TESTIMONIALS
General Reviews
Some of these reviews were taken from posts written on Yelp, Google, and some were given to me from patients directly.
Updated patients’ testimonials are found under the Podcast section! Enjoy!
August 2026
I am an 85-year-old widower who for several years had been trying to taper off two drugs, Zolpidem for sleep, and Escitalopram for anxiety. I had been prescribed them for more than two decades, mostly during a 20-year-period when I was taking care of my wife who suffered from early onset Alzheimer’s. After she passed, I wanted to wean myself from the Zolpidem, in particular, because it is said to have unsafe long-term effects. I had to reduce it to half the dosage because that is how the pharmaceutical companies make and sell the pills. I went up and down between the two dosages because the withdrawal symptoms I experienced from reducing so much so fast and trying to stick to it were severe. I suffered from insomnia, paranoia, even hallucinations. I came close to entering myself into the psychiatric unit of the local hospital.
Then I heard of Dr. Lee.
No one had told me before about “compounding”, a pharmaceutical method of turning pills into liquids so the patient can reduce gradually, safely, even a milligram at a time. I also hadn’t heard of holistic psychiatry. Dr. Lee integrates traditional psychiatry with orthomolecular and functional psychiatry. She treats the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – as one. Her tailored approach is helping me not only taper off both Zolpidem and Escitalopram in a safe, steady, and painless way but has helped me understand and transcend underlying emotions that accompany grief and buried childhood trauma. I have found her to be scientifically learned and spiritually grounded, compassionate and deeply intuitive. I have not felt this peaceful and assured in a long, long time.
Thank you, Dr. Lee.
Michael Leach · Google Review
August 2026
I found Dr. Lee at exactly the right time in my life. Before meeting her, I had made several unsuccessful attempts to taper off my medication because the withdrawal symptoms were just too intense. By the time I found her, I was at one of the lowest points in my life. She had just moved to Stamford and was still establishing her practice, and looking back, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.
From our very first appointment, I could tell Dr. Lee was different. Her depth of knowledge and truly holistic approach gave me hope for the first time that I could successfully taper off my medication. Together, we created a personalized treatment plan that combined functional medicine with the unique therapeutic techniques she incorporates into her practice. I was finally able to taper off my medication little to no withdrawal symptoms- something I honestly never thought was possible for me.
What makes Dr. Lee truly exceptional is that her care didn’t stop there. In many ways, that was when the real healing began. She helped me uncover and heal long standing unconscious patterns, limiting beliefs, and emotional wounds. But she never treated me like a diagnosis- she treated me like a whole person.
She was also incredibly generous with her time. I never felt rushed during appointments, and I always knew I could reach out between sessions if I needed support. She consistently made me feel heard, safe, and deeply cared for.
I can honestly say that Dr. Lee has been absolutely vital to my healing journey. She didn’t just help me taper off my medication- she helped me reclaim my health and begin creating a healthier, more authentic relationship with myself. I am beyond grateful for everything she has done for me and will always be thankful that our paths crossed. I cannot recommend her highly enough.
October 2025
Too many people are taking too many medications and trying to manage all the side effects. Many patients would like to get out of the “medication trap” but don’t know where to turn.
Dr. Lee is a holistic psychiatrist who specializes in helping patients get off medications. She is extremely knowledgeable, and has been trained in allopathic, ortho molecular and functional medicine. As a doctor she is very compassionate, and she takes the time to actually listen to her patients.
I am happy to recommend her to anyone looking for an alternative approach to treating both physical and mental/emotional issues.
October 2025
I have worked with Dr Lee a few times now over the past several years. The first time working with her, I was going through horrible psychiatric medication withdrawal. No one else was able to help me and I can confidently say that I would not be where I am today without her help. I am living a full life and thriving. I picked back up seeing her after the withdrawal and while being medication free because I still felt there were underlying issues that needed to be addressed. It was one thing to successfully come off medications but another to address root cause. I am pleased to say both have been done successfully and I owe so many thanks to her. Dr Lee is unlike any other doctor I have seen. Compassionate, understanding and never stops studying and learning for her patients. If it seems there is not a way, Dr Lee will help find it. It takes a very unique kind of individual to be able to combine traditional psychiatry, holistic psychiatry/medicine and energy work to help in the way she does. I’m not sure anyone else really does it but thank goodness she does. I could go on about many things but the last thing I’ll mention is that working with Dr Lee is a collaborative effort in the best sense of the word. You are not just another patient. She welcomes any ideas and really gets to know you and your history so you can work together to resolve any issues.
October 2025
Dr. Lee was exactly the doctor I needed. After years of trying to manage my mental health through traditional medicine, Dr. Lee helped me approach my mind and body from a whole new perspective. I feel more healthy, balanced and empowered than I have ever felt before.
October 2025
Dr Alice Lee practices groundbreaking work. Her vast knowledge and training allow her to be confident in her holistic psychiatry approach to wellness. I look forward to Dr. Lee’s online articles because I learn so much from them. I especially enjoyed “Beyond the Taper’. I will refer patients and colleagues to her work.
Jennifer Groebe, LCSW
September 2025
Working with Dr Alice Lee has changed my life for the better. It is hard to explain the depth of our work and the extent of my growth because of the uniqueness of what she does, but what I can say is that I have never felt more understood or taken care of by any practitioner I’ve ever worked with. From energy work to extremely detailed medication and supplement plans, Dr Lee considers every aspect of my health and long term well being. I have been able to smoothly taper off 3 medications in approx 2 months, all without withdrawal side effects. I had tapered off meds before with other practitioners but never with comfort and this time I feel grounded, healthy, level headed, and stable. Dr Lee is an excellent listener, talented communicator, and a truly kind and generous person who deeply believes her patients can achieve balance. I recommend working with her if you are committed to taking responsibility for your health and want to play an active role in your own health journey. It takes teamwork. If you are considering working with Dr Lee, I recommend reaching out to see if it’s a good fit. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain in working with her!
September 2025
Dr Lee was my doctor. She is a very skilled and thoughtful clinician. I was desperate to regain my mental well-being. Nothing had worked. I had seen a dozen doctors. She was truly a blessing. She is an extraordinary doctor and more importantly an extraordinary person. There is no “formula”. Her approach is highly personalized. Here clinical experience and science based approach at helping her patients is well documented. Listen to her podcasts …these are real patients with real stories of healing and regaining their health and well-being. Her impact to my health is immeasurable.
September 2025
As a holistic psychotherapist, I’ve collaborated with Dr. Lee on several cases. She’s been able to help people who were struggling to come off medications do so more comfortably and while maintaining their stability. She’s a true pioneer in the field of holistic medicine.
September 2025
My son and I have been seeing Dr. Lee for years. She is always a pleasure to talk to. Dr. Lee is extremely personable, straightforward, knowledgeable, thorough in her practice, and professional. I recommend her as highly and as frequently as I can.
September 2025
True Healing!!!
I can truly say that Dr. Lee has changed my perspective of psychiatric care in a way that I never thought would be possible. Dr. Lee takes time with patients to understand their unique situation and does not settle for a cookie cutter approach because she is a genuine caring practitioner.
Dr. Lee is not like the traditional psychiatrist who pulls out a prescription pad upon meeting a patient. Dr. Lee will work to truly figure out exactly what is going on with a patient. She is treating root causes instead of just symptoms, and using holistic interventions that many times are safer and much more effective, and give longer results for her patients.
What I was most surprised about was Dr. Lee educated me on the side effects of psychiatric medications that so many people do not hear about. She offered real alternatives that actually heal rather than mask symptoms. Her approach is drawn from her vast medical knowledge combined with nutritional support, energy medicine, and various integrative techniques that work with your body’s natural ability to heal itself.
Dr. Lee is not just a clinician for patients but is a teacher and willing to guide patients on an entire healing journey. She provides a patient with information and tools so that patients are not dependent on medications for life. She genuinely cares for her patients well being not just speaking it. You can feel it every time you interact with her.
If you are that type of patient that wishes to actually heal from your problems instead of just being managed with pharmaceuticals, Dr. Lee is an outstanding psychiatrist seeking to facilitate healing. She offers hope and real solutions for whole body wellness. At the same time, patients should be prepared to dedicate time and effort, as genuine healing requires active participation to achieve the best results.
I would recommend her to everyone and anyone.
September 2025
Dr. Alice Lee’s practice as an integrative psychiatrist is distinguished by her thoughtful and compassionate approach to patient care. Her attention to detail is evident in her case presentations, where she effectively evaluates both the biological and psychological aspects of her patients’ conditions. Dr. Lee values the voices and needs of her patients, fostering a collaborative environment in which they feel heard and respected. Her commitment to compassionate deprescribing practices further underscores her holistic philosophy, ensuring that patients receive careful guidance during medication adjustments. Her integrative style, which utilizes energy psychology methods, fosters a supportive therapeutic relationship that empowers patients on their journey to mental wellness. I wholeheartedly recommend her to my clients or family members moving to her area.
September 2025
I have had the privilege of knowing Dr. Alice Lee for over 20 years. She is not only an excellent integrative psychiatrist but also a deeply compassionate and dedicated physician. Her ability to truly understand and help her patients is remarkable. I recommend her wholeheartedly.
Michael I. Gurevich, MD
September 2025
Dr. Alice Lee is a brilliant and compassionate psychiatrist. In her integrative practice, Dr. Lee helps her patients live a fulfilling life with minimal disruption from psychiatric medications. Her approach is transformative and empowering. She is a sought-after speaker on this powerful integrative clinical approach, as well. We are lucky to have her in our community.
December 19, 2024
Over 20 years ago, I went to therapy to get help with anxiety. What I got was harmful diagnoses, medication that caused mania, stigma and hospitals. I lost trust in my own truth and ability to care for myself.
I thought I would need a therapist and a psychiatrist for the rest of my life. In just 5 months, Dr. Lee helped me get off 23 years of psych meds, with minimal detoxing and withdrawal. I was able to continue working full time throughout the process. After stopping the medication, she has helped me in my life in countless other ways. At 49, my body and mind are stronger and more healthy than when I was 16. I used to get winded and exhausted after a 30 minute dance class. Three weeks ago, I completed an 8 hour dance workshop.
However, the biggest gift from working with her is my freedom. I no longer feel dependent on therapists and psychiatrists in order to live my life. I thought I would be in the system until the day I died. Any help I seek out with healing now happens on my own terms. Any treatment I seek out, whether it’s therapy or energy work is because I want to not because I am afraid my life will fall apart without it. I could not have asked for a better outcome from treatment.
August 2019
Someone close to me was diagnosed and treated by the general psychiatric medical profession that after several hospitalizations couldn’t even provide a definitive diagnosis. Leaving the hospital with no diagnosis and simply treating symptoms, this person was put on potent prescriptions that put them in a stupor walking through their daily routine. And after trying many, only one prescription medication was able to be tolerated. But besides making this person a zombie, it added significant weight gain. Another med made their teeth gray and a mouthful of cavities for the first time in their life. The prescription meds were ultimately dulling the mind, and encouraged apathy and depression.
Looking for something else, orthomolecular therapy was considered and after doing some online research, they found Dr. Lee.
Dr. Lee has taken this patient off prescription meds and has brought them back to a state of health which is still ongoing. After very conservatively weaning off the prescription meds and currently clearing viruses from the body using homeopathic medicines, there has been remarkable progress, this person is able to drive, work, shop and plans to return to college in a clear-headed way. Clearing the viruses while stabilizing the general health of the body with supplementation seemed key to this patient’s recovery.
Quality of life is worth every penny.
July 2019
I was depressed and taking prescriptions when I was highly recommended to see Dr. Lee. In a few months, I was out of my medication and has been out of depression for almost 10 years now. After that treatment, I got diagnosed with Lyme and she again was there to treat me. I have been Lyme free for 5 years now.
My teenager son was treated by her for anxiety, depression and attention deficit. Without that treatment, I don’t think he would have reached black belt in Jiu Jitsu and wouldn’t have the “A” grades at school.
Recently, my daughter who is 10 years old had pain all over her joints and wasn’t able to play basketball comparatively. I brought her to see Dr. Lee and for the last 3 months, she has been pain free. Thanks to that treatment, she was able to compete and win in third place the National Champion Jr. NBA Shooting Competition. Our family appreciate Dr. Lee’s phenomenal work. My husband will be her next patient starting in the fall of 2019.
July 2019
I have lived with social anxiety my entire life and a few years ago I finally looked for treatment with a conventional psychiatrist and began seeing a therapist. I was prescribed several different medications and none of them seemed to do anything for me. My psychiatrist insisted on increasing my doses but I didn’t believe that would help so I stopped taking the prescriptions. A couple years later, I found Dr. Lee and though her practice seemed to be unconventional, I was willing to try anything to cure my social anxiety. Now, having been on her nutritional regimen for nearly two months, I am amazed that my anxiety has almost completely subsided. I never thought this could be possible and I am so glad I tried Dr. Lee’s regimen!
July 2019
I rarely write a review but I feel like everyone who needs help in withdrawing psychotropic medications must see Dr. Lee. People don’t realize how addictive these kind of drugs can be. My husband had some work-related stress and couldn’t sleep very well at night. He went to a conventional psychiatrist and was prescribed with small dose of Prozac and alprazolam(Xanax). The doctor said it was totally ok to take them with minimal side effects. And just like that he was hooked. We didn’t know that it was highly addictive and when he tried quitting, the withdrawal symptoms were horrible. Let’s just say I do not want to experience that again….
Dr. Lee helped us so much and also with my pre-teen daughter who’s going through puberty stage. I mean if you have depression/anxiety/stress issues, do you want to take drugs for the rest of your life? What if the drugs don’t work anymore? Can you keep upping the dose? Eventually your body will not be able to work on its own and create all sorts of problems. I don’t know why there aren’t more doctors like Dr. Lee. She focuses on truly healing your mind and body with natural supplements and energy work. She is compassionate and understanding and will try to help you whatever it takes. I can tell you that it takes a lot of work and is not an easy road like meds that give you quick relief. But it will be worth it for a better healthier life and Dr. Lee will be there with you on your healing journey.
July 2019
I thought that I would be on medications my entire life; that there was no alternative, and I could only mitigate the damaging side effects. I was concerned that this meant I could never have a child for fear of the fetus being adversely affected. After working with Dr. Lee for a year, I have been completely off of medications and stable for four months. My career and relationships are flourishing, and I have never been in a better place with my health.
It was scary at first when I started treatment with Dr. Lee. Her methods are innovative, holistic, and trailblazing. As such, I felt that I was going way out on a limb, adopting modalities that are so profoundly different than the mainstream medical model. But I took a leap of faith and committed to treatment for at least one year. It was the best decision I have ever made for my health. At the onset, I was overwhelmed by all of the supplements and the cost of treatment. Now I am off medications, and my supplements are coming down. I can confidently say that it was time, effort, and money very well spent; the best investment I have ever made.
If you are willing to do the work, and partner with Dr. Lee in your healing, I can not recommend her more highly. Don’t expect a quick or easy fix, but do know that Dr. Lee is invested in your health and truly cares. Such a refreshing change from the 15-minute symptom treatment appointments to an in-depth focus on healing underlying causes and true health.
July 2019
Dr. Lee is the most genuine, caring, and supportive psychiatrists I have ever had the pleasure of working with. All throughout high school I had been prescribed antidepressants by ‘conventional’ psychiatrists. I had also been self-medicating with marijuana daily for almost 2 years. When I began my first semester of college, I developed minor anxiety. I was prescribed a fairly high dose of Zoloft by my ex-psychiatrist. 2 weeks after starting on Zoloft I developed panic attack disorder. I woke up to panic attacks every single day and lived in constant fear of the next attack–It was so bad that I even ended up taking medical leave from my university. I became incredibly frustrated with typical western medicine.
I found Dr. Lee through a google search and after reading her website, I was ready for a more holistic approach. After beginning my work with Dr. Lee, I felt a major shift in my life. I was able to come off all of my antidepressant/anti-anxiety medications within the first few months and with almost no withdrawal side-effects. About a month after detoxing from the prescription medications, I was able to cut marijuana out as well. And, I went back to school that very next semester!!! Since then, I no longer suffer from depression/panic attacks–all thanks to Dr. Lee’s approach to psychological disorders. A huge part of why I was experiencing such psychological turmoil was my body’s biology and chemistry. I had a large build-up of toxins, viruses, and a lack of nutrients, making it incredibly hard for my body to function properly and to support healthy psychological behavior.
Dr. Lee recognized that my depression and anxiety were symptoms of a much larger issue. While trauma played a role in creating an environment in which my anxiety could thrive, Dr. Lee knew that the first step in healing was correcting my body’s imbalances so that a healthy-me could thrive instead. Using a regimen of natural supplements in conjunction with talk-therapy, energy work, and logosynthesis, Dr. Lee has given me a shot at a healthier, more optimistic life! She has changed my life and taught me so much that I have decided to study towards becoming a holistic psychiatrist as well! I highly recommend Dr. Lee for everyone currently on prescription medications!
July 2019
While Dr. Lee is very experienced in her field, she is also an avid writer, with a consistent stream of weekly newsletters to her audience of patients and clinicians with an interest in Holistic and Alternative Medicine. This kind of transparent and vulnerable communication is rare to find, particularly when it comes to health practitioners. This connecting strategy is something that more practitioners should be looking to for an example of how to best serve, treat and interact with patients. Inspiring!
February 2018
Dr. Lee was a very compassionate doctor. She uses alternative methods to help her patients heal. She may help you break the cycle of turning to more pharmaceuticals, intended to cover the side effects of previously prescribed drugs.
July 2016
Dr Lee is a pioner in her field. I have seen closely how she managed to treat two very close persons without any formal medication achieving incredible results with no side effects.
January 2015
I first went to see Dr. Lee a little over a year ago with symptoms of anxiety, depression, dizziness, heart palpitations, insomnia and inability to exercise or walk for more than ¼ block without feeling like fainting. I had spent a great deal in emergency visits at the hospital and saw a variety of doctors from cardiologists, ophthalmologists, internists, etc. who prescribed a variety of tests and blood work and who found nothing wrong with me. I was put on antibiotics twice because of my dizziness with no avail.I saw Dr. Lee and she placed me on nutritional supplements, taught me EFT and energy work. I noticed a great difference almost immediately because I started sleeping well at night. My symptoms disappeared in a matter of three weeks and I started feeling normal again, wanting to be active, and having energy to exercise, having again interest in doing the things I used to enjoy doing before getting sick. I started walking and was able in a matter of 2 months walk 5-6 miles!
I continue taking her supplements and visit her occasionally. She has allowed me to take supplements from other places too. I have gone through tremendous stress and difficulties in my life lately but I have never felt anxious, depressed or dizzy as I used to feel before I saw her for the first time. I am very grateful to have found Dr. Lee. Thanks to her I feel like I was given a second chance to enjoy life again. She is a caring individual who takes her time to listen. Yes, visiting her can be expensive but for me it is a great health investment that me and my family get to enjoy. I highly recommend her.
June 2014
I have been a patient of Dr. Alice Lee for about 4 years and she is a wonderful practitioner who uses a holistic approach for psychiatric disorders. I was able to get off the very toxic and dangerous anti-psychotic medications under Dr. Lee’s care after depending on them for over 20 years. Dr. Lee uses natural approaches such as vitamin supplements and energy medicine to help lessen the symptoms of these mental disorders and is very successful.
June 2014
You are most likely reading this because you are looking for help or a way to effectively get off Venlafaxine Hydrochloride (a.k.a. Effexor XR) or are wondering about Dr. Alice Lee specifically.
Dr. Lee was the best option for me and was able to get me off Venlafaxine Hydrochloride, rid me of the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and I was still a normal person throughout the process.
You may have already tried to get off Venlafaxine Hydrochloride by yourself or with the help of a traditional-by-the-book-physician who has not done the research or have been on Venlafaxine Hydrochloride themselves. If you have tried to get off this drug the usual way you did so by reducing your dosage to the next lower dosage provided by the drug maker. You then experienced what I can best describe as reality on delay (or stuttered) and emotions that … well … if you have done this you know what I mean. The emotional trauma of just trying to get off this stuff is worse, much worse, than being on the stuff.
It is only then you realize that you are drug dependent. At least this was when it really became apparent to me. Your mind & body cannot do without it. Yeah, I was there too. I tried to get off twice using the traditional method. It did not work for me at all.
I started seeing Dr Alice during the second attempt when it was not going well. She helped me to equilibrate at 150mg, from 300mg, since I was already two weeks into the reduction, but still having trouble. I later learned, from my body’s reactions thereafter, that any 50% reduction was a huge step.
I went through Dr. Lee’s program for several months. It took a little over a year, but the process got me off Venlafaxine Hydrochloride and did so in a manner that was easier on my body, supported good nutritional habits, and so many more benefits. I hope you realize, as I do, that it was not simply about getting off Venlafaxine Hydrochloride. There was the underlying issue(s) that resulted in a prescription for Venlafaxine Hydrochloride in the first place. Well, Dr. Lee helped me through that using a style that was more hands on and did not leave me to talk about and figure everything out myself. Think about it … If I could talk myself through my issues I would never have been on Venlafaxine Hydrochloride in the first place.
I have been completely off Venlafaxine Hydrochloride since Jan 2011 and may see Dr. Lee once every six months or more just to recalibrate and to talk through any new challenges. Dr. Lee. and her program were a godsend for me.