Dr. Kerstin Uy, M.D.

"I love her"

"I almost never leave reviews, but I feel compelled to do so after the wonderful experience I had with Dr. Uy and the staff here. (This might be my first online review of a doctor.) I am a private person (to a fault), and I come from a background where we do not discuss mental health. So, you can imagine how difficult it was for me to go down this road. After trying different things, I nervously set up an appointment after finding that they were accepting new patients, took my insurance, and seemed to have a good approach. The waiting area is very pleasant and clearly designed to put at ease. They take pandemic precautions, which made me much more comfortable, and had soothing sounds, temperature, and overall atmosphere. The intake questionnaire that you take each visit is probably the worst part, and it is really just that it is necessarily vague and I don't like completing it rather than being anything bad or complaint-worthy! (On the questionnaire alone, I'd probably rate it 3 or 4 stars, and on everything else I'd put more than 5 if I could.) The staff member who checks you in, then takes vitals is pleasant and open without intruding if you want to sit quietly. Dr. Uy herself put me immediately at ease. I opened up to her quickly, which was a surprise to me! We went over how I was feeling generally, briefly covered my history, and what caused me to make an appointment. Then, Dr. Uy explained some of how certain conditions I have or might have and medication I'm on works, then what she thought regarding my health situation that caused me to come in and options. Dr. Uy's approach matched mine: trying to improve in a way that is sustainable and healthy. She understood my concerns and often addressed potential complications, side effects, and concerns before I asked (or thought of them). Dr. Uy takes the less common but incredibly empowering and helpful approach of validating the patient, listing the options, explaining why each applies, detailing the pros and cons of each for me specifically, and then answering questions. She left it up to me to make the decisions yet supported me when I was uncertain and weighing things. She did not rush me at all and actually wanted to keep talking to make sure we covered everything and I was comfortable (when I thought I probably needed to leave). Additionally, her demeanor and responses were open, understanding, validating, and non-judgmental. Being able to show compassion and understanding and provide information to guide decisions without influencing a decision is a difficult line to manage, but she does. My high opinion of Dr. Uy and the entire practice at Novum Psychiatry only improved over time. Subsequent appointments have continued pleasantly and with me at ease. They really do remember you, to the point that I was surprised by things Dr. Uy mentioned! Appointments feel more like I'm going to a trusted doctor I have seen for years with an almost friend-like trust (but with the appropriate professional boundaries - like a great, trusted PCP or specialist who really understands and helps), even though it has been nowhere near that. Dr. Uy is easy to schedule appointments with, and the office is easy to reach. We have been working on finding the right medication plan, and she continues to be great with explanations, allowing me freedom to try things but within parameters she provides so I know I am doing so safely, and empowering me to confidently determine what is right for me. I have run into a few issues with pharmacies. None of them were caused by this office, and I did not want to bother them but had to do so. They went above and beyond in their response and were kind and friendly in doing so. Even though I have not been here for even a year, I am confident in relying on this practice and recommending them to others."