I was referred to Pittinger for a second opinion because a resident doctor didn't like that my primary psychiatric health professional is a psychiatric nurse practitioner. My initial assessment with her seemed very incomplete. Instead of neutral questions, some of them were leading which probably led me to give less than accurate responses. She also made assumptions, saying "You can't be suffering from *blank* because you didn't say you experienced x,y,z.," but she never asked me about x,y,z. I'm tempted to give Pittinger one star due to her great irritation (almost anger) that my PNP is treating me for ADHD. She said, incredulously, forcefully, that I would not even make it past the initial screening with her for ADHD. Her criteria is skewed towards diagnosing males and would essentially exclude anyone who was not diagnosed as a child. ADHD presents very differently in females- we don't tend to get in trouble at school or misbehave like most males with ADHD- but she doesn't take that into account. So, if you're old enough that ADHD was not a thing when you were a kid, and/or if you grew up in a family without insurance or the money to spend on doctor's visits, then you do not want to see Pittinger. I honestly wouldn't recommend her in general because of how she assumes things. Also, fyi, from what Pittinger implied, the entire Cleveland Clinic system may have similar antiquated ADHD criteria that excludes adults, females, and those who grew up lower income, so you may be better off getting mental healthcare elsewhere if you're concerned about having ADHD.

Dr. Pittinger is an excellent psychiatrist. She is a good listener and remembers what you tell her over time. She takes an interest in her patients and is always kind and caring. Can't say enough good about her.

I had my first appointment with Dr. Pittinger last week. I was very nervous about working with a new doctor. After five minutes, she had me relaxed and felt like I was talking with an old acquaintance. She was extremely professional and knowledgeable about psychiatric care and selecting the best medications for my situation. I am hypersensitive to many of the drugs available for my condition and this week has been an easy transition. She was so very thorough in my assessment and discussed the options available to me. There are too many doctors that would have written a prescription and sent me on my way in half the time she spent with me. She did her due-diligence in regard to my behavioral care and I believe she is one of Akron General: Cleveland Clinic's top clinicians!