely vague and unhelpful advice to someone who is distressed by the fact that they can't just "stop and pay attention". He continued to make light of the situation by saying that if my husband felt "tired" to just drink coffee.

The advice that he gave my husband seemed frustratingly unhelpful and made light of my husband's symptoms. I understand that many doctor's may not agree that adults struggle with ADHD. I am sure many think that it is simply a matter of the will. However, to make light of something that is very real and impacting in a person's life is demeaning and dangerous

My main concern, however, is the fact I simply do not believe that he is telling the truth about the new "law". He told my husband that it is nationwide and that no doctor can legally prescribe Adderrall to a person over the age of 17 (because it's only seen as a children's disease). I cannot find this law anywhere and I really can't find anything even close to what he is talking about. I also spoke with my mom who also suffers from adult ADHD and she told me she just got her new prescription from her psychiatrist! She lives in Oregon. So unless her doctor is committing malpractice, I am led to believe that Dr. Chenik is not telling the truth which is very frustrating and dangerous to me.

I would strongly suggest re-thinking about whether or not you want to meet with Dr. Chenik. He doesn't seem to listen to his patients and his personal agenda manages to take over his sessions. I would not trust being in his care and I know that neither my husband nor I would ever make another appointment again.

Victor G.

Richard Chenik is a player and a boss