Dr. Marcia Therese Sawa, MD

I've seen Dr. Sawa for therapy/med mgmt - 1st when I first gave up on going it on my own with "lack of motivation" (and she told me 1st session - yeah, you have depression, deal with it). And then during my midterm depression after I was treated and being managed, but had a really bad point. Dr. Sawa is not going to tell you what you want to hear. She tells you what is real. If you have a problem with that, get a better therapist. She basically straight up told me what was wrong and what I needed to do. Did I like it? Heck no. Did it work? Heck yeah. If you are straight with yourself and want real feedback that will help you live your life better, see Dr. Sawa. If you are sensitive, if real feedback gets you down, don't see her. I'll take 10 of her vs. the therapists/psychs that tell you what you want to hear. My mom had that, and because she was getting reinforcement from her "therapist", she had someone telling her she was right that everyone was out to get her and she… deserved better people in her life. Guess what? Now she has nobody. Great job, therapist - hope the money was worth it. Meanwhile, Dr. Sawa is making people better. You want to be better? Go in with an open mind, listen, and learn. And then go do what she says.

You gave four stars to a doctor that hasn't bothered to return multiple calls from your therapist? You have to be joking. That's incompetence and neglect. Get a new doctor - that should never happen.

I’ve been seeing Dr. Sawa for six months, and I’ve been pleased with my experience so far. She’s had to tinker with dosages and types of medication, but that’s par for the course with psych meds. I’ve never felt like the changes she recommends are forced on me, and more importantly, I feel heard when I tell her about my experiences or side effects with the drugs she prescribes, and she helps me adjust accordingly. I haven’t experienced the questioning or judgement others have expressed. She comes across as very matter-of-fact, but to her core I feel like she is genuinely looking out for my well-being. When you catch her on a good day, she has a pretty great dry wit. Only downside I’ve experienced is that she is difficult to reach by phone. I tried to connect her with my therapist, and even after a release was signed, Dr. Sawa never returned any of my therapist’s calls. I also reached out to discuss a non-urgent issue, and she never responded. Overall, she’s a good,… capable psychiatrist. Having a doctor you trust with your mental health is crucial, and so far I’m happy to be under Dr. Sawa’s care. Office staff at Meridian is terrific.

Get a second opinion.

Admittedly, I was dreading my first appointment after reading the reviews; however, I didn’t have any issues with Dr. Sawa. Is she the warmest doctor in the world? No. She does have a bit of a poker face, and she’s pretty matter-of-fact and clinical in nature. Her focus is on medication management, so she’s going to have a relatively objective lens on the diagnosis front. I think she has room to demonstrate a little more empathy towards her patients, but so far I think she’s a good doctor. During my initial visit, she took the time to discuss everything from my medical history to my personal background to my sleeping habits. I didn’t feel rushed, and I think she took the time to really think about a treatment plan, and she discussed a couple different medication options. She didn’t strike me as judgemental or cruel—just a little dry. While I don’t doubt other patients had valid and difficult concerns with her—particularly with something as sensitive as psychiatric care,… personally, I think I’m in good hands. Also, the office staff at the practice where I saw her downtown is wonderful. Friendly and efficient from initial intake over the phone to my first experience walkingnin the door.

My wife was admitted for sudden onset of anxiety and cognitive issues. She had recently went on blood thinners and her blood loss during her period increased dramatically. I pleaded with Sawa to consider the thinners as a possible cause for her current mental state. She shrugged that off as not a possible cause and told me to talk to her other doctors (which I did to no avail). What we didnt know at the time was she was in hypovolemic shock (loss of too much blood) which can cause anxiety and cognitive issues. We didnt get the help we needed until later when she lost consciousness and was rushed to the hospital where she received a transfusion. Ever since the transfusion she's been back to her normal self. If Sawa had just given it some thought we might have avoided expensive hospital stays and pysch meds that were completely unnecessary. Try listening to your patient once and a while and you may be able to help them.

Please know that Dr. Sawa's nastiness has been reported to the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation, NorthShore Medical Group and her department chair. They will likely fail to act. I hope I gave her a bad night or two.

Rude. Only talked to me for 10 minutes before starting to berate me. Did not make me feel calm or in good hands at all. Seemed like she was annoyed to even be around me. One of the worst experiences with a "doctor" that I've ever had.

I have been seeing Dr. Sawa for over a year now. Like most everyone else, my condition is complicated so I appreciate a doctor who'll take the time to listen and think. Dr. Sawa is down to earth and very easy to talk to. She listens well and is very intelligent. She's willing to discuss how to proceed and doesn't attempt to dictate. If I bring in news of recent research in the area, she's never threatened or insulted. I trust her judgment.

Had to switch doctors because of insurance change. Sawa didn't listen to a single word I said and wanted to change all my medications that I know work. I begged her not to, but she refused to listen to me. I will not return.