Dr. Daniel Giacomo, MD

I’ve been seeing Dr. G for over 20 years, even while living abroad and now from Texas, scheduling my visits to Chicago around my treatment. I first visited his Evanston office for MDD, GAD, ADHD, and general life stress. Finding the right psych treatment is both an art and a science—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, as every brain is different. I come prepared to discuss what’s working, trust his expertise, and give feedback when adjustments are needed. Covid made telehealth more accessible, but the consistency of my meds, with some dosage tweaks, has been key. I’m grateful for Dr. G’s dedication; he could’ve retired years ago, but his commitment to helping people remains. Reviews often skew negative when things don’t go as hoped, but I want to share a positive one: Dr. G has helped me get my life back, and I trust his care wholeheartedly. Thank you, Dr. Giacomo and NorthShore for your continued support over the years.

Didn't listen to anything I said. Wrote up a patient summary and literally everything was incorrect. Don't waste your time.

Just piles Rx over Rx Or constant adjustments to dosageWas not receptive to effects as told to him by his patient.

Do not see Dr. Giacomo. He is incredibly dismissive, would not listen to what I said and deliberately misrepresented it. He made conclusions and recommendations without asking any questions about what my last psychiatrist and I had already tried and igrnored what I said about what has and has not worked. He basically treated me like I was an absurd person for even wanting to discuss other options and the notes he left for the next psychiatrist claimed that I said literally the opposite of what I actually said. This will set me back a lot in terms of getting good care. Do not see this doctor.

Recently my anxiety became more persistent during the day. Giacomo suggested switching from alparazolam to lorazepam (slightly longer acting). I was taking 0.5-0.75mg of alprazolam/day. Giacomo prescribed 0.25mg lorazepam/day. Mayo Clinic suggests 2+ mg for an initial dose & equivalency tables show lorazepam is weaker than alprazolam. His staff insisted equivalency was 1:1. (If that was actually true, 0.25mg is still only 1/2 to 1/3 of what I normally take). When I asked for resources to learn more about dosage & equivalency, they refused. They told me Giacomo had 50 yrs of experience & to just trust that. I shared dosage&equivalency sources with Giacomo & asked why he felt they were inaccurate. Again I was simply told he's got 50 yrs of exp. I got a 2nd opinion with psychiatrist who told me it is definitely not 1:1 equivalency. It's not clear whether Giacomo is misinformed & refuses to educate himself on the matter or willfully lies to patients. I recommend avoiding Dr. Giacomo.

When my anxiety increased, Dr. Giacomo suggested changing from 0.5-0.75mg of alprazolam/day to 0.25mg of lorazepam. I was confused because dosage recommendations seem to suggest 2-6mg for lorazepam & equivalency tables suggested at least 1mg of lorazepam is needed to be equivalent to the alprazolam dose I was taking. When I asked about this, his staff got very defensive, asserting he had 50 yrs of experience. I apologized for any offense, & asked for literature about the medicine that showed the equivalency/dosage recommendations so I could be better informed. I acknowledged I'm not a medical doctor & maybe was consulting inaccurate sources. I provided the sources I had relied on. Instead of providing any literature, they ignored me for a week. When I followed up, they stated again that his recommendation was on his experience and multiple academic sources. They continue to refuse to provide any sources that back his claim or to explain why the sources I shared are incorrect.

He. Is. The. Worst. If you're struggling with emotional issues Daniel Giacomo is NOT the doctor for you. Beware of his terrible bedside manner. He could literally care less if you live or die. And don't get me started about his practice manager. I left several messages saying I needed to cancel and yet they STILL charged me for a no-show. You can find much better care looking elsewhere. Save your time, save your sanity and keep away. Trust me! #theworst

Just want to follow up 8 months later. My spouse was hospitalized and subsequently treated by another psychiatrist who got the diagnosis and medication correct. So is doing great, no thanks to Dr. Giacomo. He should retire or try another profession.

This is my second review of Dr. Giacomo. He is terrible. He kept me on Cymbalta when I was bipolar. Ten months after I was hospitalized, I have a new doctor and I am doing well on lithium . Dr. Giacomo needs to stop misdiagnosing patients. Perhaps it is time for him to retire.

Dr. Giacomo was a lifesaver for me. After 40+ years of debilitating insomnia resulting from depression, Dr. Giacomo prescribed a new antidepressant along with another medication, in the smallest dose available, and within a few months I got my life back. He correctly diagnosed my problem, indicating that the antidepressant previously prescribed by another psychiatrist, was probably worsening the insomnia rather than helping. I am forever grateful to him.

This man should not be a psychiatrist. He does not return phone calls, lies about it and when finally tracked down about a serious medical problem was rude and hung up on a patient representative. He prescribed medication that caused a manic episode in a bipolar patient. If I could give less than one star I would.

I was completely misdiagnosed by Dr. Giacomo with ADD. I was even worse than when I first saw him with the med cocktail he prescribed me. Come to find out after seeing another Dr. I was just severly depressed. I would not recommend Dr. Giacomo as he does not take the time to even discuss symptoms etc. Each time I went to his office I timed it. I literally would be there for 10 seconds so he upped or lowered my meds, wrote me a script and sent me on my way. He needs to retire asap.

Terrible. Just terrible. He suggest medication for me without the proper diagnosis. His nurse is the worst, good luck on getting refills because she will give you the run around. They like to see you once every couple of months, even if you’ve been on the medication for 3+years at the same dosage. It’s not worth it.

I just wanted to update a review I left in July, where I gave Dr. Giacomo one star. I have proceeded to file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Professional Services, which is currently pending. So please be aware, if you see this doctor, keep this in mind.

My mom was given an appointment with Dr. Giacomo. I read the terrible reviews in here and was ready to cancel. I am glad we did not. Dr. Giacomo did not greet us or smiled when he walked us in from the reception area. However, once at his office, we was kind, compassionate, professional, thoughtful, listened carefully and considered our opinions for future treatment. Most remarkable was that he referred us to follow up with a sub-specialist for better treatment. Until then he offered his help.

I am disappointed in the care that received. I do not trust this guy -- he always seems bored. He often waits for me to suggest a medication to try. He usually spends 5 minutes with you.

Very very bad doctor. Careless and not thorough. See others.

I'll make this short and brief! All I have to say is, HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE! I waited 4 months to see him and I was 3 minutes late to our appointment and he turned me away! I had made another appointment to try to see him again and I never heard back from him or his staff as that was 3 months ago! Since then, I never heard back from him or his staff with a phone call to reschedule with him! WHAT A COMPLETE WAISTE OF TIME AND SO UNPROFESSIONAL! I WILL NEVER EVER RECOMMEND HIM TO ANYONE! NEVER AGAIN

No, he won't say hello to you or smile when he calls you into his office. BUT, he knows what he's doing with psych drugs. I have medication-resistant depression and anxiety, and he's managed to keep me going for the last ten years or so. He'll give you dosages that the insurance company may not like, and he'll combine drugs in unorthodox ways--and he won't make you wait weeks or months to see if they're working. He's not going to hold your hand but he'll answer any medical questions you have.

If I treated my anxiety with street drugs, I'm pretty sure I'd have a better, closer, more positive relationship and experience with my dealer. Giacomo is the best depressing depression doctor in the universe. He does not smile. He could make a clown frown in 30 seconds. Speaking of short periods of time....my last appointment with him lasted 1 min and 45 seconds. I kid you not. I hadn't seen him in 6 months, and he can't provide prescription refills unless you have an office visit.