Dr. Irene Arden, PSY

I have seen Dr. Arden twice now and I think she is excellent. She is a good listener, is patient, is compassionate and kind, and suggests approaches to improve things. I can't imagine the person I'm getting to know doing some of the things I read about in the negative reviews here. But, how your personality fits with your therapist's can always be a factor. And, if you arrive with a predetermined answer for your problems or don't want to talk about what your doctor thinks is an issue, you're going to be unhappy with a lot of therapists. Most of the time, therapy involves *you* making changes to improve your mental health. And, some of those changes are very hard to make and, oftentimes, very hard to even talk about. You can find a therapist who will take your money and coddle you. I think Dr. Arden is empathetic, patient, and kind but I do not see her as a therapist who will spend a lot of time with those who are unwilling to make the changes required to help themselves.

This provider advertises that she can help with work related stress. My company provided hyperlinks to counseling resources. I selected her from the Aetna provider portal. I explained my work related issue and after talking for less than 30 seconds she told me she couldn't help. Even though she advertised that my trauma is her area of expertise. Also, she did not provide any recommendation. I guess business is booming so medical professionals can pick and choose who their preference for providing healing and restorative services.

I appreciate Dr. Arden's kind, common sense listening, feedback, and deep technical knowledge. She is helping me tremendously to deal with challenging family relationships. As a result, I am learning to become a better parent and family member.

Very friendly, good listener. Challenges me to change behaviors / thinking that have an adverse impact in my life.

I came to the intake appt in a very depressed condition, feeling inarticulate and out of sorts. She seemed disgusted and uninterested in me trying to describe my emotional state. She didn't ask questions, leaving me to just ramble through a summary of my mental health, unsure what was useful info. I mentioned my engagement and she spent the rest of the appt criticizing the way I was planning my wedding, even though I explicitly told her I did not want to talk about it twice. I left crying.