Hope Horizon

Pros

• Dr Shoaf is described as a breath of fresh air and a clinician who listens and cares.
• The staff are amazing, thorough, and highly capable.
• Carla is a great therapist whom patients would recommend to others.
• Lori is a counselor who makes clients feel supported, listened to, and respected.
• Veronica is wonderful and addresses medication issues with compassion and reason.
• Hope Speaks is described as the best place for mental health, with Dr Shoaf listening and caring and the team as a whole being amazing.
• Dr Shoaf has saved lives and helped patients achieve a joyful, stable lifestyle.
• Sonya is proactive in coordinating treatment and keeping patients updated.
• The clinicians at Hope Speaks are kind, patient, and effective, especially with ADHD and autism.

Cons

• The patient found the practice extremely upsetting and frustrating because there were too many cooks in the kitchen and plans were unclear.
• One reviewer waited over an hour with their ADHD daughter; the doctor claimed no one had informed him they were there, and a new medication wasn't called in.
• The front desk staff were rude and dismissive, making the experience uncomfortable.
• The patient repeatedly did not get to see the same clinicians they requested, and staff often did not inform them about substitutions.
• The psychiatrist was perceived as uncaring about providing the right treatment, leading to switching providers.
• The therapist canceled appointments very frequently, disrupting care.
• A reviewer vowed not to return or recommend the practice after a negative offline interaction with leadership.
• The first encounter left the patient feeling judged and belittled by Dr. Shoaf.
• There were multiple failures in communication, with plans changing without informing the patient.

Review

Across a wide slate of patient voices, Hope Speaks and its leadership around Dr. Thomas Shoaf evoke a complex portrait: moments of life-changing care paired with persistent questions about communication, consistency, and the day-to-day experience of navigating a busy mental health practice. Several long-time patients recount how Dr. Shoaf represents a rare blend of listening, care, and commitment that helped them regain ground after personal storms. One patient described him as a "breath of fresh air" who, after the death of a long-time physician colleague and a personal setback, managed to get them squared away so they could start living again. In those moments, the praise is unequivocal: a sense that the doctor's approach and the team's dedication can feel transformative, offering renewed trust and a path forward when life feels unsettled.

But the praise sits beside repeated cautions about the front-line experience that can color treatment just as much as the care itself. A recurring theme across reviews is the perception of too many cooks in the kitchen: multiple voices, shifting plans, and frequent changes to medications or appointment logistics without timely communication to the patient. Several reviewers describe a stressful process where the plan seems to shift day by day, and crucial updates fail to reach the person who is most affected by them - the patient and their family. The result, for some, is a sense of confusion and fragility right at the moment when clear direction is most needed.

There are also concrete, high-tidelity stories of missteps that leave families frustrated and anxious. One reviewer recounted waiting for more than an hour with an ADHD daughter, only to be told that the doctor had not been informed of their arrival, followed by a weekend medication lapse - a scenario that underscores how a breakdown in scheduling and communication can directly impact a patient's care plan. The sentiment was that two major issues arose in the same appointment, shaking confidence in the flow of care. It's a stark reminder that even when a clinic has outstanding clinicians, the administrative threads must be tight to protect those most vulnerable.

Against these criticisms sits a thread of warmth and effectiveness from some of the counseling team. A reviewer who had gone through couples counseling with Lori found the experience profoundly supportive, safe, and respectful, noting that both partners felt heard and that the environment encouraged honest sharing. Even when the relationship ultimately did not endure, the reviewer valued the guidance received, and would recommend Lori as a thoughtful, compassionate counselor. This testament to the therapeutic alliance illustrates what many patients seek: a sense of safety, trust, and genuine listening, even when outcomes of relationships or life choices are complex.

Within the practice, a familiar pattern emerges around the therapists themselves: Carla, in particular, receives high praise for her work, with reviewers highlighting her as a standout therapist who helped many feel seen and heard. However, a broader critique lingers about the overall patient experience - the reception staff is described by some as unfriendly or brusque, with a few patients reporting a lack of warmth or half-hearted smiles during interactions at the front desk. The tension between the strong clinical care and the administrative tone creates a mixed impression: positive clinical outcomes offset by a feeling that some parts of the patient experience could be more welcoming and responsive.

Among the most powerful testimonials are those of patients who credit Dr. Shoaf and the Hope Speaks team with saving or stabilizing their lives. Several accounts describe him as a clinician who listens, understands, and persists until the right medication and approach are found, with some sharing experiences of dramatic improvements in bipolar symptoms and overall mood. One patient used the phrase that Dr. Shoaf saved their life as they described years of struggling and eventual stabilization into a joyful, hopeful life. The same thread runs through stories about other clinicians - Sonya's proactive coordination with insurance and care, and Veronica's thoughtful management of medication adjustments - both of which patients credit with smoothing insurance hurdles and aligning treatment with practical realities.

Even as the praise for genuine, effective care remains strong, there are voices detailing less favorable experiences with the psychiatric side of the practice. A reviewer described a feeling that the psychiatrist did not consistently pursue the right treatment for their son, leading to a search for alternatives. Therapists' cancellations and gaps in scheduling were mentioned as recurrent irritants, underscoring how reliability and predictability in appointments are essential to building trust, especially for those dealing with delicate mental health issues. Yet alongside this, praise remains for the therapy team's care and the high value many patients place on the consistent presence of clinicians they trust.

Beyond the core clinical relationships, several reviews touch on broader dynamics at Hope Speaks. Some patients celebrate the entire ecosystem - therapists like Carla, Sonya's tireless advocacy with insurance, and a culture of care that extends to family members dealing with autism, ADHD, or psychosis. They describe progress in personal goals and medication management, a sense of being heard, and the reassurance that their clinicians are capable and committed. Others, however, voice concern about unverified information, the potential for patients to be offered alternatives that don't align with their needs, and the emotional impact of not having consistent access to the same providers - the very human desire to "see the same two people" you've built trust with.

Taken together, the reviews paint a portrait of a practice that can be life-changing when the clinical team is aligned, communicative, and attentive. Dr. Shoaf and his colleagues are praised for their empathy, depth of knowledge, and ability to guide patients through challenging cognitive and mood landscapes, sometimes offering a faith-informed or spiritual resonance that resonates with certain patients. At the same time, the patient experience hinges on operations, scheduling, and front-desk warmth. When those administrative threads falter, even patients who otherwise receive excellent medical and therapeutic care can become frustrated, confused, or discouraged about continuing care.

For patients weighing Hope Speaks, the message is nuanced. If you are seeking a clinician who will listen deeply, persist through the trials of finding the right medication, and stand with you through long-term mental health journeys, the practice has a compelling track record. If you are highly sensitive to scheduling reliability, communication about changes, and the consistency of the front-dline team, it's prudent to ask about how plans are shared, how changes are communicated, and how you will be kept informed between visits. In a landscape of strong care and equally strong caveats, Hope Speaks appears to offer a potent blend of life-changing clinical work and a set of operational challenges that patients will want to understand - and navigate - together with the team.

The area of Richardson, Texas where you are considering senior living offers a variety of amenities and services within close proximity. You will find a selection of restaurants ranging from Tex-Mex to fast food options, as well as pharmacies for your medical needs. For entertainment, there are theaters nearby where you can catch a movie. In terms of healthcare, there are several reputable physician offices and hospitals within a short drive. Additionally, there are places of worship for spiritual fulfillment and cafes for a relaxing cup of coffee. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the parks in the area for leisurely strolls or picnics. Overall, this part of Richardson provides convenience and accessibility to essential services for seniors looking to settle into a comfortable living environment.

Restaurants

• Pappasito's Cantina (0.1 miles)
• Waffle O’licious (2.2 miles)
• Guitars & Growlers (2.3 miles)
• Torchy’S Tacos (2.4 miles)
• Braum's (2.5 miles)
• McDonald's (3.3 miles)
• Wingstop (3.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)
• Abrams Royal Pharmacy (3.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3.7 miles)

Theaters

• Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (0.4 miles)
• Alamo Drafthouse Lake Highlands (5.3 miles)
• AMC Theater Northpark (5.6 miles)

Transportation

• Arapaho Center Station (1.6 miles)
• Park Lane Station (5.2 miles)

Physicians

• Eye Care Associates (2.8 miles)
• Eminent Medical Center (4 miles)
• Pediatric Associates of Dallas (4.8 miles)
• Baylor Medical Plaza (5.1 miles)
• The ENT & Allergy Centers of Texas (5.6 miles)
• Elizabeth Jekot Breast Imaging Center (5.8 miles)
• Plano Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center (6.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Episcopal Church Of The Transfiguration (2.9 miles)
• Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church (5.5 miles)
• Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church (5.8 miles)
• Temple Emanu-El (5.9 miles)
• Northway Christian Church (6 miles)
• Redeemer Bible Church (6.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas (4.5 miles)
• The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano (5.8 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (4.6 miles)
• Starbucks (4.8 miles)
• Starbucks (5.6 miles)
• Mimi's Star Cafe (5.7 miles)
• Red Truck Cafe (6.8 miles)

Parks

• R.P Brooks Park (4.9 miles)
• Addison Circle Park (5.3 miles)
• Lochwood Park (6.6 miles)
• Russell Creek Park (6.9 miles)