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New Book! An Introduction to Psychopharmacology for Counselors and Psychotherapists

Book Cover

Finally, a neuroscience book for anyone with an interest in the psychopharmacology of addiction, substance use-related and co-occurring disorders! Dr. Stanford’s book brings current and meaningful information that will enhance the understanding of the biobehavioral science of substance use and mental health conditions. A must read!

In this book, Dr. Stanford shares his years of clinical experience teaching psychopharmacology, and working with counselors, psychologists, social workers, and therapists in behavioral health care settings. His book is in a format that allows counselors and psychotherapists to learn the foundations of psychopharmacology – an essential part of the whole person integrated approach to patient care.

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Our Mission

It is the mission of Synergia Consulting Group (SCG) to help its clients, of all sizes of institutions and agencies, to develop, revise and achieve their goals of service standards by providing the highest quality training and consultation in a professional and compassionate manner.

What SCG Provides

Mark Stanford, PhD and his associates have worked throughout the State of California with many public and private behavioral health systems to help improve services for patients with addiction, substance-related and co-occurring conditions. In today’s standard of care and best practices model, it takes a well-equipped, professional treatment program to accurately diagnose and treat persons with co-occurring disorders. A well trained staff in a program with a culture of co-occurring competency is a fundamental standard of care for all consumers of services.


With over 30 years of providing direct services in client care, outcomes-based services, executive level administration and system infrastructure upgrades, Synergia Consulting Group (SCG) provides invaluable assistance that will optimize service outcomes through quality care standards at every level of the organization.


SCG offers trainings and program consultations on a variety of topics in behavioral health and treatment:

  • Training and technical assistance in the behavioral treatment aspects of care
  • Skills development and core competencies building
  • Case presentation format for clinical skills development
  • American Society of Addiction Medicine ASAM Criteria 4th Edition training
  • Core competencies in integrated care management and supervision

About Mark Stanford, PhD

Employed by the Santa Clara Valley Health & Hospital System for many years as the Director of the Addiction Medicine and Behavioral Therapy services. Retired in 2015 and then worked as the Director of Medication-Assisted Treatment services at Janus of Santa Cruz, a local non-profit agency. A psychotherapist for many years with the Psychiatric Medical Group in San Jose, California specializing in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. Associate member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and certified by ASAM to train in the use of the ASAM Criteria, 4th Edition.

Educator in psychology, psychopharmacology, psychopathology, addiction medicine and treatments at: Stanford University School of Medicine, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences as an Associate Clinical Professor; San Jose State University School of Social Work; UC Berkeley Extension; San Mateo Community College; and currently an Associate Professor of Psychology at Cabrillo College.

Author of various materials in psychology and behavioral health. Most recent is the new textbook, Introduction to Psychopharmacology for Counselors and Therapists (Lightway Center Publishing, 2024). Most recent published articles are two chapters in the Encyclopedia of Child and Adolescent Health: The Neurodevelopmental Impact of Prenatal and Early Adolescent Cannabis Use and Resulting Neurocognitive Deficits, and The Impacts of Cannabis on Adolescent Psychological Development (Elsevier, April 2023).

Lastly, is a clinical consultant and trainer for several County Behavioral Health Departments and individual programs, including provider networks throughout the State of California—such as the Behavioral Health Departments of Santa Clara County, Monterey County, and Santa Cruz County.

Associates & Colleagues

Mark Stanford, PhD is an outstanding educator and an excellent writer. We collaborated on papers about on alcohol use disorders, and his writing is clear, intelligent, and evidence-based. He is the consummate professional and a wonderful colleague.
Anna Lembke, MD Chief, Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic Director, Stanford Addiction Medicine Program Assistant Professor, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Stanford University School of Medicine
The wealth of experience and the scholarly work of Dr. Mark Stanford enable him to incorporate the knowledge and expertise needed to design a viable and competent curriculum to enhance psychopharmacology content in social work courses. He has been a transformational figure in my own personal career, and I use his knowledge daily in my role as the social work supervisor at Regional Medical Center.
Tamra S. Chavez, PhD, LCSW Supervisor, Social Services Department San Jose Regional Medical Center
Mark Stanford, Ph.D. has the length, breadth, and depth of experience in addiction, mental and general health settings that explain why his training and consultation is so grounded and effective. Mark's personal and interpersonal style is such that when he trains and consults, his work is not only competent and practical, but is enjoyable and really communicates.
David Mee-Lee, MD Board-Certified Psychiatrist; International Trainer in Addiction Medicine DML Training and Consulting
As Chief Outpatient Psychiatrist for Santa Clara County, I have the pleasure of working alongside Dr. Stanford on a variety of projects. I can truly say, interacting with Dr. Stanford is an enlightening experience. He offers an entirely unique perspective to the assessment and management of our most challenging dual-diagnosis patients. Dr. Stanford is a gifted instructor and clinician, combining his deep level of knowledge, with an empathic, highly practical, and evidence-based approach to care. Dr. Stanford has been an invaluable part of our behavioral health care system; through his teaching and consultation, he has greatly enhanced the quality of care we deliver.
Anthony Cozzolino, MD Chief Outpatient Psychiatry, Department of Mental Health Santa Clara Valley Health & Hospital System
For over 25 years, Mark Stanford has provided outstanding academic and educational services for UC Berkeley Extension teaching courses related to psychology and behavioral health. Dr. Stanford has the exceptional ability to organize highly technical materials in such a way that students, from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, gain an understanding of complex scientific concepts in meaningful ways that can be applied within various health care settings.
Stan Weisner, MSW, PhD Director (Ret), Behavioral Health Sciences UC Berkeley Extension