Inova Behavioral Health - Merrifield

Dr. Bajpai helped me through a crisis in my life and has supported me in the years since then. He prescribed an effective regimen of drugs, which enabled me to overcome deep depression and relish life again. He also introduced me to helpful meditation exercises. We follow up via FaceTime every other month where we review my medications and my state of mind and mood and also engage in some casual conversation. I enjoy those meetings.

Our entire family, not just our son, benefited from Newport's unique care. I do not know of any other organization that has a system quite like theirs that teaches coping skills along with a treatment team constructed like a hub and spokes that address all the needs of each family member.

Melissa Tortorice is the worst provider I have seen. She misdiagnosed me with something I have NEVER in 7 years been diagnosed with other than her and I have seen several providers due to location. So out of 4 other professionals who evaluated me and diagnosed me with the same condition EVERY TIME she is the one that is "right"? She also was hostile and made it seem like I only came to get one prescription. I came to get reevaluated considering I had not seen the practice in over a year but she wanted to take no time during our session to talk about it and instead got an attitude. Clearly she believes a lot of narratives that you can find online instead of forming her own opinion. For example, individuals wanting stimulants. There is a reason that mental health has a lot of stigma and as someone who has a background in psychology it is sad to see that this provider believes it. I told her to take more time with her patients but instead she isn't willing to go over my symptoms or how I have been. Someone like Melissa should not be a mental health practitioner. This position takes empathy, patience, and overall someone who is willing to listen and see if maybe they had a mistake. I will never return to this practice and meeting with Melissa has put a sour taste in my mouth. I am shocked that a mental health practitioner could act in such a way.