OUR MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS

Brittany albright md, mph (adult, ADOLESCENT and addiction psychiatrist)

*Accepting new patients: No

*Insurances accepted: BCBS, Cigna, Aetna, Tricare, Humana, United, and Medicare

*Ages treated: 14+

*Locations: Mount Pleasant office and virtual appointments

*Specialties: Treatment resistant depression, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, ADHD, substance use disorders, TMS, Spravato/esketamine, ketamine

Brittany Albright MD, MPH is a Harvard trained, board certified adult psychiatrist with a long standing interest in the complexities of the human mind and behavior. She began her training in biology and sociology as an undergraduate at one of the top academic undergraduate schools in the country, Emory University. Dr. Albright's passion for psychiatry further developed as a medical student at the University of New Mexico, where she obtained her medical degree and a master’s degree in public health. She was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society representing the top 25% of her medical school class.

Dr. Albright completed psychiatric training at the number one adult psychiatry residency in the country, Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital/McLean Hospital (http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings/psychiatry). While in training, her interest in combined psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacologic treatments deepened. Her patients taught her the value of individualized assessment and need for specified treatment based on the uniqueness of the individual’s psychology. As a result, Dr. Albright sought advanced training and supervision in a variety of psychotherapeutic modalities, including Mentalization Based Psychotherapy, Good Psychiatric Management for Borderline Personality Disorder, and Motivational Interviewing. Moreover, Dr. Albright served as Chief Resident of Addiction Psychiatry at MGH/McLean whereby she pursued training in combined medication and psychotherapy treatment of individuals with substance use disorders. After residency, she completed fellowship training specializing in addiction psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Dr. Albright completed her Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation certification in May 2022 and earned her psychedelic assisted psychotherapy certification in October 2023. She is committed to staying updated on scientific research and offering the latest, most effective treatments to her patients.

Dr. Albright has had a very active research career, presenting 20 different research projects at national scientific meetings and publishing 16 manuscripts in national medical journals. Another one of her passions revolves around her interest in using animals to alleviate symptoms of psychiatric disorders.

Dr. Albright is also a national speaker and healthcare consultant, giving talks around the country to teach clinicians about new treatment options in psychiatry. She also mentors graduate therapy interns and healthcare graduate students.

Dr. Albright’s goal is to provide high quality, collaborative patient-centered care, supporting and advocating for her patients, offering a variety of evidence-based treatment options, and only using medications when necessary. This inspired her to establish Sweetgrass Psychiatry in 2018 because she felt that her patients deserved only the best treatment. She treats a wide range of patients from diverse backgrounds and ages 14+. She believes in treating psychiatric disorders using a multi modal approach based on the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual model.

“When another person perceives our genuine curiosity, openness, and acceptance, there is a sense of professional caring, what we might be so bold as to call a ‘healing form of love.’” -Daniel Siegel MD

Telemedicine link: http://doxy.me/dralbright

WILLIAM RAYBURN MD, MBA (spravato/ketamine specialist)

*Accepting new patients: Yes - Spravato / esketamine / ketamine patients only, ages 17+

*Location: Isle of Palms office

*Insurances accepted: BCBS, Cigna, Aetna, Tricare, Humana, United, and Medicare

*Specialties: treatment resistant depression, women’s health

Dr. Rayburn joined Sweetgrass Psychiatry with experience in educating and monitoring patients undertaking esketamine (Spravato) therapy.  His background and interests in new drug development, care for patients with depression, patient education, and clinical research make him a valuable addition to our group practice.  His studies in his former research laboratory dealt with long-term effects from exposure to antidepressants and antianxiety medications on the fetal brain. Dr. Rayburn is a former distinguished professor, associate dean, chair of obstetrics and gynecology, and chief of staff at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.  As a board certified obstetrician-gynecologist, he continues to care for underserved women with complicated pregnancies. Being a frequent invited lecturer, Dr. Rayburn is the recipient of several awards for his teaching, research, and many publications including 19 books. Current and recent past medical leadership positions have been in several national medical specialty, research, and education organizations.

Taylor Crews, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC (adolescent and adult nurse practitioner)

*Accepting new patients: Yes, ages 12+

*Insurances accepted: BCBS, Cigna, Aetna, United, and Medicare

*Locations: Isle of Palms office and virtual appointments

*Specialties: ADHD, Depression, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, geriatric mental health issues, neurocognitive disorders

Taylor Crews is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in treatment of a broad range of mental health conditions and complex psychosocial challenges.  She completed her nursing training as a magna cum laude graduate of Carroll University in Waukesha, WI with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a minor in psychology.  Her nursing background provides her a unique and valuable practice style focused on compassion and understanding. Her desire to expand her impact on mental healthcare led to pursuing a master’s degree for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, graduating cum laude with a master of science in nursing from the University of South Alabama.

During her psychiatric nursing experience, Taylor pursued opportunities working in diverse practice settings and across the lifespan. Her career pursuits have allowed her to provide psychiatric care in the community, outpatient clinics, inpatient hospitals, and long term care facilities. She utilizes training in multiple treatment modalities including group and individual psychotherapies, trauma-focused therapy, crisis intervention, psychoeducation, and advanced medication management.

In total, Mrs. Crews has over ten years experience in the mental health profession and over 6 years as a psychiatric nurse practitioner.  She has been active in community outreach as a board member for the Lowcountry Mental Health Conference over the past 5 years and as a presenter for community education forums.  In her practice, she continues to work to reduce mental health stigma and make mental health care accessible to all.

Telemedicine link: http://doxy.me/sweetgrasspsychiatry  

DR. LAYNE GRITTI, DO (adult, ADDICTION, AND PERINATAL psychiatrist)

*Accepting new patients: Yes, ages 17+

*Insurances accepted: BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, United, Optum, UHC, Humana and Medicare

*Locations: VIRTUAL ONLY

*Specialties: Substance use disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, women’s mental health, mental health issues during pregnancy, addiction issues during pregnancy

Dr. Gritti is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who is passionate about providing holistic and patient-centered care. She believes in the importance of treating the whole person and considers their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. She strives to meet her patients where they are in their journey and wants to help patients to lead fulfilling and healthful lives.

Dr. Gritti earned her Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medicine from the University of Dayton, where she also minored in Psychology and Philosophy. During her time at UD, she served as the president of the Active Minds chapter and worked as a volunteer EMT. She then attended Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she was part of the inaugural class. There she learned the importance of treating the whole patient to help her patients find health in their lives.

Dr. Gritti completed her Psychiatry residency at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. During her demanding training, she gained experience serving as the chair for philanthropy and advocacy before going on to become chief resident amid unprecedented changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While serving as chief resident, she completed fellowships in Women’s Reproductive Mental Health and Community and Public Psychiatry. Through these experiences, Dr. Gritti furthered her education by treating patients during the periods before, during, and after pregnancy while navigating a complex healthcare system. She then completed a fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry, treating a diverse set of patients with substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric disorders in various treatment settings. She also educated medical students, psychiatry residents, other fellows, and the community.

Dr. Gritti is a Tobacco Treatment Specialist through the Mayo Clinic and an Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist through the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association.

Dr. Gritti’s rare mix of training experiences makes her uniquely qualified to treat the mental health needs of those with substance use disorders and reproductive mental health issues, including menopause, in addition to general psychiatry needs.

“The highest of all human goods is not happiness, feeling good, or satisfying appetites. Rather it is striving to achieve the best that is within us. Know yourself. Become who you are.” - Based on the theories of Aristotle in Nichomachean Ethics New York, Oxford University Press, 1925

Telemedicine link: https://doxy.me/drgritti

PAIGE WALTON MD (child/adolescent/adult psychiatrist)

*Accepting new patients: No - accepting new patients ages 6-35 years old starting February 2024

*Location: Mount Pleasant office

*Insurances accepted: Optum/United, Aetna, BCBS, Medicare, Humana, and Cigna.

*Specialties: ADHD, child psychiatry, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder

Dr. Walton is board certified in adult psychiatry and fellowship trained in child and adolescent psychiatry.  She attended undergrad at the University of South Carolina where she graduated magna cum laude and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society. While studying at USC, she majored in biological sciences and discovered her fascination with the art and science of medicine. This, combined with her passion to help others, led Dr. Walton to pursue her medical training at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Columbia. She then completed her residency training in general adult psychiatry as well as her fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina. During her final year of child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship, she had the honor of being selected for chief fellow.

During her training, Dr. Walton practiced psychiatry in several different settings including inpatient, outpatient, telepsychiatry and emergency psychiatry. She also had the opportunity to work in multiple diverse specialty clinics including women’s reproductive behavioral health, student mental health at MUSC and College of Charleston, and the general mental health clinic at the VA. Dr. Walton has also been trained in several different psychotherapeutic modalities and strongly believes in the importance of incorporating a variety of therapeutic techniques in treatment.

Dr. Walton understands each person’s circumstances and lifestyle are unique, and her goal is to create a collaborative treatment plan for each patient with a holistic perspective. Dr. Walton prefers a conservative approach to medication management while also emphasizing lifestyle and behavioral changes to improve overall mental health.

Telemedicine link: https://doxy.me/drwaltonp

CECILIA LAU, MD (adult and child/adolescent psychiatrist)

*Accepting new patients: Yes - Currently accepting new patients ages 12+

*Location: VIRTUAL ONLY

*Insurances accepted: BCBS, Cigna, Aetna, United, and Medicare

*Specialties: child psychiatry, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder

Dr. Lau trained at Duke University Medical Center for both her General Psychiatry Residency and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship.  Previously, she attended Chapman University where she graduated magna cum laude with a BS in Psychobiology and minor in Communication Studies before completing medical school at Creighton University School of Medicine.

During her psychiatric training, Dr. Lau developed a particular interest in utilizing a  holistic approach to patient care with advanced psychopharmacology in conjunction with a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and family based therapy. Dr. Lau has been recognized several times for her teaching efforts with the Appleseed Teaching Award from the Duke University School of Medicine. She has published in several peer review journals and presented at numerous local and national conferences during her academic studies. She served as a chief fellow in her final year of training.

Dr. Lau prefers a whole person approach that is grounded in both the biological and psychological sciences. 

Telemedicine link: https://doxy.me/drlaumd

VAN NGUYEN, MD (child, adolescent, and Young Adult psychiatrist)

*Accepting new patients: Yes

*Insurances accepted: BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, Optum, United, Humana, and Traditional Medicare

*Ages treated: 5-35

*Locations: Mount Pleasant office and virtual appointments

*Specialties: ADHD, childhood disruptive behaviors, neurodevelopmental disorders, autism spectrum, anxiety disorders, mood disorders (depression & bipolar disorder), OCD

Van Nguyen, MD is double board certified in adult psychiatry and child/adolescent psychiatry. She graduated from University of Texas Austin with a bachelor degree in neurobiology with special departmental honors for her honor research project. She graduated from University of Texas McGovern Medical School in Houston, TX. She went on to complete her adult psychiatry residency and child/adolescent psychiatry fellowship training in the highly competitive child track program. Her training experiences range from acute inpatient care spanning multiple health systems (Harris County Psychiatric Hospital, M.D. Anderson Cancer Hospital, LBJ Hospital, Memorial Herman Hospital) to partial hospitalization program specializing eating disorders, long-term residential treatment, and community outpatient care. Given her training in the world’s largest medical center, which is the Texas Medical Center, Dr. Nguyen had extensive exposure to a diverse patient population and high complexity, rare cases. Dr. Nguyen also has extensive experience delivering care in telemedicine setting, both for emergent psychiatric evaluations and ongoing outpatient care.

Dr. Nguyen has a longstanding passion for teaching, mentorship, and advocacy. She served in multiple teaching and mentoring roles throughout her training. She advocated for her peers as the class representative throughout training. She represented her training institution in multiple state and national level organizations as a voting delegate. She quickly developed an interest in psychotherapy in combination with pharmacologic treatments during training. Dr. Nguyen is trained in various therapy modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for depression and anxiety, interpersonal therapy for depression, motivational enhancement, and group therapy. Dr. Nguyen is the distinguished recipient of the 2021 Robert White, MD Scholarship for the American Group Psychotherapy Associate and the 2022 winner of the UT Mendell Fellowship for Family Therapy. She co-created and led a weekly parenting support group during her last year of fellowship.

Dr. Nguyen’s treatment approach is an integration of evidence-based treatments, collaborative patient-centered care, and psychoeducation. She strives to educate and advocate for her patients to receive the highest quality of care and resources (such as school testing and accommodations, community programs and support groups). Dr. Nguyen believes that every child and young adult can shine to his/her fullest potential with the right support and nurturing approach. She assesses each patient and crafts individualized treatment plans to help patients reach their short and long term treatment goals. Behavioral skills and parent coaching techniques are utilized, as appropriate for a holistic treatment approach. Medications will be considered in a judicious and conservative manner to enhance treatment protocols. Dr. Nguyen aims to deliver the best care for her patients, so that they may enjoy life-long benefits and the highest quality of life. In her free time, Dr. Nguyen enjoys spending time with her husband and dog. Her hobbies include cooking, traveling, and decorating.

Telemedicine link: https://doxy.me/drnguyensc

lauren jarboe, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC (adult and adolescent nurse practitioner)

*Accepting new patients: Yes - ages 14+

*Location: Mount Pleasant office or virtually

*Insurances accepted: BCBS, Cigna, Aetna, United, and Medicare

*Specialties: ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis

Lauren is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with nearly ten years' experience in the mental health field. She obtained her BSN at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL and immediately specialized in psychiatry, working in geriatric home health care, psychiatric emergency departments, and inpatient behavioral health settings. She attended the rigorous psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA where she graduated cum laude with highest honors. She maintains involvement at Drexel as a mentor to multiple students through the psychiatric mentorship program.

Lauren utilizes medication management and psychotherapy for the treatment of a broad range of psychiatric conditions across the lifespan including but not limited to the management of anxiety, depression, insomnia, ADHD, and trauma as well as relationship issues/codependency, sexual dysfunction, postpartum issues, and disordered eating. She is particularly passionate about the relationship between past trauma and its effects on the present as well as the management of personality disorders.

Lauren creates a non-judgmental, empathetic, and accepting environment where clients feel listened to and understood. She seeks to establish a trusting partnership; working collaboratively with her clients to achieve optimal outcomes and goals. During therapy sessions, multiple modalities may be used such cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, brief interpersonal therapy, and supportive psychodynamic therapy. Additionally, Lauren employs a whole-person approach to mental health with careful attention to mind, body, and spirit. When appropriate, her treatment model may include dietary recommendations, spiritual support, exercise, mindfulness practices, and other evidence-based lifestyle modifications that address the whole individual.

Telemedicine link: https://doxy.me/LaurenJar

Bridget M. McLernon Sykes, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

(Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner)

*Accepting new patients: Yes - ages 15+

*Location: Isle of Palms office or virtually

*Insurances accepted: BCBS, Aetna, United, Cigna, Humana and Medicare

*Specialties: Anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar/mood disorders

*Treatment modalities: Psychiatric medication management, Psychoeducation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI)

 Bridget is a Nurse Practitioner with board certifications as a Family NP (specializing in medical issues across the lifespan) and as an Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health NP (specializing in psychiatric/mental health concerns in those 15 and over). 

Career:

 She is a highly seasoned, expert clinician with her knowledge only being rivaled by her kindness and warm bedside manner. She has served in college health, providing primary care for medical concerns in this 18–24 year old population, as well as psychiatric medication management for concerns common in this age group. She is a leader, having served as Director of the College of Charleston Student Health Services and as the College of Charleston COVID Lead. Bridget has found great joy in working with young adults as they are on the cusp of finding independence, purpose and meaning in their lives.

She also has a significant amount of experience in private practice, independently treating patients 15+ with talk therapy and medication management. Bridget began her career serving Charleston’s elderly population as a primary care and psychiatric provider.

Passion:

Bridget sees her work with patients as a collaboration, helping individuals to approach current and past challenges so that they can lead happier, healthier and more enriched lives. She uses thoughtful, evidenced based medication management alongside therapies such as psychoeducation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) depending upon patient presentation and need.

 Education:

Bridget earned a degree in English Literature from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and worked in marketing for product development firm IDEO for several years. Intent to follow her purpose, after having three young children, Bridget re-entered school to pursue training to become a Nurse Practitioner in the accelerated program at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). She graduated magna cum laude from the BSN program at MUSC and went directly on to pursue a MSN with simultaneous concentrations as a family nurse practitioner (FNP) and adult psychiatric/mental health NP (PMHNP). Bridget pursued the two degrees in tandem due to her deeply held belief that emotional and psychiatric solutions are found when the patient is treated holistically such that their physical and lifestyle health is considered as part of their psychiatric concerns.

 Service:

Bridget currently serves on the Board of Directors of One80 Place.

Telemedicine link: https://doxy.me/npbmcsykes

Katelyn Zerbst, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC (Family Nurse Practitioner / primary care)

*Accepting new patients: Yes - general primary care - ages 14+

*Location: Mount Pleasant office, Isle of Palms office, and virtually

*Insurances accepted: Aetna, United/Optum, Cigna, traditional Medicare and Tricare. Credentialing underway for BCBS.

*Specialties: General primary care

*Treatment modalities: general adult primary care, Ketamine and Spravato therapy for treatment resistant depression

Katelyn is a Nurse Practitioner with board certifications as a Family NP, specializing in medical issues across the lifespan. 

She first completed her nursing training at Clemson University and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in nursing. Her experience as a registered nurse taught her the foundational importance of caring for the individual as a whole and not just focusing on disease processes.  She loved getting to provide care for patients in some of their most vulnerable moments, but felt led to serve in a role that would allow her to provide more preventative care while continuing to develop relationships with her patients and their families. It was this desire that led to her obtaining her master’s degree in nursing from the University of South Carolina and becoming a family nurse practitioner. 

As a nurse practitioner, Katelyn has gained experience in treating a variety of acute and chronic health conditions. She loves taking the time to connect with her patients on a personal level and care for both their mental and physical wellbeing.

Telemedicine link: https://doxy.me/katelynzerbst

MArie blacker, DNP, FNP-BC (Family Nurse Practitioner)

*Accepting new patients: Ages 14+

*Location: VIRTUAL only

*Insurances accepted: Aetna, Cigna, traditional Medicare, Tricare only at this time. Credentialing in process for United/Optum and BCBS.

*Specialties: General primary care, treatment resistant depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

*Treatment modalities: general adult primary care, psychiatric medication management

With a nurturing spirit cultivated in Blackfoot, Idaho, and a professional journey spanning over thirty years, Dr. Marie Blacker is deeply committed to supporting adults and adolescents through their mental health journeys. Marie is a licensed family nurse practitioner board certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She is highly skilled in the assessment and treatment of mental health conditions in adults and adolescents.

Marie graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and later graduated from Weber State University with a master’s in nursing education and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. She will graduate from Liberty University in August 2024 with a post-doctorate certificate in psychiatric and mental health. Scholastic achievements have earned her membership in the honor societies of Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma Theta Tau, and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

Marie became interested in mental health while caring for military family members suffering from PTSD. Marie’s medical career has spanned 30 years and included the specialties of pediatrics, neurotrauma and rehabilitation, palliative care, hospice, grief and loss, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. She is currently licensed to practice medicine in the states of South Carolina, Utah, and Idaho.

When not at work, Marie enjoys activities with her husband, children, and grandchildren such as golfing, playing pickleball, gardening, and traveling abroad. She also volunteers to assist veterans from the United States Armed Forces in transitioning from military to civilian life.

Telemedicine link: https://doxy.me/drblacker