A PSYCHIATRIC PIONEER

 With nearly 1 in 5 adults, or 50 million people, living with a mental illness in the US, it’s an important matter and we are indeed, not alone. And, Mobile’s Bradley James Sadler, MD, is here to help. With his laid-back nature, vast knowledge, and modern approach to wellness, help is literally around the corner. Regardless if it’s your struggle, or someone you love, it’s a good idea to consider the source. Why? If you ask your teen for a heart to heart, will they engage? Odds point to a mumble followed by a close-the-door request. Or, how about that family member that’s gone dark on you? Hear the sirens, you’re out of your league. The point is, Dr. Sadler is the source to consider. He has the youth street-cred, education, experience and expertise for us all, and he’s open for business.

 By Hayley Hill

 The tabloids say the stars are just like us. We’re here to say that Dr. Sadler is even more like us. Landing on our shores ten years ago with his wife Laura, Dr. Sadler hails from Michigan. With an established and impressive resume that highlights many of his accomplishments in psychiatry, his internship and residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD, is notable. 

 What’s exciting about Dr. Sadler is that he not only offers cutting-edge treatments for many mental health issues, Southern Psychiatry is actually accepting patients. Too many of us are familiar with the hopes of getting help for ourselves or a loved one only to hear, “we’re not accepting patients at this time.” That response alone can result in depression and anxiety for the most optimistic care provider. A straight shooter, Dr. Sadler confirms, “We live in a very stressful time. There are very few psychiatrists, and in Alabama there just aren’t enough of us around to help all the people in need.”

 Backing up a bit, Dr. Sadler shares a relatable story tied to college debt. “I’d always wanted to have a private practice, but after my residency I had a lot of school loans to repay so I took a salaried position in Baltimore. Unbeknownst to me, I signed a non-compete contract that prevented me from opening a private practice in the area. So, my wife Laura and I packed up and moved to Alabama when I secured a position with a large healthcare system. From there, I realized there was a great need for private practice psychiatrists in this area, and I was able to fulfill my dream and open Southern Psychiatry.” So well received, Dr. Sadler even opened a branch in Gulf Shores.

 As to what drove him to the profession in the first place, Dr. Sadler shares, “I did extremely well in medical school so I had every specialty opportunity open to me, and during my third-year rotation I fell in love with psychiatry. My sister had behavioral struggles that were challenging for my family. We went through a number of treatment options that didn’t help. When I learned about bipolar disorder in medical school, I called my mother immediately and told her we had to explore this diagnosis as it could be the answer we had been looking for. It turns out I was right, and we were able to help my sister. I was encouraged to pursue a career in psychiatry. Funnily, my wife says she knew all along that I was going to do psychiatry!”

 Knowing there’s still a stigma around mental health, Dr. Sadler says, “I’ve been working in psychiatry since 2003, and bring a lot of experience to my patients. I try to treat each one with respect and care, as many people are distrusting of mental health professionals or have been brought up to think problems are a private matter. The culture is changing and more people are open to talking with a psychiatrist. Locally, the main problem is the physician shortage as they often provide a path to help meet the growing mental health needs.”

 When asked for his approach, Dr. Sadler shares, “I start with a full diagnostic exam and all of my treatment plans are uniquely tailored to the individual. We have a wide array of tests and treatments to get at the heart of the diagnosis. I’m a big supporter of talk therapy and employ a team of therapists and nurse practitioners that help out. I’m also a big fan of maximizing coping strategies and non-medicine techniques to improve the outcomes from the medicines I prescribe.”

 As for a top concern? Dr. Sadler is quick to respond, “We’re seeing mental health issues in record numbers in our youth. What’s interesting is the youth are much more open about wanting and needing help. Parents should be aware of red flags that indicate help may be required like a sudden change in behavior, problems in school, and dropping grades. Being a parent is hard, it’s a tough world with difficult choices and not a lot of help. Southern Psychiatry can help.”

 Dr. Sadler and his talented team treat most everything we can imagine from general anxiety and depression to mood disorders. Think major depression, bipolar disorder, ADD, anxiety, and even psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. Even more specialized, Dr. Sadler is profoundly skilled in addiction and sexual dysfunction as well. “I’ve worked in addiction since I was just out of residency, and it’s one of the most rewarding aspects of my job. I lost my nephew to addiction so it’s personal for me. We offer suboxone therapy for opiate addiction and therapy and help with all of the other addictions people face like nicotine, cannabis, alcohol, cocaine, and more. The drug fentanyl is a big issue and young people are dying from it at astonishing rates. Offering this treatment is a matter of life and death for many and we’re one of the few practices that work with insurance companies to cover this treatment,” he shares.

 In addition to his compassionate nature, much of Dr. Sadler’s success can also be attributed to his belief in a wholistic approach to mental health. Subscribing to what most forward-thinking professionals believe, Dr. Sadler weaves exercise and nutrition into his patient wellness plans. “I have a training certification in calisthenics, and I suggest fitness and nutrition plans for my patients. The positive impact on the brain can’t be denied since depression is a disease of the brain. Exercise is a powerful and preventive strategy for mental health. It’s well known that regular exercisers are happier, have more energy, sleep better, have more sex, and are better socialized then non-exercisers. We often focus on the physical transformation that exercise can bring, but the mind and body are connected, and as the body improves so does the mind.”

 A further testament to his futuristic approach, Dr. Sadler offers a treatment called Spravato. Explaining, he tells us, “It’s FDA approved and without getting too scientific, it’s ketamine-based therapy for the treatment of resistant depression. It’s been really helpful for many of my patients that had run out of options. Taken in conjunction with an oral anti-depressant, Spravato is a fast-acting nasal spray with studies showing improvement in just a few hours after ingestion.”

 Broaching the sex subject, Dr. Sadler tells us, “As psychiatrists we treat all behavioral issues, and sexual disorders are certainly in that realm. I’ve had a special interest in this since I was in residency and did my 4th year internship with some of the leading minds in the field. After that experience, I worked as the Director of Sexual Medicine at Sheppard Pratt Psychiatric Hospital in Baltimore. I’ve done court evaluations for people whose sexual disorders resulted in legal trouble. I treat everything from erectile dysfunction to desire disorders as the symptoms can cause significant problems for the patient and their partner. Having someone who is knowledgeable and compassionate to help can be life-changing for patients.”

 Helping countless patients and other professionals fulfill their practice dreams have been career highlights, and Dr. Sadler has his sights set on the courtroom, too. “I really enjoy working with lawyers and their clients. I have years of experience in psychiatry, and I’m very comfortable and able to offer expertise in many different areas often brought into litigation. I would like to expand this aspect of my career in order to help bring a better understanding to each person’s journey so the court can be as helpful as possible.”

 As for his personality?  “I try to be laid-back and encouraging for my patients. I wouldn’t prescribe a medication for a patient that I wouldn’t prescribe for my own family members. I’m also just as committed to healthy eating and working out as I’d like my patients to be, and try to enjoy life just as I’d like my clients to do. My wife and I enjoy music and traveling. We’ve been to many places like Colorado, to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Sweden, to see Guns and Roses. We love hiking as well, and have a scuba diving trip planned for the Maldives. Married for 23 years, Laura, also a teacher, helps at the office and I couldn’t do this without her.”

 As for the Bay? “We love living here and enjoy all that Mobile has to offer! My favorites include shopping at Mobile Records and eating out from time to time at Noja, Osman’s, Seven Spice, and, of course, Noble South Sidecar Lounge—they have amazing food and I get to play records! Laura and I built a home gym during the pandemic and spend a lot of time there.” But, regardless of your music knowledge or if you’re a fitness fan, the most important take away is that Brad and the team at Southern Psychiatry offer some of the most cutting-edge treatments around. Plus, he brings his dogs, Chickpea and Pit to the office. “They come to work with me and patients love them as they make people feel comfortable and add a lot of joy to the practice,” Brad beams.

 Southern Psychiatry Associates

3737 Government Boulevard, Suite 203, Mobile | 3501 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores

 251.300.7134 | SouthernPsychiatry.net