The Pathway

In this episode, Taylor and Sarang walk through the evolving world of psychiatric treatment, starting with how oral medications like SSRIs, SNRIs, stimulants, and antipsychotics are used, and why tailored combinations often work better than rigid, step-by-step protocols. They also highlight the importance of off-label prescribing, especially for complex conditions like anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.

They also dive into newer tools in the psychiatric toolkit: long-acting injectables, gamified digital therapies, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and esketamine (Spravato). Taylor and Sarang explore how these treatments can help patients who don’t respond to conventional meds, while also pointing out the barriers like insurance, logistics, and access. It’s a grounded, practical look at how psychiatry is expanding, and what it means for real-world care.

00:00 Introduction

PTSD can result from any traumatic experience, not just military combat. Taylor and Sarang emphasize the importance of screening every patient for trauma, since many people don’t realize how past events impact their current mental health. Symptoms like nightmares, avoidance, and hypervigilance may be signs. Diagnosis depends on duration: less than one month may be acute stress, one to three months could be adjustment disorder, and beyond that may indicate PTSD.

00:00 Introduction to PTSD

This week on The Pathway, Taylor Henrick and Sarang Patel explore the mental health impacts of shifting from the school year into summer. They discuss how changing routines, especially around sleep and structure, can lead to anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and behavioral issues in kids, teens, and even adults. They emphasize the importance of customizing care, encouraging structure through camps, routines, and intentional downtime rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions.

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This week on The Pathway, Taylor and Sarang explore the expanding role of Physician Associates (PAs)—formerly known as Physician Assistants—in mental healthcare. They break down the medical model PAs operate within, highlighting how collaboration with physicians, nurse practitioners, therapists, and other providers enhances the quality of care.

00:00 Introduction to the PA Profession

This week on The Pathway, Taylor and Sarang tackle some of the most controversial topics in modern mental healthcare, starting with the rollback of telehealth access post-pandemic. They examine how insurance companies, motivated by cost-cutting, are limiting patient access to care—despite the proven effectiveness of remote treatment. From insurance-driven restrictions to the erosion of provider autonomy, the hosts don’t hold back in exposing how financial interests are overtaking patient needs.

Bipolar disorder isn’t just about highs and lows—it’s about finding stability. In this episode, Taylor and Sarang break down what bipolar disorder really looks like in the real world, moving beyond textbook definitions to focus on how it impacts daily life. 

00:00 Introduction to Bipolar Disorder

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Telemedicine has reshaped mental health care, but where does it go from here? In this episode of The Pathway, Taylor Hennrick and Sarang Patel explore the evolving role of virtual care, balancing accessibility with clinical effectiveness. While telehealth has made treatment easier for many—especially teens and working parents—insurance mandates and outdated policies create frustrating roadblocks. 

00:00 Introduction to the Future of Mental Health

Social media is a double-edged sword—it connects us but can also fuel anxiety, comparison, and self-doubt. In this episode of The Pathway, Taylor Hennrick and Sarang Patel break down the impact of social media on mental health, exploring how age, platform, and usage shape our experiences. They examine the generational divide, from those who grew up without it to younger users deeply immersed in TikTok and Instagram.

00:00 Welcome to The Pathway

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In this episode of "The Pathway", Taylor and Sarang dive into the challenges of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), especially during the transition from winter to spring. They discuss how the winter months, particularly January and February, can bring on mood issues like depression and anxiety, especially in areas with harsh seasonal changes like Michigan. They also highlight the need for increased therapy sessions and possible medication adjustments to manage SAD effectively.

Taylor and Sarang also touch on the impact of summer transitions, noting how the loss of routine can affect children's mental health. They encourage consistent schedules and stress how structure, especially during school, can positively impact both children's and parents' well-being.

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00:00 Introduction to Seasonal Affective Disorder

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In this episode of "The Pathway", Taylor and Sarang discuss the importance of self-love for personal well-being and healthy relationships, especially as Valentine's Day approaches. They explore how self-criticism and high standards can affect self-esteem, emphasizing the need for both mental and physical self-care practices like reading, meditation, and physical activity. Recognizing achievements is key to maintaining true self-love.

The hosts also highlight the significance of empathy and realistic expectations in relationships, especially during emotionally charged times like holidays. They encourage celebrating all forms of love, managing expectations, and fostering open communication to build stronger, healthier connections.

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00:00 Welcome and Introduction

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