Dr. Marketa Wills and Dr. Carlin Barnes

Two African-American Harvard-trained psychiatrists (women!) explain mental illness so you can help your loved ones

Harvard-trained psychiatrists Dr. Carlin Barnes and Dr. Marketa Wills wrote the book Understanding Mental Illness: A Comprehensive Guide to Mental Health Disorders For Family and Friends (Skyhorse, September 2019) to empower people to recognize issues their loved ones might be struggling with, thereby breaking through the barriers of stigma and GETTING HELP for their loved ones.

The book lays out in clear, user-friendly terms the signs and symptoms of a host of mental health conditions, from mood and anxiety disorders to substance abuse disorders, personality disorders, depression, and explores the issue of mass shootings.

Some of the topics Dr. Wills and Dr. Barnes can speak to include:

• What are the differences between an anxiety disorder and anxiety.
• How to know whether you have a mood disorder, or are simply “in a mood.”
• Recognizing depression in kids – and getting help.
• What you really need to know about “self-medication.”
• Busting the myths around depression.
• Recognizing the signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder – and what to do.

About the Authors: 

Dr. Carlin Barnes

Carlin Barnes, M.D. is a Board certified psychiatrist.  For the past fifteen years, she has practiced child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry.  She is a Medical Director at a Fortune 100 managed care company.  Additionally, she has a thriving, diverse boutique private practice.

She earned her medical degree from Texas A&M College of Medicine.  She trained in the specialty of psychiatry at programs affiliated with both Harvard University and Emory University Schools of Medicine.  While in her final year of fellowship, she served as chief resident.  Originally from Hillside, New Jersey, she is currently residing in Houston, Texas.  She is a member of several professional and civic organizations including The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.  Her passions include travel, the arts, community service, and fashion.

Dr. Marketa Wills

A Board certified psychiatrist with a master’s in business administration from the Wharton School of Business, Dr. Wills possesses a valuable combination of skills—sharp analytical business acumen coupled with a natural ability to build impactful, transformative relationships with others.  Currently, Dr. Wills serves as a physician executive at a Fortune 500 health insurance company.

She earned her medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and completed a residency in adult psychiatry at Harvard’s Massachusetts General Hospital/McLean Hospital program.  In her last year of the program, she served as chief resident.  She has received numerous accolades and awards highlighting her clinical and community achievements. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and the Links, Incorporated.  Originally from Dayton, OH, her passions include travel, community service and the arts.