Dr. Joel Edward Parker, MD

Biased, Unethical, and Deeply Disrespectful Toward Trauma Survivors and First Responders My Independent Medical Examination (IME) with Dr. Joel Parker was one of the most degrading and unprofessional experiences I’ve endured in my years of medical treatment and legal proceedings. As someone who has been evaluated and diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by more than ten licensed physicians, including psychiatrists and psychologists, I was stunned by Dr. Parker’s conduct. Rather than perform an impartial or thorough evaluation, Dr. Parker spent a minimal amount of time with me and swiftly accused me of malingering — a claim that flies in the face of years of documented medical history. His demeanor was cold, dismissive, and clearly aligned with the interests of the insurance company that paid him, rather than with any objective medical standard or ethical obligation. As a first responder, I expected at least a baseline level of respect and understanding for the very… real psychological impact of service-related trauma. Instead, I was met with cynicism and what felt like a deliberate attempt to undermine and discredit the challenges I’ve faced in the aftermath of that service. The lack of empathy and professionalism Dr. Parker displayed is not just unacceptable — it’s dangerous. Thankfully, his flawed and shallow testimony was ultimately dismissed. With the help of my dedicated attorney and an extensive, well-documented medical record, the insurance company ruled in my favor. His report and conclusions were seen for what they were: biased, unsubstantiated, and not reflective of the reality of my condition. No one — especially those who have put their lives on the line for others — should be treated with such disrespect under the guise of a medical evaluation. If you are assigned to Dr. Parker for an IME, document everything, bring someone with you if possible, and be prepared to advocate for yourself against what may be a very one-sided and harmful process. I would not recommend this physician to anyone seeking fair, ethical, or compassionate treatment.

He deserves zero starts. Just wants to drug you up and not help you even though he knows antidepressants have a 50% placebo effect. He also refused to take over all of my psychotropic medications one of which is benzodiazepines which I want to taper off. Tapering is dangerous can cause seizures and even death he washed his hand of dealing with it, He instead told me to get my naturopathic doctor to deal with it. Unprofessional and unethical. He took an oath that he completely broke. Do not go to this Dr. I will be reporting him to the medical board!

He deserves zero starts. Just wants to drug you up and not help you even though he knows antidepressants have a 50% placebo effect. He also refused to take over all of my psychotropic medications one of which is benzodiazepines which I want to taper off. Tapering is dangerous can cause seizures and even death he washed his hand of dealing with it, He instead told me to get my naturopathic doctor to deal with it. Unprofessional and unethical. He took an oath that he completely broke. Do not go to this Dr. I will be reporting him to the medical board!

He deserves zero starts. Just wants to drug you up and not help you even though he knows antidepressants have a 50% placebo effect. He also refused to take over all of my psychotropic medications one of which is benzodiazepines which I want to taper off. Tapering is dangerous can cause seizures and even death he washed his hand of dealing with it, He instead told me to get my naturopathic doctor to deal with it. Unprofessional and unethical. He took an oath that he completely broke. Do not go to this Dr. I will be reporting him to the medical board!

He deserves zero starts. Just wants to drug you up and not help you even though he knows antidepressants have a 50% placebo effect. He also refused to take over all of my psychotropic medications one of which is benzodiazepines which I want to taper off. Tapering is dangerous can cause seizures and even death he washed his hand of dealing with it, He instead told me to get my naturopathic doctor to deal with it. Unprofessional and unethical. He took an oath that he completely broke. Do not go to this Dr. I will be reporting him to the medical board!

He deserves zero starts. Just wants to drug you up and not help you even though he knows antidepressants have a 50% placebo effect. He also refused to take over all of my psychotropic medications one of which is benzodiazepines which I want to taper off. Tapering is dangerous can cause seizures and even death he washed his hand of dealing with it, He instead told me to get my naturopathic doctor to deal with it. Unprofessional and unethical. He took an oath that he completely broke. Do not go to this Dr. I will be reporting him to the medical board!

I've been a patient of Dr. Parker since 2014, and he is a fantastic psychiatrist and human being. Always gives great medical advice, encouragement, ( and what people with depression need most, hope and humor). With his help, I have been able to have a fulfilling and productive life while managing my depression. The staff has been great too.

I've been going to Dr. Parker for a while now and I always love meeting with him. It feels like he really cares about me and asks a lot of questions. I have been to other psychiatrists in the past and I appreciate going to him more than other people because he's funny and friendly. My follow-up appointments are usually fairly quick, but my initial intake he spent an hour and a half with me talking and making sure he understood my past history. I've never had a doctor do that before. He's great. Ignore the bad reviews. Try it out. The receptionist isn't incredibly friendly, but that doesn't bother me, she isn't rude or anything, she's just a quiet person.

Been a patient going on 6 years Dr. Parker has significantly changed my life. Listens to issues at hand..without prejudice. Isn’t flippant in diagnosing.

Follows up after visit? Seriously?? Not unless he can charge extra for that. And his "bedside manner" is similar to that of DMV employee - couldn't care less. Once his paperwork is filled out, off you go. Whether he's helped you is beside the point. He's done enough to charge your insurance company and that's all that seems to matter.