Dr. Nicole Christian-Brathwaite, MD provides psychiatric and therapeutic treatment for individuals ages 5 to 85. Dr. Christian-Brathwaite has over 10 years of experience working with children and adults suffering from mental illness. She has worked in multiple psychiatric settings including outpatient, inpatient, partial day programs, community based programs and intensive outpatient programs. Dr. Christian-Brathwaite has a special interest in working with individuals and families from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. 

Dr. Christian-Brathwaite believes that medications are only one piece of a large treatment plan. There is no magic pill. Medications are most effective when combined with a healthy lifestyle (ex. 30 minutes of exercise a day, diet full of fruits and vegetables, adequate sleep etc) and individual or group therapy. It is not uncommon that the first medication you try to treat your depression, anxiety or mood disorder may not be effective. Many people need to add a second medication to their regime or try more than one medication before they find relief for their symptoms. 

Dr. Christian-Brathwaite is interested in trying alternative treatment options that include natural supplements, acupuncture, meditation and mindfulness. You must be engaged in therapy in order to receive psychiatric medication treatment, either with Dr. Christian-Brathwaite or a separate individual therapist. Medication alone is not enough to achieve symptom remission.  Dr. Christian-Brathwaite uses controlled substances (benzodiazepines - xanax, ativan, klonopin and stimulants - adderall, ritalin) sparingly and will try other medication and behavioral interventions first.