Ratings for Dr. John Copen
I'm alarmed at all the unpleasant ratings... As soon as I walked into UVic's psych area, I thought 'God I hope that's my psychiatrist' about this man patiently listening to a very depressingly frantic hypochondriac. I realized that was why he was running behind so much - he simply gives patients as much of his time as he can. He seemed like he was pulling little tricks/tests on me in order to diagnose me, at the cost of making himself appear a bit of an arse (he came to the quick conclusion I have social anxiety disorder, and was spot on about my Bipolar I disorder [diagnosed twice previously]. I'm kind of annoyed that he kept saying I use big words & acted like I used them incorrectly (he told me I had never experienced anaphylaxis when I mentioned it- but I just now realized that he had just been speaking with a blatant hypochondriac before seeing me) but all in all, he was amazing, because he spent THREE freaking hours with me, and I would have been fine with a half hour...
Submitted March 23, 2013
He always writes his prescriptions wrong and the pharmacists have to clarify his orders. LEARN TO USE A COMPUTER! Why don't you read your own writing??!! Your crappy writing makes me wait twice as long at the pharmacy as other dr's.
Submitted June 1, 2012
Dr Copen was the WORST dr I ever saw!! He quickly made his judgments about me and would not change them. He accused me of things that were not true, such as skipping appointments because I was mad at him..uhg why would i make an appointment and call in sick if i was mad? wouldnt I just not make another appointment? He's supposed to be a chronic pain specialist, I saw no evidence of that...small children could see i was in true pain, but he thought i was faking...btw dr copen, I'm up for back surgery...so you were WRONG AGAIN! He was not comassionate, not helpful. I was in my early 20s then, and I finally asked my parents to come with me, they couldnt believe him! He still wouldnt budge on his judgements of me...which were wrong, and my parents tryed to tell him so, he was rude to them, wouldnt fully answer questions that made him look bad, and got really uspet and just shuffled thru papers. We hated him so much i was better off not seeing him than seeing him.That was the last appt
Submitted Dec. 1, 2009
I have seen doctor Copen several times by telahealth. He has never been on time and my half hour appt's are usually about 10 to 15 min. I often find his comments unproffesional and inappropriate. His main focus is meds and typing on his computer.He is imposible to contact and does not return calls if you do manage to get an answering machine. Often seems arrogant.I think he is only concerned about how much money he can make by seeing as many patients as possible. I'm sure he is overpaid for the 10 min appointments. I only see him because there is no other doctor available.
Submitted March 1, 2009
I also saw Dr. Copen via telehealth a couple of years back. Despite it not being a face-to-face meeting, I felt comfortable and accepted by him. He was quick to get to the heart of what I was saying, and he offered me advice that truly helped me. I felt very hopeful after seeing him. Like others have said, it seems that his follow-up is not reliable, and his paperwork skills are not efficient. In my opinion, though, he is a talented and compassionate pdoc, which in this day and age, seem to be a rare commodity.
Submitted Feb. 22, 2008
Saw this doctor via telehealth from Marathon, ON. He diagnosed me with A.D.D. and prescribed me with a trial of Ritalin. Gave me a number to phone him at once the trail was finished if it worked well and I wanted more - phone number was disconnected. Tried getting a hold of him various other ways - never did - never answered messages. He was the first doctor I ever saw for my A.D.D. that seemed to know what he was talking about, and then he disappeared! Not too happy. Went through extensive testing with him to diagnose my problem, and now no help!
Submitted Sept. 10, 2007
Hi, just had a first appt with him, you had to come one hour early but they were an hour behind, could have not rushed after all. I was surprised that the waiting room was seperate (good for privacy) so you sit in a white walled waiting room for long period with air conditioners to low and every one was sweating. The registration is kinda new so it takes longer I think. I waited a total of 3+ for my appt then I had an hour and half appt but I was sirprised at how it went by fast. He does cut you off and develop his opinions I only experienced this briefly. He does want to talk to all your past records, no hiding. also blood work. Usually 6-12 month wait list to see him, wow! I thought he had a great background and was very knowledgable in addiction, chronic pain, abuse/harrasment and post traumatic stress disorder. I say he talked much better and caring that most doctors I have seen. I really don't have any bad comments other than the wait but I left my cell and walked to the Hulls.
Submitted June 18, 2007
Comes across as a very egotistical "higher than though" type. At times we have found that he does NOT listen and has already made judgements prior to appointment. Also, if you can't help..you should admit it and refer us to someone who can!!
Submitted May 18, 2007
I'm a new patient of Dr. Copen's and have seen him 3 times. He's ranged from being about 10 to 30 minutes behind, which is perfectly acceptable in my experience for a specialist. He does not rush appointments, and I feel heard and helped after each visit. I've visited him at 3 of the offices he practices in, and have found the support staff to be very friendly. In my experience so far, he ensures he hears and understands what I say--he takes notes on his computer and reflects back what I've said and how he's interpreted it to make sure it's correct and I agree. He is direct and confident, which I appreciate in someone helping with my health and well-being. Contrary to other reviews I'ver read here, he has not pushed medication on me and seems to have a very balanced approach toward mental health by using pharmaceuticals and talk therapy. I appreciate his approach and find him to be both knowledgable and compassionate. I only stumbled on this site while looking for his phone number. I felt compelled to leave a review for those patients who might read this before meeting him. My advice would be to go into your appointment with and open mind and form your own opinion.
Submitted Dec. 11, 2014