Dr. Santosh Pillai, DO

Dr. Pillai is a fantastic caring doctor. When we were at a loss during an unexpected psychotic break, he was available and talked us through healing. He worked with other agencies and got us to a place of peace and on the road to normality. We are forever grateful!

Dr. Pillai is standard by which all psychiatrists should be measured by and strive to emulate. I became a patient of his in late 2021 and I now drive an hour to see him since he has moved his practice. He truly takes the time to treat your entire body. He recommends vitamins and supplements in addition to lifestyle changes first before immediately going straight to medications; which I feel is very important (to start conservatively). He listens intently and takes a vested interest in your complete well being. I am so truly grateful to have found this consummate mental health professional and I, without any reservation, highly recommend him to anyone looking to find and be their best self.

After 20 plus years of psychiatric care with several different providers I found Dr. Pillai to be incredibly attentive and insightful. After careful evaluation Dr. Pillai was able to make several new and correct diagnoses. Additionally, Dr. Pillai, based on my physical and mental condition was able to recommend several lab tests he that I have my general practitioner perform. Specifically, Dr. Pillai was curious to know if I had a gene mutation known as MTHFR, not something an average psychiatrist would clue in on based on a standard psychiatric office evaluation. I went and had the testing done, as well as a couple other tests he recommended and his assumptions were all CORRECT. Dr. Pillai takes the time you require to truly analyze and diagnose your condition. He has a warmth, care and compassion for his patients that is very hard to find in this world full of five minute psych. evaluations. Thank you Dr. Pillai for all you did for me. This is a life that you changed for the best.

I've been through so many Dr's over the years Dr Pillai is incredible he spends so much time and makes you feel comfortable as a patient, so hard to find someone like that now, I miss him here in FL Haven't found another Dr yet. It's hard to find someone to replace him He knows my deepest darkest secrets that I never told anyone else! So Alabama your lucky to have him because I miss him terribly Judi F

I’ve been seeing Dr Pillai for years. He is a true caring doctor!! He spends time with his patients and really gets an understanding of your mental health. He develops a safe and caring doctor/client relationship. He is open and really listens to his patients!! He truly is one of a kind psychiatrist!!

Former patient and would love to come back if I can do a virtual appointment. I live a good distance away and used to drive to see Dr P anyway. He’s the best Dr of any field I’ve ever been blessed to be connected with. Dennis Foxx

This is a continuation of my above review. Florida Hospital Deland refered me to Dr. Pilai. With about 30 years of seeing psychiatrists, I have never met one as compassionate as Dr. Pilai. He is not a 10 min doctor that just discusses medications. He gets to know you. He takes time to talk to you. He is so thorough that he takes the place of therapy in many ways. Not only did he help me with basic needs, he told me where to get ECT and went SO above and beyond in calling my insurance company multiple times to advocate for me. I'm epileptic so I can be a higher risk ECT patient so he also consulted with colleagues of his about epilepsy and ECT. He has done so much for me and I can't say enough good things about this man. He is everything a psychiatrist SHOULD be that so many doctors today aren't. If you have the opportunity to get him as a doctor, you will be in for the most amazing experience that simply isn't common with doctors anymore. Dr. Pilai is the gold standard in psychiatry.

I have been to Dr Pallai two times so far with pretty bad general anxiety. first visit was with my wife. Both of us were very impressed with his warm "bedside" manner and his empathy for my problems. He suggested a few changes in my meds and to date two months later I seem to be calmer with less mood swings. He is very intelligent and knows "his stuff". I would highly recommend him.

It's been years since I've found a doctor that is as thorough and caring as Dr. Pillai. He takes his time with you and is clearly very intelligent and knows what he's talking about. If you feel hopeless trying to find answers to your health, trust me he will help you

The best

I am a 58 yr old male and have had several psychiatrists since my childhood, and never have encountered any Psychiayrist as competent, human as Dr. Pillai. Only God knows how much I needed this man at this time of my life. My condition will never be cured, and I will have my ups and downs but Dr. Pillai has taken a real interst on me and we are working on finding the right combination of medications. I have been way over medicated under the care of my last psychiatrist...sorry to say.

Dr. Pillai has been treating me for several years, and when I first started seeing him I was a complete wreck, and my meds were all off. He started treating me, tried several different medication regimes till we found one that worked. He's compassionate, caring and really understanding of his patients. He really listens to what you have to say. I'm very pleased with Dr. Pillai and would not go anywhere else for treatment.

Dr. Pillai actually took time to listen and understand where the root of my problems descend from. By doing so, he can properly diagnose a patient and give proper treatment. Not many doctors would take the time to listen and come to their own conclusions of what they think is wrong with you. I highly recommend Dr. Pillai ??

I have seen Dr. Pillai For 2 to 3 years and he has completely changed my life and made my illness not such a burden. He actually listens to your input on treatment instead of just sedating you, I love that he always finds more natural options before bumping up your meds to true zombie mode. Thank you Dr. Pillai to giving me my life back. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to have more hope and color in there life and are ready for change.

Website says he is accepting new patients, but according to the receptionist, he is not.

Dr. Pillai listens and takes the time to advice you (sometimes more than the normal visit time), he really cares about his patients. He does not prescribes mores medication than what you need like other psychiatrists. He is very personable and kind. I drive 45 minutes to see him. I highly recommend him!

I have been a patient of Dr. Pillai for several years now, he is the most wonderful doctor I've ever had the privilege to know. His knowledge of Psychiatry is outstanding and he has changed my life. He is soft spoken, caring, and seems to remember every detail about me! I encourage anyone who is dealing with mental health issues to give him call. I have spoken to many different psychiatrists about my issues, and he was the only doctor in Florida willing to help me. Highly recommend him to all!

He is the best Psychiatrist I have ever been to, and I've been to a few. My initial appointment was a full hour. He took a complete history. He has an amazing personality and bedside manner and was very empathetic. Thank you Dr. Pillai!

Dr. Pillai is truly passionate about his job s a heath care provider. He would always remember things I had told him in previous appointments, was very knowledgeable about meds and their interactions. I've been to several doctors since he moved too far for me. Allthe others ask the same questions each visit and just write an RX. They act like they've never seen me before at each visit. I wish Dr. Pillai hadn't moved....I miss him.

Dr Pillai is very compassionate and cares for is patients. I feel very comfortable with him and can easily talk to him. He is helping me slowly taper off benzos that a different irresponsible doctor got me on. If you need help with getting off benzos I would highly recommend. I always enjoy our conversations and as if I'm talking to a friend.