Introducing John Douglas, MD, MBA, MS as Bridges’ New Chief Medical Officer — Psychiatric Treatment for Children & Adults

Introducing Our New Chief Medical Officer: Dr. John Douglas

We’re thrilled to welcome John Douglas, MD, MBA, MS, to Bridges Healthcare as our new Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Douglas is triple board‑certified in Addiction Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine, and Psychiatry, and brings extensive leadership experience from respected hospital and community settings, including:

• Director of Psychiatry at Saint Joseph’s Medical Center and St. Vincent’s Hospital Westchester
• Medical Director at Westchester Jewish Community Services
• Service Chief of the Outpatient Addiction Program at Silver Hill Hospital

In his role at Bridges, Dr. Douglas will oversee Bridges’ Medical Department, provide psychiatric consultation, supervise our Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, and advance our quality and safety standards—so that patients and families receive consistent, high‑quality care.

His significant expertise strengthens our commitment to compassionate, evidence-based Psychiatric Treatment for both children and adults across Milford, West Haven, Orange, Stratford, and surrounding communities.

What is Psychiatric Treatment?

When you, your child, or loved one is navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, addiction, and/or psychotic disorders, medications can be a helpful part of recovery.

Psychiatric treatment is the process by which a psychiatrist or provider conducts medication management, including evaluating, diagnosing, prescribing, and monitoring mental health medications to ensure safety, effectiveness, and proper dosing.

Medications used in mental health and substance use treatment vary widely, depending on a person’s symptoms and goals. These may include antidepressants, antipsychotic medications, mood stabilizers, and medications that help reduce anxiety. For individuals navigating Opioid Use, options such as buprenorphine (Suboxone), extended-release Buprenorphine (Sublocade), and extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol) may also be part of a recovery plan. Each medication type serves a different purpose and is chosen based on what will best support someone’s overall well‑being.

At Bridges, psychiatric treatment is an ongoing, personalized process in which, through collaborative care, we work with you to find what helps and adjust as your needs change.

Psychiatric Treatment for Children & Adults at Bridges Healthcare

Starting or adjusting psychiatric medication is an important decision, and the right support can make the process feel less overwhelming. At Bridges, our approach to medication management is designed to give people steady guidance, clear information, and care that fits their needs.

Psychiatric treatment is woven into a truly collaborative model of care. Under the leadership of our Chief Medical Officer, the Medical Department, including Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, medical assistants, and recovery coaches, works closely with licensed therapists, social workers, and case managers to create treatment plans that reflect each person’s unique needs and goals.

Medication is never treated as a standalone solution; instead, it’s thoughtfully integrated with therapy, recovery support, and primary care coordination to address the full picture of someone’s mental and physical well-being through a multi-disciplinary model of care. To ensure safety, effectiveness, and proper dosage, medications are managed through continued monitoring and oversight to adjust medications as needed while also tracking emotional progress, goal progression, and symptom relief.

Since Bridges Healthcare serves children, adolescents, and adults, our team is trained to support individuals and families across different life stages, as symptoms and medication needs may evolve. Bridges provides flexible and convenient access to care through telehealth and in-person meetings for families located in Milford, West Haven, Orange, Stratford, and surrounding communities.

Bridges Healthcare also offers the convenience of an on‑site pharmacy at our Milford location through our partnership with Genoa Healthcare, making it easier for clients to pick up their medications after appointments. For those who need primary care services, we collaborate closely to help ensure continuity of care.

Whether you’re new to Bridges or already receiving therapy and exploring medication options, you can count on care that’s close, connected, and centered on your long‑term well‑being. For more details about all the services we offer, please visit our Programs and Services page.

Conditions Bridges’ Psychiatric Medical Department Commonly Treats:

Our Medical Department supports a wide range of needs for children, teens, and adults, based on comprehensive clinical assessments:

• Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety)
• Depression and mood disorders
• Bipolar Disorder
• Psychotic Disorders (Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform disorder, Schizoaffective disorder, Delusional Disorder, Brief Psychotic Disorder)
• ADHD (children, adolescents, adults)
• Autism
• PTSD & Trauma-related conditions
• Substance use disorders, including opioid use disorder (with Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), recovery support, and relapse prevention)

If medication is an appropriate part of your plan, Bridges staff will discuss options, expected benefits, possible side effects, and measure progress together.

For Referral Sources & Community Partners

Bridges Healthcare welcomes referrals from individuals (self-referrals), families, primary care, pediatricians, school counselors, therapists, hospitals, court and probation partners, and community agencies. We prioritize timely communication, clear treatment plans, and continuity of care. To refer a child, teen, or adult for psychiatric consultation, please contact us.

Get Started Today

If you’re interested in psychiatric treatment or want to learn whether it might be helpful for you or your child, getting started is easy. Just call our Intake Line at 203 878 6365, ext. 680. Our team will guide you through the next steps, answer questions, and help connect you with the right services.