H Paul Putman III, MD, PA

I went to Dr. Putnam for about 1 ½ years and I really don’t recommend him. He tried drug after drug after drug — always changing my medication. I found out that after going to another Psychiatrist that he had been given 3x the FDA approved amount for one of the drugs. When I was on that drug, I was constantly stumbling and due to misjudging distance got into a bad traffic accident that left my car totaled. The accident was my fault but being spaced out at 3X the recommended dosage it was just a matter of time. After I told this to Dr. Putnam (just about the accident — didn’t blame the drugs), he quickly changed me to another drug and then didn’t want to meet anymore.
I had started to have a manic phase and tried calling but they wouldn’t see me for a month. I went to another psychiatrist who is highly rated on Unilocal and Healthgrades and he recommended another type of drug. Putnam heard about it (after I could finally get another appointment) and he was very angry and said that those drugs are not proven to be effective for bipolar conditions. I checked online and with this new psychiatrist and they ARE approved by the FDA for usage for bipolar.
I switched to the other psychiatrist and it is like night and day the difference.

Dr. Putman saved my life. I went in with severe anxiety and insomnia. I slept the first night after I saw him for the first time in many days. He also let me play an active part in my pharmaceutical treatment which I appreciate. As well, Dr. Putman uncovered an autoimmune disorder that I now know I suffer from, and sent me to an endocrinologist who is treating me for it, plus six other endocrine disorders that she has now discovered. I’m not 100% better yet, but I am on the right path and Dr. Putman put me on that path. Also, his front desk manager has been nothing but pleasant and kind to me.

I have to say this is more a business then a psychiatrist CARE !
I have been disappointed with my sons inability to ever call after hours or speak to Dr. Putman if I need outside of paid appointment!
We have seen Neuro Psychologist whom were available at anytime of true need.

I really am timid to share these types of experiences, but I want to educate others about their decisions when dealing with a clinician in mental health.
In summary, despite fifteen years of a consistent diagnosis from a multitude of clinicians, he negated my diagnosis and prescribed me Xanax, as well as other medications in the same family. I am lucky to have a nurse practitioner mother who advised me not to take this drug as it is extremely addictive and is primarily prescribed for seizures and sedation, which would have made me worse off. I left feeling my concerns were ignored and the medications prescribed did not fit my needs in result of his inflexibility.
Lastly, the receptionist was lovely and accommodating; however, she alone can not compensate for Dr. Putman’s frigidity. As a clinician in the medical field myself and as a human, it is important to acknowledge other’s distress by a simple notion of empathy– a look, a nod, or verbal feedback: «I am sorry to hear that,» «That’s unfortunate,» or even, «Hope you feel better soon.»
Needless to say, I will not be returning, and I would not suggest others see him either. I know the waiting list for psychiatry is so long in Austin, but keeping hussling and find another person.
Wishing everyone the best on their journey!

Their collection agency informed me that this debt was included in my bankruptcy so pursuing it isn’t just petty and mean, it’s illegal too.
You may want to look up some more exhaustive compilations of reviews of this doctor on Google and various medical review sites, you’ll find /​dozens/​of reviews slamming this guy and his receptionist (who just isn’t nice to anyone I guess) mostly saying what I said so it’s not just me with an axe to grind this guy really is a jerk.
Do your homework so you’re not swayed by the only good review this guys ever gotten anywhere (ie the 5-​star one that mysteriously showed up on Unilocal a week after my review, talking about the provider’s «scientific methodical approach» yeah ok, it’s not fake at all.)