“Gave very clear responses and recommendations on medication, allowed me to ask questions after his explanations and didn’t prescribe on first visit to make sure I understood and researched more thoroughly on the medications we discussed.”
Isabela G.November 5, 2025
Patients often return
More patients return than other providers in the area
Highly recommended
92% of patients gave this doctor 5 stars
Excellent wait time
99% of patients waited less than 30 minutes
New patient appointments
Appointments available for new patients on Zocdoc
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The office partners with Zocdoc to schedule appointments
“Gave very clear responses and recommendations on medication, allowed me to ask questions after his explanations and didn’t prescribe on first visit to make sure I understood and researched more thoroughly on the medications we discussed.”
Isabela G.November 5, 2025Video visit
“Absolutely amazing!! Very knowledgeable and really listens to me when I have questions. He’s so honest about everything and explains medications, treatments, and really educates you so you as the patient can make an informed and helpful choice. Makes me happy that I went back to a doctor!”
Renee E.September 23, 2025Video visit
About Dr. Justin Lam
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Seniors (65+)
Identity
Gender
Male
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Dr. Justin Lam
Life rarely gives you time to prepare for its greatest challenges. It's normal to feel confused, surprised, or even hurt by unexpected changes outside of your control. All we can do is our best to rebuild what was lost and taken from us, reestablish the supports we once had, and open ourselves to new opportunities for growth.
Welcome to Lakeside Psychiatry.
Background:
Doctor Lam was born and raised in Chicago, attending elementary school at St. Ben's and completing high school at Walter Payton College Prep downtown. He earned his bachelor's degree in biochemistry with a minor in English from the University of California, Los Angeles. He then earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Touro University Nevada in Las Vegas. In 2016, he returned to Chicago for residency training in psychiatry at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.
Primary Areas of Focus:
Medication management, depression, non-benzodiazepine anxiety treatment, social anxiety, OCD, BPD, non-stimulant ADHD options, stage-of-life stressors, and transitional period psychiatry.
Philosophy of Practice:
For many patients, we work together to develop the knowledge and skills needed to achieve the goals they have set for themselves. For others, my role is simply to answer questions about mental health and clarify the steps between where they are currently struggling and where they imagine themselves being. Learning to overcome challenges within each person's distinct biological and social circumstances is why most patients come to see me. I'm not going to force medications or therapy specifically, but I am certainly willing to provide what I consider my best recommendations. Ultimately, the onus lies upon you (with my support, of course) to grow the change you would like to see within yourself.
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Psychiatry (American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology)
Education and training
Medical School - Touro University Nevada, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Residency in Psychiatry
University of California, Los Angeles (Bachelor's)
NPI number
1265894786
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.81
Wait time
4.87
Bedside manner
4.78
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
489 reviews
Most relevant
He explained things in a very helpful way and was able to quickly help me with my concerns.
March 14, 2026Aiko W.Verified patientVideo visit
My provider was very nice and listen to my mental health issue. He even directed me to a therapist that make me get well.
More than 1 year agoAD
good Dr, he met my needs but he was only temporary for 3 months so I cannot exactly recommend for long term
November 20, 2023Daniel A.Verified patient
Dr. Lam is wonderful. Very caring & understanding. Loved that he listened to me. And made me feel very comfortable.
More than 1 year agoZH
Excellent. Top notch medical knowledge. Allowed me to ask questions. Professional and up to date. Highly recommend.
February 16, 2021Tamer A.Verified patient
Knowledgeable and helpful with pointing me in the right starting direction
Less than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
super easy to talk too also a great listener input positive feed back ..genuinely care highly recommend
March 8, 2021Deshay C.Verified patient
Dr Lam was a wealth of information. He educated me regarding medications.
January 23, 2025Mary L.Verified patientVideo visit
I really liked this psychiatrist. He was very professional and seems educated. I'm glad I found him!
More than 1 year agoTN
Very professional. I had felt hopeless and he really listened to me and made me have some faith.
July 25, 2020Jazmin E.Verified patient
Dr was very thorough, explains all options, and choices, very informative and helpful.
March 25, 2022Scott K.Verified patient
Dr Lam is great and I look forward to working with him as needed from here on in
May 3, 2021Madison S.Verified patient
Dr. Lam was super understanding, transparent & supportive in the whole process!
August 13, 2020Rebecca Y.Verified patient
Very helpful doctor. Takes into account my preferences in my treatment.
July 27, 2021Michelle B.Verified patient
They where conserned about money, more th than the person the patient,
March 12, 2021Donald W.Verified patient
I definitely felt heard. Dr. Lam patiently answered every question.
March 11, 2021Initials hidden
Very personable and listens to my needs.
January 16, 2026Jackie P.Verified patientVideo visit
Gave very clear responses and recommendations on medication, allowed me to ask questions after his explanations and didn’t prescribe on first visit to make sure I understood and researched more thoroughly on the medications we discussed.
November 5, 2025Isabela G.Verified patientVideo visit
Absolutely amazing!! Very knowledgeable and really listens to me when I have questions. He’s so honest about everything and explains medications, treatments, and really educates you so you as the patient can make an informed and helpful choice. Makes me happy that I went back to a doctor!
September 23, 2025Renee E.Verified patientVideo visit
This was a terrible appointment. I’ve talked to multiple people since who have had psychiatric appointments and others have agreed. All he did was talk at me the whole time about what medications are out there in broad terms, what medication is used for and not, and he expected me to be writing all this down. It was essentially him getting paid to tell me all types of things I could have found on Wikipedia. He said he does not prescribe and he’s just here to talk to patients about “options.” He doesn’t tell you which “option” to consider for your situation and he doesn’t even give any written takeaways. If you missed it or didn’t know how to spell some med name, you’re screwed. I can’t believe he even is allowed to run appointments this way. I don’t recommend anyone waste their time like I did. I didn’t learn anything about my specific situation and I don’t think anyone will feel good even speaking to him with his cold bedside manner. (He hung up the call immediately at the end too)
July 23, 2025Initials hiddenVideo visit
Dr. Lam was extremely knowledgeable!
July 14, 2025Initials hiddenVideo visit
By far the best psychiatrist I worked with. Very personable and explained very well The science behind the medication’s that we were considering and gave me multiple options. I felt very informed and confident about our path forward.
July 11, 2025Ted F.Verified patientVideo visit
Really wonderful information that I hadn't heard before. The appointment was tailored to what I needed which isn't always the case with psychiatrists! Dr. Lam was insightful and didn't seem rushed. I highly recommend!
May 8, 2025Madeline T.Verified patientVideo visit
Consistently excellent!
April 25, 2025Mary L.Verified patientVideo visit
Justin explained everything very clearly and was sure to share all sorts of treatment options. He works with you to figure out what works best for YOU.
April 23, 2025Initials hiddenVideo visit
I liked his clinical approach. He taught me a lot in our brief session and answered all of my questions. I felt relieved after meeting with him.
April 19, 2025Sarah M.Verified patientVideo visit
I really appreciated that he was quick and to the point. Didn’t push a script, tailored advice to my specific needs, very productive.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
Very knowledgeable about meds.
March 29, 2025Mary L.Verified patientVideo visit
Very objective and provided the guidance I needed. No time was wasted. I asked broad questions and he was able to clearly and concisely answer my questions and provide rationale behind his answers.
March 14, 2025Initials hiddenVideo visit
I was impressed with Dr Lam’s ability to communicate in a very logical and concise manner. I felt very comfortable discussing my questions and needs and would highly recommend Dr Lam.
December 23, 2024Amy I.Verified patientVideo visit
Dr. Lam was very knowledgeable and helpful. He took the time to explain what each of my medications did and how they could impact me. He answered all of my questions and worked with me on a plan for future treatment.
December 21, 2024Rachel G.Verified patientVideo visit
Dr. Lam is very knowledgeable. The way he explained things to me was understandable. He was a great listener, and I appreciated that he let me finish what I had to say. He was not judgmental. I thought he was very sincere and genuine. I would recommend anyone looking for psychiatric care to seek his help.
December 17, 2024Kathleen P.Verified patientVideo visit
Dr Lam answered all of my questions about medications. I learned alot. He is personable and easy to talk to. Just a great visit!
December 11, 2024Mary L.Verified patientVideo visit
Dr Lam answered all of my questions, thoroughly explained options that I wasn't aware of, and taught me the science behind my medication regimen. I very much enjoyed our appointment, I felt great afterwards, and I look forward to the next!
December 5, 2024William Grady C.Verified patientVideo visit
Unfortunately I didn’t find Dr. Lam to be helpful and won’t recommend this provider.
He kept giving me generic answers about medication options without taking what I shared about my situations into consideration. It was clear that I was a just one of the thousands of patients the provider face.
October 16, 2024Hsin Jung W.Verified patientVideo visit
Dr. Lam took his time to talk about how various medications, including my current medication, work/could work given my existing diagnoses. He was very thorough, patient, and provided a plan to "problem solve" with my current medication.
October 14, 2024Madison W.Verified patientVideo visit
He is wonderful to help you build a good plan and helped explain why I was having issues finding / keeping on meds. He is very knowledgeable and explains things nicely !
October 4, 2024Victoria C.Verified patientVideo visit
Dr Lam is very clear and informative about the medication choices. He made me feel comfortable in choosing a medication and didn't pressure me in any particular direction. He listened to my past experiences and takes them into account when outlining different medication options. Highly recommend
September 6, 2023Nicholas W.Verified patient
Dr. Lam is a very good doctor. He helped me accomplish my medical objectives in a few months. Objectives that I worked with other doctors for years and I didn’t have success. I wish he would be more conversational in the appointments to foster trust and connection faster. I recommend him
August 29, 2023Marcelo V.Verified patient
I love Dr. Lam! I Highly recommend him.
July 2, 2023Carol B.Verified patient
I was so happy to learn about Zocdoc. I found a doctor who could see me right away when I was otherwise looking at several months wait. I was desperate. And I love Dr. Lam. He has a great bedside manner and I feel heard. Absolutely recommend.
April 21, 2023Carol B.Verified patient
Justin was kind, knowledgeable, and helpful in answering any and all questions I had. He worked with me to find a level of care that I felt comfortable with. Highly recommend Justin to anyone seeking help!
April 7, 2023Mark S.Verified patient
Very clinical approach, but extremely informative. The session was exactly to my expectations in terms of hearing my case, concerns, and asks.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Dr Lam is highly knowledgeable and a bit of a wizard when it comes to describing very complicated things with a wide range of outcomes. He also muscled through a meeting in good time which is hard to do with me because I'm chatty and like to sidetrack. I'm doing much better as a result of his treatment. Great doctor!
January 25, 2023Initials hidden
Helpful and listened to my concerns.
More than 1 year agoNakema D.Verified patient
I've been seeing Dr Lam since April 2022 and we've been successful in getting my anxiety to a manageable level. He listened to my needs to start out at a VERY low dose and go from there. He is to the point, no bells and whistles. He is knowledgeable and very willing to work with you to figure out what is best for you. He's here to talk about meds. I welcome the directness and efficient visits. Would def recommend.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Dr. Lam was completely apathetic. He was extremely rude before I even had a chance to say anything whatsoever. It was almost as if my presence and mental health was an inconvenience. There are doctors who listen and ask appropriate questions, and that is not Dr. Lam. You can do better. Find someone else.
June 13, 2022Tyler R.Verified patient
He was very welcoming and answered all of my questions by explaining everything clearly and repeatedly checking to ask if what he was saying made sense.
April 28, 2022Initials hidden
great job explaining everything. I loved the approach that Dr Lam would explain ALL the options and then it would ultimately be my decision as to what to do with that knowledge. Definitely felt that I was listened to and then he thought about what to do before explaining his thoughts and ideas.
March 8, 2022Alyssa S.Verified patient
Dr. Lam is a great doc. His demeanor is reassuring as is his knowledge of pharmacology. With him you are in clearly capable hands.
January 9, 2022Beverly P.Verified patient
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Frequently asked questions
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Justin Lam?
Generally, Dr. Justin Lam has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Lam's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Which board certifications does Dr. Justin Lam have?
Dr. Justin Lam is certified by American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and Psychiatry (American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology).
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Justin Lam?
Dr. Justin Lam frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychiatry Consultation, Psychotherapy, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Justin Lam on their profile.
489 patients have reviewed Dr. Justin Lam. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.81/5. They have a 4.78/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.87/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.