Exciting News! Our 2nd office is NOW open in Cornelius, NC!
19354 Watermark Dr. Suite 202
Cornelius, NC 28031
Neuropsychological testing(autism, learning disorders, and cognitive development) is coming in March.
Call today for more information.
Provider Education & Information
Medicaton Providers
Christopher R. Bradley MSPAS, DMSc, PA-C About: Christopher Bradley is a physician assistant originally from Western North Carolina. He has been a practicing provider for over 7 years. He obtained his Doctorate of Medical Science with a focus in Psychiatry from the University of Lynchburg and obtained his Masters of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He focuses on all mental health disorders while having a strong passion for those with bipolar disorder and ADHD. His main focus is to provide patients with the best quality of life and appropriate medication management they deserve. In addition, he strives to provide patients with the optimal treatment plan, including medications with the least potential side effects. Christopher works alongside therapists and other providers to offer the most appropriate care for his patients. His end goal is to help patients better understand their conditions and overall state of wellness.
Education: University of North Carolina at Wilmington: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a pre-med focus University of Maryland Eastern Shore: Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Vice President of UMES 2015 graduating class Graduated with Magna Cum Laude University of Lynchburg: Doctor of Medical Science in the advanced professional practice of Psychiatry Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science: Bradley, Christopher R. (2020) "Efficacy and Risks of Second-Generation Antipsychotics in Psychotic and Non-psychotic Children," Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science: Vol. 2: Iss. 1, Article 5.
Veronica M. Bradley MSPAS, DMSc, PA-C About: Veronica Bradley moved to North Carolina from Long Island, NY in 2006 to begin her undergraduate education at UNCW. This is where she met her husband and best friend, Christopher Bradley. Initially, she started as a student wanting to pursue a career in education, but this quickly changed when she fell in love with what a career as a Physician Assistant could offer. She graduated as a Physician Assistant in 2015 from Elon University. She has practiced in ENT, Primary Care, and also Mental Health. She has enjoyed her time in all three fields and has been able to utilize her knowledge and skills to treat patients of all ages. She will be applying her knowledge and skills at BEST LIFE Mental Health & Wellness while offering Mental Health services, Primary Care, and BOTOX® for aesthetic and medical purposes. She is very excited to finally be working side-by-side with her husband, Christopher Bradley to offer the best care you deserve. Start living your BEST LIFE now!
Education: University of North Carolina at Wilmington: Bachelor of Science in Biology; Minor in Chemistry Elon University: Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies University of Lynchburg: Doctor of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies; Focus in Otolaryngology Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science: Bradley, Veronica (2019) “Managing Nasal Airway Obstruction: The Otolaryngology Approach,” Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science: Vol 2 : Iss. 1, Article 6.
Christina Bergen, MSPAS, PA-C, NRP About: Christina Bergen is a physician assistant originally from Oregon and got her undergraduate degree at Oregon State. She was a volunteer firefighter and exercise physiologist for 2 years and then moved to North Carolina in 2011 to pursue a job as a paramedic on the ambulance for the next 11 years. While working as a paramedic, she met her future firefighter husband on multiple emergency calls in which they had 3 cardiac arrest saved patients together in total with positive neurological outcome. Her time in emergency medical services strengthened her curiosity to further expand her education and strived to become a physician assistant. She has been working in psychiatry and addiction medicine since 2020 and knows mental health is her calling. Her goal is to help find the right combination of medicines that help patients to feel like their best self and to ask the question, “what makes you feel alive?” while adjusting medication along the way as needed. She is thrilled to change as many lives as possible and for patients to live a happy and active lifestyle. She is proud to be a part of an organized, high-quality and compassionate team here at Best Life Mental Health and Wellness.
Education: Gardner-Webb University: Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies; She graduated the top of the class with Pi Alpha National Honor Society induction Oregon State University: Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science with focus in Pre-Therapy and Allied Health; graduated with Magna Cum Laude Oregon Health and Science University: Associates of Applied Science in Paramedicine; graduated with Summa Cum Laude
Neuropsychologist
Michaela Shields PsyD About: Dr. Shields is a Clinical Neuropsychologist from North Carolina. Dr. Shields obtained her doctorate degree in clinical psychology (PsyD) from Georgia Southern University. Her predoctoral and postdoctoral advanced training in clinical neuropsychology occurred at the Utah State Hospital in Provo, Utah. At Best Life, Dr. Shields offers comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations across the lifespan for individuals 5-100. Her goal is to provide diagnostic evaluations for individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions (autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, learning disorders, prenatal exposure to substances), and psychiatric conditions (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder). Other than the brain and neuropsychology, Dr. Shields’ other interests include hiking, camping, skiing, and spending time with her pets, especially her corgi, Winston.
Education: Utah State Hospital, APPCN Member Fellowship in Clinical Neuropsychology Utah State Hospital, Predoctoral Internship in Clinical Neuropsychology Georgia Southern University, Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) Georgia Southern University, Master’s in Clinical Psychology University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Bachelor’s in Psychology Publications: Shields, M. S., Klibert, J. J., Pritulsky, C. L., & Weiss, B. J. (2023). The conditional effects of savoring on the relationship between minority stress and alcohol misuse in an LGBTQIA+sample. Substance Use and Misuse, 58(1). Klibert, J., Shields, M.S., … (2023) Increasing character strength knowledge, interest, and skill: Preliminary evidence for a collaborative and multimethod assessment procedure. Frontiers in Psychology, Positive Psychology.
Therapists
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Madison S. Briggs MS, LCMHC, NCC About: Over the past decade, the importance of mental health has been brought to the forefront of the conversation. My goal is to normalize and de-stigmatize the utilization of therapeutic interventions. I recognize the courage that it takes to ask for professional support, and I am strongly committed to helping you navigate some of life’s most difficult challenges. I have been working in the mental health field for over 5 years; within this time, I gained experience working with children ages 5 and up, adolescents/teens, adults, couples, and families. From these experiences, I have developed a passion for working with individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, personality disorders, behavioral concerns, anger management, relationships, and life transitions. Utilizing an eclectic approach, I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). My goal is to provide an individualized, person-centered counseling experience that facilitates a positive change and helps you achieve your goals.
Education: East Carolina Univeristy: Bachelor of Science in Sociology Minor: Psychology East Carolina Univeristy: Master of Science in Counselor Education: Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Sara M. Martin MA, MA, LMFT, BCST About: Welcome :) My clients are intelligent: cognitively, perhaps somatically, and/or may be empathic. They care about growth towards greater health and balance, internally, relationally and/or professionally, but might get confused or derailed with a pattern in their life that keeps showing up. From a body-felt and practical sense, they would like to feel better. This can happen when one gets accurately met, seen and valued, in all the right ways. I work from a calm, clear, non-judgmental, warm, fun, skilled and compassionate place, who can connect to what is being shared, verbally; or quietly on the table, with Biodynamic Cranial Sacral Therapy (BCST). This table modality invites the health of the body’s internal wisdom to awaken back to the health of original growth and development, found only by resonating in the long tide. I am in my mid-50’s. Each modality I use: Internal Family Systems (IFS), Pre and Perinatal wisdom (PPN), Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), and BCST, offer unique wisdom that can help you breathe more easily as you move through life. I focus where you are. I help create intentions that are mutually agreeable. I offer choice on how we go about reaching intentions. I keep things present tense, while also creating the safety to touch into and integrate the deepest of traumatic material, somatically, cognitively, and then also, relationally. I help you feel more at ease in the mind body connection, as your brain/body begins to heal. I have the intention to see you...to hear you...to meet you right where you are. I would be honored to help you find the greater health, balance, peace and ease that have been missing. It is quite possible that you might also happen to find more joy, love and light, along the way. I look forward to supporting your transformation to a place that is just where YOU want to be. It could be good! See ya soon.
Education: Pfeiffer University: Master's in Marriage Family Therapy, M.A. LMFT Colorado School of Energy Studies: Biodynamic Cranial Sacral Therapy, BCST Western Carolina University: Master's in Education, M.A.
Kelsey Fish MA, LCMHC, NCC About: I'm Kelsey, A Panamanian-American licensed clinical mental health counselor with 6 years of counseling experience. I have worked with clients of all ages from various backgrounds and with a variety of presenting problems, including trauma, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, mood disorders, psychosis, grief, LGBTQIA+ issues, relationship/family issues, and transitions/adjustment issues. I have a strong background in drama, dance, and music and utilize the arts in therapy regularly. I am certified in Expressive Arts Therapy and also have post-graduate training in Gestalt Therapy, DBT, and Motivational interviewing. My counseling theoretical orientation is eclectic and informed by feminist therapy. Gestalt therapy, DBT, Narrative therapy, Motivational interviewing and expressive arts perspectives. In the fall of 2023, I also became a Registered Yoga Teacher. I am a passionate advocate for disenfranchised groups and utilize a social justice-oriented lens while supporting individuals in responding to life challenges. I believe that each person has unique strengths, and I will work to help identify and lean into those strengths to reach your goals. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgemental ( and hopefully fun!) environment where you can be yourself and feel free. My goal is to guide you toward your own inner wisdom, to assist you in learning how to best meet your needs, and to embody your authentic self.
Education: University of North Carolina at Charlotte: Bachelor of Science in Psychology Minor: Women's and Gender Studies Appalachian State University: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certificate: Expressive Arts Therapy
Kelsey Fish MA, LCMHC, NCC About: I'm Kelsey, A Panamanian-American licensed clinical mental health counselor with 6 years of counseling experience. I have worked with clients of all ages from various backgrounds and with a variety of presenting problems, including trauma, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, mood disorders, psychosis, grief, LGBTQIA+ issues, relationship/family issues, and transitions/adjustment issues. I have a strong background in drama, dance, and music and utilize the arts in therapy regularly. I am certified in Expressive Arts Therapy and also have post-graduate training in Gestalt Therapy, DBT, and Motivational interviewing. My counseling theoretical orientation is eclectic and informed by feminist therapy. Gestalt therapy, DBT, Narrative therapy, Motivational interviewing and expressive arts perspectives. In the fall of 2023, I also became a Registered Yoga Teacher. I am a passionate advocate for disenfranchised groups and utilize a social justice-oriented lens while supporting individuals in responding to life challenges. I believe that each person has unique strengths, and I will work to help identify and lean into those strengths to reach your goals. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgemental ( and hopefully fun!) environment where you can be yourself and feel free. My goal is to guide you toward your own inner wisdom, to assist you in learning how to best meet your needs, and to embody your authentic self.
Education: University of North Carolina at Charlotte: Bachelor of Science in Psychology Minor: Women's and Gender Studies Appalachian State University: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Certificate: Expressive Arts Therapy