Dr. James Samir Mcdonough, MD

Avoid Advanced Behavioral Health, Dr. McDonough. During this time of a National Pandemic, one would think those in the mental health care industry would be extra concerned about their patients. However, I spent 13 days and at least 20 phone calls trying to get my daughter’s medication refilled. The office voicemail basically belittles their patients’ needs by saying, “we realize we are behind on refills and apologize for the inconvenience “ as if those calling were requesting a meal that they had run out of instead of medications that keep some patients from spiraling into major depression or even violent mood swings. When I finally got a call back, I was told the refill would be sent that day, yet it never was. Thankfully, Dr. Shah at Premier Medical, our GP, agreed to send in a rx for her medication and take over monitoring it. I will never again use Advanced Behavioral Health and I will be filing a complaint with the board.

I would highly recommend Dr. McDonough. He is a caring and compassionate doctor. He is also extremely intelligent. I saw him for about a year (until I moved) and he helped me a great deal.

Had to wait six or seven weeks for my initial visit. At my second visit, the doc competely shut down when his computer shut down; the visit was ended early, and my follow-up concerns weren't discussed. EVERY time I have an appointment, it is rescheduled by the staff the day before. For example, the follow-up appointment that I made six weeks prior is confirmed the day before, then a couple hours later, I receive another call to reschedule the appointment because the doctor is all of a sudden not going to be in the office. My options for rescheduling are either at a ridiculous time, like, this time, at 6:20 pm the day after my scheduled appointment, or the next available is three weeks later! Again, this happens EVERY TIME! I've been a patient for six months. In Lake county, the options for shrinks are few and far between. I used to see a good one, but now he's only a hospital shrink. Dr. McDonough did not do any written tests to determine what psych problem I have. At the… follow-ups, we do not discuss my concerns. My biggest complaint is the scheduling, especially because I have anger issues. Plus, I've asked for referrals to psychologists, which I've yet to receive.

He would be better if he could even pretend to remember his patients, instead of reading the chart as he asks questions and cutting off their answers with his next question.

Very professional. Has been a great help to me. Could spend more time with me.