We recently connected with Dr. Nelson MD and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Nelson, appreciate you joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents Percy and Flossie Lewis did many things right. They have been married now for over 52 years. One of the things that they gave me was security. I never worried for my needs or safety as a child or young adult. As a psychiatrist, I realize how much security in childhood is crucial to mental well being and resiliency. They were and continue to just be solid. I never have had to wonder if they were in my corner. My father was inquisitive about my dreams. His questions helped me to see them and to later manifest them. My parents never made me feel like my voice or my dreams were too much. They allowed me to find me and not force me to be extensions of them. They simply unconditionally love and support me just as I am.

Dr. Nelson, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a psychiatrist and own Blueprint Psychiatry in Newnan, Georgia. We treat clients with mental illness like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder. We provide customized treatment plans by using genetics, medications, psychotherapy, and nutrition. We also focus on patients with difficult to treat depression. We go outside of the box when needed and use new and exciting options like Transcranial Magnetic stimulation and/or Ketamine to get clients into remission of their depression symptoms. I am proud of the practice we have created as it stands apart from others because we deliver mental healthcare with dignity. Our clients are seen, heard and treated with respect, love and compassion. It’s my intention that one day mental health will be understood as the primary component all health.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I married for the first time at a very young age At age 21, my first husband was diagnosed with cancer. For 11 years we were in and out of hospitals and offices personally and professionally. His cancer journey was simultaneously happening as I was in training to become a doctor. Having been on the patient side for many years with him helped me to have a deeper understanding and compassion for my clients. I aimed to always treat them the way I wanted them to treat us when we walked into offices young, naive and scared. I think my patients feel me and know that I can relate to their pain but capable of giving them hope.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Prior to starting my own practice, I was working for a practice that I thought would be where I would be for most of my career. I thought I would just grow with them. It was sold and I quickly found myself in an environment that was unhealthy on many levels. I was no longer enjoying doing what I loved to do. I dreaded going to work each day. I had to make a decision. I made a decision to see if what I thought was possible in mental health and a healthy work environment could be a reality. So I decided to open my own practice. With the support of my husband and family, I started my own business. The learning curve was steep but there are no regrets.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.BlueprintPsychiatry.com
• Instagram: @drcrystalnelson
• Facebook: Blueprint Psychiatry LLC

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