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Letter from the Medical Director

Start Your Recovery Journey

The decision to seek treatment is a big step,
but you don’t have to do it alone.

Dr. Zhao  1Welcome!

I am Dr. Patrick Zhao, psychiatrist and medical director of the Pride Institute since 2014. I completed my general psychiatry training in Metrohealth, a Western Reserve University program in Cleveland, Ohio, and completed specialty training in Alpert Medical School of Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic, relapsing disease of the brain. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHA), studies show the rates of SUD and mental health issues double in members of the LGBTQ+ community versus those in the general population. SUD and mental health are often co-occurring which means taking place at the same time. The most up-to-date treatment, which is supported by research, clinical trials and our own experience, is dual-diagnosis treatment.

At Pride Institute, dual-diagnosis is integral part of treatment. Client is attended by medical, nursing, counseling and mental health teams together from admission to aftercare planning. Individual treatment is client-centered to support need, identify and nurture strength.

Recovery is a journey. It is longer than the revered Appalachian trail. Let Pride Institute be your shelter, be refueled, and be prepared for tomorrow!

Sincerely,
Dr. Patrick Zhao