Optimal Health Mind Body Wellness Center - Fall River, Massachusetts

Jennifer L.

Just know that when you fill out your original paperwork, you’re going to be asked about your pronouns, and gender identity. I left both of those questions blank because they doesn’t apply to me at all, and that’s not why I’m seeking counseling. During my intake, I was asked the question what gender do I identify as, and I refused to answer it. I told the coordinator that it didn’t apply to me so that’s why it’s left blank. The intake coordinator said that it was required to answer because of the policy of this counseling group. I don’t understand why this group feels that everyone falls into these guidelines. It’s not bigotry I’m talking about because I’m not a bigot. I was only interested in just plain old-fashioned talk therapy. I don’t require any special accommodations from anybody. It felt somewhat like when you were younger, and someone would try to peer pressure you, or even or mild bullying if you didn’t answer. That’s invalidating me.

They could possibly be receiving subsidies from a government agency because it’s lucrative to force every single potential patient to state their gender identity, to stack the deck so to speak, so that it appears they are serving more that fall into this category. I’m expendable apparently.

Also, it’s a little daunting to actually see the group of counselors that are offered on a larger screen computer. Every single one of them is smiling happily, but every single one of them has three pronouns also. When I first looked at the website, and the team, I was wondering if this was a place that I would belong to, because I don’t require pronouns. I don’t care if anybody else does, but I felt like I was not welcomed here because of the overwhelming presence of same. My decision to cancel with them after my intake, was only because I didn’t feel that we would be a good fit. I feel she felt the same, that’s okay, and understandable.

That being said, I really don’t understand why licensed mental health professionals would not have the EQ to understand the general public might have the same exact questions of, can I go here if I’m not a member of the LBGTQ community, and if I could, would they be professional enough to respect me enough to understand that I had intentionally left those two questions blank because they don’t apply to me.I feel with this website the way they have it set up, and what happened during my intake, would be a turn off to some people in the public sector. I am continually tiring of answering questions about gender that don’t apply to me, but I’m forced to do so. I just wanted to talk to somebody, that’s all I required. I don’t understand why licensed mental health professionals feel they can serve two masters at the same time so to speak. You can actually, but the way this website is set up, and the experience I had, you may be going a bit overboard with this practice and theme. It’s unwelcoming. I refuse to be managed in this way, it’s completely unnecessary, and not what I was looking to talk about. That time spent in trying to do so, was a waste of my time and health insurance. It would be more prudent to actually ask a potential patient if they require to their gender identity to be claimed, and give them the choice because, it is their choice.

In closing, I cannot recommend this group. They have put their own agenda before a patient’s mental health needs.

Be well.

EDIT: The intake coordinator, Kerry LePage, directly told me when she was informing me of all of your practice policies, that I had to disclose my gender identity. Kerry LePage may be ill informed.

Your non-transparency, in addition to the experience that you caused to happen, confirms to me that I was 100% correct about the way that I felt about your unprofessional practices, and the way you go about them. Abuse victims have already been forced to experience situations that they did not want to be in. It’s unbelievable to me that any licensed counselor would not recognize that fact. It’s abusive.

This is a 100% accurate, thorough review.

Brendan P.

I've been seeing Dr. Jimmy for chiropractic care on and off the past few years. These visits continually alleviate my back pain. Each session is professional, focused, and effective — I always leave feeling better, both physically and mentally. What I really appreciate is how Dr. Jimmy doesn’t just do adjustments, he also give helpful advice on posture, stretching, and lifestyle changes that have made a long-term impact.

If you’re on the fence about chiropractic care or just looking for someone who genuinely cares and knows their stuff, I can't recommend Dr. Jimmy enough.

Meg D.

The therapists at Optimal Health create such a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment—it’s easy to feel safe and heard from the very first session. Their compassionate and non-judgmental approach makes it clear they genuinely care. Highly recommend for anyone looking for thoughtful and supportive mental health help.

Joan D.

Optimal Health has a great staff, that are very conscientious about my needs. They make me feel so comfortable and i look forward to seeing them all. Joan

Annie P.

Such a great vibe here. Every single member of their team is super welcoming and compassionate.

Angela B.

The staff at Optimal Health, are absolutely amazing. They are all kind, sincere, honest, and they take the time to truly listen to you and try to come up with a plan to actually help. I am truly blessed with my mental health care team! I highly recommend them.

Jen H.

Great staff. Welcoming and compassionate.

csetton