Medical Training & Career

Dr. Marcus received her medical degree from Ain Shams University Faculty of Medicine in Cairo, Egypt in 1991. She completed her psychiatry residency at UMDNJ/Rutgers Health New Jersey Medical School from 1996 to 2000, where she served as Chief Resident during her final year—a position awarded to the most accomplished resident in the program.

She then completed an addiction psychiatry fellowship at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School from 2000 to 2001, gaining specialized expertise in treating substance use disorders. Her fellowship research focused on the intersection of trauma and addiction, examining childhood trauma and suicidal behavior in cocaine-dependent patients.

In addition to her medical training, Dr. Marcus completed four years of psychoanalytic training at the NYU Psychoanalytic Institute. This intensive training in psychodynamic therapy allows her to help patients understand the unconscious patterns that drive their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors—not just manage symptoms, but address root causes.

Treatment Philosophy

Dr. Marcus believes in meeting patients where they are. Some people come to her practice having already tried multiple treatments without success. Others are seeking help for the first time. Many are dealing with the difficult combination of a mental health condition and substance dependence—and have been told, incorrectly, that these are separate problems requiring separate doctors.

Her approach combines medication management with various forms of psychotherapy, tailored to each patient's specific needs and circumstances. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy for practical symptom management, psychodynamic therapy for deeper exploration, and evidence-based medication-assisted treatment for addiction when appropriate. The goal is always the same: to help patients achieve lasting improvement, not just temporary relief.

"Through the use of different medications aiming at normalizing the brain chemistry and the exploration of the unconscious, cognition and relationships, we help our patients achieve harmony in their lives."

Professional Recognition

Dr. Marcus has received recognition throughout her career for both clinical excellence and scholarly contributions:

• Lester Branet Resident Achievement Award (2000) — Awarded for outstanding performance during residency training
• Resident's Best Paper Award (2000) — For research on the impact of addiction fellowship on general psychiatry residents
• America's Top Psychiatrists (2007) — Consumer research recognition
• Patients' Choice Award (2008, 2010) — Based on patient reviews and satisfaction

Published Research

Dr. Marcus has contributed to the professional literature on addiction psychiatry:

• "Impact of Addiction Fellowship on General Psychiatry Residents" (2000)
• "Childhood Trauma and Suicidal Behavior in Cocaine Dependent Patients" (2001)

Languages & Community

Dr. Marcus speaks English, Arabic, and French, enabling her to serve a diverse patient population throughout Monmouth County and the Jersey Shore region.

Brain Mind Harmony accepts most major insurance plans, including TRICARE for veterans and military families. Dr. Marcus believes quality psychiatric care should be accessible, not limited to those who can pay out of pocket.