 Fact-based drama about the life of Marie Balter (Marlo Thomas), who spent most of her young life in mental institutions. At age 16, she first attempted suicide and the next 20 years she spent in and out of the institutions. At last, a caring doctor (Caroline Cava) started treating her for extreme depression and panic disorder. Weened from strong medications she had taken all her life, at age 36, she emerged for the last time and started a rehabilitation program in the home of a volunteer married couple. There she met a fellow patient (Ray Baker) with whom she developed a romantic relationship. She also started a college degree. This followed with a long-term professional success in the field of mental health.