Dr. Kristen M. Nelson is a board-certified psychiatrist with advanced specialty training in addiction psychiatry. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care, helping patients navigate mental health challenges and substance use disorders with a personalized and holistic approach.

Dr. Nelson earned her medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean and completed her psychiatry residency at Eastern Virginia Medical School. She further specialized by completing a fellowship in addiction psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she developed advanced expertise in treating substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric conditions.

She currently provides psychiatric care across a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, emergency departments, and consultation-liaison services. Dr. Nelson treats both adolescents and adults and has extensive experience in psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and crisis intervention. Her background also includes court-related psychiatric evaluations and medical-legal assessments.

Dr. Nelson is trained in advanced treatment modalities, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and holds certifications in addiction psychiatry and buprenorphine prescribing for medication-assisted treatment. Her clinical interests include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related conditions, and substance use disorders.

Known for her thoughtful and patient-centered approach, Dr. Nelson prioritizes building strong therapeutic relationships and creating individualized treatment plans. She strives to provide a supportive environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered in their mental health journey.