*A long read but if you're serious about your mental health you'll read all the reviews carefully.*\r
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Ok I know there are a lot of negative comments regarding Dr. Putman but that didn't stop me from seeing him for the first time. For one, he was one of the few docs I found in Austin who accepts insurance and the location is not bad either. Plus, I'm not looking for someone to hold my hand, I just needs my meds refilled. I moved to Austin recently and ran out of meds and wanted, more like NEEDED, to find a doc to get me through my ""situation"". Here's what I thought for an initial appointment.\r
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Meg, his wife...receptionist...whatever you want to call it, is quite friendly. As soon as I walked into the office she greeted me with a smile and a nice ""Hello!"". That's usually standard for ""good customer service skills"" so she gets an ""A"" in my book. I think it's great that she's able to work for/with her husband and who cares if she calls him ""Dr. Putman""!? We ARE in an office setting and he IS a doctor. The waiting area is very clean and has tons of magazines, TONS. The sofa is comfy and not dirty nor does it have that ""used"" look. It's a cute/cozy waiting area. \r
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I was a little nervous to meet Dr. Putman based on the reviews but I have to say, he is a friendly man. I can see how people might be ""offended"" by his tone and the way he works but I wasn't offended at all. He's a straight shooter. I like the fact that he is very knowledgeable and understands my issues. (Anxiety-Panic) He asked me tons of questions starting from my childhood, which is good. He would pause in between questions to see if I had any. Good, again. Every question I would ask, he would know an answer - or statistics etc. He made me feel very at ease and comfortable because he's so knowledgeable. I was seeing a different doc in a different state who was treating me with certain meds and he prescribed me the same thing...he actually lowered the dosage on one of them. So no pill pusher here.\r
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I think if you are in need of help and want a soothing, counseling, ""hold-your-hand"" therapy session...it's best to see a therapist. If you're looking for someone to snap some sense into you, help you realize that you're not alone and is VERY knowledgeable...see Dr. Putman. After all, if you know you need meds...it's best to go with someone who knows tons of facts about them...from generic brand to brand-name.\r
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I left the office feeling happy and satisfied with that visit. \r
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I know I know, that was my FIRST visit. Well, first impressions make a huge impact so after hearing about how mean and awful he is in these reviews, I can still confidently say that he's a good Psychiatrist!
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