Queensland Specialist Centre - Woolloongabba, Queensland

Jarryd

The team at Qld Specialist Centre have been kind and accommodating to me since I was first referred to them for treatment. Dr Ragu always gives me the time of day to discuss in depth my progress as well as answer any questions that I may have. He's an excellent psychiatrist and I would happily endorse him.

Maree H.

Dr Ragu is a great doctor. He's kind and genuinely cares for my health and well-being. I have been seeing him for more than 3 years and I have nothing but praise for him. The admin staff are also caring and welcoming on my visits to the practice. 100% recommend

Riv

For anyone who wants to vouch for your own care, is young and inexperienced with navigating the mental health system (like I was), or is seeking a diagnosis for a disorder, I can't recommend QLD specialist centre. I'd give this place zero stars, but that would be a disservice to the lovely reception staff, who were always helpful. For the context of this review, I'm assigned female at birth, said I went by they/them at the time (which was never used), and a preferred name (also never used). I'm 21 now, but was 19 when I started. I'm also not trying to elevate this further, I'm just giving an account of how I was treated.

I saw Dr Ragu for about a year and a half, and I have never felt more disrespected by a doctor. I came in seeking an ADHD diagnosis (primarily amongst other things), and prepared as much as I could for the initial visit, only to be told the Dr didn't want to look at my notes, and that I was likely just anxious because, said verbatim: you're Greek, Greeks have anxiety. I didn't even think Greek people got discriminated in Australia anymore but this man managed to prove me wrong. I'm honestly impressed! This should have been my first red flag, but, being 19 and seriously needing mental health help (hence why I was there), I didn't realise I could just quit and find another.

I ended up convincing him that no, I do need an ADHD evaluation, but not before he also got me to agree to an autism evaluation. Fortunately, I'd suspected as much, but this wasn't the end of the unwanted procedures. I understand that this is a TMS clinic, but I'm pretty receptive to medication. I'd explained this, and my background, and yet every. Single. Goddamn. Session. He would suggest it. I knew what it was, I'd had many friends and family who'd gone through it. It's a last resort, it's pricey when not subsidised, and time-consuming.

Every time, I'd say no, I don't have time. Or, I'd say, no, I don't have the money. When I brought up the latter, I was offered a DISCOUNT for a GOOD REVIEW. That's so shonky. So gross. When I'd run out of excuses, I tried telling him I just didn't want it, it was wholly unnecessary for my treatment. This was ignored, and I'd have to go through the whole charade every session. I can't imagine how stuck others feel, who aren't as stubborn as I am, because by the time I switched, I was seriously at breaking point. Dr Ragu was so negative towards medication, often remarking that I'd gain weight (I've struggled with disordered eating in the past, dude) or that it wasn't as effective as TMS, and would try to get me off it. Prior to seeing him, I'd been on an anti-anxiety med for over a year. He didn't give me enough information for me to wean off safely. Wasn't given an info sheet, replacement to control my anxiety, or any support. Same was found when I was switching between drugs. I was just given verbal instructions that I promptly forgot. Bet you guys can guess what I was offered in exchange! (Spoiler; TMS).

In my second-last session with him, I disclosed that I'd been having awful compulsions, and OCD was suggested alongside medication. The next session, he immediately suggested TMS to replace the medication I'd JUST adjusted to and reported amazing results with. I understand that TMS is effective, but is it not enough to say that I don't want it, especially when I'm already getting results? I felt so boxed in and like eventually my treatment was going to be cut short unless I wanted to do TMS.

I'm not saying that Dr Ragu is bad for everyone, I'm super happy for those who have had good experiences with him! But he crossed too many boundaries and was so dismissive of my actual problems that every good he's done for me has been cancelled out.

Jasmin A.

I am incredibly grateful for the support and guidance I’ve received from Dr Ragu. His compassionate approach and deep understanding of my needs has made a significant difference to bettering my mental health. Dr Ragu takes the time to listen and creates a safe space for me to express my thoughts and feelings. The staff are always kinds and friendly, I highly recommend Queensland specialist centre to anyone seeking support for mental health.

Sophie P.

Dr Jha is an excellent psychiatrist who has been understanding and listening to my concerns. He offers solutions most relevant to my situation to assess their impact in a way that is manageable and has already demonstrated highly positive results in improving my daily life. He is very engaged and makes appointments comfortable for me.

The bookings and reception team have also been wonderful at ensuring bookings are in place and all payments are dealt with in an efficient and timely manner.

Communication has always been prompt and I have yet to have any concerns throughout my time seeing them so far.

Ozi

Dr Jha has changed my opinion about Psychiatrists altogether.

First of all, he's really down to earth, friendly, and very easy and pleasant to talk to, which I have rarely witnessed during my previous experiences with other specialists in the field. This is very important, especially if you're going there as someone with Anxiety and having issues with social interactions.

Secondly, he's very empathetic, patient, and people oriented. He will make himself available by bending over backwards and do his best to arrange an urgent appointment if needed. He will take all the time you need to address your various issues and won't leave you stranded even if you run out of your allocated appointment time.

Especially, having ADHD, I have usually been very confused and scattered about the matters that needed attention during my appointments with him but he has been very professional and handled my concerns thoroughly with a very calm manner, which I cannot appreciate enough!

Finally, he's surrounded by a great team: lovely Sharon and Lisa at the reception, Priya and Shrey running a tight schedule with an outstanding attitude at TMS, and Matt Hand as my psychologist and his assistant Chris, completing the excellent service I receive at this practice.

I cannot recommend every single professional involved in my treatment highly enough!

Christopher W.

I am very grateful for Queensland Specialist Centre helping me on their most professional, efficient, helpful service from their receptionists and phychistrists.

I would strongly recommend this practice to anyone. The staff made me feel welcome and their understanding for my needs was better than any public psychiatrist I have been to before. Once again a huge thank you to QLD Specialist Centre on my return to work recovery.

I am now working as a Heavy Combination Semi-Trailer Professional Truck Driver.

Thank you once again to all the team at Queensland Specialist Centre Woolloongabba

Deads M.

Dr Ragu was absolutely wonderful he displayed an elite level of professionalism ,balanced with his friendly nature. He is well spoken, genuinely kind and welcoming instantly making me feel comfortable. His explanations were clear and well presented, he took the time to understand my concerns and didn’t dismiss me allowing for discussion and alternatives that might best suit me. I’m excited to continue working with Dr Ragu as I feel overall heard understood and safe with his guidance. I’d give more stars of if I could!!!
LM