Dr. David Bruce Pollak, MD

I had moved states and had been on my meds for over two years. It was hard work to find what works for me and my previous doctor helped me with that. I tried his services and he wouldn’t listen to me and told me I didn’t know what I was talking about. He wouldn’t even fill any of my medicines. I gave it a try with a good attitude, but after he continued to tell me I didn’t know what I was talking about my patience wore thin. I would strongly advise any one to avoid his service. In the time it took to see him I could’ve found doctors who actually care. Such a waste of time. You got to love it when you wait a month just for an arrogant person to spend 40 minutes talking down to you.

This guy doesn't deserve a job at the VA. He's definitely not there to help. AVOID AVOID AVOID

I've had ADD / ADHD my whole life, and have been on meds off an on as a child and adult. I've gotten meds through the VA with regular check ups with no issues for 6 years. As much as I'd like to be able to deal with this on my own, I need meds to accomplish anything. Dr. Pollak not only told me after reading my chart and hearing a little bit about my life story that I "don't have anything holding me back in life." The more I probed him (mind you he said this 5 minutes into our very first conversation) he spoke over me, insinuated that I'd "get ideas in my head" if he asked me any questions and since I didn't list every symptom when he asked about my background and what I hope to get out of treatment, clearly I don't have any issues. I'm not 21 anymore so gaslighting doesn't work on me. I called him out multiple times, only for him to back track as if "gee this woman isn't as dumb as I thought she'd be!". When I asked to talk to someone else, he said he was the only Dr.… (That's a lie, my therapist confirmed I can transfer to someone else.) Do yourself a favor Dr. Pollak and find something else to do with your life since you clearly don't seem interested in helping people.

Did not care to help at all. Should never be allowed near Veterans. No wonder there are so many suicides at VA clinics every year.

Had an appointment with Dr. Pollak. I told him I wanted to transfer my medications from my civilian Dr. to the VA, because I felt uncomfortable with my previous Dr. He stated he did not prescribe my type of medications. Even after telling him my situation and how my meds help me, he still denied me. Worst experience I have had with the VA so far.

We deserve better care at the VA, my personal believe. Is unfortunate that this “ Doctor” still works there. He makes no effort what so ever to understand you and provide you with any type of guidance or treatment plan. Insensitive, cold and unresponsive. I felt like I wasn’t welcome, I was hoping that after my second visit he would have at least some type of treatment plan or guidance. I understand he’s only there to manage your medication but at least engage with your patients or something, show interest in their chief complaints or just retire. Open up that position for someone that actually wants to be there.

When I was referred to Dr. David Pollak, I was told that he is an expert in PTSD, which gave me hope. He is not welcoming and very cold and insensitive. He showed no genuine interest in my symptoms or with helping me. My session with him set me back and adversely impacted me. The VA should recruit and retain mental health providers that show an interest in veterans and their treatment. Veterans deserve better than what I experienced. Very disappointing experience with him.

Dr. Pollak is the most insensitive psychiatrist I have ever seen. Bedside manners are terrible. I’ve seen him once, and immediately requested a “transfer of care” to a different doctor. He didn’t ask about the severity of my symptoms, he just said that he was taking me off my medication. When I asked why, he abruptly said that he’s not there to make patients happy. I’m a veteran with 21 years of active service, and Dr. Pollak is by far the worst at the VA hospital! I do NOT recommend him.

I went to see Dr. Pollak 1 time and 1 time only. His bedside manner was horrific, and he didn’t explore my symptoms, severity, intensity. When I requested a review of my existing meds due to side effects, he insulted my PCP’s judgment in prescribing and then told me there’s nothing he can do. His great advice for me (repeated 4x in the 15 min appt) was that I need to “practice not knowing.” Awful!