1. Psychiatrists
  2. IL
  3. Chicago, IL
  4. Dr. Marcia Sawa, MD

Dr. Marcia Sawa, MD

Psychiatry•Female•Age 69

Psychiatry

Dr. Marcia Sawa, MD is a Psychiatry Specialist in Chicago, IL and has over 26 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Sawa has extensive experience in Psychotic Disorders. She graduated from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in 1997. She is affiliated with Evanston Hospital. Her office accepts new patients and telehealth appointments.

Dr. Marcia Sawa, MD

Meridian Partners

625 N Michigan Ave Ste 2550 Chicago, IL 60611
Accepting new patients
Psychotic Disorders, and More
Telehealth services available

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Compare Dr. Sawa with our nearby Psychiatry Specialists at Cancer Treatment Center of America, Chicago.

Make an appointment at Cancer Treatment Center of America, Chicago today at (312) 820-0151.

These providers are on the medical staff of Cancer Treatment Center of America, Chicago.

Dr. Sawa's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Sawa

2.0

Based on 50 ratings

5 Star
20%
20%
4 Star
6%
6%
3 Star
0%
0%
2 Star
6%
6%
1 Star
68%
68%
What went well
No reviews yet
What could be improved
No reviews yet

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RecentHighestLowestMost Helpful
Reply
Many of these reviews are honestly quite troubling, but I can't say that they reflect my experience with Dr. Sawa. I did not think her demeanor was necessarily cold or condescending, although the attitude of my doctor is not most important to me as a patient. She is not the warmest person, but she listened to my history and asked important questions, demonstrating that she wanted a complete story of who I am as a person, and was receptive to my input regarding medication management. The other reviews are still extremely concerning and even though my experience was relatively neutral, I would not recommend her as a clinician since she is objectively not the most knowledgeable about medication recommendations.
What went well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Listened & answered questions
What could be improved
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
Helpful
Oct 11, 2022
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You deserve better care than this
Please head the warnings - I met with Dr. Sawa after my previous psychiatrist became out-of-network. Her demeanor was cold and condescending while continuously invalidating my experiences and perspectives. While she seemed confident in declaring she didn’t see the need to continue a prescription that I have consistently been on for five years and greatly improves my quality of life (and one that no other doctor ever raised a flag), she did feel comfortable recommending me for intensive residential inpatient therapy for alcoholism out of state after a 45 minute call. For context, I am in college and shared with her that I drink once a month, consuming ~4 drinks. She informed me that this qualifies as binge drinking and that I am on track for dependency. I left her appointment in tears, feeling the most degraded I have ever felt in my life.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
Aug 07, 2022
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Reply
Read the Reviews. They are true.
I was foolish enough to read the reviews before seeing her and still go ahead with her. She refused to give me meds I've been taking for 10 years+. She wasn't even willing to read the letter from my previous doctor. She put me on other meds she felt were better - I had horrible side effects. She then tried different meds again. Her excuse for not giving my original meds was that she couldn't "motivate to insurance that I needed them". I don't even have insurance - I was paying cash. I tried to reason with her but she couldn't care less and seems very set in her ways. I since got my meds from a new doctor, with absolutely no issues and much more positive helpful experience. (p.s for a fraction of Sawa's costs!) My advice is too read the reviews and believe them.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
1 person found this helpful
Helpful
D – May 05, 2022
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Patient of three years
I was nervous when I started seeing Dr. Sawa three years ago after the negative reviews. However, I’ve had nothing but a positive experience with her. She knows her stuff when it comes to medication management, side effects and alternatives. Most importantly, she listens. She always takes my concerns or questions seriously and is not afraid to tinker with dosages or try a different medication. She takes time with her patients on medication management—taking into account my goals, overall mood, side effects, personal relationships, work and family. While she may not appear to be the warmest person on the outside (she has a bit of a poker face), there is no doubt in my mind that she genuinely cares about my well-being. I would recommend Dr. Sawa.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
  • Wait times
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Lauren – Mar 08, 2022
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excellent, Dr Sawa is the most caring doctor I have ever experienced. She always returns my calls within 24 hours and is always understanding and caring.
What went well
  • Listened & answered questions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Frank S – Aug 01, 2021
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Doctor Sawa is the most disorganized and dishonest professional I’ve ever dealt with. I met with her for a simple dosage check on my anti-anxiety medication. She told me I probably have bipolar. That diagnosis didn’t ring true, so I spoke with my therapist about it. When my therapist asked Dr. Sawa about it, she denied ever making the diagnosis. Why did I continue visiting Dr. Sawa? Because she offered to refill my prescription to “make it easy.” That was a huge mistake. She cancelled the auto-renew, and when I realized it the day I needed to refill the prescription, she told me that I would have to meet with her every two months for the refill. Before this, I had my prescription auto-filled by my GP. Dr. Sawa essentially held my prescription hostage so she could bill my insurance for a full visit every other month. Do not choose this doctor!
Helpful
Jeremy – Oct 22, 2020
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Dr. Sawa has been my psychiatrist for about 6 months. I started seeing Dr. Sawa for medication management after exiting an intensive outpatient program for trauma. She listened to my concerns and medical history and took them seriously. She researched medication that would work with my metabolic disorder, as I'd had some issues with metabolizing more commonly prescribed anti-depressants. Dr. Sawa has found the right mix of medications to bring me out of a major depressive episode and I have been doing really well, better than I have in years - sleeping well, good mood, and feeling like my old self again. I've seen 4 psychiatrists over the course of my life and Dr. Sawa has been my favorite. She's kind, thorough, and very knowledgeable. I always looks forward to our sessions and feel well cared for. Highly recommend.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Apr 23, 2020
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So I have a rare positive review for Doctor Sawa. Not sure where all of these other accounts and reviews are coming from, and I hope she has improved her practice, as has been indicated to me through my appointments. I had recently come off of a spell of terrible psychiatrists, assuming that since they took insurance, they were the best I could get. They didn't care about me and my problems, and were prescription mills. Having read these reviews, I was none too excited to see Dr. Sawa in Evanston. But feeling desperate, I took the appointment. I can't say anything negative about Dr. Sawa. She does not have the best bedside manner, this is true. She does not deal in b*******. I'm hoping that this explains some of the negative reviews. She is not there to coddle. However, her expertise, and knowledge in brain chemistry and the chemistry of the pharmaceuticals she is prescribing is impressive. She worked with me to find the best cocktail for me, and she did so with care and expertise.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 person found this helpful
Helpful
Jarred Sparber – Mar 09, 2020
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Bad news! Dr. Sawa kept bulging her eyes out at me as if she was annoyed. She told me I would be a burden to my friends/family if I reached out to them, and discounted my recent (very helpful) diagnosis without asking me about it. She spent most of the time criticizing me and didn't try to understand my situation. She held onto my diagnosis papers until the next time, but the front desk called to cancel from her end a few days later. Thankfully the desk is helpful & there won't be a next time.
Helpful
Mar 16, 2019
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Reply
LISTEN TO THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS. DO NOT VISIT THIS "DOCTOR" UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. I have so many terrible things to say about this sad excuse of a human that I do not even know where to begin. First of all, she has no business being in this profession. Sawa pretty much berated me for my entire appointment and tried to convince me that I was faking my mental illness (that I have been diagnosed with and treated for for the last 9 years). She is a rude, mean, condescending shell of a person.
What went well
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Office environment
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
Chicago, IL – Mar 02, 2019
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Dr Sawa has shown me her considerable skill in both judging a disorder and recommending medication. She is an excellent choice for psychiatric care.
1 person found this helpful
Helpful
Dec 14, 2018
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I saw her once. I was very depressed and was told to make an appointment with a psychiatrist. After filling out a bunch of forms which she didn't bother to read, she asked why I was there (duh). When I said I wasn't sure about taking antidepressants because I have had so many bad experiences with side effects of medications over the years, she told me if I wasn't there for medication management I was wasting her time. My conclusion is that she is a nasty, rude woman in the wrong line of work.
What went well
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
Chicago, IL – Nov 06, 2018
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Extremely Grateful for Dr. Sawa accepting me as a patient from my referring physician. Myself, raised among Medical Pros, family and being a retired Employee of the Year at Northwestern, specifically in the Medical School, I feel I can adequately gage & know when in the presence of an excellent Health Care Provider. Also referring me to groups increasing my confidence with coping skills in our now fractured society, I remain aware there is no quick fix without my own, honest effort ongoing
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
  • Wait times
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
Carole L. Becker in Highland Park, IL – Aug 24, 2018
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Reply
My previous Dr. moved and referred Dr. Sawa. I’m glad she did. She was very nice, knowledgeable, and helpful.
What went well
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
  • Wait times
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
What could be improved
No results
1 person found this helpful
Helpful
Abby in Evanston – Aug 23, 2018
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My wife saw Sawa for sudden onset of anxiety. She had recently went on blood thinners . I pleaded with Sawa to consider the thinners as a possible cause for her current mental state. She shrugged that off as not possible . What we didnt know at the time was she was in hypovolemic shock (loss of too much blood) which can cause anxiety and cognitive issues. You would think a MD in Pysch should know the signs of this. We didnt get the right help until my wife fell unconscious.
What went well
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
6 people found this helpful
Helpful
Mark R. in none – Aug 02, 2018
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I thought she was GONE. I received her letter of resignation from NSUHS in 9/2016. Yet, now she shows up as a member of my so-called CareTeam. Talk about waving a red flag in front of a bull! No one seems to understand how terrible my 20 minutes with her (in 2014) actually were. HOW CAN SHE ACTUALLY BE ON MY CARETEAM? This is cruel.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Office environment
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Long wait times
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
7 people found this helpful
Helpful
Ellen F. in Evanston, IL – Sep 29, 2017
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This is a follow-up. Dr. Sawa's nastiness has been reported to the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation, the NorthShore Medical Group, and to her superior, Dr. F. Miller. They found nothing wrong with her behavior nor, apparently, with the more than 15 negative reviews I found online. I copied and pasted and submitted them with my personal complaint. Nothing will improve unless more people she frightened or whose time she wasted... report her.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Office environment
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
8 people found this helpful
Helpful
Ellen Fendrich in Evanston, IL – Aug 15, 2016
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This was one of the worst experiences I've ever had with a doctor. Sawa seemed perturbed to even see me at the beginning, which I just ignored because I figured I was going to get sound medical advice. She asked me a couple questions and then kept bulging out her eyes at me like she was incessantly annoyed to be even having the conversation. She talked to me for only 10 minutes and then started berating me and listing out what she deemed as my extensive problems. It was frankly very upsetting.
What went well
  • Office environment
  • Staff friendliness
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
6 people found this helpful
Helpful
Evanston, IL – May 17, 2016
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I saw Dr. Sawa once. That was all it took for me to feel her instant dislike for me and and all the anger she then accused ME of. Angry, sarcastic, cold, uncaring, almost hostile. When I tried to switch to another MD in the psych department - one who was originally recommended to me but who was not taking new patients at that time - she would not allow my chart to be transferred to another doctor. I was literally SHUT OUT of seeking psychiatric care at my own hospital, in my own medical plan.
What went well
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Office environment
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
6 people found this helpful
Helpful
Annie in Evanston, IL – Apr 16, 2016
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Reply
I had to switch to Dr. Sawa because my previous doctor moved. He general demeanor is cold and uncaring. You can tell from her body language and general attitude that she has grown to hate her job and probably the rest of her life, too. She changed my medication that has been working well for me so far, and spent our entire 20 min session together chastising me about everything i do wrong in regards to my mental health. She didn't let up until she had me in tears in her office.
What went well
  • Wait times
What could be improved
  • Difficult to schedule appointment
  • Office environment
  • Staff wasn't friendly
  • Appointment was rushed
  • Didn't listen or answer questions
  • Didn't explain conditions well
  • Didn't trust the provider's decisions
9 people found this helpful
Helpful
Evanston, IL – Mar 26, 2016
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About Me

Biography

Dr. Marcia Sawa, MD is a Psychiatry Specialist in Chicago, IL and has over 26 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Sawa has extensive experience...Read more

Specialties

  • Psychiatry

Education

1998
Northwestern Memorial Hospital - Medical School
Internship Hospital
1997
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Medical School

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to schedule an appointment with Dr. Marcia Sawa, MD?

Find contact information here to make an appointment.

What other Psychiatry Specialists practice nearby?

Click here to compare with other Psychiatry Specialists.

Does Dr. Marcia Sawa, MD accept any insurance plans?

A list of accepted insurance providers is available on the Healthgrades insurance check. It is always a good idea to verify your insurance when making an appointment.

What are Dr. Marcia Sawa, MD's top areas of expertise?

Dr. Sawa specializes in Psychotic Disorders. See more on Healthgrades.

What conditions does Dr. Marcia Sawa, MD treat?

Dr. Sawa frequently treats the following conditions: Anxiety, Major Depressive Disorder, and Adjustment Disorder . See more on Healthgrades.

What is Dr. Marcia Sawa, MD's office address?

Dr. Sawa's office is located at 625 N Michigan Ave Ste 2550, Chicago, IL 60611. You can find other locations and directions on Healthgrades.

Is Dr. Marcia Sawa, MD able to provide telehealth services?

Dr. Sawa provides telehealth services. Please contact the office to determine whether you are eligible.

Is Dr. Marcia Sawa, MD affiliated with any hospitals?

Dr. Marcia Sawa, MD is affiliated with Evanston Hospital.

How much experience does Dr. Marcia Sawa, MD have?

Dr. Sawa has over 25 years of healthcare experience.

Does Dr. Marcia Sawa, MD receive good ratings from patients?

There is a star rating of 2/5 for Dr. Marcia Sawa, MD. Patients say that the provider listened & answered questions well and the appointment wasn't rushed. See all patient feedback on Healthgrades.

Experience and Background Checks

Experience
Background

Background Check

No malpractice claims found for Illinois
No disciplinary actions found for the years we collect data
No board actions found for the years we collect data
Learn more about background checks

Frequently Treated by Dr. Sawa

Based on treatment records, we have identified the following as areas of care that Dr. Sawa treats more often than their peers. If you are unsure whether Dr. Sawa treats other conditions, please contact the office at (312) 477-2120.

Psychotic Disorders

Psychotic disorders specialists diagnose and treat conditions that cause severe mental symptoms and disconnection from reality, such as schizophrenia, delusional disorder, and substance-induced psychosis.Compare with other Psychotic Disorders specialists.

Treatments
Dr. Sawa
Similar Providers
Psychosis Due to Mental Illness
Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizophreniform and Schizoaffective Disorder
Alcohol-Induced Mental Disorders
Normal
Frequency
High
Frequency
Very High
Frequency
View more treatments

Check Dr. Sawa's experience treating your condition or procedure

Dr. Sawa's conditions and procedures:

  • ADHD and-or ADD
  • Adjustment Disorder
  • Alcohol Misuse Screening and Counseling
  • Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling
  • Alcohol-Induced Mental Disorders
  • Alcoholism (Alcohol Dependence)
  • Anorexia
  • Antisocial Personality Disorder
  • Anxiety
  • Autism
  • Binge Eating Disorder
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Borderline Personality Disorder
  • Bulimia
  • Cocaine Addiction
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Delusional Disorder
  • Dementia or Depression Screening
  • Dissociative Disorder
  • Dissociative, Conversion, and Factitious Disorders
  • Drug and Alcohol Dependence
  • Dysthymia (Chronic Depression)
  • Dysthymia and Cyclothymia (Mood Disorders)
  • Eating Disorders
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
  • Emotional Disturbances of Childhood and Adolescence
  • Homicidal Ideation
  • Impulse Control Disorders
  • Major Depressive Disorder
  • Marijuana Addiction
  • Nondependent Alcohol Abuse
  • Nondependent Amphetamine or Related Acting Sympathomimetic Abuse
  • Nondependent Cocaine Abuse
  • Nondependent Drug and Alcohol Abuse
  • Nondependent Marijuana Abuse
  • Nondependent Opioid Abuse
  • Opioid Dependence
  • Personality Disorders
  • Phobia
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Postpartum Depression
  • Psychiatric Evaluation
  • Psychogenic Disorders (incl. Psychogenic Pain)
  • Psychological Evaluation
  • Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery
  • Psychosis
  • Psychosis Due to Mental Illness
  • Psychotherapy and Psychophysiological Therapy (incl. Biofeedback)
  • Psychotherapy for Crisis
  • Schizoaffective Disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Schizophreniform and Schizoaffective Disorder
  • Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic Dependence
  • Somatoform Disorders
  • Suicidal Ideation
  • Tobacco Use Disorder
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Insurance Check

Search for your insurance provider

Dr. Sawa accepts

Accepted insurance can change. Please double-check when making an appointment.

(312) 477-2120

Dr. Sawa accepts the following insurance:

Anthem
National (BlueCard) PPO
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Card PPO
CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
HealthyBlue 2.0
Humana
Preferred PPO

Locations

Meridian Partners

Meridian Partners625 N Michigan Ave Ste 2550 Chicago, IL 60611
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