Avance Psychiatry and Pain Management Chapel Hill

“I am a patient of Dr. Mark's and Kat. I saw both of them when they were part of another facility. When I found out they were moving to Avance, I quickly got established there. Advance doesn't take my insurance and I gladly pay the self-pay rate to be able to see both of them. I initially started with Dr. Mark's, and it was at the beginning stages of being diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos-hypermobile type. This is a connective tissue disorder that affects every part of my body. The hypermobile type comes with a lot of pain. I spent so many years being depressed and anxious because my pain held me back from my life. I went to several doctors trying to get someone to listen, and most importantly, believe me. I felt crazy, mostly because it always eventually came down to, we think you're depressed, go see a therapist, or try this antidepressant. I did try many antidepressants, and I hated every single one. It was like I had no emotions at all, and every bit of the pain I was trying to control, was still there keeping my from my life. The very first time I saw Dr. Mark's, I knew I was with the right person. He not only focused on the pain I had, but how it affected my day-to-day life. Since being with him, my life has improved greatly. I am able to do the things that I enjoy, and not have to say no when a friend asks me to go do something. I can clean my home, and go out on a date with my husband in the same day because I'm not in so much pain that I can't function. If you've lived with chronic, relentless pain, then you understand exactly what I'm saying. Kat joined Dr. Marks later and I transitioned to seeing her once he had me a regimen that worked. She is so sweet, and caring. I've never had a time where I felt like she didn't see me as a person. She always listens and never makes me feel "crazy". If you live with chronic pain and need a team that is compassionate, and will listen, and treat you like a human being, go to Avance. The entire team (front desk, nurses/MAs, providers) is amazing.”

“Everyone from the front desk staff, the medical assistants ,the PA and yes the Drs are awesome. I have never dealt with a better healthcare team. They address your concerns and needs immediately. I needed authorization on a Friday afternoon before a holiday and I was really worried all it took was one phone call and they had it handled before 5 o’clock. It was incredible. I got a phone call saying if by chance it did not go through they had a game plan in place to address my needs, but they had all hope that it would be taken care of, but I will definitely get a phone call way ahead of time, letting me know which way things would go. They apologized that I had to go through it and it wasn’t even their fault. It was the insurance company, but yet they were accepting the responsibility for it. They are the best. They deserve a five star rating.”

“The best provider I have ever seen - Jurate Brigham. She is sensitive to concerns and always on top of things. Never had an issue with her or staff. In fact, they are phenomenal people. Thanks!”

“Dr. Marks was the most kind, compassionate, and understanding pain management doctor I have ever seen. He spent the time to listen to me, not just to understand my pain but to understand me as a person. As a person with a disability, I often find doctors reducing me to a condition or a set of symptoms but Dr. Marks took the time to see me as a person and understand how my chronic pain was holding me back from being who I am. The clinic staff went above and beyond to not only accommodate my disability to make sure I felt comfortable and human. I can’t recommend them enough.”