Richelle Brown, MD

I’m Richelle Brown, MD, and I joined Phelps Health as a psychiatrist in August 2022. I see adult patients (ages 18 and up) for depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD), personality disorders, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, substance abuse and other mental health disorders. I treat patients through the use of behavioral medication management and therapy.

Solving puzzles has always fascinated me, whether it be a jigsaw puzzle or the Wordle puzzle of the day. The challenge of diagnosing a patient is also a puzzle of putting all of the pieces (or social factors) together. I have always had an interest in helping people, in treating the whole person and in bringing about positive change in my patients’ lives.

As a psychiatrist, I value transparent communication with my patients. I want my patients to understand their illness, to be involved in their care. When appropriate, I also like to involve family members. My goal is to treat psychiatric illness like the rest of medicine, combatting the mental health stigma.

Originally from a small town in central Illinois, I chose to practice at Phelps Health for two reasons. I have always enjoyed rural, smaller communities, and my grandparents are from northwest Arkansas. I believe the Ozarks are among the prettiest areas in the US.

Rolla is now home for my family, and I enjoy pursuing various creative outlets outside of work, including painting and photography. I bake to satisfy my sweet tooth but also practice yoga in the mornings. Life is about balance, right? We are surrounded by natural beauty here, and I love exploring nature, canoeing and swimming.

I also offer telehealth visits, which allow patients to visit with me remotely using a smartphone, tablet or computer with an internet connection and audio-video capabilities.