Chapter 26

NOAH I took a day off from the hospital for an appointment with Dr. Sarah Whitman, a psychologist at the Palo Alto Behavioral Health Center (PABHC), which is affiliated with Palo Alto Medical Center. It’s just minutes away from the main hospital. PABHC specializes in helping individuals manage life’s stresses, achieve personal goals, and improve mental wellness—all while providing convenient, high-quality care. This is exactly what I need right now. I wore a casual shirt, denim jeans, and sneakers, and made sure to put on a face mask. I didn’t want anyone at the hospital recognizing me. The main hospital often uses my image in marketing materials, and since PABHC is affiliated, it’s possible some of the medical staff here might know me. I’m not ashamed of seeing a psychologist—more people are acknowledging their mental health struggles now. It’s not something to be brushed aside or stigmatized. As a doctor, I understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. The re