Nicolas Verardi
October 1st, 2025
Dr. Thomas Cook at Beyond Mental Health is one of those rare psychiatrists who’s genuinely curious, caring, and not stuck in the SSRI-only mindset. He understands and supports options that most doctors avoid, including MAOIs, and he’s also experienced with treatments like TMS and ketamine. The office itself is welcoming and modern, with a calm atmosphere that makes the whole experience feel very different from the typical cold clinical setting. It’s a refreshing change from the cookie-cutter approach you usually find.
Dr. Amanda Wilson-Wong
October 23rd, 2025
As a healthcare provider, I know how important it is to stay "on top of your game". Although Hawaiian culture isn't TYPICALLY very supportive of traditional /mainstream "big-pharma" psychiatry, I think it's really incredible that Dr. Cook and his team are thinking outside the box with their approach to mental health and wellness.
If you need a "mental glow-up", but don't want to be automatically force-fed a SSRI, consider this practice and be on the forefront of this evolving space. Added bonus? If you're willing to travel outside Hawaii for therapeutic "non-pharma" options, Dr. Cook's team will find collaborate to get you the BEST treatment for you.
I love how his team has all the flexibility and options, from female practitioners to tele-health visits.
I wanted to address some of the lower reviews. I, quite honestly, have NEVER had any issues with anyone not scheduling/returning my call..etc. I also LOVE how the team of doctors and providers are to-the-point/efficient and don't waste an entire 50 minutes of my time! I know so many people in useless cycles of therapy that get them no where and drain their wallets.
If you want to get ++ results efficiently and effectively and are willing to try non-traditional methods, pick this provider. If you want to be a snowflake and whine weekly to someone- it's probably not the right place. :)
Marie Lotto
December 2nd, 2025
Dr. Matthew Barrett is truly one of the most exceptional providers I have ever encountered. His dedication, compassion, and genuine desire to help people is evident in every interaction. I’m incredibly grateful for the care and support he provides.
Stel J
September 15th, 2025
I cannot recommend Beyond Mental Health and Dr. Cook enough. This is an exceptional practice. Dr. Thomas Cook is committed to engaging with novel research and treatment - a rare find these days. My life has been improved markedly by his treatment schedule. I highly recommend to any who are seeking a psychiatrist who is up to date on current research and cares about your outcome: this is the provider you have been looking for.
If you value your time, well-being, or peace of mind, I strongly advise against scheduling with this practice.
I consider myself a patient and understanding person, but that patience only goes so far when there’s consistent disregard for a patient’s time and needs.
To begin, in all of my appointments with Dr. Cook he has never been on time. He routinely arrives 5–15 minutes late, and for visits that last only about 10 minutes, it’s frustrating to spend most of that time waiting. It leaves the impression that my care isn’t a priority.
My larger concern, however, is with Beyond Mental Health’s automated phone system and front-desk operations. In just two days, I called eight times and received a single call back. Each time, the automated menu suggests you’ll reach someone, but instead, you’re directed to voicemail with a 24 to 48-hour callback window. This isn’t just inconvenient for patients; it also affects pharmacists and other providers trying to clarify prescriptions or medication issues. On numerous occasions, I’ve been contacted by my pharmacy to reach out to my provider and have them get in contact with the pharmacy because they’ve tried reaching out and haven’t gotten any response.
When I finally did receive a call back, it was clear the staff hadn’t listened to a thing I said in my voicemail. Out of concern for my situation, I went in person to the Hale Pawa‘a office. The receptionist I encountered (short hair, glasses, Mauna Kea earrings) was wearing earphones watching something on their laptop and eating an apple during the first half of our conversation, while I was explaining that this had become crisis matter.
It wasn’t until I asked to speak with the office manager that the issue was suddenly “resolved.” Magically, the medication that had supposedly been delayed for days was “just sent in two minutes ago.” That kind of coincidence raises serious questions about why it took days of calls and an in-person visit to address a basic prescription issue.
To be fair, yes, the providers do ultimately prescribe the necessary medications. But that’s where the quality of care ends. The lack of communication, empathy, and professionalism makes the entire process unnecessarily stressful, especially for patients already seeking support for mental-health concerns.
This practice would greatly benefit from hiring additional providers and reception staff to handle their growing patient load, so providers aren’t chronically late. Moreover, stronger training in communication, responsiveness, professionalism, and bedside manner is urgently needed. Mental-health patients deserve to feel heard, supported, and respected, not dismissed or ignored.