Galvarino Mario E MD,

27 Memorial Medical Drive, Greenville, SC 29605

"He placed my sister on meds that ended her life in suicide. He did not properly evaluate her before prescribing them. You don’t give bipolar patients antidepressants without mood stabilizers and you always follow up to make sure your patient is ok…"

"I absolutely cannot say enough great things about Dr. Galvarino!! He has always been so kind, listened, and taken the time to listen to me and ask questions about me and my family. The lady that answers the phone during office hours is pretty nice. The others in the office are not so great unfortunately. I have called after hours and really needed to talk to a psychiatrist on call, but apparently they don’t have one! What on earth?! I didn’t need medications I just legitimately felt depressed and needed to speak to someone and was told that they were not going to back in office for three days and I would have to wait!"

"Dr G is kind and listens to me. He has helped me control my anxiety for many years and I appreciate him very much. His office staff is another story, and if I didn’t trust my dr so much I would move on to a different office/dr. The folks who answer phones are unkind, rude, and not helpful. It seems they don’t understand that patients calling are dealing with mental issues and may need a little kindness. Office staff need’s professional development on appropriate behavior when dealing with patients."

"Dr. Galvarino saved my life. I can not thank God enough for him. He has listened to me, taken into consideration on how I feel. He asks about my family every-time I speak with him. My overall experience with him is 5 stars. However, his staff has led me to almost finding another psychiatrist. I can NEVER get in touch with his nurse. I have been out of my medications for well over a week. I have called to try and schedule an appointment and was told I can’t until my small balance is paid off, once that is paid they can send my refills. Well, I paid my balance and was then told they can’t fit me into their schedule for another two weeks and I would have to wait on my medications. I then proceeded to ask if I could have enough to get me through and was told to leave another message for the nurse. After leaving her several messages, I finally called the after hours number and Dr. Galvarino called me back himself and sent in my medications. The front desk is rude, the nurse will not return your calls. Although I love my psychiatrist I would recommend looking elsewhere."

"I'm genuinely shocked and sorry that the 2 reviewers had such a negative experience. Mine was exceptional. I've suffered from chronic depression, anxiety, and insomnia for decades, and he's the best psychiatrist I've ever had. I would give anything to still see him, but I no longer live in Greenville. My first visit, he spent time assessing my potential situational issues and then asked me questions about what I was experiencing emotionally and mentally. His questions were thoroghly and analytically assessing what might be happening with my brain chemistry. He prescribed three medications and explained why he thought those medications would be the most effective. He also explained what possible side effects could happen and to call his office if I had any problems. The combination was effective, and I was thrilled. Additionally, a few months later I had a very traumatic event that caused what felt like a nervous breakdown. I didn't reach out to him, but saw him after the fact. He said if anything like that ever happens again, don't even worry about scheduling an appointment. Come right in, let the staff know what is happening, and if he's with a patient he will get me in the moment he is able. He really does have compassion. I really miss Galvarino. I have seen 6 psychiatrists over the years, and the level of care doesn't even remotely come close to what I had with Galvarino. I do want to address a couple of things that the other patients referenced. He doesn't screw around. He can be compassionate, but he will also be very, very frank. That may be what was driving the other reviews. He doesn't coddle and will tell it to you like it is. I would suggest to anyone that needs to be coddled, he's not going to be a good fit. However, because he's a very experienced "old man", he really does know what he's doing and talking about. When I last saw him which was years ago, he was up to date and knowledgeable about the latest medications because one of the medications he prescribed was a fairly new med and he explained it to me in great detail. I know what it's like having a bad experience with a psychiatrist, so I empathize. However, I feel like he saved my life. I think sometimes doctors and patients are just not a good fit."