Bastyr University Seattle

"Bastyr sold me something rather different than what they delivered. Each level of admin/ leadership was less competent than the rest."

"TLDR: If you are a prospective student looking in to Bastyr's counseling program, I urge you to consider applying anywhere else. My partner's experience over the past year has been nothing but absolutely insulting and degrading, to the point of blatant racism (He was called "too white" to be in the program by a student, and he was written up for it by faculty without warning.) and sexism from faculty and select students alike. While most of his cohorts were supportive of him, it was mainly the faculty that made it their mission to remove him because "his beliefs did not align with how [they] view the profession." In other words, they simply didn't like him. Through various faculty complaints of enthusiasm for the program being construed as "violence" (he smacked a table and raised his voice in enthusiasm) and fear of being expelled as "refusal to participate" (he eventually tried to withdraw and give students "space to speak" per the faculty's request and, again, was written up for it), and other nonsensical concerns, he was ultimately drawn into a corner where he was told to, quite literally, "Say nothing, but don't be silent." Have fun understanding that vague statement, because we sure did. To the staff who have gladly taken our hard earned money only to turn away a student who was proud and eager to learn to help and counsel people through hard times. Dan Rosen, Caitlin Dzikon, Sondra Beres, and Danielle Ung specifically, take heart in knowing that you have ruined, at least, my faith in therapy with your actions and that you have taken away my partner's time with our newborn daughter, and only child, so that he could attend your classes. He will never get that back, and I will hold you all in disdain for that. It personally makes me ill that you are teaching these students to only match what you believe, especially in something so broad as mental wellness. To prospective students, one last time, please save your time and money as these people simply do not want your enthusiasm. Only your money and confusion. UPDATE: So not only has the university silently declared him expelled, but they also put this review hidden from view. Boosting for awareness!!!"

"Bastyr is the best place for seeking a best doctor in Chinese medicine. The doctors are humble but full in experience in their fields, many of them have been practicing in both China and the US for 2-3 decades."

"Very frustrated with my experience here. I moved form Oregon to Bothell to attend their dietetics program. I needed a few more courses so I signed up for their post bacc program instead. Throughout the program I was met with disorganized class schedules (4 classes one term 1 the next) and nothing but judgement from the graduate program. Their O chem class was horrible and involved no practice material from a professor that was underpaid and put in zero effort to make sure we understood. The biochem class was much better however the exams were nothing but trivial and extremely difficult. Regardless of this I earned low Bs in both classes. I was told that I needed a B to be accepted to the grad program. However when I applied I was informed that my 82/83 in either class was not sufficient because the minimum was an 85. I attempted to ask for an exception since I had As in all my other classes and after all it was only 2 points. The admissions council denied my request and told me I would have to pay to take the classes again through Bastyr. Mind you almost all of my fellow classmates failed those two classes and I spent almost every class day in office hours begging for help. So I was not thrilled to retake the courses and even offered to get letters of recommendations from my professors to move on to the graduate level. They still denied me for reasons I cannot fathom other than it seems they need the money. I would not recommend this school to anyone, they are underfunded and supply subpar class experiences. I will be going to grad school at UW a year later than I had planned d/t Bastyr's faulty education program. Although not all the professors in my program were this frustrating, It seems that the most difficult classes are not being given the funding or attention they deserve (especially the chem labs where all the chemicals were expired). If you are considering going into a holistic medical based program, don't go here."

"Gorgeous location. Quiet, serene, lots of trails in the woods to walk to Lake Washington. School has good vibes, and super tasty and healthy cafeteria food that you can purchase as a visitor. Visitors can walk the garden grounds and enjoy the Koi ponds. Love the place"