UC Davis MIND Institute

Although it was quite a bit of a wait for an appointment the staff was very friendly and it’s a fairly large place . Comforting areas for the kids glad to have been able to get in

Our son just finished the second part of the autism study. He started when he was 2 and we had the pleasure of returning for the middle years. I will just say that everyone who works here and volunteers are amazing, kind, educated individuals. A lot of time, effort, and money goes into ensuring we are comfortable. The information we have received has been life changing. Our son loved his time visiting and working with everyone. So grateful and honored to be able to work towards more understanding of autism. I highly recommend this place! Keep up the good work and great research.

Do not even bother calling. You are routed to an automated system that recycles the messages in a loop and even if you ultimately get through to a representative they will put you on hold and transfer you back to the automated system and then disconnect.

I went there after genetic testing showed that I had NF1 ( Neurofibromatosis 1). I was so relieved to have a diagnosis to a lifetime of health problems, which was finally explained. The Doctor immediately told me that I don't have any symptoms without even looking at my chart. Then she couldn't get me out of the office fast enough. I'm so disappointed with the treatment I received. I am 48, and need help. I can only say for those planning on going to this place is to be very careful. And be weary of any Doctor that doesn't have the time to review your case history.

Just another money making business geared towards desperate parents looking for help. I took my toddler for evaluation of ASD. Doctor Steinfeld was great!! Very knowledgeable, compassionate, and answered our questions thoroughly. She recommended early start Denver model. We have been on the wait list for over a year now!!! We also got a bill of $1800 for 1.5 hour appointment, out of which $900 was for the use of the mind institute. We were told that it’s part of the university and considered inpatient. Totally not true!! IT WAS AN OUTPATIENT APPOINTMENT!! We were not given any heads up by the scheduling staff. We also saw Dr. Dufek in the same building but didn’t get charged for the building fee. Then why for Dr. Steinfeld’s appt!! Both visits were useless!! Update: Per Jen at communications recommendation, i emailed and completed online contact form to get in touch with patients relations department but it has been a month and NO response. However, i did receive a call from billing department staff correcting me that the appt with Dr. Steinfeld was not inpatient but it has hospital stay component!! Lol... But the bill clearly says admit date and discharge date which makes it obvious that it was billed to insurance as inpatient. Just a suggestion to Jen at communication department, next time please recommend to contact a department with actual competent staff.

Hello: I have autism and major depression. For 53 years now, communication by Morse code has been my coping mechanism with life. There are lots of people to talk to using Morse over the shortwave radio bands. If I get stressed, a short session sending Morse with my Morse "bug" or iambic paddles calms me. I am fascinated with Morse and I am good at it. Many people with ASD are interested in "patterns" and music. I am fortunate to be able to speak to over a hundred Sacramento area school children each week. I describe my daily struggles with major depression and autism. Since Morse is a vital part of my life, I describe and demonstrate Morse code. The students and teachers are routinely amazed at my 30 wpm Morse. I have been trying to gain an appointment with MIND INSTITUTE staff for over a year now to discuss Morse communication for some socially anxious youth. Morse is a lots of fun, challenging, wholesome,safe, non violent, self esteem elevating, non threatening way to find new friends. I have emailed several MIND INSTITUTE staff, asking to meet with them. They have declined, finally telling me that they will not meet with me and finally told me that they will not give me the appointment I seek (MIND INSTITUTE office manager email message to me) They do not reply to further email messages from me. I am puzzled, frustrated and angry because I know that their patients have lost due to MIND INSTITUTE policy regarding this issue. They are ignorant of this valuable, new and unique activity, yet refuse to spend the hour needed to discuss it with me. I personally feel that MIND INSTITUTE staff are not innovative or forward thinking. They seem unwilling to "step outside the box" and talk about this. I could go on, but will summarize my narrative with a "minus ten" rating for the MIND INSTITUTE at UC-DAVIS.

What has this place really accomplished in over two decades with millions in funding? The numbers are now 1 in 44 for autism. They have failed, and funding should go elsewhere. Stop participating with this institution!

Could not believe how short and rude the front desk receptionist was with me just now. I’ve worked in mental health for years. This place has always been put on a pedestal. My expectations were clearly too high. So disappointing. I will be taking my son elsewhere.