Dr. Patricia K Masuda-Story

After 8 months of trying to get an appointment at the VA, they referred me to Dr. Patricia Masuda-Story / Atomic Shrink. I was supposed to have my first phone therapy appointment on July 8th at 4pm (scheduled more than a month in advance) -- but instead, I was blown off, then literally YELLED AT and berated by an angry office administrator who apparently canceled my appointment without telling me. I got the check-in text around 3:30, filled out the info, waited, then called every 20 minutes since no one called me. I got in touch with Richard around 5pm when he said he canceled my appointment because my questionnaire was missing some answers -- even though I answered all relevant questions related to the issues I was seeking help for (including PTSD). He YELLED at me and said "the VA sent you here -- if I was a Soldier I would know how to answer questions!" I was appalled by his conduct -- his YELLING, his aggression, the rude things he said... This was especially shocking coming from a "therapy" office that's supposed to help people. I told him his behavior was uncalled for and I asked to speak to a supervisor... He hung up... I emailed the office to report his hostile/aggressive/unprofessional conduct, and have not received a response. Shame on me for not reading the online reviews of this place until after this happened. Apparently I'm not the only one who's encountered such hostility and unprofessionalism from this office. NO ONE should be treated this way -- especially those seeking help. Richard has no business working in this type of field.

The most caring no nonsense psychologist in the valley.

This woman plays too many games. Strings you along to keep billing your insurance carrier. Likes to argue with you. Steer clear!

This is a very good doctor. I have been to a few psychologists in the past. This one actually gives me insightful homework. I'm very happy with the results. I feel a lot better and I'm mentally better organized.

Wow! I do not recommend this woman! My first encounter with her was after reading on Psychology Today website that she is '...dedicated to personalizing a therapeutic plan which will fit your lifestyle and pocket book.' It then goes on to say, ' We treat all patients on the basis of need, not greed.' I asked her receptionist if Story would accept Medicare assignment as full payment...was told NO, and I then commented that i guess it is all about greed, since Medicare pays about $125. I felt defeated and simply hung up. Story called me back herself to berate me for the ''heated argument'' i had with her receptionist, and tell me that i had her receptionist in tears because i hung up the phone. Jeez, there was nothing heated about the way i spoke to the receptionist, in fact i was very polite. Story then denied that her site claimed any such thing. She snickered at the thought, so I apologized profusely thinking that i had seen the statement on another website. She talked over me the whole time I was speaking, never once listening to me. When I revisited the Psychology Today site, sure enough I see the statement clearly linked to Atomic Shrink, Masuda-Story's practice. I contacted her again, by email, to let her know that the statement did indeed come from her. Again she denied it and told me i have the wrong place. I sent the link to her, again she responded by denying the statement saying that she only has one website, and that's not it. The Psychology Today site CLEARLY is linked to Story and Atomic Shrink. This woman, Story, is rude, condescending, very high strung, disrespectful, and combative. Funny thing though, i just checked back with Psychology Today after our exchange and she has reworded her introduction, completely taking the statements out. This woman has left me feeling inordinately disrespected. I thought one of the most important keys to a therapist is the skill of listening and she is lacking 100% in this skill. She also seems to lack the attention span to read a whole email through. Masuda- Story is highly unprofessional in my opinion. NO NO NO, not my therapist!! I did not get treated by this woman, my initial experiences with her were enough to know that she would not be a match for me.

I found Dr. Story to be highly unprofessional, combative and very high strung. My interaction with her left me feeling very disrespected. The entire time I was trying to communicate with her she spoke over me, did not hear anything I said, and berated me for calling her out on her "...treat all patients on the basis of need, not greed," policy, which she denied any knowledge of. Not someone I would trust with my well being.

Wonderful doctor. Had to go for an IME and she was able to provide fantastic documentation.

Dr. Story is wonderful. I took my teenage son to her, and at first I was upset. She appeared to be blaming me for my son's problems. But it was true, and no, she was not blaming me. She was showing me how to better handle my son. I realized in the end that I was the true patient, not my son. Now my son loves me and we have a wonderful relationship. He no longer wants to end his life, and I don't feel I am to blame. Dr. Story treated us with such respect and kindness. I highly recommend this psychologist.

I have never met a more rude and unfrofessional therapist in all my life! Question one- are we going to have a problem I have the police on standby... What kind of people do you havein your office? This was a family of 6, 4 parents and 2 kids. Next question therapist stated that her and sibling NEVER fought... right Very very unprofessional and I would like to talk to her parents!!!! Does she have kids of her own??? Because sitting and listening to her I don't think so!!!