Dr. Mark D Snavely, MD

I was referred to Dr. Snavely, a psychiatrist at Aultman, by my primary care physician in late 2024 during a period of significant mental health instability. I was experiencing severe insomnia, anxiety, and rapid mood swings. My PCP believed I needed psychiatric evaluation, and I arrived expecting a structured assessment to better understand what was happening. Instead, the appointment felt unstructured, with little guidance about what information was needed. Given my mental state, it was difficult to know what symptoms to emphasize. I shared that I had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder as a teenager, had ignored it for many years, and was now experiencing symptoms that felt consistent with that history. I also disclosed a strong family history of mood disorders. Dr. Snavely dismissed these concerns, stating that bipolar disorder is not hereditary and that if I truly had bipolar disorder, I would not have come to the appointment voluntarily but would have been hospitalized. My… symptoms, sleep history, and other risk factors were not meaningfully explored. He recommended counseling and prescribed an SSRI antidepressant for anxiety without discussing the potential risk that antidepressants can trigger mania in some individuals with bipolar disorder or considering alternative treatment approaches. I chose not to continue treatment with Dr. Snavely and asked my PCP to manage my care. Shortly after starting the antidepressant, I experienced a manic episode. My PCP recognized the reaction, discontinued the medication, and started a mood stabilizer. The improvement was dramatic: I was able to sleep, my irritability and mood instability subsided, and my overall functioning improved significantly. My concern is not simply a difference in treatment approach. It is that relevant history and symptoms were dismissed, and a thorough psychiatric assessment was not performed before prescribing an antidepressant despite my reported history and symptoms. In contrast, my PCP carefully evaluated the full picture and responded appropriately when complications arose. I believe the lack of a structured evaluation and consideration of known risk factors during my psychiatric visit reflected a concerning lapse in clinical judgment and patient care.

This person is the WORST person I’ve ever seen in the health field! That includes ALL of my health care encounters, and I’m 65 years old. Zero concern, doesn’t listen, interrupts, and prescribes a different medication every month. I have severe anxiety, and he told me that he would not prescribe any meds to help, because they cause dementia, but recommended ECT! My father had ECT, and it fried his brain. He always asks “What questions can I help you with today”, so I asked how can I better deal with this anxiety. Just take the meds was his response and finished the 3 minute visit telling me to reschedule an appointment if I needed anything. I finally found a competent doctor that helped me more in my first visit than this supposed doctor did in 3 years. I HIGHLY recommend that you DO NOT see this person. I’m sorry that I ever went to him.

Until Dr Klapschar recently left the practice, I tolerated the rest of the place. Crossing your fingers every time you left a message on the refill request line etc. But after she left I was told I’d be seeing a “Dr” Snavely. For my first experience with him, I thought my appointment time was 8:30. Apparently it was at 8? Even though their office hours clearly say they open at 8:30. So, I was told I wouldn’t be seen when I showed up at 8:15 that day. Fine. If I’m wrong, I’m wrong. However, when I requested a refill for my anxiety medication I was told he would not send it because he hasn’t seen me. I’d been taking this medication via Dr Klapschar for well over 3 years, but this man, would rather punish a patient that made an honest mistake by refusing them their medication. After being on the phone with the woman that sends refill requests for a while, she was able to get him to send in a partial request. Then comes my next scheduled appointment that same week on Friday at 8:45. I woke… up with a sore throat and low fever. I called at 8:30, when they’re supposed to be open. I got the “this office is currently closed” message until 8:37, when I asked to reschedule, as they do not let you come if you’re sick, obviously. I called today to request a refill till I could see him at my appointment next month that they scheduled me for, and was told he refuses to see me because I “no showed” twice! Interesting… This man is a joke of a Dr, the staff make you feel bad about yourself and I am so happy to have the push I needed to be done with them.

He was literally the worst Dr. I have ever seen. I have never had someone talk to me so disrespectfully in my life...sad he is an Aultman doctor

Great Dr. He is all about treating the patient. I went to him for depression and anxiety and am feeling like my old self. He is very compassionate and helped me understand my condition and the best way to control it.

Dr. Snavely has helped me, and is continuing to help me, get off of some of the medications that are designed for short-term use that I have been on for many many years and have become addicted to without even realizing it. He is the first psychiatrist that I have ever been to that is trying to get me off meds and on the right "cocktail" so there are no habit forming drugs in my medication. He takes the time to listen to what you have to say and works with you to address your concerns.

Worst psychiatrist I have ever seen. These man talked to me like I was trash. I cried the minute I left the office. I would highly recommend going elsewhere!!

I got a referral to Dr Snavely from my family Dr to treat my depression.I was in a deep depression state when I first went to him.He is very good at listening to me describe how I was feeling.he prescribed medication and made follow up appointments until he found the right combination that got me back to not being withdrawn from my family and being sad all the time.I would highly recommend Dr Snavely to treat depression.

Dr. Snavely relocated to another state a few years ago. FYI he is no longer practicing in the SF Bay Area. We all miss him at Herrick hospital.