Dr. Gretchen Pattison, DO

Dr. Gretchen Pattison, DO, is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist with expertise in both General Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. She brings a thoughtful, compassionate approach to patient care, integrating science and human connection to support individuals in navigating their mental health journeys.

Dr. Pattison grew up in Buffalo, New York, where long winters fostered a love of reading, music, and family connection. With a mother who was a teacher and a father who was a pharmacist, she was inspired early on by both the arts and sciences. Initially pursuing music, she studied Harp Performance at Carnegie Mellon University before realizing she missed the analytical rigor of the sciences. This led her to complete a double degree in Biological Sciences and Harp Performance. Unsure of how to combine these passions, an opportunity to observe a physician at work introduced her to medicine, and she soon discovered that psychiatry provided the perfect marriage of scientific …knowledge and human connection.

Dr. Pattison earned her medical degree from the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific at Western University. She then served in the United States Navy, completing her psychiatry internship and later returning to complete residency at Navy Medical Center San Diego. She went on to serve as an adult psychiatrist in the Navy before pursuing specialized training in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry through a fellowship at Walter Reed National Military Medical Consortium. She holds Board Certification in General Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, reflecting her commitment to the highest standards of psychiatric care.

Dr. Pattison believes that effective psychiatric treatment extends beyond medication. While medications can be an important tool, she emphasizes therapy, psychoeducation, and collaboration as essential components of care. She works closely with patients to explore their unique challenges and goals, creating a treatment plan that prioritizes their well-being and personal growth. With specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Enhancement Therapy, she tailors her approach to meet each patient’s needs.