At The Lieberman Center for Psychotherapeutics, serving high-functioning professionals across New York City, Bergen County, Westchester, Essex County, and surrounding areas, we often hear the question: “Do I really need medication if I’m already in therapy?”
It’s a fair question—especially from driven, self-aware individuals who’ve built careers, families, and reputations on grit and insight. But as Dr. Peter D. Kramer revealed in his influential book Listening to Prozac, antidepressants like SSRIs can be powerful tools—not to change who you are, but to help unlock the version of yourself that’s been trapped under chronic stress, anxiety, or emotional fatigue.
At our center, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all model. But we do believe in thoughtful, integrated mental health care. Here’s why therapy and SSRIs work better together, and how this approach can support long-term growth, resilience, and mental wellness.
What Are SSRIs and How Do They Work?
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are a widely used class of antidepressants that help regulate mood. Common SSRIs include:
- Prozac (fluoxetine)
- Lexapro (escitalopram)
- Zoloft (sertraline)
- Paxil (paroxetine)
They are prescribed to treat depression, anxiety disorders, panic attacks, obsessive thinking, and more. But as many patients report—and as Kramer documented—SSRIs can also enhance emotional flexibility, reduce sensitivity to criticism, and help people feel more confident and socially engaged.
Therapy + Medication = Better Results
In our experience working with high-performing individuals—executives, entrepreneurs, graduate students, medical professionals—we often see clients who “know what to do” but still feel stuck emotionally. Therapy alone can help bring clarity, but SSRIs can create the bandwidth needed to act on that insight.
Benefits of combining SSRIs with therapy:
- Reduced emotional reactivity = better decision-making
- Improved focus and energy = deeper therapeutic work
- Less avoidance and procrastination = faster recovery
- Enhanced stress tolerance = improved performance in life and work
SSRIs don’t override your personality—they often help restore emotional balance so your strengths can emerge without constant interference from anxiety or low mood.
Are We Treating a Disorder—or Unlocking Potential?
In Listening to Prozac, Kramer asked a provocative question: Is it wrong to use medication to help someone become more confident, more emotionally stable, more connected?
At The Lieberman Center for Psychotherapeutics, we think the answer is no—so long as treatment is guided by ethics, clinical insight, and a focus on the client’s goals. Many of our clients aren’t “sick” in the traditional sense. They’re stressed, burned out, overwhelmed by pressure, or simply living at a lower frequency than they know they could be.
SSRIs can help:
- Reduce rejection sensitivity
- Improve emotional regulation in high-stakes careers
- Support therapy for complex trauma and relational patterns
- Make therapy more effective and less draining
Serving NY/NJ’s Elite and Emerging Professionals
We specialize in serving clients across NYC, Brooklyn, Nassau County, Bergen County, Morris County, Union County, and Westchester County—regions known for their pace, pressure, and performance-driven cultures.
Whether you’re an attorney in Manhattan, a tech founder in Hoboken, or a graduate student in Montclair, we understand that your goals are high—and your time is valuable. That’s why our providers offer a collaborative, concierge-level approach, often combining evidence-based psychotherapy with thoughtful psychiatric medication management.
Final Word: You Don’t Have to Choose—You Can Integrate
SSRIs aren’t a cure-all, and not everyone needs them. But when prescribed responsibly and paired with therapy, they can be a game-changer.
At The Lieberman Center for Psychotherapeutics, we believe in empowering you with every tool that works. Our team of clinicians work closely to tailor care that aligns with your personality, lifestyle, and values.
If you’re curious whether medication could support your therapy—or simply want to explore your options—we invite you to schedule a confidential consultation.
Ready to find clarity and confidence?
Contact The Lieberman Center for Psychotherapeutics
Serving New York and New Jersey high-performance professionals seeking real change.
By: Brad Lieberman, JD, NP
