Dr. James Van Haren, MD

Van Haren is a horrible individual. He couldn't care less about his patients safety or well-being. If you are looking to get pumped full of useless medication and have your concerns invalidated this is the guy for you! I hope the worst for him.

Been seeing him for a decade and made a decision to stay with him. He's a no BS type of guy. He doesn't start to go over meds as soon as you walk in the door like most providers do. He simply asks, "how ar eyou TODAY"? Because that's where we are, in the present. Not to say that he disregards the past or the future, but concentrates on aspects succh as marriages, home life, employment, grief, etc. From your answers for those questions it' seasier to talk about what medications or perhaps no medications are best to try. He's a one at a time man in terms of drugs in terms of adding and subtracting. Not too much change at once or he or you may get mixed up if problems occur as to which med is causing the problem. All round good guy. Hold on because it's going to be an intense ride! Good luck.

DISGUSTED with Dr. Van Haren. Stood up and walked out of two meetings, one while Dad was in the middle of asking him a question regarding our child who was in the middle of a mental health crisis. Would not recommend this provider. Dismissive and self-righteous. Not a worthy human being. Forest View gets four thumbs down for employing this pathetic individual.

Dr James Van Haren, MD, has been such a blessing in my sons life. I personally like how he has such a calm demeanor, yet, can find a way to put my son on the spot to face valid issues/questions in his life today and in the future. There are few thorough psychiatrists these days and most are getting to the point of retirement. We need to hope and pray that mental health continues to be understood as a real disease, not just a stigma. DNA pharmaceutical testing needs to be done on every patient.

Love how direct and astute he is... doesn't buy and BS. If you are not ready to help yourself and see inside yourself, he won't do it for you. Speaks the truth... in a brash manner sometimes, but some need more than a hand-holder. Knows his diagnoses and meds. Up on the latest ones as well. Something should be said other than $ for a man who works seven days a week between Forest View and private practice. Never really takes new patients tho. Been w/ him for 9 years. Ugggh - terrible staff

Van Haren has the Rudest receptionist in Grand Rapids. He doesn't run much of an outpatient practice, so you likely won't get in to see him. Then you will have to pay cash and submit paperwork for your insurance as he does not do this. Best to just start with another psychiatrist somewhere else, he isn't worth the hassle.

Absolutely the best psychiatrist that you will find in grand rapids. I was in forest view as an inpatient for 2 weeks and partial for about 3 weeks back in 2015. I was admitted because of a suicide attempt making this my first time ever being hospitalized. I received remarkable help from Dr. Van Haren and his nurse Marjorie who worked with me to get my life back on track. He does a very great job at being stern and truthful but still caring and having compassion for his patients.

Dr. Van Haren is a lifesaver. He spent the time getting to know my personal situation and is very comprehensive when it comes to treatment. He makes me feel comfortable in the office, and he is overall a very caring, understanding person. Doctors can be judgmental sometimes, but I have never experienced that with Dr. Van Haren. He's an amazing doctor and I would recommend him any day of the week.

Van Haren was the worst 'psychiatrist' I have ever had. He was supposed to help me with my eating disorder, but all his practices ended up being more harmful than anything else. He is non compassionate, undereducated, and downright mean. When I switched to a new doctor I finally was able to get to recovery. All Van Haren ever did was cause me mental truama, and pump me with meds(THAT DIDNT EVEN HELP ME.) All he cares about is money. NOT HIS PATIENTS. He should not be allowed to treat anyone.