Paul V Luisada, MD

Because of their retirements and re-locations, I have seen a number of psychiatrists over the years. Dr. Luisada is certainly the best.

Imagine a doctor's appointment that starts on time! He asks insightful questions and listens to your responses. Not once did I have a feeling that he was in a hurry. Because of my diabetes, I have a long list of meds. He was familiar with everything on the list and offered insights on how the diabetes meds might be affecting my mental health as well. I was indeed grateful that his first response was NOT to over-prescribe.

Several years ago I was a zombie until I qualified for a 6-month study at NIMH, where the list was reduced to one med, with the prognosis that one would be added in a couple years, which happened. Dr. Luisada is in that school of proceeding with "informed caution." His practice is understandably full, but you would be well-served to be his patient.

I became a patient in 1984 when he admitted me to Mt. Vernon Hospital because of intractable panic attacks, agoraphobia and depression. I had seen other doctors and had been previously hospitalized at Georgetown and a hospital in another state (all to no avail). I knew from the moment I met Dr. Luisada that he was exceedingly intelligent and creative, especially with psychpharmacology and he was not afraid to try meds that were used off-label, one of which was a Godsend for me. He has a curious mind and he listens intently to what you have to say. He will not rock the boat by making changes when you are doing well. He understands medication sensitivities and will always give you directions or starting meds very very slowly to make sure there are no reactions which I really appreciate. Being a patient since 1984 might sound like "how good could he be if you still have to go"? It's a testament to how he is not replaceable and I travel quite a ways to see him still because he is the best and he knows my situation better than anyone. For many years I have gone just once a year to get my scipts filled and to catch up. I knew I'd probably have to be on meds for life, although he is perfectly fine with me asking for changes or me wanting to get off a med. i just have chosen, for the most part to not rock the boat with changes. He doesn't do tons of traditional behavoral or psychotherapy (talk therapy), for people who need more of that, he has a nurse/social worker that you can see for that. His expertise is the chemistry of what's going on. Don't get me wrong, he spends plenty of time talking to you, but it's not endless banter about your childhood, it's more abou getting you well faster and he feels that correcting imbalances generally are what does that best. In my experience, I fully agree.

I love that the office has stayed low-tech and nothing really has changed business-wise since I started going. He has also always been reasonably priced, affordable even without insurance. I never have to pay on the way out and they always submit for me.

I am not sure if this review will help anyone as he is close to retirement and he does not see new patients unless they come in via hospitalization. He is a real, old fashioned in-the-trenches doctor, a dying breed of true excellence and dedication to his patients (if the hospital area is snowed in, he will walk through the snow to the hospital to make sure he sees his patients). I thank God for him as I would not be alive without him.

I've been a patient of Dr Luisada since the early 90's. He has always been compassionate, caring, interested and very helpful. I highly recommend Dr Luisada.