Special Edition: The Affinity Center - 25 years in the making!

Reflections from The Affinity Center’s owners:

“I thought everyone would be using this treatment model and we would only last about five years. But 25 years later, there are still not many places that do what we do.” - Douglas Pentz, PhD.

“We wanted to create a healthcare model that people have a say in, and we’re still the only one who does.” - Thomas D’Erminio, LISW.

Our origin story:

Co-owners, Doug and Tom, had known each other professionally in Pittsburg, PA and were both being treated for ADHD at the same center. Comparing notes, they were happy with some of the treatment options and holistic approaches available, and began discussing the possibility of opening a center in Cincinnati, Ohio. They consulted with Doctors, school teachers, adults with ADHD and parents to explore what they want and need for the treatment of ADHD.

Doug and Tom dreamed of a “one stop shop” for treatment, including therapy, medication, complete collaboration with therapists, psychologists and prescribers, but most importantly, a place where people are treated with respect, humanity, and compassion.

Doug and Tom began designing The Affinity Center around their research. Doug recalls attending the first national conference where adults with ADHD were also invited to participate. During a question and answer segment of the conference, Doug remembers a frequently asked question “ I’m an adult with ADHD. I’ve seen multiple doctors and filled medications at many different pharmacies. They all treat me like I’m a drug addict. How do I get treated humanely?!”

After 2 years of careful research, The Affinity Center was born and has grown into an amazing, supportive Center where people can be tested and treated for ADHD, and other mental health concerns, but not have to feel judgement for it. We pride ourselves in being a treatment center where our clients are really heard and received as they are, with compassion and understanding. “We want people to do great things!”

A message to the community about ADHD from Doug and Tom:

In our experience, many people believe ADHD is over-diagnosed, and patients are over medicated. This is simply untrue! The fact is, people are often under-diagnosed and under-medicated. Effective ADHD treatment is much more than just medication alone, and certainly more than just therapy alone. The key is being open to change in order to be your best self.

As clinicians, we need to be unafraid to have people try medication, to be familiar with it. We also seek staff that no matter their technique or style of therapy, they are able to listen to people - really LISTEN to them - and collaborate with our medical team to create the best treatment plan for each individual need. Our goal is to educate our clinicians on various treatment options to optimize their client’s well being.

Where we are headed…

Our future is bright as we look into various opportunities to continue to be of service to Montgomery and the entire Tri-State area.

We also want to thank each and every one of our clients, past and present, who have allowed us to be a part of their lives and support them with treatment for ADHD and their mental health. We are very grateful to be able to assist in helping people reach their full potential.

“Paying attention is only part of it!”

Written by Erin St. Clair. Thanks to Tom and Doug for their interview. Artwork by Erin St. Clair