Joseph James Sivak's Online Review Report Card

Dr Sivak ruined my life. I sought psychiatric care after suffering horrible panic attacks. He was a resident at the time. In upstate NY. My sessions with him were scary. Being vulnerable, he somehow convinced me that I had been sexually abused. I had not been. After he left the University, I had to seek help to try to get over what he had done to me- psychologically. It was a horrible time for me. ...

This doctor is completely unfit to be in this field. I saw him in 2010 and he misdiagnosed me with bipolar disorder, and proceeded to put me on several very impairing medications that made everything so much worse. I was a mess already, and completely changing all of my medication caused me to almost lose my job. After that, everything spun out of control. My fiance and I split, because neither one of us could handle my condition. At this point, I just sunk into a depression and couldn't get out. I felt like a failure at life and was almost disconnected from reality due to the medication. Fast forward- after my life literally collapsed around me, I moved and eventually found a very observant psychotherapist who diagnosed me with ADHD- combined type. I was also on the more "severe" side of the spectrum. With proper medication, I have been able to go back to school for accounting and move into my own place- something I never could have imagined before. Long story, but I wanted to share my experience to warn others about this. Another fun fact: in one session, I was explaining something (in tears), and the doctor looked down at me and says "Get over yourself!" Wow. Maybe you should take a look in the mirror.

In the beginning sessions he seemed to be empathetic but at our last session he turned on me and said it was my fault and that I enjoyed causing turmoil in my marriage. So far from the truth as I do not like controversy and prefer peace. He was unfriendly at that visit. I didn't go back.

The worst Dr I have ever seen! Don't waste your time.

Knows his stuff, but is not the warmest individual -- I guess that doesn't matter as long as he knows his field, but his demeanor does not necessarily encourage patient trust. A little background research revealed a Twitter account where he articulates some fairly contentious political views. I'm not sure someone in his profession should be engaging in that kind of polemical exercise, regardless of one's party affiliation. As a citizen, he has every right to do this, I guess, but I don't believe it is the wisest decision on his part. More than a bit of a narcissist, he could also use some spelling lessons.

Very great doctor. Knowledgable, on top of his game. Made me feel there was hope for my life long depression. Highly recommend

Dr. Sivak did not listen to me and actually made me feel worse when I went to see him. He prescribed me some very powerful medications that made my condition worse and then basically blamed me for the problem. Since going off the meds he presribed, I am so much better. He has no bedside manner and did not listen or seem to care about me as a human being whatsoever. Would not recommend this doctor to anyone, not even an enemy.

Absoulutely a great and skilled psychiatrist. Looks at the whole picture. The most knowledgable physician I have ever known. Helps immensely to understand mental health issues.