Dr. Patrick Bonavitacola, MD

Dr. Bonavitacola is an excellent listener, he is kind, looks patients in the eye, experienced treating many mental health issues and is willing to talk with me about how comfortable I am regarding medications, life challenges etc. He has an exceptional memory and a great sense of humor.

After being with Dr. Bonavitacola for over 2 years, I've finally had enough. He seemed great at first. He listened very well for the first few months. However, we never made it anywhere. We'd try a med, it wouldn't work (or would cause horrendous side effects), so we'd move onto another. Totally normal. But when you reach 16 failed medications (about 12 of which were from him), and his answer is to circle back around and keep re-trying, tinkering with doses up and down over and over, you know there's nothing more to gain. After doing some research, I suggested a more alternative approach, to which I was met with "no, that's a last ditch effort"...as if 16 failed meds wasn't enough. Long story short, I sought out that treatment elsewhere, and it changed my life. I'd have died had I continued with his approach. He also told me he would sign off on temp disability for 6 months-1 year, but then cut it off at 5 months because he "doesn't think it's helping"...but lets keep on pill pushing.

Excellent specialist and very punctual in everything.

You won't find a better Psychiatrist. He listen to you. I never felt rushed. I wanted to get off of Ambian and with his assistance we did it!

He listen And he is the best doctor i've had

I had an extremely disheartening experience with Dr. Bonavitacola. for our second appointment he was absent when I showed for the appointment. I received no phone call or written notice that he would not be in the office. He continually write incorrect prescriptions at at times forget to call in a prescription all together. He also prescribed a medication which made me vomit. When I reported my reaction to him, he told me that I should continue to take it. If you really value your mental health I strongly advise that you seek treatment with another psychiatrist. I wish I had.

Excellent psychiatrists are few and far between. Thankfully, Dr. Bonavitacola is the rare exception. He is one of the most knowledgeable, trustworthy doctors I’ve encountered. So happy to have found him and be in his care.

Dr. Bonavitacola is compassionate, caring, and VERY patient. I was nervous about seeing a psychiatrist because usually they seem so eager to just throw medicine at you and call it done, but Dr. Bonavitacola ALWAYS goes the extra mile to talk and listen to what’s going on, so we can decide together how to proceed with medication. I love it!

When he was at UCLA, he had the insight that other doctors lacked . He helped get a proper diagnosis for my family member, and likely saved her life. I would highly recommend Dr. Bonavitacola.

He listens intently and does not interrupt. Felt very comfortable having a Male doctor. Hope to keep him when insurance changes, he is in valuable. He went beyond the usual time for me when it was needed.

Tremendously compassionate and deeply insightful. I could not wish for a better psychiatrist. He has helped me immensely.