Lunch and Learn: Medication Treatment for Substance Use Disorder

You are invited:
In-Person FREE 2 CE Workshop
Medication Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 12:00 to 2:00 PM@ 100 Tamal Plaza, Ste 200, Corte Madera
Register
Please join Alison May, MD, and Mark Schiller, MD, at our clinic for a review of the role of medication in substance use disorder (SUD).  The discussion will cover mechanisms, efficacy, and side effects of treatments, including off-label options. They will also share clinical pearls and insights into the future of SUD treatment.

Learning Objectives:
  • List substance abuse trends relevant to clinical practice
  • Explain the role of medication and options available for substance abuse treatment
  • Apply screening approaches in identifying substance use disorders
  • Describe different models of effective treatment of substance abuse, including mechanisms, efficacy, and side effects
Presented by:

Alison May, M.D.
Alison May, MD is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist at Mind Therapy Clinic. With over 15 years of clinical and teaching experience, she is known for her integrative, patient-centered approach and commitment to meaningful human connection. Click here for more on Dr. May. 
AliMayProfilePhoto
Mark Schiller, M.D., DFAPA
Dr. Mark Schiller is a Yale-trained psychiatrist and the founder of Mind Therapy Clinic. With extensive clinical, research, and leadership experience, he is known for his compassionate, evidence-based approach to complex and addiction-related mental health care.  Click here for more on Dr. Schiller. 
MarkSchillerProfilePhoto
Continuing Education
Information on Continuing Education Credit for Health Professionals
• CE credits for psychologists are provided by the Spiritual Competency Academy (SCA) which is co-sponsoring this program. The Spiritual Competency Academy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Spiritual Competency Academy maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
• The California Board of Behavioral Sciences accepts CE credits for LCSW, LPCC, LEP, and LMFT license renewal for programs offered by approved sponsors of CE by the American Psychological Association.
• LCSW, LPCC, LEP, and LMFTs, and other mental health professionals from states other than California need to check with their state licensing board as to whether or not they accept programs offered by approved sponsors of CE by the American Psychological Association.
• SCA is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing Provider CEP16887) for licensed nurses in California. RNs must retain their certificate of attendance for 4 years after the course concludes.
•For questions about receiving your Certificate of Attendance, contact Jacqueline Perlmutter, Mind Therapy Clinic,  jperlmutter@mindtherapyclinic.com. For questions about CE, contact Spiritual Competency Academy at info@spiritualcompetencyacademy.com. 

Welcome Alison Crair, Community Relations and Outreach Director

We are thrilled to welcome Alison Crair to our team as Community Relations and Outreach Director.

Alison Crair has been an addiction professional and certified life coach since 2009. She received her CADAC at UCLA in 2009 and continues to hold the belief that staying current with the most up-to-date trainings, certifications, and evidence-based practices is vital to truly serving others.

She also has a decade of experience with business and relationship development in the behavioral health space. Her work has built connections between providers, programs, and the communities they serve. In her new role with us, Alison will be focused on community partnerships, expanding our outreach initiatives, and bringing awareness to Mind Therapy Clinic’s services.

We’re excited to have Alison bring her depth of experience and passion for recovery-centered coaching to our clinic. Her leadership will be instrumental as we continue to grow our community engagement and support individuals on their paths to wellness.

Summer Intern Story – Laila

This summer, my internship at Mind Therapy Clinic has been an incredibly impactful experience, allowing me to learn so much about running a business and managing a clinic. I was also able to learn and understand more about clinical psychology and my own passion for mental health care throughout the past few months. Through all the hands-on exposure to patient care and collaboration with staff, whether it was at the clinic or at E Street, I’ve gained such valuable insight into the day-to-day realities of working in a clinical setting. This experience at MTC really reinforced my desire to pursue a career that allows me to support individuals struggling with mental health challenges, clinically. I hope to build on everything I’ve learned this summer from MTC, and pursue a graduate degree to eventually become a licensed clinician — with the goal of contributing to accessible, stigma-free mental health care for underserved communities. 

Thank you for your incredible work this summer, Laila! We’re so glad you found the experience meaningful and can’t wait to see how you continue pursuing your goals in the mental health field.

Learn more about our open roles.

Summer Intern Story – Ethan


My interest in interning at Mind Therapy Clinic (MTC) stemmed from my desire to learn more about psychiatry and the mental health field as a whole. My time at MTC has been extremely influential as I was able to connect with almost everyone on the team and learned so much through both these chats and my work in operations. I was also able to gain hands-on experience with patients through shifts at E Street, where I gained exposure to the day-to-day presentation of patients with a variety of different diagnoses. This work in particular highlighted the personalized and collaborative approach that MTC takes, and it was especially impactful to see patient progress in a residential-like setting. My time with MTC has both furthered my interest in psychiatry and prepared me for my goal of a future in the field of mental health.

Thank you for all your help at MTC, Ethan! We hope you enjoy the rest of your summer and look forward to seeing your continued growth in the mental health field.

Learn more about our open roles.

Are You Struggling with Trauma? Take this PTSD Assessment

The PTSD Checklist

Every day, many people cope quietly with the lingering effects of a traumatic event. This self‐guided assessment is based on the PCL-5, a widely used tool for measuring post­ traumatic stress symptoms. By answering 20 straightforward questions about how often you’ve experienced certain thoughts or feelings in the past month, you can better understand whether your reactions fall within a range that may warrant further evaluation. Take a few minutes to complete the quiz and learn where to turn if you find your symptoms are affecting your daily life.

PCL-5 PTSD Questionnaire

The following is a list of problems that people sometimes have in response to a very stressful experience. Keeping your worst event in mind, please read each problem carefully and then select one of the numbers to the right to indicate how much you have been bothered by that problem.

The PCL-5 is in the public domain and available at https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/assessment/adult-sr/ptsd-checklist.asp
Please note: Online self-screening tools are not to be used as substitutes for clinical diagnostic or advice. You are encouraged to share your results with a physician or healthcare provider. Mind Therapy Clinic disclaims any liability, loss, or risk incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from the use and application of these screens.
Privacy: Your results are not collected by this website, or sent anywhere.

Understanding Trauma and PTSD:

Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, causing lasting adverse effects on their mental, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, avoidance of things associated with the traumatic experience, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Trauma from the past is also often an underlying issue in substance abuse and other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.  It’s important to know that seeking help is a sign of strength, and recovery is possible.

Trauma-Informed Treatments

We offer a range of evidence-based treatments for trauma and PTSD, tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs:

  • Individual Therapy: Our experienced therapists provide a safe and supportive space to explore your experiences, develop coping strategies, and work towards healing.
    • CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy): CPT helps individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs related to the trauma, reducing the impact of PTSD on their lives.
    • Somatic Therapy: This body-oriented approach focuses on releasing stored trauma energy and restoring a sense of safety and grounding.
  • Group Therapy: Connecting with others who have similar experiences can be incredibly powerful. Our group therapy sessions offer a sense of community and shared understanding.
  • Medication Management: Some medications may be helpful for reducing symptoms associated with PTSD and trauma.  

What Makes Us Unique?

Our team of dedicated professionals is committed to providing compassionate, culturally sensitive care. We understand that healing from trauma is a journey, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Our approach is personalized, collaborative, and focused on empowering you to reclaim your life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma or PTSD, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call us at (415) 945-9870 to learn more about our services and schedule a consultation.

Honoring AAPI Heritage Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to recognize the rich cultural contributions of AAPI communities. It’s also an important moment to shed light on mental health in a population where challenges often go unseen and unspoken.

Mental Health in AAPI Communities

The AAPI community is incredibly diverse, encompassing people with roots in East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Each subgroup brings its own languages, histories, and cultural perspectives, including how mental health is understood and addressed. Because of this, mental health experiences and needs can vary widely across the AAPI umbrella. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and understanding this diversity is key to reducing stigma and creating more effective paths to care.

Still, AAPIs as a group face several systemic challenges in the U.S. that may impact accessibility to mental health services, such as harmful stereotypes and bias, language barriers, and lack of insurance. (UCLA Health)

Despite experiencing mental health challenges at similar or greater rates than the general population, AAPI individuals are the least likely to seek help. Of AAPI adults with a mental illness, 73.1 percent did not receive treatment compared to 56.7 percent of the overall population. (Mental Health America)

Understanding the Barriers

Mental health stigma remains a powerful force in many AAPI communities. Cultural values that emphasize self-reliance, emotional restraint, and family reputation can make it difficult to speak openly about mental health. Some may worry about burdening loved ones or fear being seen as “weak” or “unstable.” Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders reported not receiving mental treatment because they a) Didn’t want others to find out or b) Feared their neighbors’ negative opinions, at rates higher than other racial/ethnic identities. (NAMI)

For younger generations, these pressures are often compounded by intergenerational and cultural tension, experiences of racism or xenophobia, and the rise of social media.

Taking the First Step

Healing begins with awareness. Simply talking about mental health openly, without shame, can be a powerful first step. Encouraging loved ones to share their experiences or checking in with yourself about how you’re really doing can begin to break long-standing patterns of silence.

Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or trying to better understand a family member’s struggle, know that you’re not alone. Caring about mental health is a strength, not a weakness.

Resources and Support

At Mind Therapy Clinic, we honor the courage it takes to ask for help—and we stand with all communities working to make mental health care more accessible, inclusive, and free of stigma.

May is Women’s Health Month: Let’s Talk About Mental Health

May is Women’s Health Month – a time to focus on the unique physical and mental health needs of women and girls. Across every stage of life, women face distinct mental health challenges. Hormonal shifts during puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause can all impact mood and emotional well-being. Understanding these natural changes can help women seek the care and support they deserve.

Some Facts About Women’s Mental Health

  • Women are nearly twice as likely as men to experience major depression.
  • Around 1 in 5 women experience mental health issues during pregnancy or within the first year after giving birth.
  • Women are more likely to live with anxiety, PTSD, and seasonal mood changes- often alongside physical symptoms like aches, fatigue, or changes in sleep.
  • Social media use among girls is linked to increased sadness and feelings of hopelessness.
  • Women also face higher exposure to risk factors such as poverty, violence, caregiving stress, and chronic stress at home.
    (Sourced from The Office on Women’s Health 1, 2)

Despite these challenges, there is hope. Early recognition, supportive relationships, and access to care can make a real difference. Common symptoms like persistent sadness, tiredness, or feelings of worthlessness should not be ignored, they’re signs to reach out.

This Month, Take a Moment For Yourself:

Check in with yourself and others

  • Are you noticing more physical symptoms like fatigue, aches and pains, insomnia or appetite changes? 
  • Have there been any changes to your mood lately? Perhaps more frequent episodes of crying, more quick to anger or irritability, finding less joy in previously enjoyable activities. 
  • Do you notice a friend or family member acting differently lately? Try to bring this up with them directly and compassionately. Try out something like this: “Hey, I noticed you have canceled our plans frequently lately. Are you feeling okay? How can I help?”

Practice small acts of self-care

  • Take time for activities that help you destress–might be taking a walk in nature, mindfulness/meditation, journaling, eating your favorite snack in the sun
  • Try out a progressive muscle relaxation, it can be a great way to feel grounded and calmer in the moment–here’s a link to a progressive muscle relaxation video on youtube, while geared toward kids, people of all ages find it helpful! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDKyRpW-Yuc 

Educate yourself on the mental health challenges women face

Reach out to a provider or support network if you’re struggling

  • Often when we’re having a hard time, we get the idea that speaking up puts an emotional burden on our friends/family. This is not usually the case! Your loved ones want the best for you; you don’t need to manage this alone. 
  • Mind Therapy Clinic offers a Women’s only process group in a virtual format so it can be accessible from anywhere in California. Call our front desk today at 415-945-9870 to learn more about this group.

Mental Health Awareness Month 2025

Each May, we unite to observe Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to breaking stigma, fostering understanding, and promoting mental well-being. In 2025, this observance is as crucial than ever, as mental health challenges continue to affect individuals across all walks of life.​

2025 Themes: Empowering Change Through Awareness

This year’s themes, presented by prominent mental health organizations, emphasize the power of personal narratives and the importance of proactive engagement:​

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): “In Every Story, There’s Strength”
     NAMI’s campaign celebrates the resilience found in personal mental health journeys, encouraging individuals to share their experiences to inspire hope and connection within the community.
  • Mental Health America (MHA): “Turn Awareness into Action”
     MHA urges us to move beyond recognizing mental health issues, advocating for tangible steps that individuals and communities can take to support mental well-being.

Resources to Support Your Mental Health Journey

Several organizations offer valuable tools and information to help individuals and communities take action:

How You Can Take Action

Mental Health Month takes place in May, but supporting mental health is something we can do all year long. It starts with open, nonjudgmental conversations—whether with friends, family, or coworkers. You can also make a difference by sharing helpful resources online, wearing a green ribbon to show solidarity, or joining local events that raise awareness and promote well-being.

  • Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about mental health conditions, their signs, and how to support those affected.
  • Advocate for Change: Support policies and initiatives that promote mental health awareness and access to care.
  • Support Loved Ones: Reach out to friends and family, offering a listening ear and encouraging them to seek help if needed.
  • Prioritize Self-Care: Engage in activities that promote your mental well-being, such as exercise, mindfulness, and adequate rest.

We’re Here for You

At Mind Therapy Clinic, we are committed to supporting our community. Whether you’re seeking information, support, or treatment options, our team is here to help.

Now Hiring! Office Assistant & Billing Specialist

We’re excited to announce that we have open positions waiting for talented individuals like you. If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a dynamic team, explore the opportunities on our website for more information. Take the first step towards a rewarding career with us today!

Office Operations Assistant

If you’re highly organized, tech-savvy, and thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, this could be the perfect role for you. Our growing mental health clinic is seeking an operations assistant to help keep things running smoothly—from supporting front desk operations to setting up therapy groups and ensuring a welcoming space for clients and clinicians. You’ll gain hands-on experience in clinic operations, build strong communication skills, and be part of a mission-driven team making a real impact.

Apply here

Billing Specialist

If you’re detail-oriented, great with numbers, and passionate about supporting mental health care, this might be the perfect opportunity for you. We’re looking for a billing specialist to join our growing clinic. In this role, you’ll manage patient billing, insurance claims, and payments while working with both patients and clinicians. It’s a great chance to build your professional skills in a mission-driven, collaborative environment.  

Apply here

See all our open positions here