I had the misfortune of having this doc when he just came off residency long ago at Sunnybrook. It's not the least bit surprising reading these comments about his personality or practice. He was doing training in psychotherapy, let he struggles to listen to a word you say, or will run off into the sunset with something you said. He did this with me, telling me to reconnect with my father, who has basically never been in my life just because "I really need and want to". I know what I want, and that was not it. He is a terrible listener, he doesn't explain his rationale for meds, and would not want to see him again if I was referred.

Submitted March 7, 2023

Was fluffed off to his resident at that time. Given my issues are pretty serious & multiple in nature I was not impressed with outcome. Being in the "system" for some years one would think that instead of using me as a "Guinea pig" for resident training, I would have received personal care from this Psychiatrist. Given the details of my pre-consult data -very high in day to day functioning. I was essentially managed away with a report to the effect of keep doing the same. The recommendations for self care were ridiculous. One more specialist who can now practice "corporate" medicine. This is NOT responsible medical care for those suffering & in need of professional mental health care. Was not compassionately treated , was more in line with mtg a a tax accountant. I should be giving 1 star overall but "terrible" makes no sense.

Submitted Dec. 20, 2019

Dr Barakat is very honest and friendly. He's very knowledgeable and gets you the medication and help you need.

Submitted Dec. 19, 2019

I was in Dr. Barakat’s care for nearly a year and he is a patient, respectful and understanding doctor.

Submitted Oct. 11, 2019

When I was in hospital I so wanted him to be my doctor.

Submitted May 20, 2019

Very friendly and professional. Dr. Barakat will always give honest and truthful answers to your questions.

Submitted Feb. 15, 2017

I agree with the previous review in that this doctor isn't a warm and fuzzy type. Did not feel comfortable discussing my issues with him.

Submitted Feb. 20, 2014

While he'd stated outright that we only had 45 mins for our discussion, I felt that a decent amount of questions were asked. He struck me as a polite person. I felt that characteristics of mine that I find very unique & at least somewhat troubling were, very sisingly, dismissed as largely normal. I felt that my resistance to be placed on meds, which I feel are prescribed often/hastily, regardelss of side effects, limited what he could do to help me. Despite having helped me with mood issues, my use of the non-prescribed orotate version of lithium was largely veiwed as a placebo. Again, I felt as though the professionals I've spoken to thus far have let me down. I'm glad that he seems to have helped others though.

Submitted Sept. 25, 2012

Dr. Barakat knows his profession. He is not super warm and fuzzy, but intelligence, honesty and a desire to understand and correctly diagnose his patient won me over. I have had in-bed depression for over 8 years and he made a correct diagnosis and gave an effective medication. I think he is excellent.

Submitted June 9, 2012

Not impressed. Dr. Barakat did not take the time to write an accurate report. Some doctors are caring and some are NOT.

Submitted March 9, 2011