TaperClinic - Palm Desert, California

Ann

There are no adequate words to articulate what The Taper Clinic has done for me but I am going to try anyway! Dr. Josef has the humility and compassion to truly listen to his patients and trust that they (the patient) know what is or is not working for their bodies. Nicole Lamberson is a pioneer in helping people taper off of medication with lived experience and tremendous dedication to each patient. Trudy Slaght, Jezel Rosa and Chris Paige also bring incredible value to The Taper Clinic. For me it has been a tough journey coming off of many medications but I couldn't ask for a more supportive, informed team. Thank you, Josef, Nicole, Trudy, Jezel and Chris.

Damion G.

I’ve had nothing but a supportive and positive experience with TaperClinic. Dr. Josef and the entire team have shown genuine care, professionalism, and integrity throughout my tapering journey. In a space that can be filled with misinformation and judgment, TaperClinic offers clarity and real solutions. Highly recommend to anyone looking for trustworthy, personalized support. When it comes to the financial portion of the treatment I have reminded myself that this is the biggest investment I can make in my health.

Sophia S.

Mental health care IS deeply personal and complex, which is why Dr. Josef and the staff of the Taper Clinic provide personalized care for you, the medication you want to taper, your lifestyle, and your goals. Tapering off of any medication, especially mental health medications, should be done under the supervision of a licensed medical provider. This is the precise reason why Dr. Josef, a licensed psychiatrist, offers his services to those who choose to taper off of their medications. Tapering off of mental health medications is not necessary for everyone, but Dr. Josef has created a safe place to do so for those who suffer from random withdrawal symptoms, extreme and debilitating side effects, and lasting brain damage from previous attempts to taper that were done too fast.

Dr. Josef's social media presence promotes the notion that it is perfectly okay for you to decide to taper off of your medications if that is what is in your best interest. Many doctors around the world tell their patients that they will never be able to come off of their psychiatric medications once they start them, or that they have to go back on the medications once they begin to taper because their original mental health disorder is "flaring up again." The truth is that this is not necessarily true and entirely depends on the individual in question. Dr. Josef promotes the idea that a medication-free life IS possible, and he offers you a personalized way to do so safely. He is a brave man to speak so openly against the status quo, and his social media presence helps the people who need him to find him. For anyone to assume based on some short social media reels that Dr. Josef is telling people to drop off their medications cold-turkey style is simply (and extremely) misinformed.

As someone who has suffered life-altering, debilitating side effects from 12 years of mental health medications, AND as a current patient who has been with the Taper Clinic for the past year, I have absolutely nothing negative to say about Dr. Josef and his staff. Every single one of them is kind, patient, selfless, and encouraging. I never thought that I could live without my medications, assuming that I was eternally stuck with all of the side effects. I am endlessly grateful to Dr. Josef and his staff for helping me get my life back, and I look forward to continuing my taper journey with them.

Debra U.

I’m a member of The Taper Clinic and in my second year. There isn’t anywhere a person can get personal care like this for such a difficult process of getting off medication. Dr. Josef knows how to work with so many aspects of this very difficult process. His background is so vast and passion to help those understand the complexities of getting off harmful drugs and not getting brain damage or commit suicide. I’ve had 40+years of every kind of Dr, medication and even a horrific psyche unit detox of 4 drugs in the middle of major surgeries. I wanted to die! I’ve had to tell Drs, I wanted off meds. I was in the medical field for 30 years. I know more than most regarding medications. I trusted the professionals and went from one drug to another trying to feel better. I had to be my own advocate. This time my Dr retired. I was so thankful to find Dr Josef. 13 years this time on medication. I’ve never been more comfortable and with such passionate people as it takes a team and I cannot imagine anyone saying anything negative regarding Dr Josef or the helpful videos that he puts out there to help people.

Meena C.

Edit: interesting how I posted this negative review and there has been an influx of 5-6 positive, 5-star reviews within hours of my posting. When at the time of posting the most recent review to mine was 3 months prior. This doctor/clinic is absolutely pushing patients for positive reviews.

To supporters of Dr. Josef: Please understand that mental health care is deeply personal and complex. What works for one person may not work for another, and making changes to psychiatric medication—especially tapering or discontinuing antidepressants—should always be done under the guidance of a licensed provider who knows your medical history. No social media post, no matter how compelling, should replace that.

Dr. Josef’s social media presence is deeply concerning. He consistently promotes the idea that tapering off antidepressants is a universally appropriate or desirable course of action—despite the fact that he is not providing personalized medical care to the thousands of people who view his content.

His comment sections are filled with vulnerable individuals who attribute their struggles to having started antidepressants months or even years ago, often expressing regret or desperation. Rather than responsibly clarifying the complexities of psychiatric care or encouraging people to speak with their own providers, Dr. Josef allows these narratives to flourish unchecked. I know he sees them since he will go ahead and like the ones that support his grandstanding ideas of medication = bad.

Whether intentional or not, he is fueling a dangerous rhetoric that could lead people to alter or discontinue life-saving medications without proper supervision. It is incredibly irresponsible for a licensed professional to blur the line between general discussion and personalized medical advice in such a high-stakes area of care.

The ONLY appropriate response to this concern is to take it as real feedback—not criticism to be dismissed with vague platitudes, but a call to re-assess and modify your messaging in light of the harm it is causing. This is not a matter of opinion—it’s a matter of clinical accountability and public safety.

Sarah B.

I would like to comment on the wonderful work that the Taper Clinic is providing for those who have been trying to find help and understanding in the medical community about Benzos. I myself haven't had this trauma but my sister has. She is presently tapering with the help of Dr. Josef and his team and have found help and understanding in trying to navigate this horrible occurrence in her life. If you've never experienced this trial don't be too quick to judge the effects of it or the extent of the damage that others are experiencing. My sister went to numerous doctors without any help and in fact, most tried to put her on other drugs to even deepen the distress. Please help this organization as it goes forward and provide help and support to them in further understanding the far reaches of these drugs and persons that have been affected by the symptoms.

Boris M.

As a client of the Taper Clinic I can not give a more positive response. Dr. Josef and his team listen and respond to patient's needs and guide us through our journey of coming off these medications. I entered the Taper Clinic desperate for help, and I found it here. I am grateful that I found this help.

Dasein

I want to express my gratitude to you and your team. It has been a pleasure working with Jezel, Trudy, Jessika and Chris. Jezel is smart and an excellent listener. The group sessions with Chris are helpful especially the new “Healing While Tapering” group. Jessika has been good at getting back to me in a timely manner. Trudy gave great advice about breathing to manage restlessness and anxiety. Well done team! Five stars!