Dr. Katherine Chemodurow

I saw Dr. Katherine Chemodurow two years ago, when I was in a very difficult place with my anxiety (I had called to make a appointment with her colleague but was told only Dr. Chemodurow was accepting new patients).

She was very thorough in her initial assessment, but then, ten seconds into the second visit she insisted upon, Dr. Chemodurow told me she couldn’t “give her practice the respect it needed” if she took me on because of an ambiguous reason she couldn’t really explain but had to do with time? I don’t know, I just remember asking why she couldn’t tell me this on the phone and getting literally the worst response ANYONE could give.

Me: Why couldn’t you tell me on the phone?

Dr. Chemodurow: Because I can’t bill for telemedicine.

I was not in crisis, but imagine if I had been. This response was not only callous but it shows she has no concern for people that she doesn’t see as “good fits.”

There are an infinite number of ways to respond to the question I asked (“I wanted to give you a referral,” “I thought you’d like for us to process this together,” etc.) but she went with “girl, I gotta get paid, you know?” Sure! But is that really how you want to go out on people?

In addition, Dr. Chemodurow refused to give me a referral (but did invite me to try Google!) and then didn’t even bother to get up to say goodbye or walk me out.

Instead, she busied herself with her laptop while I sat there like an idiot.

I didn’t realize the appointment was effectively over until she raised her head and asked “was there something else?”

Unfortunately, I’m not the only one who has had this experience and as someone who’s trained in mental health (I have a master’s degree in clinical psychology, worked with clients, and taught at the University level for several years), I was appalled by how she treats people.

So appalled, in fact, that I wanted to write a review but just couldn’t bring myself to because our interaction had been so unpleasant.

My current psychiatrist (who’s great!) is temporarily occupying the office space that Dr. Chemodurow did and it reminded me of how awful her treatment of me was.

Seeing a psychiatrist is already such a difficult and nerve-wracking process that being treated like you have failed an audition at your appointment is inexcusable.

You’re already worried you’re “crazy” and the person who’s supposed to provide support shouldn’t make you feel stigmatized even further than you were when you walked in.

Others may have had good experiences with Dr. Chemodurow, but unless the level of respect she provides potential clients has changed considerably, it’s surprising that she’s continued practicing with no repercussions.