When I was a teenager, I was a patient of Ann Gelke. She was chronically disorganized and late for appointments and meetings. She did not communicate well with other people who were trying to coordinate my care. We did not have a therapeutic relationship, but she would not refer me to a colleague. I experienced her as cold and unkind. I never felt listened to or understood by her. I always felt that she had me pegged as a sick and crazy kid who would never amount to anything. In fact, I had a lot of inner strength and stability. I also had clergy and teachers who could have been of support to me. While I was her patient, she told the people who had custody of me that clergy and teachers should not be permitted to visit. The first thing that I did when I turned 18 was get a new doctor. The new doctor recommended against everything that she had recommended for. He recommended for everything that she had recommended against. I am now a successful professional with a stable family. I am glad that her involvement in my life was only 8 months. I pity any child who finds himself in her care. For children in her care, I just pray that you can hang in there until you turn 18. Kids have no choice in these matters. Parents, do not subject your children to this woman. There are other options.
Pros: God knows why, but she has a good reputation
Cons: She is highly disorganized and unreliable. She is a child psychiatrist who does not relate well to kids.
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