ThePsynapse

Recently moved interstate, they were really helpful and proactive in helping me find a psychiatrist who had their books open. I’ve been able to receive TMS again which has been a godsend. Everyone at the clinic is great, Dr Hsu-en Lee is lovely and you can tell really cares

(apologies for the late review)

10 months ago, I was extremely fortunate to have a diagnostic assessment with Dr. Julian Toh. The backstory; I was utterly desperate, battling suicidal ideation, and I hoped to finally clear up around 20 years of misdiagnosis.

There's a reason he's voted one of the top Psychiatrists in South Australia by people who utilise the services of psychiatrists, on RateMD; this practitioner was able to sort the wheat from the chaff of around 20 years of misdiagnosis(es), hospital admissions and prior psychoses of which two of them had been protracted, to diagnose me accurately for the first time in my life with ADHD (combined subtype). Not only this, he was able to do it so quickly that it left me baffled that no one had been able to recognise the symptoms and, therefore, diagnose it earlier.

Once the shock of the new diagnosis started to settle whilst I debriefed with my Clinical Psychologist, it became apparent that I really needed to stop procrastinating (go figure, lol), and go book a dual ASD assessment because something still didn't feel quite right. As of a couple of weeks ago, I am now also officially diagnosed with level 2 ASD - moderate support needs.

Finally, vindicated after sticking to my guns for the past 20 odd years. I'm now slowly picking up the pieces of my life at 40 years of age. Although my days can often still be a real struggle given everything (I've also experienced a lot of trauma and loss), the first thought that passes through my head every morning as I wake now, is no longer "great, another day of suffering".

Dr. Toh's demeanour throughout the assessment, was disarming; In hindsight, he was considerate of how difficult the assessment would've been for me based off of my medical history and therefore, the trauma sustained from decades of potential misdiagnosis. There was something different about him compared to most of the other professionals that I'd seen prior, so straight away I felt comfortable considering (but still nervous as). At no point did I feel like something I'd said hadn't genuinely been taken into consideration or, worse, simply disregarded as unimportant and/or irrelevant.

He also demonstrated profound empathy as other people had acknowledged on RateMD, but that I also got to witness firsthand. At one point, I showed him a photograph of myself as a young child on holiday with my father and my other siblings together in a portrait-style family photo, obviously feeling extremely uncomfortable that I was out of my comfort zone of safety and routine, and again in hindsight, looking obviously autistic; as he looked at the photograph, his face immediately sank into an expression of sorrow; sorrow for how much this obviously autistic kid would've suffered throughout life, never getting the help that he would've needed. Although I can often struggle with reading body language and social cues, I can pick up on some of them, sorrow, being one of them (as well as the other obvious ones such as happiness and anger).

In the few exchanges that I had with the administration staff on the telephone leading up to the assessment as well as in person at the practice at the time of the assessment, I found them to also be professional, considerate and genuine.

I have no hesitation in recommending Dr. Toh at TheSynapse for diagnostic assessment (not just for adhd), and have decided to be as open in my review as I have, because I hope that it resonates with others who might be considering evaluation.

In short, he led me to finally finding myself and finding self-acceptance; I'm not a failure, I'm a moderately autistic person, with adhd thrown in as well for added s$@ts and giggles, and I was born exactly how my creator intended me to be. I could never repay Dr. Toh for what he's done for me.

This review might be glowing, but it's been well-earned.

I saw Dr. Julian Toh for an ADHD Assessment and he was so kind and validating during the whole appointment! He is an extremely good Psychiatrist and I couldn’t recommend him or ThePsynapse more! It was an awesome experience, especially as I was so anxious during the lead up to the appointment, thank you immensely Dr. Toh and the team at ThePsynapse!!

Dr Toh is compassionate and understanding. He listens without judgement and never makes me feel rushed. I’ve been under his care for a couple of years now and cannot recommend him highly enough. Administration staff are wonderful too.

I could not recommend Dr Julian Toh higher. He is relatable, professional and efficient in all his dealings. He made me feel comfortable and ensured that I was provided with all the information I needed with my diagnosis, by explaining things clearly and in detail. His kind nature made my experience with a Psychiatrist incredibly positive.

Professional, kind and patient.
I attended for exploration into an adult ADHD diagnosis, and was met with Dr Laadipeerla's excellent bedside manner, and kind, supportive treatment. I am grateful for her time, and the lovely administration, who were infinitely patient with me. Thank you!

Dr Toh cares about his patients, offers solutions, is knowledgeable and communicative and available to help.

Good but busy doctors, small waiting area. Having to call to enter the building on Saturdays is inconvenient. Medicare rebates automatically applied to your nominated account if eligible is great though. Overall good experience.

Avoids talking to his patients doesn’t find the time for them Tells you how super busy his work life is all I wanted is a letter sent to my GP and it’s taken me nearly 3 weeks. Thanks, Julian Little toe big toe

Finally got a hold of the Psynapse after two weeks of attempted phone calls, emails and text messages just to follow up if my referral had been triaged. Only for the receptionist (who started very recently) to be incredibly rude - audibly huffing and puffing into the phone, and responding in mumbles 'ok', like a grumpy teenager. I've actually never experienced anything like it. I hope she is performance managed, or promptly moved on from the service, because the risk and impact of such unprofessionalism, disrespect and lack of awareness is far too high when working with people with mental health conditions, particularly those in acute distress - such an abuse of power.

Dr Aparna is garbage she refused to aid in many of my issues and refused to help in a whole sections of my mental health and diagnosis correctly also session are booked for 30 minutes utter rip off if you can change drs or looking for one this ain't it.

Don’t recommend Dr Lee, his medical decision made me back to the very bad mood again. Be careful when you get referred to this clinic.