Dr. Michael Allen Posternak, MD

Excellent

Excellent doctor. Finally put on correct meds

He takes the shame out of crazy. Thank you Dr Posternak for helping me with anxiety issues. You've helped me immensely.

Not very friendly and seemed disinterested. Appointments are short. Forgets things previous sessions. Should look into improving his people skills at least.

No beside manner. Very cold & just sent me out of the office w a medication that made me sick as a dog because it was way too strong for me. I do not suggest going to him at all!

Dr. Posternak is a wonderful doctor. He is very easy to talk to, really listens and works with you as an individual. His approach is much more in depth than the stereotypical psychiatrist. Dr. Posternak takes the whole picture into account - symptoms, life situations and side effects when devising a treatment plan. His calm demeanor impressive depth of knowledge inspires confidence. I have been seeing him for a few years and wouldn't consider seeing anyone else.

I have been seeing Dr. Posternak for quite some time now and think the world of him. He is part of a team of doctors who has worked very, very hard to bring me back to "life" after I suffered a major trauma and became, basically, nonfunctional. I have always found Dr. Posternak to be approachable, pragmatic, non-alarmist, caring and supportive. His calm and direct demeanor, coupled with his knowledge and experience, inspires tremendous confidence, the importance of which should not be underestimated in the mental health world. Confidence that this person is going to be able to help you when you are in a place that you never imagined you'd find yourself is very, very important. I would literally trust anything that Dr. Posternak told me to do in order to improve my mental health--and, in fact, I trusted him wholeheartedly in undergoing a much misunderstood (by the public at large) treatment for MDD. He was 100% correct in his assessment of my condition and in what he thought that… the outcome from the treatment would be. He continues to follow me and has worked with me to get medications "right", which can be a trying and ongoing process for some. He also works very well with my husband (who also thinks he's fabulous) and with my other doctors when situations requiring either his or their intervention(s) occur. My family and I are incredibly grateful that there are doctors out there like Dr. Posternak who are knowledgeable, kind, caring and effective. I would refer (and have referred) Dr. Posternak to everyone I know with no reservation or hesitation.

I haven't experienced what the other posters here have noted. In terms of warmth and reachability that probably has more to do with the fact that Dr. Posternak is a Psychiatrist and not a therapist. Psychiatrists generally recieve limited training in therapy and view things from a more biological standpoint. And given that when reading his bio he is more of an academic, the coolness in personality some patients experience makes sense. If in depth therapy is needed you will need a therapist as well, as this is not his expertise (nor does he really claim it to be from my experience). I have found him to be approachable and friendly, but definitely has a more "scientist" personality for lack of a better term. Overall though, he is sincere and an excellent doctor. He is very well informed on medications and newer combinations as well as in symptoms and side effects. Also does not attach a pathology to every single thing, either, which is refreshing.

I agree that this Dr. may not be the warmest or easiest to reach, but he is extremely helpful with medication and knowledgable. He always listens to any questions or concerns and is always responsive. Is also interested in what is happening in the patient's life and doesnt' just push you out the door. He is direct and to the point, which is offputting to some. Overall an excellent Doctor but not one for someone looking for a more warm and fuzzy type.

Competent and, generally, well informed on the "state of the art" (Clinical, Refractory MDD with two, simultaneous complicating additional DSM conditions).Sincere, though terse, which I find rather commonplace at Harvard programs. This is neither an especially friendly nor warm psychiatrist but that does not prevent him from deserving and receiving, high regard in his field.Dr. Posternak is not a good "starter" doctor, rather, one for those who have been in treatment for a time and are not burdened by thoughts or hopes of a quick cure.While, clearly, highly qualified, this is a personality that is hard to reach, which I, personally, find work that I resent having to do in my condition.Meeting half way would be more equitable, it seems to me.