About
Dr. Och has over 40 years of experience in the United States as a board-certified psychiatrist, having completed his residency at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester. He is also certified in forensic psychiatry, a subspecialty that bridges medicine and legal considerations.
His clinical practice encompasses both inpatient and outpatient settings, and he has contributed significantly to the field through training, teaching, and consulting for other mental health professionals. Moreover, he has held leadership roles in mental health organizations, focusing on management and strategic planning.
Dr. Och is a national and international speaker, sharing insights on psychiatric practices and developments. He has observed the challenges individuals face globally in accessing mental health resources, particularly acute in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has intensified mental health issues and strained healthcare systems worldwide.
His Story
Dr. Och has not personally experienced mental illness but grew up in an environment significantly influenced by it, having an aunt who suffered from severe depression, anxiety, and what could be classified as a personality disorder. In his familial context, where close-knit relationships intersect with shared living spaces, the repercussions of one individual’s mental health on the entire family are pronounced.
Fortunate to pursue studies in medicine and psychology, Dr. Och utilized the knowledge and resources gained during his medical training in Syria, Lebanon, and England to intervene proactively and support his family in Worcester, MA, USA. He facilitated access to optimal care for his aunt, collaborating with her healthcare providers in Syria and Kuwait. This included sharing insights from his experiences in the US and working with her family on vital skills such as communication and setting boundaries.
As a result of these interventions, his aunt experienced over 15 years free from crises, hospitalizations, or significant mental health issues prior to her passing at age 84. The family reflects fondly on her later years, a stark contrast to the decades of turmoil and aggressive treatment modalities, including electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), she previously endured. In her final years, she was stabilized on a single medication from an innovative class of psychotropics, which proved to be a transformative treatment for her condition.
His Passion
Families often face significant challenges due to the behaviors of individuals who are misunderstood or inadequately treated within the familial context. Dr. Och has cultivated a deep empathy for these individuals and their families, which has been instrumental in his success in fostering wellness and promoting familial harmony.
For over four decades, Dr. Och has consistently employed a comprehensive approach to facilitate wellness, acting as both an advocate and a supportive presence for his clients. His methodology encompasses a variety of treatment modalities, including outpatient and inpatient care, treatment coordination, and consultation with a diverse array of other specialists. He is committed to offering progressive treatment options and advanced therapeutic interventions, as well as adjunctive therapies that enhance the overall treatment experience.
In addition to his direct treatment services, Dr. Och maintains a 24-hour crisis support hotline, providing assistance to individuals worldwide seeking his expertise. He has effectively continued to support clients remotely, though he also engages with them in person during visits to their countries or when they come to the United States. His long-term treatment relationships have yielded remarkable success, with many individuals and families expressing their gratitude for the enhanced well-being they have achieved through his guidance, coaching, and care.