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Dr. Michael Bolton, MD

Dr. Michael Bolton, MD

Psychiatrist
CA
4.72
“Dr. Bolton has been nothing short of amazing. He really cares and it shows in the quality of his work and how he listens and treats me in our sessions.”
Steven L.November 29, 2022
Patients often return
More patients return than other providers in the area
Excellent wait time
98% of patients waited less than 30 minutes

Book an appointment on Zocdoc

The office partners with Zocdoc to schedule appointments
External video visit

Scheduling details

  1. See if they are in network

What patients are saying

Overall rating

4.72

Average wait time

4.61

Bedside manner

4.61
“Dr. Bolton has been nothing short of amazing. He really cares and it shows in the quality of his work and how he listens and treats me in our sessions.”
Steven L.November 29, 2022Video visit
“It was only our first meeting, but Dr. Bolton was clearly knowledgeable. He asked good follow-up questions and also took me seriously. ”
Liberty F.September 27, 2021Video visit

About Dr. Michael Bolton

Focus areas

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Clientele seen

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Individuals

Identity

Gender

Male

Languages spoken

English

Getting to know Dr. Michael Bolton

*Note that prior to the first session taking place with the provider, LifeStance will require a credit card on file. *LifeStance providers do not accept Medicare or Medicaid insurance. If booking with these, you will be unable to be seen. When booking your appointment, please book it using the full name as written on your insurance card. Michael Bolton, M.D., treats adults of all ages. He specializes in issues related to positive psychiatry, well-being, achievement in college and at work, specifically ADHD. As a former interviewer for Harvard and Yale, he is interested in helping others achieve work-life balance and meaning in their lives. His focus on people’s strengths and abilities rather than on their weaknesses is an approach he’s seen lead to greater change and lasting benefits. Dr. Bolton earned his medical doctorate at Yale University’s School of Medicine, earned a master’s degree in health policy and management from Harvard University’s School of Public Health, and completed undergraduate work at UC Santa Barbara. Dr. Bolton attended residencies in psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital, McLean Hospital and at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. He served for two years as a clinical fellow in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He is board certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

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In-network insurances

Aetna
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200+ more in-network plans

More information on payments and coverage

During the LifeStance onboarding process, we will contact you to collect your payment card information. It’s our policy to collect this information and confirm that it is valid prior to your first appointment so that we can simplify the payment process upon completion of your appointment, especially in the case of a telehealth appointment where the traditional “check-out” process doesn’t occur. Important Note: This provider is not currently bookable for new patients with Medicare or Medicaid coverage.

Popular visit reasons

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
New Patient Visit
Prescription / Refill
Psychiatric Medication Management
Psychiatric Medication Review
Psychiatry Consultation
Psychiatry Follow Up
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
New Patient Visit
Prescription / Refill

Education and background

Practice names

Hospital affiliations

  • Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Board certifications

  • American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
  • Psychiatry (American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology)

Education and training

  • Medical School - Yale University, Doctor of Medicine
  • Massachusetts General Hospital, Residency in Psychiatry
  • McLean Hospital, Residency in Psychiatry
  • Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Residency in Psychiatry
  • Harvard University, Fellowship in Psychiatry

Professional memberships

  • American Medical Association
  • Yale University, Winternitz Society

NPI number

1669738274

Patient reviews

All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.72
Wait time
4.61
Bedside manner
4.61
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Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
120 reviews
Most relevant
Great listener! Also very sound advice and he cares about me and my plan
Verified patientVideo visit
Excellent doctor. He listens and tries to find solutions.
Verified patientVideo visit
Dr. Bolton has been nothing short of amazing. He really cares and it shows in the quality of his work and how he listens and treats me in our sessions.
Verified patientVideo visit
My experience with doctor Bolton has not been great, but not terrible either. He did help me in the sense that he suggested reducing my medication, which had absolutely no effect, and less medication is great. He is, however, not all that invested in the lives and wellbeing of his patients. For instance, during one session l told him that my depression was so severe that l was having trouble getting out of bed. He told me to wait it out and see him again in a month. That part was okay, since it was probably the best option. What was not okay, however, was that he cancelled the following appointment just a couple of days before it was to take place, despite the fact that l had been doing very poorly during his last interaction with me. Furthermore, his assistant told me that he would not be able to see me for another month. As if that weren't enough, she said that he "wouldn't be able to give me a refill for my medication, since he only wanted to do that through an actual appointment." When l explained to the assistant that l was almost out of medication, since he only prescribed for a month at a time, she told me that she would "put me on a wait list." I had her contact him and demand a refill. Although he did eventually give me a refill, that was a stressful experience, and it happened more than once. Lastly was the fact that his sessions with me lasted literally no longer than 5 minutes, and he had absolutely no interest in what was bothering me. When he found out that l planned to move abroad and that l would no longer be his patient, he lost what little interest he had had in my issues to begin with. During our last session l told him that l was going through a hard time, but he just ignored me. I timed that last session. It lasted precisely 2,5 minutes. I wonder how much he billed my insurance for that. I am not saying that he's terrible, he's not. But he is by no means your ideal psychiatrist.
Verified patientVideo visit
It was only our first meeting, but Dr. Bolton was clearly knowledgeable. He asked good follow-up questions and also took me seriously.
Verified patientVideo visit
The doctor simply didn’t listen to me. He made me feel silly and ashamed for expressing myself and my concerns about my mental health.
Video visit
I really didn't feel like Dr. Bolton considered me as an individual. I feel like he heard my diagnoses and past treatments and just assumed a lot without asking me about how things were impacting me specifically and what my priorities were in terms of treatment goals.
Video visit
Dr. Bolton is has a great "bedside manner" that is welcoming. In these days of video from home, Dr. Bolton's easy demeanor, wild hair, and perennial football jersey make you feel like you're talking to a buddy rather than laying on the couch talking to a shrink. He is simply awesome at putting you at ease and offering straightforward thoughts while not being preachy or overbearing. If I have a complaint, it would be that Dr. Bolton has never - not even once - been on time. This is, to an extent, the nature of medical care these days. Most of the time he is less than 10 minutes late but has had one or two more lengthy late arrivals. Given his profession though, I generally chaulk it up to "someone apparently needs his attention pretty bad" and don't begrudge it. It's a video call - I just keep getting other things done until he joins the session. He is, by and large, good about acknowledging that he knows you're there. Easily among my better health professional choices.
Video visit
Very concerned and professional
Verified patientVideo visit
Dr. Bolton is extremely personal and relatable.
Video visit
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Frequently asked questions

How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Michael Bolton?

Generally, Dr. Michael Bolton has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Bolton's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.

Is Dr. Michael Bolton accepting new patients?

Dr. Michael Bolton generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Bolton's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.

Does Dr. Michael Bolton accept my insurance?

Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Bolton is in-network.

Can I make an appointment with Dr. Michael Bolton online?

Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Bolton using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.

Which hospital is Dr. Michael Bolton affiliated with?

Dr. Michael Bolton is affiliated with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

What practice does Dr. Michael Bolton work with?

Which board certifications does Dr. Michael Bolton have?

Dr. Michael Bolton is certified by American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and Psychiatry (American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology).

What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Michael Bolton?

Dr. Michael Bolton frequently sees patients for Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), New Patient Visit, Prescription / Refill, Psychiatry Consultation, and Psychiatry Follow Up. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Michael Bolton on their profile.

What languages does Dr. Michael Bolton speak?

Dr. Michael Bolton speaks English.

How do patients rate Dr. Michael Bolton in reviews?

120 patients have reviewed Dr. Michael Bolton. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.72/5. They have a 4.61/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.61/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.

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Zocdoc›Goleta, CA Psychiatrists›Dr. Michael Bolton, MD