Welcome to Jeffrey M. Benzick, MD, PA

Thank you, sincerely, for your interest in my practice.

As of this update (Jan 2023), I am starting my twentythird year in practice, and, as you can see, I am way, way too cheap to get a better website.  I still really do love my job (!) and I hope that it shows in our interactions.  I want your experience at the office to be the best you've ever had with your doctor.  My care philosophy is built on the idea that psychiatric medications are to be used thoughtfully, if at all. I won't tolerate my patients feeling "like a zombie" after taking medication--this is very unpleasant for you, as you are already struggling with the circumstances of life. Let's focus on returning to your definition of wellness, rather than labelling you as "sick."

It's very exciting to read articles on how exercise, a proper diet, weight loss, and even some supplements can help you reduce the need for medication, so I encourage folks to incorporate these into their treatment regimen. Be a participant in your care, not a patient!

Please see below for conditions I am currently treating. Yes, I am open to new cases, but, please understand that due to an overwhelming number of folks calling, I am accepting fewer patients than before, and I am not treating all diagnoses.

***COVID-19 UPDATE:  We are again seeing patients in the office! You once more have the choice for either in person or virtual follow up appointments.

I like to think I have a reasonable sense of humor, although my family hotly debates that point. Whatever is affecting you is obviously a serious matter, or you wouldn't be looking at this website.  I do find, though, that a well-timed, compassionate smile makes for a better treatment relationship.

ADULT PSYCHIATRY

I am certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in the treatment of Psychiatric illness.  This includes a broad range of disorders, including Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorder, and others.

I am no longer accepting new patients with Psychotic Disorders (Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, or the like), Bipolar Disorder, those who have a high potential for hospitalization (I do not have admitting privileges anywhere), Autism spectrum disorders like Asperger's Syndrome, or head injuries.  I am genuinely sorry about this, but I need to limit the number of these types of cases.  Please also note I have no expertise in the treatment of any sort of Dementia; please contact a Neurologist for the assessment and care of this Neurodegenerative condition.

I am not a Forensic Psychiatrist, meaning, I don't take cases that involve any sort of third party monitoring.  If you have been ordered by a criminal or family court, or an employer, or the Texas State Board of Whatever for an evaluation or treatment, you need to find a doctor who accepts these types of cases.

***PLEASE SEE "NEW PATIENT APPOINTMENTS" ON THE NEXT PAGE TO SEE MY CURRENT AVAILABILITY FOR NEW PATIENTS***

CONTROLLED MEDICATIONS

I do have  a special interest in treating Adult ADHD, which may involve the prescribing of medications with the potential for abuse.  If you are on stimulant medication like Adderall--please note I do NOT write for more than 60 mg Adderall, or its equivalent, daily. I also will not write for combinations of controlled meds (I've noticed a lot of patients are on Adderall plus controlled meds like Ambien, xanax or clonazepam). 

If you are taking medication for anxiety or sleep, specifically Ambien, Lunesta, Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), or any of the benzodiazepine type medications, please look at my practice policies, located on this website. In short, if you plan to come see me, I will not continue these medications for long term use. At best, they are to be used only as needed and for the short term.  Again, I won't prescribe them for long term use anymore, even if you've been on them for years. If you expect to stay on your benzodiazepine medication, I'm not the right doctor for you.  I am not writing ANY Ambien or Lunesta scripts for new patients, either, be aware of that ahead of time if you take it. .***

I am also no longer prescribing Suboxone for the treatment of Opiate Dependence.

Some patients have asked about Ketamine therapy or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder.  These are very impressive, recently FDA approved therapies with immense potential in the future of Psychiatry.  If we decide one of these is an option for you, I am happy to make a referral to one of my trusted local colleagues who have the necessary resources to provide these treatments, and with whom I can collaborate closely.

MY STANCE ON MARIJUANA

First and foremost, I do think that the possession of small amounts of recreational marijuana should be decriminalized.

And CBD containing products, without THC, seem to be pretty safe. People ask about CBD a lot.

That being said, research into marijuana and its possible benefits in Psychiatric disorders continues. As of right now, the data does not support use of marijuana as an effective treatment for depression or anxiety, or PTSD, and it worsens motivation and focus.   There is no way I can get your mood, anxiety, or concentration problems under control if you continue THC containing products (e.g. smoking weed) while we are titrating medications--we're wasting your time and money.  There is no question that in certain circumstances marijuana has legitimate medical value--but research demonstrates that if you are suffering from mood, anxiety or attention problems, your marijuana use is most likely harming you.  If you are willing to give this up, I can help. My policy is not because of moral or political views, this is solely because I see so many people who don't realize that marijuana is most often worsening their problems--and then want to argue with me about it.

SPORT PSYCHIATRY

I have a special interest in the Psychiatric care of athletes of all skill levels.  I have worked with many competetive athletes across a range of skill levels, from high school to professionals.  Sport Psychiatry, to be clear, is not recognized by the American Boad of Psychiatry and Neurology as a distinct specialty.

If your primary concern is your athletic performance, I'm happy to refer you to a Sport Psychologist, as this is their area of expertise.  Sport Psychiatrists focus on treating pathology in athletes, such as Eating Disorders, Depression, or Substance Abuse, understanding the nuances of the lifestyle of the competetive athlete.  For example, certain medications used to treat Depression and ADD are considered performance enhancing, and therefore banned substances, and others are fine for use in all situations.

SPIRITUALITY

Getting yourself situated spiritually brings a sense of peace, and is every bit as important as other aspects of treatment.  My own faith got me through an extraordinarily difficult phase of life a few years ago.  We'll discuss spirituality as much, or as little, as you need--and frankly, it may be the case that your experience with religion harmed you in some way.  I really want to hear about your beliefs and cultural experiences.  Please be yourself with me.