Meet our Mental Health Team

Dr. Christian King is a Psychiatrist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
Medical School: Saint Louis University School of Medicine 
Residency: Psychiatry - University of Florida - Jacksonville
Fellowship:  Psychiatry - University of Florida - Jacksonville
Board Certification: Yes

My main focus at Ralph H. Johnson is providing care that helps veterans achieve sustained success in their mental health and well-being rather than temporary fixes. I take pride in finding creative ways to provide effective care. Additionally, I am especially passionate about working with geriatric veterans, helping them maintain their independence and navigate the unique challenges that come with aging. 

On the weekends you can usually find me in the waters of the lowcountry fishing for redfish or cooking for my family and friends. I almost always have a football game on. Go dawgs!

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Dr. Elaine Saleh is a Psychiatrist and the Section Chief MHSL HNV at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
Medical School: UMass Chan Medical School
Residency:  General Psychiatry - Maine Medical Center Portland ME
Board Certification: Yes

On site general psychiatrist Hinesville CBOC.  
Administrative lead for Mental Health SL at HNV CBOC 

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Dr. Elizabeth Perkins  is a v at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
Medical School: Staff Psychiatrist
Residency: Psychiatry - University of Miami
Board Certification: Yes

I work in the STAR clinic with Veterans who struggle with addiction.
I started a harm reduction program at RHJVAMC to reduce potential negative effects on health of substance use for veterans who are not ready to abstain from substances. 

In my free time I like spending time with my family, boating, arts/crafts, reading and studying. 

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Dr. John Pritchett is a Psychiatrist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
Medical School: Johns Hopkins
Residency: Psychiatry - Duke Durham NC
Fellowship:   ECT - MUSC
Board Certification: Yes

I provide telemedicine Psychiatry services to Hinesville,Ga VA clinic.

In my free time I enjoy running and golfing. 

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Dr. William Bryant  is a Clinical Psychologist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
Medical School: University of Tulsa
Residency: Predoctoral Clinical Internship Program - VA Central Western Massachusetts Health Care System
Fellowship:  VAQS/HSR Advanced Postdoctoral Fellowship Programs - Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System

 I mostly provide individual psychotherapy for a range of presenting issues generally centered around negative affect. My clinical perspective is primarily based on the third-wave of cognitive behavioral therapies to work towards contact with the present moment, changing the relationship to internal experience, and moving in valued directions. 

My research focuses on LGBTQ+ health equity and has included studying the properties of psychological assessment tools with transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals, how psychological assessment is used with TGD Veterans, and evaluating aspects of the PRIDE In All Who Served LGBTQ+ Veteran Health Promotion intervention. I am luck to have an ongoing collaborative network with wonderful researchers throughout the country. 

My main hobby is live entertainment both in music and comedy; I try to see Metallica at least once a year. I also have been pursuing and tracking new music to understand my own tastes and to determine whether new music is genuinely bad or I am just old (Spoiler: it's the latter and new music is pretty great once you give it a chance). 

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Dr. Elliott Levy is a Outpatient Psychiatrist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
Residency: Psychiatry - Medical University of South Carolina
Fellowship:   Child and Adolescent Psychiatry - Medical University of South Carolina
Board Certification: Yes

My main clinical service is outpatient psychiatry community experience, dealing with crisis, leadership roles.

In my free time I like to walk, solve puzzles and sudoku. 

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Dr. Tania Amin is a Psychiatrist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
Medical School: GMC Srinagar India 
Residency: Psychiatry - University of Missouri, Columbia MO 
Fellowship:    Psychiatry - UTSW, Dallas TX 
Board Certification: Yes

I am an out patient psychiatrist at HNV clinic.  A psychiatrist who is honest, hard working and takes her responsibilities very seriously. 

In my free time I like to walk, participate in my kids sports activities, read, gardening, spend time with my husband, volunteer at the high school.

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Dr. William Bingham is a Psychiatrist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
Residency: Psychology - Medical University of South Carolina
Fellowship:  Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina - Medical University of South Carolina
Board Certification: Yes

As a psychiatrist, I see veterans who present with a wide variety of mental illnesses & provide diagnostic assessments as well as treatment through medication management. I enjoy working with veterans helping to assist with life struggles & psychosocial stressors. 

I enjoy fishing, traveling, attending music concerts, watching sporting events, & spending time with my family.

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Dr. Steven Buffo is a Psychiatrist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
Medical School: University of Oklahoma
Residency: Psychology - Medical University of South Carolina
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Mr. Stephen Lesieur is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
Medical School: MUSC
My main clinical service is therapy and medication management. 

In my free time I like to travel, play sports and cook. 
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Dr. Samuel Howard  is a Psychiatrist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
Residency: Psychology - Medical University of South Carolina

My main clinical sercive is I evaluate for and treat a wide range of psychiatric issues.  The interventions I provide include medications and brief psychotherapy interventions.  I also assist in coordination of mental health treatment.   

In my free time I like to spend time with my family, woodworking, and running.
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Mr. Phylicia Bonham  is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
Medical School: MUSC
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Mr. Danielle Ledwell  is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
Residency: Nurse Practitioner Residency Program - Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center
Fellowship:   Vascular Neurology - University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
Board Certification: Yes

Dr. Ledwell is a Nurse Practitioner in the Substance Treatment and Recovery (STAR) program at the Ralph H. Johnson VAMC.  This role includes interdisciplinary teamwork providing treatment for Veterans with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders for outpatient Veterans.  She manages STAR inpatient consults and facilitates patients being seen while in the hospital. Dr. Ledwell serves as the Mental Health representative for the Pain Oversight Committee. She was the primary author and creator of the new CIWA TMS training for nursing staff at Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. 

I love to spend time with my family, reading, baking, and hot yoga.  

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Dr. Kristen Mullinax  is a Psychiatrist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
Residency: Psychology - Medical University of South Carolina
Board Certification: Yes

I provide Telepsychiatry services for the Savannah, Georgia Behavioral Health clinic.  I evaluate and use psychopharmacology to treat mood disorders, anxiety disorders (including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), and thought disorders.   

In my free time I enjoy hiking, fishing, and cooking. 

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Dr. David Hiott  is a Psychiatrist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
Residency: Medical University of South Carolina
Fellowship:   Adult Psychiatry - Medical University of South Carolina
Board Certification: Yes

My main clinical service is inpatient hospitalization and inpatient consults 

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Dr. Christopher Pryor is a Psychiatrist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School
Residency: Psychiatry - Medical University of South Carolina
Fellowship:   Geriatric Psychiatry - Medical University of South Carolina
Board Certification: Yes

I am an inpatient psychiatrist at Ralph H. Johnson VAMC. I completed my fellowship/residency at Medical University of South Carolina. I served as Chief Resident during my final year of categorical training at MUSC, before pursing subspecialty training in geriatric psychiatry. Areas of interest include: geriatric psychiatry (fellowship trained), psychopharmacology, medical student education, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, family systems, public health.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with family, friends, and my two dogs, enjoying good food, gardening, scuba diving.

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Dr. Bailey Bass  is a Psychiatric Pharmacist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
Residency: Psychiatric Pharmacy  - RHJ VAMC
Board Certification: Yes

My main focus at Ralph H. Johnson is comprehensive mental health medication management.

In my free time I enjoy going out on the boat, taking my dogs on walks, and spending time with my family.

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Dr. Christine Pelic is a Psychiatrist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
Medical School: Medical College of Ohio
Residency: Psychiatrics  - Medical University of South Carolina
Board Certification: Yes

My main focus at Ralph H. Johnson is Inpatient consultation for veterans with mental health needs while they are hospitalized on medical and surgical units. 

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Dr. Michael Morledge is a Psychiatrist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
Medical School: The University of Queensland
Residency: Psychiatrics  - East Carolina University
Board Certification: Yes

My main focus at Ralph H. Johnson is being an on-site general psychiatrist at Savannah CBOC. 

I spend my free time with my wife and 3 sons and we enjoy outdoors activities together.

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Dr. Aidan Lowe is a Psychiatrist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School
Residency: Psychiatrics  - Medical University of South Carolina
Board Certification: Yes

As a Veteran myself (U.S. Coast Guard), it is an honor and privilege to provide compassionate mental health care to Veterans as a tele-health Psychiatrist. 

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Beth Barker is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.

I spend my free time I like to go jogging, cooking and reading

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Dr. David Schultz is a Psychiatrist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Psychiatrics  - Medical University of South Carolina
Board Certification: Yes

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Dr. Danielle Cool is a Neuropsychologist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
Medical School: Roosevelt University
Residency: James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital - Tampa, FL
Fellowship: James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital

Dr. Danielle Cool earned her Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Neuropsychology from Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL. She received specialty training in memory disorders and geriatric neuropsychology, acquired brain injury, medical neuropsychology, and consultation-liaison neuropsychology through internship (residency) and postdoctoral fellowship at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in Tampa, FL. 

Dr. Cool provides outpatient neuropsychological evaluation services at the RHJ VAMC and telehealth services at the RHJ VA HCS's community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs). She also participates in the Movement Disorders Interdisciplinary Clinic and the Multiple Sclerosis Interdisciplinary Clinic. 

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D.O. Hoang Nguyen is a board certified Psychiatrist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) - Virginia Campus
Residency: General Psychiatry - Medical University of South Carolina 
Fellowship:  Geriatric Psychiatry - Medical University of South Carolina
Board Certification: Yes

My main clinical service is being the Division Chief of Acute Mental Health Services, MHSL 

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Dr. Jessica Broadway is a board certified Psychiatrist and Assistant Professor.
Medical School: Medical College of Ohio
Residency: Psychiatry - Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
Fellowship:  Geriatric Psychiatry - Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
Board Certification: Yes

My primary clinical focus is on the evaluation and treatment of cognitive disorders in older adults, along with the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. I bring almost 20 years of experience caring for older adults with cognitive and behavioral disorders. 

I work with a team of researchers at the Lowcountry Center for Veterans Research, where our focus is on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders.  We currently have clinical trials for all stages of dementia including "pre-symptomatic" to "end of life." We offer a variety of studies including ones that offer infusion treatments, oral (pill) treatments, musical interventions, and even observation studies (no medications).

I love to go for walks/hikes and explore the natural beauty of South Carolina.  I also enjoy camping, stargazing, reading, and travel.

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Dr. Kamna Malhotra is a board certified Psychiatrist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Heath Care System.
Medical School: Lady Hardinge Medical College
Residency: Psychiatry - Suny Upstate Medical University Syracuse
Board Certification: Yes

An astute and experienced clinician who has a thorough understanding of psychopathology and psychopharmacology. Multiple years of treating patients and a variety of settings such as outpatient/ inpatient/ emergency rooms and partial hospitals and dealing with complex psychiatric and co morbid medical issues. Experienced in leadership and medical director at a facility for over 15 years in addition to experience in working with multidisciplinary teams. Has had extensive experience leading research teams with a particular interest in helping veterans. 

Reading/ travel/ hiking and dance are my favorite activities

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Dr. Mark George is a Staff Physician at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina
Residency: Medical University of South Carolina - Medical University of South Carolina
Fellowship: Brain Imaging and Therapeutic Research - Queens Square, London, England and NIH Bethesda MD

I am an expert in brain stimulation treatment and research methods. I have helped develop transcranial magnetic stimulation for treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and smoking cessation. I have helped develop cervical vagus nerve stimulation for recurrent treatment resistant depression. I help in the brain stimulation service here at RHJVAMC. 

I am mainly a translational researcher, with over 500 publications, an H-index of 136. Most of the research involves new forms of TMS, or using TMS in new indications, or developing new forms of brain stimulation as therapies for neurologic or psychiatric disorders. 

In my free time I like to hike, mountain bike, kayak, garden, raise chickens and bees. Count my blessings and revel in the wonder of the world around us.

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Dr. Suzanne Kerns is a Psychiatrist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
Medical School: University of Sydney 
Residency: Duke University Medical Center
Fellowship: Brain Stimulation - Medical University of South Carolina

Dr. Kerns has over a decade of experience treating patients with a variety of neuromodulation techniques including electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).   

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Dr. Virginia Villeponteaux is a Psychiatrist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System.
Medical School: Medical University of SC 
Residency: Medical University of SC

My experience includes both inpatient and outpatient work, but my current role is primarily administrative.  I have been privileged to serve Veterans through VA for over 30 years, and I myself am a Veteran of the United States Army (Medical Corps, 1990-1994).  I feel a deep connection to the mission of the VA, and do my best to ensure that we are providing the best care anywhere.   

I enjoy running, cooking, sewing and traveling.

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