Elkin R Scott, DO

I found Dr. Elkin after 6 months of searching for a psychiatrist to transfer to after my longtime doctor was no longer covered by my insurance. I have had two appointments with him, and I am impressed by his competence, intelligence, bedside manner, and approach. There are so many psychiatrists that I consider prima donnas, who forgive not at all for tardiness, missed appointments, or cancellations — though of course exempt themselves from the same transgressions. Dr. Elkin is not at all like that. He is visibly and actively engaged during your appointment, asks relevant questions, makes truly helpful behavioral/​reference material suggestions, and is respectful of the patient’s/my agency and intelligence. For those of us with anxiety or who have been left adrift, medication-​wise, by other doctors, it is incredibly comforting that he makes it clear he is not going to make radical, abrupt changes of meds that are not fun to withdraw from quickly (in my case, Effexor). It’s such a relief to see a psychiatrist who doesn’t have some kind of fearful/​puritanical agenda about meds and psychological issues in general. Yes, his office seems disorganized, and maybe even he is disorganized, but they don’t take the position that they are automatically right when they make mistakes or miscommunicate about appointments and such, which is an attitude I’ve encountered at psychiatrists’ offices more than those of any other type of doctors. To me, having to have a couple of phone discussions to clarify confusion about appointments or whatnot is such is a small price to pay for such ultimately attentive care.

This «Doctor’s» office is a disaster:
Dr. Elkin makes commitments he can’t (or won’t keep).
— Phones go unanswered
— Voicemails go unreturned
— Their billing is consistently inaccurate
— It’s a revolving door of providers and staff
— Getting prescriptions refilled is like getting legislation through Congress.
All of it adds up to a really difficult time getting medical care.
Look elsewhere.

Dr. Elkin is truly gifted. When you talk with him it is easy to feel at ease and just by listening to the questions he asks, you can tell that he intuitively understands individuals with great depth. He is very patient and extremely bright. For instance, I went into his office and was talking to him normally and he paused to ask me if I felt okay or if I had a headache. He noticed from my pupils that it might be a possibility. I know that may sound silly, but I did nothing to let him know I had a crushing headache and he knew it from something so subtle that most would overlook.
As to the comment that Ramona made, yes, they do ask for a credit card before your first appointment. I imagine this is so billing is easier and to ensure people keep their appointments. I have been to other psychiatrists who do the same thing. I work as a therapist in Austin and many psychiatrists are full or always close to full in Austin as we only have just over 140 of them. I can understand Ramona’s frustration because it is a lot of info to fill out but it isn’t worth trashing a good shrink.

Seems to select his patients more on his needs than theirs.