Connor McCarthy, MD

More about Dr. McCarthy

Dr. McCarthy knows that mental health care is not a “one size fits all” model. Everyone has their own unique background, story, and struggles. While Dr. McCarthy’s main modality of treatment is psychopharmacology, he uses a holistic approach when assessing each individual’s well-being.

He prioritizes working collaboratively with patients to help identify concerns and treat their symptoms through multiple modalities, including conventional psychotropic medications, Esketamine, IV Ketamine, and TMS. Based on each patient’s needs, he combines these methods with practical therapy skills, so that the medications provide relief from symptoms and patients leave with new ways to approach challenges in their lives.

Dr. McCarthy initially discovered his passion for mental health while in medical school. Specifically, during his family medicine rotation, there was a young man who came to the clinic for a general checkup. As Dr. McCarthy talked with him, he expressed how he had recently become socially isolated and was experiencing symptoms of depression. Dr. McCarthy helped him choose a medication to help treat his symptoms and scheduled him with a therapist. As this was the first time the young man had confided in a health care professional, Dr. McCarthy was moved. Especially as Dr. McCarthy recalls how his young patient began the visit, tearful, but then the visit ended with a sense of hope. This realization of being able to provide sensitive care and, ultimately, hope and support to those struggling with their mental health, is what motivated McCarthy to pursue a career in mental health care.

For any potential patients seeking mental health support, Dr. McCarthy would like to reassure you that, “reaching out is often the hardest part of treatment. Common emotions that may prevent someone from reaching out can be fear, severe depression or anxiety, embarrassment, or a sense that they will be judged. You may have even had bad experiences with mental health in the past. What I would ask is to allow me the opportunity of earning your trust and learn how I can best help you.”

Dr. McCarthy’s Path to Mindful Health Solutions
As a doctor fresh out of residency, Dr. McCarthy was searching for a community of providers that not only have a passion for mental health but are at the forefront of the field. In his eyes, Mindful Health Solutions not only provides traditional means of treatment through psychopharmacology but is a leader in newer methods of treatment for common treatment-resistant conditions, such as IV Ketamine, Esketamine, and TMS.

During his residency training at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Dr. McCarthy had the opportunity to help run an Esketamine clinic during his outpatient rotation. He was amazed at how a course of treatment could make a profound difference in the lives of those suffering from severe and treatment-resistant depression. Seeing firsthand how impactful these treatments can be in the lives of those who may not respond to conventional antidepressant medications, McCarthy is excited to be a provider who can help expand these services to those in the San Francisco community!