Dr. Michael Bolton

I focus on ADHD and relationships.

In modern society immediate gratification is the path of least resistance. “Smart” phones, ultra-processed foods, dating sites and intoxicating substances all distance our mind and body from its authentic and elemental state by providing a shortcut...and a short circuit.

Social media hijacks our dopamine pathway, diverts our attention, and disrupts our sleep. It’s hard to be present when your senses are kidnapped by persuasive technology.

The remedy is actually pretty simple.

Disconnection from nature, our home where we evolved for millennia, leaves us agitated and prone to unhealthy self-soothing.

Returning to the basic elements that sustain life—meaningful nutrition, meaningful body movement, meaningful relationships, and meaningful sleep may reduce the need for psychiatric medications.

In mental health as well as physical health your body is naturally programmed to heal itself, and I can assist you in this journey.

I am a graduate of the Mass General Hospital (MGH)/McLean Hospital Psychiatry Residency Program at Harvard Medical School, and a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board Of Psychiatry And Neurology.

I received my MD from Yale Medical School, and my Master's in Health Policy from Harvard. I did my undergrad in Spanish Lit at UCSB, during which time I also studied for a year in Barcelona.

I see my role in a treatment relationship not as a healer, but as someone who can use my skills and experience to help you engage your inner healer, to encourage your mind and body to heal yourself. In other words, I see the goal of treatment as to one day not need psychotherapy or medications.

Medications can be life-changing, even life-saving in some cases, but if quickly chosen - or if no longer needed - they can cause more problems than they solve. And sometimes a focus on meds distracts from important therapy work.

Medications can be extremely helpful early in treatment, to reduce the anguish of severe depression or acute anxiety, and especially in early recovery from substance use disorders.

Over time as healing occurs and emotion regulation skills develop, the power and intelligence of your body may reduce the need for medication. Keeping medications going longer than is needed can be like keeping a cast on after the broken bone has healed - it can get in the way of further growth and healing. Knowing whether and when to make changes involves a trusting, open, collaborative approach, and communication.