Psychiatric Associates of Hunterdon

“Dr. Ackerman is truly an amazing physician and has consistently been attentive, compassionate, and highly responsive to my mental health needs. As a provider, he has always made me feel heard, supported, and cared for, which is why it is so unfortunate to have had such a negative experience with the office operations surrounding his practice. Unfortunately, the front office staff and overall administrative experience have been extremely disappointing. Every time I walk into the office, there is a palpable sense of tension among the staff, and I am frequently met with disrespect, rudeness, and poor customer service. Instead of creating a welcoming and supportive environment—especially in a mental health setting—the atmosphere often feels hostile and dismissive. One particularly upsetting incident involved a prescription refill that was clearly due. After not receiving any follow-up from the office confirming whether the doctor had received the refill request, I went into the office personally to address the issue. Rather than assisting professionally, the front desk staff accused me of mishandling my medication and went as far as implying that I was an addict. This was deeply offensive and incredibly inappropriate. As an employee who works with Hunterdon Medical Center and someone who has personally navigated mental health challenges, I was shocked and confused by the extreme level of disrespect and lack of compassion shown in that moment. In addition to the poor interpersonal treatment, the billing issues have been equally frustrating. HMC billing has sent my account to collections due to errors that were entirely on their end. For the past year and a half, claims have repeatedly been submitted incorrectly to my insurance company, despite multiple confirmations from my insurer that my mental health services—including copays—are covered at 100%. Even after this was clearly communicated several times, the office has refused to properly resubmit the claims, causing unnecessary stress and financial burden. Dr. Ackerman remains an exceptional provider, and I am grateful for the quality of care he has always provided. However, the front office staff and billing processes need serious reevaluation. The way patients are treated at the front desk is unacceptable, and significant improvements are needed to ensure clients are treated with the professionalism, respect, and compassion they deserve-especially in a mental health facility where patients come to seek treatment during a vulnerable period”

“In regards to Dr Joshua Ackerman - I had an extremely disturbing experience with this psychiatrist. He came across as deeply judgmental and manipulative, repeatedly making it feel like access to a prescription was something he dangled over me as leverage rather than using it responsibly as part of treatment. He was dismissive, uncooperative, and blatantly disrespectful throughout the interaction. Instead of listening, he talked down to me and seemed more interested in asserting control than actually helping. To make matters worse, he asked intrusive, irrelevant questions that had nothing to do with my mental health, which felt inappropriate and invasive. His overall demeanor was unsettling—borderline creepy in the way he carried himself. There was a smug, arrogant attitude combined with a clear chip on his shoulder, as if he viewed patients with contempt. Rather than providing care, he treated me like I was being managed or disciplined, not supported. I felt like an inmate in a penitentiary, not a patient. The entire experience felt unethical, deeply unprofessional, and frankly alarming. I would strongly advise others to avoid him.”

“Had a few bumps in the road but now have a wonderful doctor that I really like. She's wonderful. My therapist is also good. I have nothing bad to say about this office. Any issues are addressed immediately.”

“Staff is organized and quick. They are helpful over the phone. Your milage may vary depending on the doctor you work with.”