Mental Health Professional

Marilyn B. Benoit, M.D., an experienced and accomplished mental health professional, is a psychiatrist who is Board Certified in Adult, Child, and Adolescent psychiatry. Dr. Benoit completed medical school and her residency at Georgetown University Medical School. Dr. Benoit has actively served as a psychiatry professor at both Howard University Medical Center and the Children's National Medical Center of the George Washington University.

Dr. Benoit's focus at all teaching institutions has been on clinical preparation of medical students and physicians training to become psychiatrists. Staying current on treatment approaches has been an important part of her clinical practice which spans thirty years. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, which is a FDA (Food & Drug) approved treatment, has great promise as a non-invasive medical intervention for treatment resistant depression. This gives new hope to millions of patients. Dr. Benoit is delighted to be able to offer this novel and safe treatment to her patients.

Dr. Benoit is a past President of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (2001-2003). She currently serves on several non-profit Boards, including the Devereux Foundation, the Alliance for Childhood, The Field Center of Social Work & Social Policy at the University of Pennsylvania, the TeenScreen at Columbia University, Chance Academy in Washington, DC & BestKids Mentoring organization. She is a past trustee of the Child Welfare League of America. Dr. Benoit has been named among the Top Doctors in the Washington DC area 2007-2009,and the Best Doctors of America from 2005-2010.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a novel treatment for depression that has not responded to standard medications. It is approved by the Food & Drug Administration.
TMS does not require any sedation or use of any injections.
Magnetic pulses are delivered to the brain through the skull from a coil that is placed on the left frontal area of the head.
The magnetic pulses convert into electric current that goes through the brain and re-sets the polarization of the neurons to normalize functioning and improve mood.
Each session lasts about 45 to 60 minutes and the patient is fully awake and is able to resume normal duties after the session.
Most common immediate side effects are discomfort in the area of the stimulation, and/or headache that is treatable with over the counter analgesics.
Financing is available.

NO LONGER OFFERING TMS SERVICES
Dr. Benoit is no longer offering TMS Services. ?This is a bittersweet announcement as Dr. Benoit is unable to offer TMS services due to taking the position of Chief Clinical Officer at the Devereux Foundation....

Seasonal depression: Mood changes when the weather changes
Now that we are well into the Fall season, many patients are experiencing de-stabilization of their moods. This is not unusual, and in order to manage this de-stabilization, patients need to take some pro-active measures. The change of seasons means a significant decrease in sunlight, and with the s...

Neuronetics selected by World Economic Forum as 2011 Technology Pioneer
Neuronetics selected by World Economic Forum as 2011 Technology...

Be Good to Your Brain: It?s the only one you?ve got!
I have definitely been impressed by how the cardiologists (heart doctors) have been able to get the message out to the public that heart health is important. On food products, on restaurant menus, and in everyday conversation there is mention of what is good food and good life habits for heart and c...

Clinical Depression - A treatable Illness
Depression affects about 14 million Americans each year. It is an illness with significant impact on a person?s quality of life. It impairs functioning at work, school, in relationships, and in a person?s ability to have fun and enjoy life. Depression saps a person?s energy, alters sleep and eating ...