Most of us think inpatient psychiatric care is only for emergencies—when someone’s in immediate danger to themselves or others. But there’s a whole other side to it that rarely gets airtime: Choosing inpatient treatment before things hit rock bottom.

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Andrew Gerber, President and Medical Director of Silver Hill Hospital, about what elective, voluntary inpatient care looks like when it’s designed for people who want help—not because they’re forced into it, but because they’re ready for change.

We get into the reality of what happens when therapy, medication, and every coping strategy in your toolbox still aren’t enough—and how a structured, immersive setting can offer the breakthrough you’ve been searching for.

Here’s What You’ll Learn:

• Why the mental health system is built to respond to crises—but rarely to prevent them.
• What elective, voluntary inpatient care actually looks like for high-functioning, therapy-savvy people.
• How to recognize the early warning signs that you might need more support than outpatient care can provide.

If you’ve ever wondered where to turn when you’re not in crisis yet—but you can feel yourself unraveling—this conversation might just change the way you think about getting help.

Xxoo Darcy

REFERENCES/RESOURCES

www.alternativescounseling.com

www.silverhillhospital.org

CREDITS

“We Need To Talk With Dr. Darcy Sterling” is a Sterling Standard Production. Editing and sound engineering by Bart Migal. Our theme music is by Trending Music. Special thanks to Amanda Cristiani and Robyn Jaenchen.

DISCLAIMER

Instagram:@drdarcysterling

Facebook:Dr.Darcy Sterling

Tik Tok:@doctordarcysterling

X:@DrDarcySterling

YouTube:@DarcySterling

Threads:@drdarcysterling

Dating shouldn’t feel like an energy drain—and yet, for many introverts, it does.

Introverts often thrive in deep, one-on-one conversations, yet dating apps, noisy bars, and rapid-fire banter can leave them completely drained. And if you’re not aware of what’s happening, that exhaustion can be mistaken for disinterest—or worse, rejection.

In this episode of We Need to Talk with Dr. Darcy Sterling, I sit down with Dr. Laurie Helgoe, psychologist and author of Introvert Power, to talk about dating as an introvert, how to protect your energy, and how to navigate relationships when the world feels built for extroverts. We’ll cover introvert dating tips, how to communicate boundaries, and how to find meaningful connection without pretending to be someone you’re not.

Here’s What You’ll Learn:

• How to tell the difference between needing space and losing interest—and why it matters for relationship health.
• Practical strategies introverts can use to make dating less exhausting (and more enjoyable).
• How to communicate your energy needs without sounding distant or disengaged.

Whether you’re an introvert yourself, dating one, or raising one, you’ll walk away with tools to navigate connection in a way that feels natural—and sustainable.

Xxoo Darcy

REFERENCES/RESOURCES

www.alternativescounseling.com

The Strange Situation Procedure by Mary Ainsworth

Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength (Reduce Anxiety and Boost Your Confidence and Self-Esteem with this Self-Help Book for Introverted Women and Men)

CREDITS

“We Need To Talk With Dr. Darcy Sterling” is a Sterling Standard Production. Editing and sound engineering by Bart Migal. Our theme music is by Trending Music. Special thanks to Amanda Cristiani and Robyn Jaenchen.

DISCLAIMER

Instagram:@drdarcysterling

Facebook:Dr.Darcy Sterling

Tik Tok:@doctordarcysterling

X:@DrDarcySterling

YouTube:@DarcySterling

Threads:@drdarcysterling

Watch this episode here on YouTube.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let’s be honest: Dating today can feel like a full-time job—with no benefits and no PTO.

If you’ve found yourself endlessly swiping, mentally checked out on first dates, or dreading another round of small talk with someone who’ll probably ghost you by next week, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing it wrong.

You’re just burnt out.

In this episode of We Need to Talk, I’m talking about what so many people feel but don’t say out loud: Dating fatigue is real. And while it can be tempting to delete the apps and swear off dating altogether, there’s a better way to navigate the exhaustion without giving up on what you want.

We talk about how to protect your energy, how to spot red flags early (without turning into a detective), and how to create a system that supports your mental health while staying open to connection.

Here’s What You’ll Learn:

• Dating burnout doesn’t mean you’re jaded—it means you’ve been overextending your emotional bandwidth without proper boundaries.
• You can slow down the pace, protect your energy, and still be intentional about finding love.
• A few strategic mindset shifts can transform dating from exhausting to empowering—and help you show up as your best self.

Xxoo Darcy

REFERENCES/RESOURCES

www.alternativescouseling.com

https://www.askdrdarcy.com/measure-approach/

CREDITS

“We Need To Talk With Dr. Darcy Sterling” is a Sterling Standard Production. Editing and sound engineering by Bart Migal. Our theme music is by Trending Music. Special thanks to Amanda Cristiani and Robyn Jaenchen.

DISCLAIMER

Instagram:@drdarcysterling

Facebook:Dr.Darcy Sterling

Tik Tok:@doctordarcysterling

X:@DrDarcySterling

YouTube:@DarcySterling

Threads:@drdarcysterling

Watch this episode here on YouTube.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.