Baystate Behavioral Health

Jamie Swimm

Been a patient for over ten years. Extremely uncaring. I need help and this is what response I get: "You were a patient of Marlene Reil over 2 years ago you would need to come back as a new patient. At this time we are not accepting new patients and we do not have a waitlist."

Heather Pierce

I have had previous experience with Griswold, and it honestly doesn't surprise me to read all of the negative reviews. Mostly my issues have been with the office staff. I agree with those who commented on how hard it can be to get through to someone over the phone. Definitely inconvenient, especially to those struggling with mental health issues, or trying to schedule for children who have them. You generally must leave them a voicemail, and they will return your call within a week or less, but of course, those in charge of intake could perhaps be a bit more professional, and use much better interpersonal skills. I have been treated rudely before both over the phone, and in person by office staff, on several occasions. Seeing as this is a facility that handles many with mental health concerns, you'd think they'd have a much more friendly, sensitive, compassionate & patient approach, but unfortunately that's not the case here. In fairness, I have not visited Griswold in a few years now. I will say that Sue Williams (psychiatrist) is terrific. I also liked Dr. Mohammed. But I can't emphasize enough how important I feel it is to make necessary changes with office staff, so that clients are treated with care, respect & dignity. I do understand that there is currently a shortage of psychiatric providers available, but this shouldn't effect the level of quality care, or mean that clients needs do not matter, or aren't taken seriously. I wish it was like it was several years ago, the staff was much friendlier & more welcoming. Another provider who I really credit is Joyce Milton. I'm not sure whether she still is employed by Griswold. Dr. Kareem was also good, but I believe he works elsewhere now. They do have a very strict policy about arriving late for appointments. If you are 10 mins late, sometimes less, they will make you reschedule. I think this is a bit unfair, seeing as situations often arise out of client's control, such as traffic, weather, or having to depend on others for transportation to appointments, who may be running behind themselves. I think it should at least be 15 mins to reschedule, as 10 is a little extreme. I used to have to travel from a few towns away & had sometimes run into issues with being late in the past that were out of my hands, only to have to reschedule for months down the road. I don't feel it's fair to make clients in need wait months, over being a few minutes late. I also feel that they rely heavily on medication as the sole answer to most mental health concerns, rather than offer or suggest alternative methods of treatment, such as yoga, exercise, meditation or acupuncture. Not everyone wants to be on meds, or feels comfortable with taking them. Especially when many have unpleasant side effects or adverse reactions. I think they definitely have room for improvement here. I will say that Parker North (affiliated with Griswold for inpatient needs) could also do better, but can be beneficial to those who have mental health crisises.

Yvonne Norris

I just needed to comment on the vaccine mandate. My son lost his therapist because of this and he is refusing a new therapist which I totally understand. This therapist has helped my son in so many ways and it is disgusting that he was fired. Why was there not other options like the video sessions my son has been doing??? Or why couldn’t the therapist be tested every week???? Or if the masks are so great what about wearing one??? You lost an amazing therapist!!!!

Matthew Conahan

Fourth time in a row my unprofessional doctor has lied about filling my meds, I can hardly ever even talk to him, nothing but problems (Edit) Fifth time, find somewhere else. This place is hopeless