Dr. Markham Kirsten, MD

I have been a patient for 4 years now. I find him to be soft spoken, patient, kind and a good listener. He is direct and asks me pertinent questions. I like him.

Told me to continue my depression meds in case I go through heartbreak because I'm 20.

Completely ignored why I made the appointment. Used my education history as “evidence” that I can’t have a certain condition. Prescribed medication I had previously been on for over a year and had stopped taking because it was not working for me. Wrote down notes that I had never said. Straight up told me to get a different doctor if I want to be evaluated for the condition I had made the appointment for.

Very caring and helped me immensely

Kirsten is a HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE PERSON! He does NOT listen and right away will pass judgement on you. I reported him to Kaiser and he had to call me to apologize. I am sorry but when you are feeling depressed and you go for help and all he does is make nasty comments - I don't forgive!

If Dr. Kirsten's goal was to ensure I never seek treatment for mental health issues again, then he has certainly met and exceeded that goal. My experience with him fluctuated between condescending (he spoke to me like a child immediately, and resorted to angry lecturing when I attempted to ask for information) and self-congratulatory (bragging about how long he's been in the field ceases to be impressive when it seems he's still operating from the DSM-III - or earlier). He offered no solutions to any issues I attempted to bring up, made horrible assumptions without any supporting information (stating wrong information on my medical record), and essentially steamrolled over my attempts to ask for specific help. He was quick to prescribe medication for a small symptom of my problem, without stopping to ask if I've ever had any reactions or conflicting medications for that type of medicine. Avoid at all costs, and I will be ensuring those I care about are not subjected to his "care".