Dr. Howard David Isaacs, MD

Pro: On my first visit, he spent a full hour with me. Cons: In order to work with this doctor, you need to know exactly what your symptoms are and the things that you are thinking and your conclusions about your experiences need to be straightforward, consistent, and simple. I do not write this review to trash this psychiatrist, but because this is the information I needed to know before selecting him. Experience: I told him from the very beginning of my session that I get tongue-tied around psychiatrists and he told me that was fine. However, in reality it was not fine. When I told him that I was afraid of telling him incorrect information because I’m not very good at assessing and remembering my mental states and I was afraid of overemphasizing or underemphasizing certain events in my mind to fit a diagnosis, he told me that he didn’t know what I was talking about and to just answer the questions. He used the DSM5 to ask his questions and refused to stray from them and refused to assess what my answer should be based on the information I was telling him — he absolutely required that I give him the direct answer to the question and that I figure it out on my own no matter how much I thought a simple “yes” or “no” was too difficult for me to easily summarize my experiences. When I told him I wasn’t sure how often “often” was in context of the questions he was told him that this wasn’t difficult and it’s either I experience my symptoms “every few years” or often, as if there was no in between. When I told him that I already knew the DSM5 questions on my disorder and I was afraid that my knowledge of what answers would lead to what result would influence my answers, he said he didn’t know why that would be and to just answer the questions. When I told him I felt when the pandemic hit and I switched to virtual learning in school, my medication was less effective for me, he asked me what it was about the pandemic and virtual learning that made it harder for me to focus even on medication; and seemed completely mystified about this very common situation. When he grew irritated with me with me thinking deeply about each question he asked, trying to make sure I gave him the most honest answer possible, I told him it was because he wasn’t allowing me to add any complexity to my experiences or conclusions and was trying my best to be accurate. He told me that most of his patients could answer his questions easily and he didn’t know why I was having trouble, even though having trouble with decision-making and memory (especially in stressful situations) is a hallmark of my disorders. I began to nervously laugh because I felt like this session was going so badly and he was making me feel like such a burden and he seriously asked me if I was getting amusement out of confusing him. Near the end of the session, I decided to give my first-instinct answers to his questions because I knew that was the only way to push forward with the session, even if all of my answers may not be accurate (which I don't think they all were in hindsight) and he even grew suspicious of that, that I may be telling him what he wanted to hear instead of just giving in and trying to comply with the rigid instructions and criticism he had been giving me for most of the session. At the end of the session, he said that he didn’t feel comfortable refilling my prescription that is pretty crucial to my daily functioning because he didn’t get through all of his DSM5 checklist questions (implying that it was my fault because my indecisiveness slowed down the process). I felt like sobbing on the bus ride home because of how misunderstood I felt and how much he made me feel like I failed a test. I think his approach will work for a lot of people, but it didn’t work for me. The session was everything I feared it would be working with an older psychiatrist. His methods may work for a lot of people, but I need a psychiatrist that isn’t rigid in his approach with patients and will work with them to develop an approach and way of communication best suited for them instead of expecting them to conform to his expectations. I need a psychiatrist that doesn’t talk down to me and has emotional intelligence and experience with my disorder, one that is willing to treat me like a whole person instead of simplified responses on a checklist, and I don’t think this is the right psychiatrist for that.

Dr. Issacs is a godsend. He spends about an hour with me and has been extremely helpful. After my long time doctor passed, I spent 2 years searching for a competent psychiatrist. These days doctors try to see as many patients as possible in a workday. Most are all about the money. Dr. Isaacs is a highly experienced compassionate person. Thank you doctor.

Truth, when I met Dr ,Howard. Dam what his look and that office I thought I was of two but house But seriouslyseriously ,He a great man and his physician is here two help u not humor u and Dr Howard don't have much humore !But I been going to home last passed 5years and I thank him for his truth and help. He will tell u what u may not want two here but. It dose payoff at the end Thanks Dr Howard for all you help me with.

This is a pvt home office. It is quite run down. There is a distinctive pet odor. Appointment availability is limited. As far as pharmacological background: questions regarding medication side effects, interactions, timing, dosage, are rarely answered. Most of my medications were prescribed by prior diagnosticians and I've initiated any changes. The Dr. has strict office procedures and protocols. Failure to comply elicits a rude and condescending reaction . Do not expect him to exceed the allotted time. You will be charged for a missed appt, which is fair. On occasion there have been interruptions caused by the answering machine. Rarely the Dr. has even taken a quick call. Most problematic is the lack of continuity. Whether its poor memory or poor notes, the Dr. never seems to remember where we left off. He is also very rigid in his treatment methodology and becomes very irritated by what he considers failure to follow through.

I have to admit I've been a "Manhattan Snob." Being a clinical social worker in my home borough of the Bronx has brought me into contact with lots of incompetent, if not dangerous psychiatrists; I consider Howard Isaacs a gift. He's an excellent clinician who actually listens to his patients and his grasp of medications and their nuances is assuring...So, I have learned, not to judge a clinician by their address! (LOL!)