About Dr. Halligan
Hi, I'm Doctor Patricia Halligan. Treating people who struggle with Substance Use Disorders, Process Addictions and Prescription Drug Dependency is meaningful to me and I consider it a privilege.
I'm constantly amazed and impressed by the courage it takes to walk the journey of recovery, while overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds.
I am deeply concerned by the epidemic of overprescribing in America (Opioids and Benzodiazepines). There is an enormous lack of addiction training in medicine. Doctors are trained how to prescribe, but not deprescribe. Patients have difficulty finding treatment providers and are often given the wrong treatment that doesn't work.
I advocate for research-supported medications in the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder (Buprenorphine and Methadone reduce overdose and relapse rates by 50%).
I am opposed to long term Benzodiazepine prescriptions and advocate long, slow, patient-led Valium tapers.
Regarding Cannabis, here is the latest statement from the American Psychiatric Association:
"There is no current scientific evidence that Cannabis is in any way beneficial for the treatment of any psychiatric disorder. Current evidence supports, at minimum, a strong association of Cannabis Use with the onset of psychiatric disorders. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to harm, given the effects of Cannabis on neurological development."
The APA does not endorse Cannabis as medicine." More research is needed.
I enjoy advocating for patients through individual consultations, group work and my Podcast "RECOVERY...THE HERO'S JOURNEY".
I'm devoting time and energy to supporting health care professionals through my CME-accredited video training, workshops and supervision.
This training provides up-to date research and best practice guidelines for treating Substance Use Disorders and Prescription Drug Dependence effectively. Health care professionals will learn how to talk effectively to patients, present them with their best, research-supported treatment options and motivate/encourage them in recovery.
I believe in the transformative, healing power of connection and believe that people can rediscover their authentic sense of self in group therapy.
I'm happy you're here.
Patricia Halligan, M.D.
Dr. Halligan is a licensed Buprenorphine (Suboxone) provider.
Dr. Halligan is a licensed Buprenorphine (Suboxone) provider.
Dr. Halligan is a Board Member of The Benzo Information Coalition, a non-profit raising awareness of Benzodiazepine Dependence and the need for long, slow deprescribing practices
Dr. Halligan's Background/Credentials
Board-certified in Psychiatry (through 2029)
Board-certified in Addiction Psychiatry (through 2027)
Licensed physician in the state of New York (NY201150)
Licensed physician in the state of South Carolina (19679)
Licensed Buprenorphine (Suboxone) Prescriber 2003-present
Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals)
POST GRADUATE TRAINING
Medical University of South Carolina (Charleston, SC)
Fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry (1997- 1998)
Cornell-The New York Hospital (White Plains, NY)
Psychiatry Residency ( 1993- 1997)
MEDICAL EDUCATION
Georgetown University School of Medicine (Georgetown, DC)
Degree: M.D. 1992
WORK EXPERIENCE
Mt. Pleasant, SC: :
Teletherapy with NY and SC clients
August 2020 to present
Rochester, NY :
Private Practice Psychiatry Addiction Psychiatry practice including consultations, individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, collaboration with impaired health care professionals referred by The Committee for Physician Health in Albany, NY.
Extensive collaboration with Kavod, a local outpatient treatment center for sex addiction.
2007-July 2020
Fairport, NY:
Psychiatrist, part-time, at The Healing Connection, a nonprofit hospital outpatient day program for adolescents/adults with eating disorders. Intake evaluations, medication management, teaching psychiatry residents, supervision of staff
January 2010-January 2011
Rochester, NY:
Attending Psychiatrist at Unity Chemical Dependency Inpatient and Outpatient Addiction Psychiatry, clinical care of patients, supervision of staff
Developed Suboxone Program for Patients with Opioid Use Disorder
2005-2007
Mt. Pleasant, SC:
Private Practice Psychiatry
Individual therapy, interventions, consultations, extensive work with impaired health care professionals through the Recovering Professionals Program in Columbia, SC
2000-2005
Charleston, SC:
Attending Psychiatrist at The Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs Medical University of South Carolina Inpatient and Outpatient Addiction Psychiatry, clinical care of patients, teaching of Medical students and Psychiatry residents
1998-2000
PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS
New York, NY:
Center for Group Studies
Ongoing Training in Modern Analytic Group Psychotherapy
2012-present
Rochester, NY:
Running Modern Analytic Groups
2010-present
Interviewed for Rochester Business Journal article "Studies show pandemic incites increased amount of alcohol consumption for women,"
May 10, 2021
Guest speaker on Recovery Coach University Radio Program on “The Opioid Epidemic”
2/21/19
Three hour workshop on “Benzodiazepine Use Disorder” for staff at Huther Doyle Addiction Recovery Services December 12, 2018
Grand Rounds for Dept. of Surgery/Anesthesiology at Rochester General Hospital “Treating Pain in the Suboxone Patient” October 2018
Workshop “Cannabis Use Disorder”, Finger Lakes Collegiate Task Force
April 12, 2018
Workshop “Opioid Use Disorder”, Finger Lakes Collegiate Task Force
April 12, 2018
Guest Essayist in Democrat and Chronicle newspaper speaking out on Marijuana Addiction (“Marijuana is Harmful”)
October 29, 2016
Community Lecture at Monroe County Medical Society on
Benzodiazepine Dependence January 2015
Lecture on Benzodiazepine Dependence to DePaul Addiction Services
staff February 2015
Guest Essayist in Democrat and Chronicle newspaper
Speaking out on Opiate Epidemic (“Broaden Proven Heroin Treatment”)
November 2014
“The Five Minute Clinical Consult 2013, 21st edition”
Chapter on Prescription Drug Abuse
Editor Frank J. Domino
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP)
American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA)
IITAP International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals
CGS Center for Group Studies Manhattan
Board Member of The Benzodiazepine Information Coalition
About Me
I live in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina and I enjoy family, dogs, biking, reading, writing, swimming, and travel.
Favorite Poem:
“The Laughing Heart” (Charles Bukowski)
Favorite Song Lyric:
“So put a candle in the window and a kiss upon his lips
As the dish outside the window fills with rain” (Tom Waits)
Favorite Quote:
“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned, so as to have the life that awaits us” (Joseph Campbell)
Favorite Sculpture:
“La Pieta” (Michelangelo)