Originally from the UK, this inveterate world traveler has just taken a job as the departmental head of a high-volume, hospital psychiatric unit in Los Angeles - to be in the same city as his twin sister. Fascinated with the power of the human mind since childhood, Gallagher is a colorful, radically unorthodox character whose maverick methods soon have his new staff questioning whether he is a bit of a head case himself. He questions this often enough himself, as he wrestles with the reality of his sister's schizophrenia and the fear that at any time he might fall victim to the same fate. Crazy like a fox, Gallagher's actually an astute and dedicated professional who is always willing to break a few rules for the good of his patients. Gallagher's new administration may take a bit of getting used to, but his colleagues slowly begin to realize just what an unusual and perceptive doctor their new boss actually is. His radical protocols stem from his ability - and desire - to plunge inside his patients' minds, viewing reality the way they do, coupled with the belief that doctors are only part of the healing process, and that true healing may come in surprising ways, and from unexpected places.

Forty-something and sexy as hell, Nora Scott is the no-nonsense Departmental Administrator who has managed the hospital's legal and financial risk with an iron fist for the last 10 years. Until recently, she was a conservative bureaucrat who took few chances. A battle with cancer convinced her that life is short, and Nora's now ready to shake up the system a bit. She does that in a big way by hiring the colorful Jack Gallagher, with whom Nora had a brief romantic past, to head the psychiatric unit. However, Jack proves a bit more radical than Nora had ever anticipated. Although she admires his brilliance and passionate risk-taking, she's beginning to wonder if she made a mistake in entrusting him with so much responsibility. But, we suspect, her trust in Jack will be richly rewarded...

An attractive woman, Dr. Jones is a dedicated psychiatrist who is upset that she wasn't promoted to head the hospital's psychiatric unit - a job for which she feels she is uniquely suited. Veronica is floored when she learns that the position has gone to Jack, a maverick whose unorthodox methods clash with her more conservative approach. Although her professional life is disciplined and ordered, her personal life is unraveling. She is married to a musician who once satisfied her need for passion and excitement, but whom she has often had to support. She's also self-destructively tempting fate with a sexual relationship with a co-worker. Nora is Veronica's close friend and confidant, who knows and accepts her as somewhat rigid and judgmental.

A doctor in his early 40s, Carl is physically imposing and expensively attired - the best-dressed man in any room. Veronica's colleague, and often her professional rival, Carl is a master politician and enjoys the political and social perks he gains from that role. But...beneath his polished exterior lies the heart of a vicious operative dedicated to Jack's downfall.

Young and handsome (and he knows it), Suarez is an arrogant first-year resident who thinks that he is God's gift to women. Colorful, cocky, but good at his job, this Latin lover has the world - and probably several women as well - on a string. Arturo respects Gallagher and actually gets a charge out of his unorthodox ways.

Chloe's a young, drop-dead gorgeous doctor with an attitude - and a girlfriend in New York City. Unfortunately for Arturo, her sexual orientation renders her impervious to his unrelenting come-ons. A first-year resident with very strong opinions, Chloe's bold in nature, but she's passing the time in a Los Angeles residency that she feels is beneath her until Gallagher opens her mind to the inspirational benefits of psychiatry.