March is Women’s History Month and We Celebrate Women’s Significant Contributions to the World!

There are numerous women who have influenced my life, and been role models for me. So many have toiled to pave the road, and have made it easier for women like me to pursue my professional career, while balancing a family.

If there is one person that truly stands out, it’s Marie Curie. She is just so darned impressive, and has always been a hero to me. In 1903 she was not only the first woman to win a Nobel Prize (in Physics), she also became the first person to win a second Nobel Prize (this time for Chemistry in 1911)! Madame Curie was the first female professor at the prestigious University of Paris, and her seminal work on radiation is still being felt in many fields, including medicine. She did all this while raising two children. Yeah, she totally rocks!

Who inspires you to be YOUR best?


Lynne Lyons, MD
Medical Director and Psychiatrist
Lakes Center Mental Health Network
Spring Mental Health:
Back to Basics!
You’ve heard it before, but we’ll say it again: prioritizing our basic needs like eating, sleeping and getting physical activity is important for our mental health. Taking care of our bodies can improve our mood, stress levels, self-esteem and help reduce anxiety. Not sure where to begin? Here are a few strategies you can use to address the basics.

  • SLEEP: Aim to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Turn down your thermostat to the optimal temperature for sleep: between 60 and 67 F. Set a timer on your phone as a reminder to start shutting down your electronics at least 1 hour before bed. Instead of scrolling on your phone, opt for relaxing activities like reading, journaling, coloring, yoga or listening to a meditation to help your body unwind.

  • EATING: Honor your hunger cues, and try to eat at least one meal distraction-free (that means no phones, no computers, no TV, etc.). If you find yourself feeling tired or hungry before the end of the workday, consider preparing snacks in advance to keep yourself full and focused. For example, a square of dark chocolate contains small amounts of caffeine that can help you stay alert.

  • PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Make physical activity more enjoyable by choosing activities that you like and are excited to do. Working out doesn’t have to be strenuous or burn a lot of calories. Moving your body through walking, yoga or low-impact exercises is just as beneficial for your mental and physical health. Try for 30 minutes every day!
Do Something You Enjoy
Always wanted to take a cooking class? Considering an herb garden? Taking up photography? Learning new skills and taking the time to do something you love creates an outlet to relieve stress. Don’t be intimidated by the prospect of picking up something new – it can be as small as playing a 15 minute game of Solitaire. Just make sure it’s something you enjoy to do.
Smile!
It might feel silly, but simply smiling can help improve your mood. Laughing is also a great way to beat stress and is clinically proven to be good for your health. Take some time for a laugh break – watch a funny show/movie or find a funny video online and enjoy the instant mood lift!
We provide comprehensive psychiatric and psychotherapy services for a vast array of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychotic illness, borderline personality disorder, substance abuse/addiction, trauma related issues, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and behavior problems. Call (248) 859-2457 to set up an appointment.
Did you know? SPRAVATO® can have a rapid antidepressant response and is added on to an antidepressant and the rest of your regimen. It is the first new mechanism of action to treat depression that has come out in over 30 years. 
There is hope for treatment-resistant depression. Call (248) 859-2457 to set up an appointment.
Marsha Linehan, developer of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), explained that “people with Borderline Personality Disorder are like people with third degree burns over 90 percent of their bodies. Lacking emotional skin, they feel agony at the slightest touch or movement.” We can help. Learn more.
Lakes Psychiatric Center remains open for business. We are offering Zoom online tele-therapy appointments for new and existing clients as well as in person sessions. Please contact the front desk to assist you with your appointment type or instructions for using Zoom. Call (248) 859-2457 for info.
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Lakes Depression Center is continuing to provide SPRAVATO® treatments per the usual schedule. We have enhanced our safety and cleaning protocols. You are safe to start treatment or continue treatment. Call (248) 956-7164 for info.
Lisa Elrom, PhD
Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Elrom, brings more than 30 years of experience in providing treatment to all age groups – children and their families to older adults.

  • Mood disorders
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Trichotillomania
  • Emotion Regulation
  • Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder
  • Chronic Pain

Dr. Elrom received her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Wayne State University. She utilizes a short-term, solution-focused approach to treatment. Dr. Elrom is skilled in applications of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Relaxation Techniques and other Cognitive Behavioral Techniques, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and Exposure-Based treatments for disorders such as OCD and PTSD.
Victoria Harrington,
LMSW, ACSW
Clinical Social Worker

Victoria Harrington is a Licensed Masters Social Worker and received her Masters Degree of Social Work from the University of Michigan. During her career as a clinical social worker, for over 40 years, she has worked in a variety of mental health clinics and family service agencies. Her practice includes treatment of adults of all ages and older adolescent, through individual, marital, couples or family therapy, based on client needs.

Special Interest Areas include:

  • Adjustment Disorders which occur in response to a major life event, change or crisis.
  • Anxiety and Panic Disorders
  • Depression
  • Women in Transition
  • Young Adults with transitional issues
  • Marital and Couple therapy
  • Pre-Marital Counseling
  • Divorce related issues