Recently, several patients in their twenties have introduced themselves to me by telling me the diagnosis they got from Google, TikTok, or some other website. And while it was tempting to ignore these self-diagnoses, I thought it was important to understand not only why the patient had done the research, but what it meant to the individual to turn a bout of sadness, or difficulty in a relationship, or worry into a psychiatric label. For one of them, it seemed easier to look for a psychologist … [Read more...]
Mental Health Matters!
June 8, 2026 By
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. If you were a diabetic or had cancer your would not ignore it, you would see a doctor. So why would you ignore depression, anxiety, OCD, or a serious family dysfunction? Remember that all things “mental health” can also be treated via telehealth in New Jersey and you would not even have to leave your home or office to see your psychologist. You deserve to feel your best both physically and … [Read more...]
Neuroplasticity: How Your Brain Can Change and Why It Matters
March 24, 2026 By
Scientists used to think the brain could not be changed after childhood but now we know that is not true. The brain is constantly changing and that ability to change is called Neuroplasticity. Every thought, memory, movement, behavior or emotion is supported by networks of neurons communicating with one another. When you repeat an experience - whether good or bad - those connections strengthen. This is how habits form and it is also how you can change habits, with practice. For … [Read more...]
Understanding the Difference Between Worrying and Problem Solving
January 28, 2026 By
For all of my anxious readers out there, I thought this chart might help you understand how worrying functions and does not help us versus how problem-solving not only has immediate positive effects but can also have longer-term benefits. Worrying is problem-centered with your thinking zeroed-in on what went wrong rather than on a solution. When you begin to be problem-solving focused, you are thinking about those things over which you have some control. Look at the differences in the chart … [Read more...]
Why is a Cosmetics Company Involved in Mental Health?
November 3, 2025 By
Why is a Cosmetics Company Involved in Mental Health? The first words I read in the full-page ad in the New York Times on October 10th were “Be Brave. Have The Talk. Help A Friend.” The ad offered a free 10-minute training so that you would know how to talk to a friend who you thought might be struggling with depression or anxiety. I asked myself why Maybelline New York was sponsoring this training? I knew the statistics were worrisome. 50% of young adults suffer from depression or … [Read more...]