Dr. Thomas D'Amato

Dr. D’Amato really, really cares about his patients. He is experienced in all sorts of medical issues that require the attention of a psychiatrist. He is kind, funny, compassionate, patient, a great listener, he knows his stuff and he is very good at explaining medication and diagnosis to patients. He also doesn’t pigeon hole people into one strict diagnosis. He’s sees and explains that medical issues are on a spectrum and he makes you feel comfortable because he sees you as an individual who may be treated for more than one issue in order to get your mental health needs met. He is managing caseloads upon caseloads of people out of a tiny office in Bayonne with one receptionist and only sees people on Saturdays because he works during the week elsewhere, I believe with children. On Saturdays, you go in at any time during his hours and wait in the waiting room after signing in. There are generally no appointments. You sign in and wait to be called when it is your turn. Sometimes there is one other person in the waiting room, sometimes there are 10. If you are not willing to occasionally wait like an hour to be seen, this is not the place for you. That being said, you can sign in, leave, and come back and check where you are on the list. And you never have to have an appointment. That is priceless when you really need to see someone. He suggests coming as early as possible in the day to avoid a wait (he doesn’t want people to wait and always apologizes when there is a wait) but I have lucked out at random hours as well. He doesn’t have strict appointments because he takes the needed amount of time each patient needs to see them. They are not strict hour, 30 minute or 15 minute appointments. You get the time you need and then it is on to the next person. He is the ONLY psychiatrist I have found to easily take insurance in the area and honestly the wait is well worth it. Once in the door I Never feel rushed. Ever. He is kind of like the chiropractor in Jersey City that literally everyone in Jersey City sees. There can be a stupid wait to see him, and the reception is barely a thing, but everyone sees him and keeps going back because he is accepting of everyone and is a great doctor. He’s a psychiatrist for the people. If you want a fancy office with no wait and strict appointments, he’s probably not for you. If you want a great doctor who is going to take his time to listen to you, make you feel respected and secure, and work with you until you get your medication right, this is the place for you. He stays in touch and he reaches out to see if you need anything and to see how you are doing. No one does that. He is always a text away. Literally I have needed a med refill in a day and he has gotten it for me, and he almost always responds immediately. the latest it has taken is 2 days and you can go in literally any Saturday you want if you have questions or concerns or need a refill. I will probably never go to another doctor for psychiatric care. I have recommended him to friends and family. The phone service is terrible until you are a patient. Once you are a patient he literally addresses you by name when you call and greats you with the warmest greeting. He is too busy to say anything else but do you have insurance, these are my hours, come in, until you are. It’s very jarring. It almost made me not want to come in. Expect that. But giving someone 1 star before you see a doctor is ridiculous, and something I think people do who are probably the same people who are trolls and cancel people they don’t know on social media. You also probably don’t really have to call if you don’t want to deal with that. Just go and bring your insurance card and your copayment. He sees people without insurance as well. And his cost for no insurance is completely reasonable. Ask the receptionist, who doesn’t really do anything but sign people in if you need to do anything else and sign in. She’ll probably say “no”, just sit down and wait to be seen. You’ll be very grateful you waited do if you do, and you will come back without reservation.

I believe that I have seen Dr. D'Amato years ago when I was in a very tough spot. Yes, it was him! I recognize the address. Anyway, I do not feel it is his fault if his staff is not especially warm. Can you imagine what they go through? Listening to people moan and groan because they cannot get the apoinment of their choice? I worked for a Psychiatrist many years ago. I did my very best to stay positive. People asking for refills, not keeping their assigned apoinment! It is not the Dr's fault most of the time. This is a very hard field of work to get into. Again, it isn't the Dr's fault when the staff is not warm and inviting.

Whoever answered the phone was incredibly RUDE, however I did make and keep the appointment. I was pleasantly surprised with the doctor’s bedside manner. He listened and made excellent recommendations. I am glad I got past the first encounter over the phone.

Was seeing another doctor. I wanted off my meds because after about 6 months, they weren’t working anymore but he refused to switch me. So I chose to come to Dr. D’Amato for a second opinion and he did switch my meds. I feel so much better then where I was. He listened and cared. When I was having issues with one of the meds, all I I had to do was text and he got right back to me. He’s THERE for his patients and only one text away. Can’t say that about the other doctor I was seeing.