A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in mental health. Because of this medical training, psychiatrists can prescribe medication, perform medical evaluations, and understand how physical health affects mental health. A psychologist typically has a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology and provides therapy but cannot prescribe medication in most states. At Brain Mind Harmony, Dr. Marcus is a psychiatrist who provides both medication management and psychotherapy.

Consider seeing a psychiatrist if: you're wondering whether medication might help; you have symptoms that significantly impair your daily functioning; you've tried therapy alone without sufficient improvement; you have a complex or severe condition; or you have both mental health and substance use concerns. Many people benefit from seeing both a psychiatrist (for diagnosis and medication) and a therapist (for ongoing talk therapy), though some psychiatrists like Dr. Marcus provide both.

No. Medication is a tool, not a requirement. After a comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Marcus will discuss whether medication might be helpful for your situation. The decision is always yours. Some people do very well with therapy alone; others benefit significantly from medication; many do best with a combination. We'll help you understand your options so you can make an informed choice.

This varies enormously depending on your diagnosis, severity, treatment history, and goals. Some people feel significantly better within weeks; others require months or years of treatment. Certain conditions (like bipolar disorder or recurrent depression) may require lifelong management, similar to diabetes or high blood pressure. We'll give you realistic expectations based on your specific situation.

Yes. Your psychiatric treatment is protected by doctor-patient confidentiality, HIPAA privacy regulations, and (for addiction treatment) additional federal protections under 42 CFR Part 2. We cannot share your information without your written consent, with limited exceptions required by law (such as imminent danger to yourself or others, or suspected child abuse). We take confidentiality seriously.

Yes, if you'd like. For the initial evaluation, some patients find it helpful to have a family member present to provide additional history or perspective. For ongoing appointments, it depends on what would be most helpful for your treatment. Couples and family sessions are also available when relationship issues are relevant to treatment.

Yes. Addiction changes the brain's structure and function, affecting reward, motivation, memory, and self-control. These changes are visible on brain scans and persist long after substance use stops. Addiction is recognized as a chronic brain disorder by major medical organizations including the American Medical Association and American Psychiatric Association. Understanding addiction as a disease—not a moral failing—is essential for effective treatment.

MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and therapy to treat substance use disorders. For opioid addiction, medications like buprenorphine (Suboxone, Sublocade) and naltrexone (Vivitrol) reduce cravings and withdrawal, allowing people to stabilize and focus on recovery. For alcohol addiction, medications like naltrexone reduce cravings and the rewarding effects of drinking. MAT is the most effective treatment we have for opioid use disorder—it reduces overdose deaths by more than half.

No. This is a common misconception. Suboxone (buprenorphine) is a medication that treats a medical condition—similar to how insulin treats diabetes. Unlike heroin or other opioids, Suboxone doesn't cause the high that drives addiction. People on Suboxone can work, drive, parent, and function normally. Some people eventually taper off Suboxone; others stay on it long-term. Both paths are valid. The goal is to support recovery, and Suboxone is an effective tool for doing that.

Not everyone needs inpatient rehab. Many people recover successfully with outpatient treatment, which is what we provide. Inpatient treatment may be recommended if: you need medical detoxification; you've repeatedly relapsed in outpatient treatment; you don't have a stable living situation; or you have severe co-occurring psychiatric conditions that require intensive stabilization. We can help you determine the right level of care for your situation.

Addiction treatment records receive special federal protection (42 CFR Part 2) that goes beyond standard medical privacy. We cannot share information about your addiction treatment without your specific written consent—not with employers, family members, or even other healthcare providers. This protection exists because stigma is a barrier to treatment, and people need to be able to seek help without fear.

Relapse is common in addiction recovery—studies suggest 40-60% of people in recovery experience relapse at some point. This doesn't mean treatment failed; it means the treatment plan needs adjustment. If you relapse, contact us. We'll help you get back on track without judgment. Many people who ultimately achieve long-term recovery have relapsed multiple times along the way.