J Richard Gallagher MD

“Dr. Gallagher is the kindest, most empathetic psych professional I've ever encountered. He listens, and tells you that only you can know what meds will work for you. He has the DSM and every psych journal memorized, and he's never let me down. Even though I have to pay him out of pocket, I'll keep seeing him until he retires. He genuinely cares for his patients.”

“On April 17 2023 my husband and I visited Dr Gallagher so that my husband could be evaluated for dementia. We were surprised when, during the visit Dr Gallagher said that there were no genetic factors involved in Alzheimer's (we had told him that many members of my husband's family died from Alzheimer's, and we know that APOE genes have been implicated) but we said nothing. Dr Gallagher said that he would refer my husband for cognitive testing at Rush Copley (the testing is needed to make the diagnosis.) As far as we know, Dr Gallagher never sent the referral. He also has refused to return any of our repeated telephone calls to his office, asking about the testing referral. Not only did his behavior appear unprofessional, but it was also incredibly cruel to do this to a man with possible dementia, and his family.”

“I am a nurse and recognize that a physician bills for reviewing a patients daily progress in the hospital, not necessarily having an actual counseling session with the patient. I sought therapy for recurrent depression episodes that were interfering with my quality of life. I had been using psychotherapy and while that is helpful, did not give me sufficient relief to perform my daily living tasks of working, parenting and managing my own life tasks. He has been caring for me for over 20 years and has always worked with me in finding which antidepressant worked best, titrating my dosage so I can sleep at night but am not zonked out or edgy. What I find significant is that just like a therapist, a psychiatrist can only work with a patient to the extent the patient is willing to be involved in their own care. I recognize that a patient who cannot wait for the next morning for the doctor to call back may be unstable enough to need to go to the ER. Dr Gallagher has very good diagnostic skills. When my college age child was exhibiting bizarre behavior and I felt she was having PTSD from an attack she had experienced he had me ask her if she had recently used Street drugs. She responded that she had (probably honest because she was high)! This saved a trip to the ER. My child was highly functional, I would not have suspected that. I give a strong endorsement if you want to help yourself be well. A doctor is not a parent, he is a partner in care. Just as a family practice physician in private practice does not take patient calls after hours, a private practice psychiatrist does not either. If you show up in the ER, trust me that he is talking to the ER doctor to co-plan your care.”

“I saw Dr. Galagher today. He was recommended by my therapist I have had for a very long time. My therapist said he would be fair and listen. He only listened to part of what I was trying to tell him. I had my ex-husband with me and the doctor brought him in before I was through talking to ask him questions. Made a quick diagnosis and handed me a prescription. He made accusations about me without any knowledge of me. I was very disapointed. Im not going back.”