Dr. Jamon Holzhouser, MD

“When I saw Dr. Holshouser , I immediately noticed that he was acting disinterested. He asked why I thought I had ADHD and I explained examples and symptoms that aligned with ADHD. While explaining this, he was staring out the window, avoiding eye contact and scrolling on his computer. After explaining for 5 mins he simply said “I don’t think you have ADHD, just severe depression”. I've previously been diagnosed with depression and anxiety before and it was on my chart, and I directly mentioned it to him at the beginning of my appointment. I felt like he did not listen and was taking an easy way out by reiterating what was already diagnosed. I responded by telling him that I have had depressive episodes and been diagnosed with depression and anxiety for 8 years but this felt extremely different. Because he was not asking me anything or trying to understand, I took the liberties of explaining more and giving more scenarios and symptoms in hopes that he would understand how serious and detrimental it was feeling to me. After talking about that he told me that “if you completely heal your depression, only then would it be worth it to take an ADHD test”. Before I could reply he also added that “Even then, I still don’t think you have it”. At this point I was getting increasingly frustrated as I felt like he did not acknowledge or address the reason I was there. As I had only been in the appointment for 15 minutes at that point I was shocked he could come to conclusions so fast, especially when I had mentioned that another mental health professional (my therapist) was the one that suggested I get tested. He then went on to (of course) explain how ketamine and tms could help. It felt like he only wanted me to have depression and anxiety so he could sell me on those treatments. I continued to advocate for myself and practically had to beg him to listen in which he replied with “It seems like you came in here today to convince me you have ADHD so I guess you have it”. My mouth literally dropped open when he said that I was STUNNED that he would talk to a patient like that. I told him that I understand I can not self diagnose, which is the whole reason I was there. I also told him I was not trying to convince myself, but simply advocate for myself as I had already spent the money to have the appointment. He finally told me that “I guess if you are dead set on taking the QB test you can, but I don’t think it will prove anything” At this point, I was extremely uncomfortable with the way in which he was approaching the situation and the way he was speaking to me. I asked him if he was the one that would be evaluating my QB test results and he said yes. I felt like he had developed extreme bias against me so I asked if there was the option to have a different provider interpret it and he said “Yeah but I don’t think the results are going to be what you want to hear”. Again, he was so adamant that I didn’t have ADHD and was determined to let me know that. I was so frustrated at this point and told him that I didn’t think it was fair that he listened to me talk for a total of 20 minutes without asking many questions at all to come to the conclusion he did. My final straw was when his only reply to that was with scoffing and laughing saying “It has actually been 40 minutes. I guess time flies when you are having fun.” The fact that he could obviously see I was upset and not having fun (which typically does not happen at the psychiatrist) as my voice was shaking and eyes were welling up, only to reply to me in such a mocking manner seems inappropriate, especially for the profession he chose. I would also like to note that his claim of us having been talking for 40 minutes would have been accurate if he saw me at the time scheduled, but like I mentioned before, he was 20 minutes late, so our appointment did end up being 20 minutes. That was when I ended the appointment.”

“I am deeply concerned about the bedside manner demonstrated by Jason Holzhouser. During the session, he appeared disengaged — yawning and looking at his phone while the patient was speaking. This behavior felt dismissive and invalidating. As a mental health provider, you work with individuals who are often in vulnerable states, including those experiencing mental health crises. An 18-year-old patient, in particular, may already feel uncertain, overwhelmed, or fearful about seeking help. In those moments, the most important intervention is often active listening, empathy, and a non-judgmental presence. Mental health treatment is not something to rush. Pushing for ketamine treatment after only one session, without first establishing rapport and fully understanding the patient’s history and concerns, can feel premature. Patients need to feel heard and understood before exploring advanced treatment options. Young adults seeking care are trying to understand themselves, their emotions, and how their minds work. They deserve patience, compassion, and thoughtful engagement. The therapeutic relationship begins with trust — and trust starts with attentive, respectful listening.”

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