John C Raiss, MD

I can only speak to my experience, personal needs and style. He fits those in that he helps me understand what a medication is intended to do, in a simple, straight-​forward fashion. He’s also been helpful with tips on diet and personal finance, just offered from his own experience, without any pressure or judgement. To each their own, and please know this is not me judging anyone else’s experience — I think some of the bad reviews may be from folks who need a more gentle or comforting approach. I’ve always considered that a psychologist’s expertise as opposed to a psychiatrist’s, but that’s just my two cents.
Dr. Raiss has always been very professional and kind to me, if direct. I’m fine with that style. If you are not, he may not be right for you. Fair enough.
4 stars is my perspective. Oh and Chris is an amazingly kind human as well.

My son went to Dr. Raiss for years and was misdiagnosed and put on the WRONG meds for a DECADE. He just got worse and worse (with Dr. Raiss) and went from a misdiagnoses of bipolar to another misdiagnoses of schizophrenia. My son was suffering from severe anxiety and that is why he couldn’t sleep at night, not because of mania. My son would pause when he spoke because he was nervous and afraid others would judge him. Dr. Raiss said because he paused before he spoke he must be hearing voices. I left his office in TEARS, after he told me my son was schizophrenic. My son went to UCLA hospital and the young doctors there immediately LOOKED at my son and knew he was NOT bipolar and said he was suffering from YEARS of undiagnosed anxiety. My poor son was put on lithium instead of anything to treat the anxiety, for TEN years!!! He is now thriving and SMILING for the first time in years (robbed of joy from 10 – 17 years old). He does not stay at home anymore because his anxiety is being dealt with. PLEASE go to another doctor who SEES you or your child. I learned later from the medical community that this doctor is named MINUTE RAISS because that is how long he spends with his patients. Please find a better doctor ASAP!!! All the best my friends!!!

I’ve been a long term psychatry patient, and I was in the air force despite my condition due to my high score among some other factors. I’ve been to many of the best psychiatrist around the united states, and have had military psychiatrist from the rank of colonel downward work with me. I have been to ten times as many off base psychiatrist opposed to VA psychatrist during my life before and after the military and I’ve never met anyone like Dr Raiss. He and his kind hearted assistance Chris are absolutely the most approachable people for awkward situations such as explain how your mind is troubling you, or perhaps something deeper. This doctor gives me a warm feeling because you know he personally wants to solve you problem. He is highly skilled, hide nothing from him, tell him exactly how you feel, be entirely truthful and it will allow him to work his magic. He is extremely patient and doesn’t get frustrated when medications aren’t working. I have encountered many times in the past and a lot of the time, I would be sent home having being told theres nothing more they can do for me. He will simply continue working with you as long as you put out a little trust and effort because this is a very unique psychiatrist and he will find the right balance for your whatever problem you may be having. I’m feeling better than I’ve even been in my life right now. Thank you Dr. Raiss, and assistant Chris. You guys are sweethearts.

Great doctor

My daughter, who has a very complicated mental health history, has been Dr. Raiss’ patient for 7 years. My son started seeing him a 2 years ago as well and they are both quite happy with him. Dr. Raiss’ specialty is psycho-​pharmacology, so if you are looking for someone who knows his meds, he is is an excellent choice. I initially found him when I attended a conference at UCLA several years back on The Bipolar Child. He was the featured speaker on medications for Bipolar Disorder. After years of hospitalizations and mediocre to terrible treatment from several other psychiatrists in our part of town, I had had enough and took her to see Dr. Raiss. We’ve been with him ever since. Yes, he’s got kind of a flat personality – definitely not the warm and fuzzy type – but he is an excellent clinician. The person who said there is an «east coast elite» vibe in his office is correct, but once you get to know him, you start to see that he does have a sense of humor and you can appreciate his dry wit. I have also found that he is very open to input from his patients, and in our case, from family who often have valuable insights to offer about the patient and treatment plans. He provides his cell number for emergencies, which I had to use last year when my daughter was in crisis and he was out of town at a wedding. I appreciated that he responded to my call and subsequent texts and helped us get through a very difficult weekend before we were able to see him at the office on Monday. His assistant, Chris, is a sweetie and is a pleasure to deal with when scheduling appointments. Unfortunately, he stopped taking our insurance this year so we may need to look for someone else for her. She needs regular visits plus frequent, outside therapy and we just can’t afford to go out of pocket at this time. However, my son, whose condition is better managed, likes him so much that he is willing to continue with him even at the much higher rate.

When I see all the «5 star ratings» and read the reviews I have to ask myself if he or someone paid them to write these reviews. They all sound the same they all seem to be over the moon about him. He is quiet (buy not in a peaceful relaxed way), judgmental, rude, haughty, and extremely closed minded. The first day I met him I felt even worse than when I walked in. I definitely did not receive any care whatsoever, he made it seem as though I had more problems than I thought I did during one visit. He kept asking about my last psychiatrist and told me to go back to my last psychiatrist because he couldn’t treat me until he knew me? I don’t have money to pay two psychiatrists? Especially if they are not covered by my insurance?! He talked about issues that were irrelevant; the awkwardness and the way he made me feel was seriously uncomfortable and hard to bare.
I refused to even pay him, saying a couple rude sentences, acting unimpressed, and possessing traits of a egotistical asshole are not «okay» just because you got your medical license in psychiatry. His assistant is so sweet I feel he is so empathetic towards patients because he knows how freakishly disgusting his employer is.

Reading through these you will discover he treats people that have emotional issues. There are very bio-​polar reviews.
I have been to several of these Drs. I think he is very thorough, professional and works hard to keep you off the cocktails of drugs I have found other Drs. to push. He has me of the correct doses and I have been with Drs that just wanted to try all of the new drugs on me creating 2 years of debilitating depression that was mis-​diagnosed. Once he gave me depression meds, it all went away like magic.
He is not there for therapy. Not sure why these people seem to be expecting it. But he is nice enough.
If you want the correct drugs in the least amount of pills, go to Dr. Raiss.

I recently terminated my doctor/​patient relationship with J. Raiss. He’s knowledgeable, clinical, intellectual, etc., but don’t expect him to be your therapist. That was my mistake, although, you’d think a doctor you’d been seeing for a few years would provide better support in times of crisis.
If you need medication, he’s just as good as any I’ve seen.
His assistant, Chris, is a very nice guy. Hope he fares well.

Dr. Raiss is awesome. My insurance made me get a consult. I interviewed several and didn’t fee like any were truly qualified. My therapist recommended Dr. Raiss and I am so glad. I did the insurance consult with him– he was thorough and I was so grateful. This was years ago and I was soooo scared of meds. He met with me three times to get a full history and to make an informed recommendation. He agreed that I didn’t need meds, that trauma therapy was sufficient, and told the insurance such.
He was thorough and well-​informed. I check in with him regularly now. I value his opinion greatly. Be thoroughly honest with him. I highly recommend him.
If you want therapy, go to a therapist. If you want psycho-​pharm, he knows his stuff. Yes, he types most of the time that you are talking, but its a really good thing that he has good notes, especially when you are someone like me who checks in after long periods of time and he has his notes to refer to– I’m glad now that he takes such thorough notes. It saves me so much headache in repeating stuff. And it makes me confident that he knows my patient history. So many doctors don’t know the most basic important stuff about their patients!
Oh, and Chris just brightens my day. Chris is the office manager/​front desk/​scheduler. I just love when I get phone calls from him. Chris makes me feel safe. Psychiatry scares me– Chris always makes me feel welcome when I call, which at least gets me to schedule an appointment. Having an appointment makes me show up when I don’t want to. Thanks Chris for always being so kind and gentle.

I totally agree with SJ.
I Love Dr. Raiss. With my poor memory from the severe depression and anxiety disorder, Dr. Raiss and Chris memo and reminder call made my life easier and I have never miss the appointment (that I always do with my phsychologist :-P) I had the episode once on 2009 and he got me out of the bad med that didn’t suit me right away and went on the right one, my symptom got better in 2 months.
This year, when I went to see Dr. Raiss for only a month (May). But my friend stupidly sent me ER to get 5150. When I got out I went back to see Dr. Raiss right away, he saved my life again. First few weeks after I got out from the hospital, I cried while I was waiting on the couch. Chris was cool and always do his piano fingers, you know… try to calm me down. That’s really nice of him. Dr. Raiss introduced me Yoga website (even showed me a post-​he really cared!) and he also suggested me the Adult Partial Program at UCLA where I am learning CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy). When I saw one star that people gave to him. I hope you find a better Dr. that suit your NEEDS!!!

Informative, none too pushy, professional. He didn’t make my crazy go away completely, but I felt him a wholly competent steward while attempting the pill approach.

The folks giving Dr. Raiss one or two stars seem to be needing to be caudled or expect him to «brighten» the day of your visit. I’ve never felt better in my life. I’m an Iraq/​Afghanistan vet (read: PTSD), with unemployment issues since returning from war, with severe depression and adult A.D.D. His recommendations now have me sleeping/​waking on a great schedule, full of energy, still creative and enjoying life, despite the circumstances around me. I’m able to attack the day with enthusiasm, not overmedicated, and Dr. Raiss continues to monitor my condition.
These issues require an objective approach which can be construed as unkind, or cold, but he’s doing his job and doing it well. He’s NOT there to make you feel good about yourself – he’s there to understand your brain’s chemistry and prescribe the right combination of meds to balance out PHYSIOLOGICAL issues in the brain – not to brighten the day of your visit. Be honest with him, and he’ll be the best psychopharmacologist you’ll ever have.

I saw him for a few years and in the end found that he was cold and uncaring.
He terminated me as a patient b/​c I missed 4 appointments over the course of a year due to clinical depression coupled with a heart attack/​double bypass surgery. He meanwhile, rescheduled my appointments on the day of at least 3 times. If a patient does that, the patient is charged the full amount of the visit.
I don’t understand why people like Raiss become doctors. I will find a more compassionate doctor and wish I had done so much earlier.
If you get a feeling that he is too clinical and cold, trust your gut.

AWFUL another drug dealer ruining this country. This guy has ruined my girlfriend’s life with massive amounts of prescriptions… what a tool. DO NOT LET ANYONE YOU LOVE GO TO THIS PRICK

I take my 15-​year old son to see Dr. Raiss based on the referral from our outstanding pediatrician. I have found him to be an exceptionally caring intelligent psychiatrist. I am thankful that he accepts our insurance. His assistant, Chris, could not be any nicer and is so helpful. Many offices do not have an assistant, let alone someone who is this competent. I would recommend Dr. Raiss to any of my friends (and have done so). I ended up going to Dr. Raiss myself and I thought that he handled my medication issue in an extremely thoughtful manner that has ended up working really well for me. (By the way, I don’t agree that he seems cold and distant.)

I get it — off the bat, Dr. Raiss can seem cold and distant. He wants to lead the conversation and ask you questions that are meant to help with your diagnosis. He approaches you from a very clinical standpoint, which is what he is supposed to do — be your doctor, not your best friend. His primary responsibility is to help you with your issues, which is why you went to him in the first place.
Once you get to know him, though, he does genuinely care about your well being. He likes to suggest all types of things (not just meds) that will help you. He has a solid understanding of the healthcare system (wacky as it is) and knows how to work it in a way that will help you in the long run. He’s great — and I’m sorry for Mickey D’s experience below, but I would not discount him for doing his job. And no — I didn’t write this review because I was asked to — but rather because I think Dr. Raiss is an exceptional human being. Try him for yourself — and I think you will agree.
Also — Chris (the front office chap) is a sweetheart… he’ll do whatever he can to get you in, and he always has such a pleasant demeanor.

I can see how needy, demanding, people would find him a bit cold and uncaring. My experience with him has been nothing but positive. I actually like that he types everything so he can compare notes from previous sessions. I wish more doctors would do that.

Dr Rais, from a personality perspective is a bit of an acquired taste, very reserved and appears to be distant; however, since being a regular patient for over 5 years, I’ve come to really enjoy his dry sense of humor and questions regarding my overall health and well-​being. I originally sought out his services to continue medication that provides relief for panic attacks.
I only see him about 2x per year but the experience is pretty effortless and Chris who manages his office is really super nice, also a bit of an acquired taste in terms of personality but very sweet, caring and professional. So what else do you want!
He recently moved offices and the situation is sooo much better. Bigger and the parking is a breeze. He takes insurance and currently accepts mine but even when he wasn’t on my plan, I paid out of pocket because that’s how confident I was that I was not only receiving the appropriate care but couldn’t’ bare the thought of going thru another series of awful shrinks before finding a good one! If you need medication on a regular basis, he’s your man on the Westside!

I highly DO NOT recommend Dr. John Raiss. No therapist recommends him either as he is known for being a cold, ARROGANT doctor, with NO bedside manners, NO social-​patient skills, NO compassion for how the patient feels.
I am not sure who are the people who wrote such false reviews. (Dr. Raiss, must have written them himself signing up as his different clients to write such untrue review of himself!)
I was his patient for over a year for my unresolved depression. I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt due to being mislead by the above false reviews. Every single appointment and my experiences were disappointing. He is standoffish, and lacks any compassion or sympathy. He wants you out of his office. He gets upset if he gets calls in weekends. He brushes you off and make you come in for another appointment (even thought seen by him just 2 days before!!!)
I was at times confused as to how well he knows his medication when like a guinea pig I was put on different med one after another till one would have the least side effects on me. And still depressed! He was more interested about my sex life and blamed my depression for it!!!
He types everything in case there is a ‘law suit’ so when there is a ‘subpoena’ he can get paid for providing the information.
The only good thing about this doctor is his secretary: Chris.
A very sweet kind man who would try to make up for him! Besides the false reviews, Chris was the other reason I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt.
I recently switched to another psychiatrist — highly recommended by my therapist. A very dedicated doctor who spent a whole hour to understand my situation. When I took my new medication, I felt so much better immediately that I was pissed at myself for wasting my valuable time with this incompetent doctor. My new doctor not only calls me to see how I am doing, but she also goes out of her way to have any necessary paper work done to facilitate my situation on behalf of the insurance. Dr. Raiss would never do such things and never did when I was his patient.

I’ve been going to Dr. Raiss for over 6 months now, so I finally feel ready to write a review. He has been great. He seems very up to date on treatment options which I really appreciate. Plus, he actually listens. He gives me the medicines I think I need and doesn’t try to force me to start or stop taking anything.
The only negative experience I had is when he started me on a new med. I had a pretty strong bad reaction to it and he never returned my call.