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CATHERINE MCCARTHY, MD

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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“Everything can be taken from a person but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.” 

— Victor Frankl

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After completing my medical training at Duke, I sought to practice the most current, evidence-based treatments in all areas of my expertise. I achieve this by closely following the latest neurological research and incorporating those findings into my practice.

 

I marvel at the many discoveries that continue to reveal the wonders of neuroscience. Neuropsychiatric research shows us how the human brain continues to remodel itself in real-time. Our brains become hardwired not only from our innate abilities, our life experiences, and our environment, but also from how we perceive and respond to our own thoughts. No matter what happens to us, the one thing in our control is how we react to it.

 

I've always considered myself incredibly lucky to have what I believe to be one of the best jobs in the world. I am honored to be part of so many families' lives—trusted with the most private and vulnerable parts of their human adventure in this world. That privilege allows me to experience the joy and satisfaction of helping build children's confidence, competence, and healthy identities. I have boundless compassion for my patients and a relentless need to help them get well.

 

Our attitude about brain wellness is central to optimal child health and development. Seeing our mental health as our foundation, controlling the things we can, and teaching kids the power of tolerating and accepting uncertainty; these are essential priorities in launching our kids to become REAL adults. Research into how resilient humans develop neurologically highlights what Frankl knew decades ago: no matter what level of suffering life throws us—genetically, environmentally, or situationally—attitude is everything.

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