Britany Alexander, MD | Integrative Psychiatrist
Welcome to my practice!
Who I Am
Hi! I’m Dr. Britany, a board-certified integrative psychiatrist and psychotherapist. I have trained with top specialists in evidence-based psychiatric interventions, natural medicines, and psychotherapy.
Over the years, I've gained extensive experience in patient care, research, and teaching other medical providers how to provide optimized mental health interventions. For many years, I served as Pain Management Liaison at Kaiser Permanente, helping individuals and their families navigate the complexities of tough medical diagnoses, comorbidities, and chronic pain. I developed a multidisciplinary clinic to serve patients with comorbid chronic pain, psychiatric, and addiction issues. As a Kaiser Permanente Physician Educator, I have delivered lectures on drug safety, eldercare, delirium, and the treatment of anxiety and depression to primary care providers. I have also developed Emergency Department protocols for psychiatrically ill patients.
My Passion
From a young age, I've been fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior and why people act the way they do. I have known from age 7 that I would never be anything but a doctor—I still have my childhood medical kit! My desire to go into psychiatry was solidified at age 17 during the High School Senior Life Project, and since then, I've never looked back. I am naturally curious and love hearing the deepest layers of a story or experience.
I have a passion for helping people to flourish into the version of themselves they want to be. I guide individuals towards healing, functionality, and balance. I really value being able to help my patients modulate the discomfort they feel in difficult situations. Watching my patients grow is one of the most rewarding aspects of this work.
It warms my heart when my patients get better and start to feel free to live again! This could mean approaching a phobia with less avoidance and more ease, or becoming free of panic attacks. For some people, success means having more energy, losing weight, and sleeping better.
I love to see new mothers begin to feel a sense of confidence in themselves as parents and leave unwarranted guilt and anxiety in the past. There’s no better feeling than receiving graduation pictures from students I’ve worked with, celebrating successfully completing their programs or passing their boards.
And for those who suffer from chronic pain, it's wonderful to see a decrease in emotional distress, which can contribute to better function, more good days, and feeling less controlled by the vice grip of pain.
A Personal Note
People might hesitate to seek mental health care because of shame, stigma, or simply because they are unsure that a comfortable connection can be made with a mental health provider. Creating a safe space for clients to freely express themselves and feel understood is one of my top priorities.
My perspective as a psychiatrist is unique, in part, because of some of my own life experiences. While pregnant with my first child, I was diagnosed with a benign, but destructive brain tumor. Now, having survived and adjusted, I can truly empathize with what others experience when they feel that their minds, bodies, and even their spirits have failed them.
My preference though, is to emphasize the word “survive”. Because it is possible to live through and even thrive after pain, tragedy, and challenges. I have dedicated myself to helping people get to that place.
How I Recharge
In keeping with the principles I teach my clients, I strive for balance and have a variety of hobbies. One of which is moonlighting as a trained opera singer! When I'm not singing the coloratura soprano part in a lyrical aria or opera, it's safe to say I am either in my vegetable garden, or on a long nature walk with my children and two dogs, Rainbow and Trixie.
Training
BS in Biology from Oakwood University in Huntsville, AL
MD from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN
Psychiatry Residency Training at Harbor UCLA Medical Center
Trained under renowned Psychodynamic Psychotherapist Warren Procci, MD
Board Certified in Psychiatry, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Extensive training in CBT, Behavioral Activation, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, and co-morbid medical/psych disorders
Conducted research at Loma Linda exploring health disparities among minority cancer patients
Diverse experience in multiple settings: inpatient, medical unit, outpatient clinic, working with children, elders, and other populations
Other Accolades
Graduated from Meharry Medical College with Honors in Internal Medicine and Growth, Development, and Aging
Multi-year MAPPS (Patient Satisfaction) Honor Roll Awardee
Kaiser Riverside's Psychiatrist of the Year Award in 2021.
Media Ambassador for Kaiser Permanente