"Not good" is putting it mildly, Yelp. So Yelp has decided that it can't recommend my genuine…read morereview about this loser of a therapist. But Yelp has no problem recommending a ridiculous review from some woman who likes repeating herself and, on another site, refers to this dreadful therapist as "talented." Talented? Really? People who can act and sing and play piano are talented. He does a good of "acting" like a therapist, but the truth is he doesn't know what he's doing, and he doesn't pay attention. It's not a matter of "talent." It's a matter of being genuinely caring and perceptive and thorough. Has nothing to do with being "talented." I also don't remember him as a caring person except when it's about him getting paid. He definitely cares about that. He doesn't possess a natural concern or sensitivity to other people, though he puts on a fine act. I try to understand his reasons for ignoring my complaints about him, and he probably thinks what happened to me was not his fault. I disagree. He's the one who decided I was "bipolar" and set my life in a devastating downward spiral. His arrogant little diagnosis cost me everything, including my enthusiasm for life. Because of his deadly diagnosis, I walked around in a fog for 23 years! That was HIS doing, and he killed my spirit for living. And now many years later, I realize that as a result of his counsel, my life will be cut short. Please spare me of all this "talent." I recall so clearly the day he reassured me, in his tender therapist voice, that it would be safe for me to take lithium, not just for now, but for the rest of my life. It's sickening that he offered this counsel to me without any scientific data to back his claim. That's not how a genuinely caring person would behave. Talk about screwing up a person's life. He ignored what should have been obvious signs to a trained professional that I was suffering from a neurological disorder. Yes, the great (talented, caring) Wizard lacked a basic clue of what he was doing to my life. A distant relative noticed in 5 minutes that I wasn't lifting my heels when I walked, something the expensive (talented) "genius" failed to notice in five years. He completely missed the most important diagnosis of my life and now wants potential suckers (new clients) to believe that he's an astute observer of human behavior and that my "negativity" is the real problem here. I feel sick just writing those words. I wonder how well he would deal with a "professional" whose stupid counsel cost him lots and lots of money, but more importantly, years of life. I wasn't alive while I was receiving his "help." I was going through the motions. Yelp tells me my review is looking epic, while it places it in the unrecommended file. Yelp is in cahoots with this joke of a therapist.

Unfortunately, I experience daily reminders of the damage this practitioner did to my life. I have…read morepermanent health issues, thanks to him, and I live with the realization that not only did I spend a huge amount of money for his worthless services, but that he doesn't care about the damage he did to my life. It is devastating that I put my faith in someone who is such a moral coward that he chooses not to respond in any way to my very real complaints about him. Sorry but I am unable to forgive him for his inept treatment and his decision to pretend that I no longer exist. How ridiculous is it that psychologists are paid so well for doing so little? When I tried to communicate my physical symptoms to him, he insisted that my problems were all in my head. Instead of insights I got insults. What is so painfully clear is that he failed to listen to me. But he actually failed me at every level. Today this practitioner takes NO responsibility for what happened to me apparently because he considers himself above all that. Clearly he wants all of the rewards that come with his work--but not the responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is to confront the long-term damage that he caused. But I understand there's no money involved for this "helping professional" in revisiting the past. Instead of responding to me, he turned his focus to pumping up his online scores--funny how suddenly he received such glowing, exceptional reviews to offset the bad reviews I left. Instead of responding to me directly, he turned his attention to mitigating the damage of my negative reviews. The "P" in his PhD clearly stands for Parasite. Had no idea I was dealing with this kind of person. He did so much more harm than good. I have such a clear memory of him telling me that I absolutely must take lithium, and I am so angry at myself for believing him. This, in fact, was his parting message to me, and I cringe at his laziness. His care took the life out of my spirit and my soul. It deadened me. As he was wrong about so many things, he was completely wrong in his diagnosis and treatment, and I have such profound sorrow that I spent so much money on someone who failed to provide me with any meaningful insights and saw such limited options for me. I wasted my time, money, and energy on this lame and clueless practitioner. His care nearly cost me my life. In fact, I paid for his mistakes and his lousy advice and service in many, many ways. He nearly destroyed my relationships with friends and family and truly threatened my very livelihood. He had a profoundly negative impact on every aspect of my life. Don't fall for his kindness act. It's all part of his caring professional routine, and it is truly only an act. He really is only interested in your money. Anybody can act like a kind and caring person, and he learned that part of his job well. But he is not genuine. Sadly, I cannot undo the damage that he did. It is completely disheartening that he demonstrates not an ounce of concern or regret for the role he played in all of this. He was so careless and negligent in the way he treated me, and I am unable to forgive him. This guy's inept treatment truly damaged me. His careless diagnosis cost me so much and in so many different ways. He harmed me in major ways, and not only does he not apologize, he doesn't even acknowledge his central role in destroying so much of my life. That's 23 years of my life that no one can give back to me. I just wish that alarm bells had gone off and I had realized that this practitioner did not have my best interests at heart. I recall the time I planned an out-of-town trip to see my family. I let him know well in advance that I would be unavailable for our weekly sessions. Yet, his bill showed a full charge for the dates I was away. I told him this immediately, and he looked at me like I should already know that he was charging me to hold the appointment time! Yes, he charged the FULL rate and acted like I should already know this! Charging for missed sessions was something he never discussed with me but felt perfectly entitled to do. This unethical practice is actually a form of stealing. If I had to do it over again, not only would I have not have paid for those sessions, I would have canceled all future sessions. I have serious health issues today because I listened to him and continued to take a drug that numbed my senses and truly poisoned my body. This careless, clueless man completely misdiagnosed me and did a superb job of messing up my life and charging me a fortune. It's his fault that I walked around like a zombie for 23 years.. And as the final insult, he has decided to ignore my anger and complaints. Here's his service in a nutshell: "You're bipolar. You're welcome. That will be $80." Save yourself from thinking that this clueless wonder is in any position to help you improve your life.

I have been a patient of Dr. Ciganek for more than a decade. He has proved a true professional and…read morea committed advocate for health and well-being. I am surprised to be the first to review him, but am honored to give his practice 5 stars! Note: he moved his practice from the Northwestern campus to the Nieman office building a few years ago and also changed his telephone number. It's either VM or pager now.

OK, how often does one get a chance to speak candidly, and this PUBLICLY, about their shrink?…read more I've made calculations, and I'm pretty sure Dr. Ciganek has been my psychiatrist for just over 16 years. I wouldn't want to embarrass this truly gentle man, but I've not had a more caring, attentive and knowledgeable psychiatrist, or any one physician I've seen over any extended period of time. So .... forgive me if I seem a bit smitten, or like a know-it-all. I realize Dr. Ciganic has all kinds of people as patients, with a spectrum and variety of medical situations I would know little to nothing about. As Darkling S. expresses well, and so succinctly, Dr. Ciganek treats the whole person, and considers all aspects of your mental, emotional and physical being in the world. I've only seen Ciganek for prescribing medication and its management; I know he also works with patients as a psychotherapist. I've been in group therapy, individual psychotherapy or counseling with psychologists or social workers I've chosen since I've been under Ciganek's care, and he has worked in tandem with them, when necessary. I used to imagine that only when and if I had a grave, potentially terminal illness would I ever be seeing a top specialist in the Chicago Metro area. Even then, I'd want to interview several of them carefully, with a loved one beside me to help me decide. And though it's true you might feel, due to the personal nature of the specialty, that having a good rapport, and feeling understood by your psychiatrist would be more important than their standing among most peers and patients alike, I have had the good fortune to find both a top specialist in his field, and a psychiatrist who understands me as well as Ciganik does. I've recently faced a complex family crisis, and Dr. Ciganek, right away, recommended I seek psychotherapy. I'm grateful, now, for the insight he had, then -- knowing I needed more than medication at this time, when I'd assumed otherwise. Along with his useful intuition, Ciganek is open-minded and flexible when it comes to considering my quirks and sometimes stubborn need or decision to do things my own way, though he requires we stay in close communication about such agreements, and he's this accessible and dependable in my life. Dr. Ciganek has possibly been the most valuable source of my broader education on how to take the best care of myself I can. Along with being ahead of the curve in the most recent psycho-pharmacology research -- which he obviously considers and advises patients on, wherever applicable -- he is the same when it comes to research on human health likely to affect his patients. This has assured me for a long while that Ciganek's practice is not at all about being a pusher for the pharmaceutical industry. He's an independent professional, and respects my independence. That being said, he has finally gotten through to me on the things I've always been most disinclined towards, like the importance of keeping a regular schedule -- and how sleep is an especially critical aspect of this, affecting everything about a person's life. ONE EXAMPLE: this doctor -- my psychiatrist -- not my internist, and not the nutritionist I saw for six months, told me about the lack of sleep affecting weight, and that was eight years ago, long before studies only recently in the news showing sleep loss can actually lead to gaining weight. Ciganek also knew long before I did that sleep apnea was probably one of the factors behind my problem with fatigue -- that it was not ALL due to my sleep disorder. Then, about three years ago, I began waking up with horrible, horrible headaches most mornings, which it would take a few hours to shake off -- and I've never been one to suffer headaches. I was even more upset to learn, then, that these headaches were due to a nightly loss of oxygen! So FINALLY, after maybe twelve years or so of my insistent conviction that the use of a mask and loud noise of a C-PAP machine couldn't possibly be tolerable, it has more or less become so. (I should have listened to my doctor ....) FINALLY: I recently read that many people don't realize patients suffering from chronic pain -- caused by all kinds of conditions -- and people in clinical pain management programs, are often treated with, and benefit from, the skilled use of medications -- such as anti-depressants, anti-seizures, and others -- involving the brain's chemistry. (You're not imagining it, but it IS in your brain!) Dr. Ciganek has continued to surprise and impress me with this and many other aspects involved in appreciating all that a great psychiatrist can do.

Some time ago, we (a family member and I) have attempted to contact Dr. Elligan four times (five,…read moreactually, but one call may have been to an outdated phone number) to find out if he was accepting new patients. We have left voice mails each time. The last attempt was made via the "contact us" link on his website. This message explained the situation, including the effects of not receiving any response to our inquiries, and I asked him to contact my family member directly. I held off writing this review for a couple of MONTHS, just to give him a chance to respond to that last message. We have received no responses to any of our attempts. I understand that the COVID situation has turned the world upside down and a lot of people are seeking treatment, but all we were looking for was a simple reply. It is very difficult to ask for help--and being ignored makes it that much less-likely that my family member will reach out again.

I saw Dr E based off the yelp reviews here in a troubled marriage situation ... I could not have…read morebeen happier to find him! Things in my mind were super complex and he helped me peel the onion one at a time. I did end up getting divorced but Dr E was always available when I needed an independent ear to talk to and bounce ideas off. I could not have come out of this situation "saner" without him. Thanks for everything Dr E!

Dr. John Allen is an excellent therapist. I've seen him for many years! He's very attentive,…read moreprofessional, and caring in his approach.

Dr. Culver is awesome! He has been my sons therapist for years and can really relate to his issues,…read moreneeds. Mrs. Irman has a great art therapy class. They are bringing in new therapists and starting group therapies that benefit kids of all ages. Great place for kids with autism to work on their problems. We need more places like this!! Dian B.

Dr. Culver has been working with me for over 6 months. I cannot begin to describe the positive…read moreimpact he has facilitated in my life. He has been the catalyst to my self discovery and self care. Our sessions are comfortable, easy, open and without judgement. He provides insight and direction that lead me down my own path of revelation and heeling. His care and genuine investment in my well being is evident in his attitude and his passion for the work he does. He is approachable and compassionate while being honest and direct. I have not worked with any other members of his staff, but I am confident that he would only employ like minded professionals.

Ready to hear the truth? It's not always easy to hear from your friends or family, but from Dr. Z…read moreyou know it's coming from a good place. Dr. Z will give you honest-to-goodness, applicable advice. If you're ready to get better, call her today.

After seeking help for depression following my divorce, my trauma symptoms were diagnosed as…read morebipolar disorder. I spent the next 25 years medicated, confused, and increasingly isolated. I lost years of my life and much of the optimism and joy I once had. I am finally getting help that better fits what I believe was the real problem, but I can never recover the decades that were lost. While my former therapist has moved on with her career, I am still living with the consequences of those years. That is a devastating reality, and I would want anyone considering treatment to know my experience.

I am a airline pilot and was diagnosed with depression I lost my medical certification and the FAA…read morewanted an evaluation from a psychiatrist. I went to Dr Henry for my evaluation. Dr Henry was professional honest and very detailed in his evaluation, his report was send to the FAA and upon their review my medical certificate was issued.

Dr Stafford Henry has a friendly, personable, likable character. He has a lot of educational…read morecredentials in the field of forensic psychiatry. Don't be fooled by this. I came across him when IDFPR requested a psychiatric evaluation. I filed a police report of break ins. He rewrote the police report (my complaint of break ins) into a psychiatric condition that caused my loss of livelihood. The half page complaint of break in turned into 13 pages. His written report was confusing, not truthful. He writes like a schizophrenic. This is really scary, since he is an MD and prescribes controlled substance drugs. (His writings is a reflection of his beliefs). He wanted me to pay him, in addition to payments made to him by IDFPR. Perhaps, if I paid him at that time, I would not have lost my source of livelihood. He is not transparent about the diagnostic tests and how he arrives at his conclusions. (For centuries, psychiatric diagnostic tests are top secret. They utilize word and picture games.) To conclude, he practices psychiatric consumer fraud, since his evaluations are not based on facts and sciences. He is licensed to practice this way.

Brian is a truly wonderful therapist and so glad I had the opportunity to work with him. His…read moreknowledge is vast on anything from medications, medical conditions, etc to providing tools and exercises to help me navigate day to day life. Brian is positive, compassionate, and very easy to talk to while also asking thought provoking questions and peeling back the layers of my underlying issues. Highly recommend his therapeutic approach to anyone suffering or in need of a professional to talk with.

Dr. Stone will forever be one of the most influential parts of my mental health and outlook on…read morelife. From our first few meetings, he was able to help me open up and think through things in ways I never knew were possible. He listens, truly cares, and empowers me to become a better version of myself, but has a way of doing so organically. He's extremely talented with a real, genuine, and refreshing perspective on life in which he instills in his patients. I've already sent dozens of friends and colleagues his way but I wanted to make sure I was able to share my thoughts online to those of you who I will never get to meet!