Expert Advocacy and Legal Consultation

For doctors seeking treatment, an individualized advocacy plan designed to eliminate, reduce or manage the concerns of regulatory Boards is often as important as recovery itself. Of course, without Recovery, effective advocacy is not possible. Dr. Myers team, lead by Chief Clinical Officer John Harden, LCSW, MPH has logged countless hours attending regulatory Board meetings, giving testimony and writing advocacy letters on behalf of our clients. We work closely with monitoring programs (Physician Health Programs such as the Florida PRN), attorneys and other stake holders to optimize advocacy efforts. Missteps in this area can be costly and lead to unnecessary delays in returning to practice. Experience counts. Dr. Myers staff attorney Tim Sweeney is available for legal consultation for all of Dr. Myers patients at no additional expense. Mr. Sweeney has a unique blend of legal expertise in the areas of regulatory Boards and legal matters common to individuals in treatment – including criminal law, family law and Marchman Act.

Marchman Act

A common myth about treatment is that it is only effective if a person is “ready.” Research, however has shown that motivating individuals by setting firm limits and offering incentives and accountability works. Clinical outcomes for so-called voluntary clients are about the same as for those compelled through limit setting, incentives and accountability.

“Voluntariness” is highly subjective. It is often said that people who need professional help the most do not just wake up one day and say “today is a good day to go to treatment.” In fact, it is the nature if the disease of addiction that the afflicted tells himself that he does not need help and that he is in control. This “denial” sounds true to the afflicted. Denial is the inability to distinguish the true from the false. In Florida, a unique and powerful legal remedy is in place for families and friends who are not willing to stand by and watch a loved ones kill themselves with drugs or alcohol. Contact John Harden to discuss the appropriateness of the Marchman Act involuntary commitment procedures for your family member.