Mindful Health Solutions - Burlingame

“Major Issues with Dr. Cheyette’s Care • Abrupt termination during extreme distress (dog’s death, natural disaster, evacuation, and a medication error). • No meaningful transition plan—only generic, unhelpful lists of providers. • IOP referrals were useless—out-of-network or geographically inaccessible. • Refused collaboration with my psychologist, who sees me regularly and diagnosed me. • Gaslit me about follow-ups, falsely claiming I didn’t pursue treatment despite proof. • Medication mismanagement—prescribed the wrong benzodiazepine dose without informing me. • Dismissive and lacking compassion—rushed through sessions, disregarded my concerns. • Terminated care over Zoom, refused to extend medications to bridge care, and hung up mid-sentence. Severed Ties Without Justification After three years of compliance, Dr. Cheyette cut me off at my most vulnerable—after my dog’s death, a natural disaster, and a medication error that left me unknowingly taking half my benzodiazepine dose for a month. Despite my repeated attempts to follow his guidance, his referrals were useless—providers either hours away or out-of-network. When I pointed this out, I was given another random list, with no assurance of continuity of care. After expressing my intent to leave but requesting help transitioning, he fired me at my next appointment. Medication Mismanagement & Gaslighting Dr. Cheyette’s prescribing mistake left me unknowingly taking half my benzodiazepine dose for a month, likely worsening my mental state. He never acknowledged or apologized. Instead, he falsely claimed I hadn’t followed up on seeking IOP treatment, despite my proof. It was clear he had already decided to cut ties and was looking for an excuse. Lack of Medication Adjustments Over Three Years He never adjusted my antidepressant despite my concerns. I suggested alternatives, but he dismissed them. Instead, he experimented with low-dose antipsychotics that impaired my executive function—even though I have a brain injury. When I reported anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure), he denied it was possible. Final Sessions: A Cold & Cruel Termination When I told Dr. Cheyette my dog had died and that I wanted to reassess my medications, his immediate response was to start looking for another doctor. I wasn’t asking for that—I was asking for help. I knew then I was going to be dropped. At my next session, he made it official—no discussion, no notice. He refused to prescribe enough medication to bridge care, said it was my final appointment, and hung up mid-session. I then received a two-page termination letter citing “therapeutic misalignment,” despite my full compliance. The Real Reason I Was Dropped? I wasn’t dismissed for medical reasons—I was dismissed because I was a “difficult” patient: • I asked questions. • I voiced opinions about my diagnosis. • I sought clarity on my treatment. • I followed up on his medication mistake. One of my biggest challenges is excessive talking, something I repeatedly asked for help managing—but it was never addressed. Ironically, this may have been why I was labeled “difficult.” I wasn’t noncompliant. I followed every recommendation, even when they failed me. I was always respectful. But at some point, they got tired of me. And rather than treating me with the care a vulnerable psychiatric patient deserves, they threw me away. Final Thoughts This was reckless, cruel, and dangerous. Finding a new psychiatrist takes months. I explicitly stated I was leaving but needed time—instead of allowing that, they cut me off in the coldest way possible. This experience is exactly why people avoid psychiatric care. You can do everything right, and when you don’t improve, the system blames and discards you. I will be filing a formal grievance and a board complaint.”

“It was challenging to get an appointment during the pandemic with other doctors, but quite easy to get one with Dr. Dronamraju. I saw her after not having seen a therapist for quite some time and was excited to see a new doctor. Unfortunately, her manner was very cold and her tone was often incredibly judgmental. When going over my medication history over the past several years (medication for anxiety off and on), she made troubling comments about how I should not have been prescribed certain medications and criticized my former psychiatrist for his medication decisions. Overall, I left the appointment feeling much worse. Quite unfortunate as I was really struggling at the time. Do not recommend this doctor unless you are looking to be condescended to.”

“Dr. Cheyette is very smart and seems to know his stuff when it comes to medication management. I am leaving 3 stars because the experiences I have had are slightly impersonal. That being said- I have seen FAR worse. I have pretty high standards when it comes to psych care, as I have received a lot of it. Some of which was from highly acclaimed doctors who only accepted private pay. Overall I would recommend him to someone in a pinch that needs a psychiatrist covered by their insurance.”

“This review is for “Dr” Rama Dronamraju. It’s not uncommon to encounter psychiatrists that rely on their training from decades ago without continuing to follow the latest research, and that is certainly the case for Rama. She is also rude, condescending, and made me feel uncomfortable within the first few minutes of the appointment. I’ve met 2 excellent psychiatrists at a different clinic, that are good listeners, compassionate, and are knowledgable about the current research in psychiatry, so don’t give up if you don’t find a good fit here! Avoid Rama like the plague.”