Complaint Review: Michael S. Burns There Is Hope Counseling Service Commack - Commack New York

Dear Consumers:

I have been forced to write this negative report about my psychotherapist, due to the unethical and underhanded practices that Michael S. Burns of Commack, NY, has used on me, and apparently others. My first deception came when I went to him and asked him if he was the Doctor and he replied YES!. Later I found out that he is NOT a doctor and is a social worker "specilizing" in addiction and "treatment provider".

Originally, a shoulder injury and surgery led me to a dependency on Vicodin,which became almost impossible for me to overcome without the assistance of a "qualified" practitioner. My behavior on the job and at home became erratic and unmanageable, which made me seek help to preserve my job and get a grip on handling everyday occurrences.

After 8 visits I lost my job and spiraled out of control, without Mr. Burns attempting to intervene with my employer and possibly a leave of absence, which he assured me he would send them a letter, but NEVER did. Upon losing my job, I was in a catch 22 with therapy, since I now didn't have insurance and could no longer afford the much needed detox and behavioral treatment.

My last visit with Mr. Burns was Oct. 8, 2007 and suddenly in late November I received a bill for $269 for so-called missed appointments in August '07. Never once did Mr. Burns mention any missed appointments while under his care, nor did I get a phone call at the time of the alleged missed appointment to see if I was ok. The ONLY appointment I actually ever missed was when my car broke down and I called him when I finally got home at 4:30 to cancel my 6p.m. session. My phone records substantiate this call and, of course, under these circumstances I was unable to give 24 hr. notice that they insisted on. The other contrived missed appointment was told to Mr. Burns verbally during session that I was going on vacation, but Mr. Burns suddenly had no recollection of this since he neglected to write it down.

When I called the office in reference to this bill, they said they would take off the bill for the car break down, but not the other one, even though I explained there was no other one. I received another bill again for the same $269 for both appointments and called them again, which is when they threatened me with Smalls Claims Court. I was served with a summons shortly after for a new total of $369 to appear in 4th District Court in Hauppauge, NY.

When I appeared in Court I put in a counterclaim, so Mr. Burns then withdrew his claim, so I withdrew mine and thought this would be the end of it. A few weeks later I was served with another summons from him, but now for an astonishing $980.10. Due to this absurd amount and continuing aggravation and harrassment, I decided on May 14, 2008 to countersue for LOSS OF WAGES and not providing services needed, as advertised, for the maximum amount.

Mr. Burns was not prepared for my counterclaim and asked for an adjournment until July. It seems that Mr. Burns, according to some clerks, is there often and with many others. It seems he takes advantage of the weak and vulnerable, but MOSTLY the UNINSURED! In the interim, with my family's help and my own determination, I overcame my addiction, but am still out of a job.

Angryrichie

North Babylon, New York

U.S.A.