An 8-year-old bipolar boy is admitted to Wharton Memorial following a dangerous incident with a knife. When Jack uncovers the accident was a suicide attempt, Jack tries to get inside the boy's head to learn what is causing his outbursts. Meanwhile, Nora learns her daughter is posting provocative pictures of herself on the Internet.
Dr. Jack Gallagher arrives for his new job as Director of Psychiatric Services at Los Angeles Wharton Memorial Hospital, and gains the trust of a delusional patient using a unique method. Meanwhile, this maverick psychiatrist must also earn the confidence from his new colleagues and conservative boss, hospital administrator Nora Skoff, who is also his ex-lover.
Gallagher treats a female patient who says she is seven months pregnant, yet isn't even pregnant at all. Her husband has also been fooled by her delusions. Elsewhere, Gallagher searches the streets for his mentally ill sister, Becky, who he fears is homeless.