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https://mychart.wellstar.org/mychart/signupandschedule/embeddedschedule?vt=1003&id=1922273358&view=plain

Ryan Breshears, PhD

Specialties

Clinical Health Psychology
Psychology

Education & Training

Doctor of Philosophy

Ryan Breshears, PhD

Psychologist with Wellstar since 2009.

Specialties

Clinical Health Psychology
Psychology

Education & Training

Doctor of Philosophy

Psychologist with Wellstar since 2009
  • Member of the Wellstar Medical Group A friendly headshot of Ryan Breshears, MD. Ryan Breshears, PhD
  • Office Locations
  • Expertise
  • Patient Reviews
  • Publications & Articles

Office Locations


Expertise

About Ryan Breshears, PhD

Dr. Ryan Breshears is a board-certified clinical health psychologist, the Chief Behavioral Health Officer for Wellstar Health System, and the Director of Psychology and Psychiatry for the WellStar Medical Group. He earned his doctorate from the University of Georgia, and completed a clinical psychology internship/residency at the Denver VA Medical Center and a fellowship at the VISN 19 Mental Illness Research, Education Clinical Center in Denver. With a specialization in psychological assessment and testing, Dr. Breshears conducts psychological evaluations and provides treatment for patients with complex neurological and other medical conditions.

World-Class, Compassionate Mental Healthcare at Wellstar

Specialties

  • Clinical Health Psychology
  • Psychology

Education & Training

  • University of Georgia

Degree

  • Doctor of Philosophy

Fellowship

  • Eastern Colorado Health Sciences Center

Certifications

  • American Board of Professional Psychology

Hospital Affiliations

  • Wellstar Cobb Hospital
  • Wellstar Kennestone Hospital

Languages spoken

  • English

Patient Reviews

Overall patient rating

4.9

Based on 30 patient ratings

Explained things clearly
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
I'd recommend this facility to family and friends
Earned my trust
Listened to me carefully
Shared the right amount of information

All reviews have been submitted by patients after seeing the provider.For more information about the review system, check out this Learn more about our review system.

Patient Reviews

5

Dr. Breshears one of Wellstars finest.

April 17, 2025

5

One of the best for Wellstar.

December 13, 2024

5

Dr Breshears listens, cares about the well being of his patients. I'm glad he is Wellstar.

September 13, 2024

5

Dr Breshears is great.

May 9, 2024

5

ALWAYS have an outstanding experience at this office!!! One of THE BEST WMG, bar none!!! Warmly greeted by my name, very professional, gracious and beyond empathetic Office Staff!!! And my Physician must be listed as one of THE TOP NEURO PSYCHOLOGISTS in the Country!!! Has absolutely saved my life!!! Need I say more.

April 20, 2024

5

The doctor and supporting staff are great. Wellstar Health System's Billing service is a joke.

January 26, 2024

5

Dr. Ryan Breshears is one of WellStar's best doctor.

January 19, 2024

5

The office felt very inviting, the ladies up-front we very warm and Dr. Breshears was very interesting. I love his openess and interaction pattern

November 9, 2023

5

Dr Breshears and his Staff are always welcoming and empathetic to my health issues. His diagnosis and treatment plans of my Neurological Disorder (and others) have been extremely successful and has helped me Recover to live a more fulfilling and healthier life! I VERY highly recommend Dr Breshears and the entire Wellstar Behavioral Medicine Clinic. I am truly grateful that Wellstar has this specialization!

September 23, 2023

5

One of WellStar Best.

August 25, 2023

5

I was anxious because I'm afraid of sharing but he made it a very comfortable place.

July 22, 2023

5

Everyone is always so amazing!!

March 16, 2023

5

One of WellStar finest.

February 10, 2023

5

He's always incredibly patient and an incredible source of wisdom.

December 23, 2022

5

Intelligent and caring.

November 19, 2022

5

In all my years going to the doctor I have never really felt that they truly care. But this journey I'm on the doctors, staffs were fantastic my experience was wonderful. I wouldn't change anything about it. These doctors are changing lives. Thanks Wellstar Bariatric team.

September 15, 2022

5

He was professional and very thorough. He was easy to talk to.

August 19, 2022

5

Dr. Ryan Breshears was very attentive and professional towards my possible upcoming Bariatric surgery. Very personable!

August 12, 2022

5

Guylaine is AMAZING at the Front Desk. Wonderfully professional, extremely helpful and the best at her Job!! You couldn't have anyone better suited for this Role. And always with a smile!! Dr Breshears has been my physician for 4yrs now, and has truly been my Godsend! I wouldn't be where I am today without him.

July 1, 2022

5

Dr Breshears was very explanatory on my care. Listened and asked if I had questions. Felt very comfortable in the office. He made me feel at ease.

June 25, 2022

5

This team is amazing!

May 20, 2022

5

I'm very Thankful for Dr. Breshears and glad he is with WellStar.

May 12, 2022

5

To whom it may concern, RE: Ryan Breshears, PhD My thoughts and analysis regarding Dr. Breshears are as follows. I find him a knowledgeable professional who is an attentive and caring person. His manner and style of care are exceptional. I can tell he is always prudent in the conversation and has very insightful remarks and statements at the appropriate time. His help and observations have been instrumental in helping me find my path during a challenging time. I know that he places my comfort and needs above his own. I have been a doctor in the healthcare arena for over 40 years and worked for nine months with Lovelace Healthcare System in Albuquerque, NM, helping them acquire new providers. I also worked with the children's hospital at Northside before they merged with Scottish Rite many years ago. I only share this so you may know that I have a working knowledge about what to look for in a good provider. I respect him as a person and a professional provider. {name removed]

May 18, 2022

5

Dr. Breshears one of Wellstars finest.

April 17, 2025

5

One of the best for Wellstar.

December 13, 2024

5

Dr Breshears listens, cares about the well being of his patients. I'm glad he is Wellstar.

September 13, 2024

5

Dr Breshears is great.

May 9, 2024

5

ALWAYS have an outstanding experience at this office!!! One of THE BEST WMG, bar none!!! Warmly greeted by my name, very professional, gracious and beyond empathetic Office Staff!!! And my Physician must be listed as one of THE TOP NEURO PSYCHOLOGISTS in the Country!!! Has absolutely saved my life!!! Need I say more.

April 20, 2024

5

The doctor and supporting staff are great. Wellstar Health System's Billing service is a joke.

January 26, 2024

5

Dr. Ryan Breshears is one of WellStar's best doctor.

January 19, 2024

5

The office felt very inviting, the ladies up-front we very warm and Dr. Breshears was very interesting. I love his openess and interaction pattern

November 9, 2023

5

Dr Breshears and his Staff are always welcoming and empathetic to my health issues. His diagnosis and treatment plans of my Neurological Disorder (and others) have been extremely successful and has helped me Recover to live a more fulfilling and healthier life! I VERY highly recommend Dr Breshears and the entire Wellstar Behavioral Medicine Clinic. I am truly grateful that Wellstar has this specialization!

September 23, 2023

5

One of WellStar Best.

August 25, 2023

5

I was anxious because I'm afraid of sharing but he made it a very comfortable place.

July 22, 2023

5

Everyone is always so amazing!!

March 16, 2023

5

One of WellStar finest.

February 10, 2023

5

He's always incredibly patient and an incredible source of wisdom.

December 23, 2022

5

Intelligent and caring.

November 19, 2022

5

In all my years going to the doctor I have never really felt that they truly care. But this journey I'm on the doctors, staffs were fantastic my experience was wonderful. I wouldn't change anything about it. These doctors are changing lives. Thanks Wellstar Bariatric team.

September 15, 2022

5

He was professional and very thorough. He was easy to talk to.

August 19, 2022

5

Dr. Ryan Breshears was very attentive and professional towards my possible upcoming Bariatric surgery. Very personable!

August 12, 2022

5

Guylaine is AMAZING at the Front Desk. Wonderfully professional, extremely helpful and the best at her Job!! You couldn't have anyone better suited for this Role. And always with a smile!! Dr Breshears has been my physician for 4yrs now, and has truly been my Godsend! I wouldn't be where I am today without him.

July 1, 2022

5

Dr Breshears was very explanatory on my care. Listened and asked if I had questions. Felt very comfortable in the office. He made me feel at ease.

June 25, 2022

5

This team is amazing!

May 20, 2022

5

I'm very Thankful for Dr. Breshears and glad he is with WellStar.

May 12, 2022

5

To whom it may concern, RE: Ryan Breshears, PhD My thoughts and analysis regarding Dr. Breshears are as follows. I find him a knowledgeable professional who is an attentive and caring person. His manner and style of care are exceptional. I can tell he is always prudent in the conversation and has very insightful remarks and statements at the appropriate time. His help and observations have been instrumental in helping me find my path during a challenging time. I know that he places my comfort and needs above his own. I have been a doctor in the healthcare arena for over 40 years and worked for nine months with Lovelace Healthcare System in Albuquerque, NM, helping them acquire new providers. I also worked with the children's hospital at Northside before they merged with Scottish Rite many years ago. I only share this so you may know that I have a working knowledge about what to look for in a good provider. I respect him as a person and a professional provider. {name removed]

May 18, 2022

5

Dr. Breshears one of Wellstars finest.

April 17, 2025

5

One of the best for Wellstar.

December 13, 2024

5

Dr Breshears listens, cares about the well being of his patients. I'm glad he is Wellstar.

September 13, 2024

5

Dr Breshears is great.

May 9, 2024

5

ALWAYS have an outstanding experience at this office!!! One of THE BEST WMG, bar none!!! Warmly greeted by my name, very professional, gracious and beyond empathetic Office Staff!!! And my Physician must be listed as one of THE TOP NEURO PSYCHOLOGISTS in the Country!!! Has absolutely saved my life!!! Need I say more.

April 20, 2024

5

The doctor and supporting staff are great. Wellstar Health System's Billing service is a joke.

January 26, 2024

5

Dr. Ryan Breshears is one of WellStar's best doctor.

January 19, 2024

5

The office felt very inviting, the ladies up-front we very warm and Dr. Breshears was very interesting. I love his openess and interaction pattern

November 9, 2023

5

Dr Breshears and his Staff are always welcoming and empathetic to my health issues. His diagnosis and treatment plans of my Neurological Disorder (and others) have been extremely successful and has helped me Recover to live a more fulfilling and healthier life! I VERY highly recommend Dr Breshears and the entire Wellstar Behavioral Medicine Clinic. I am truly grateful that Wellstar has this specialization!

September 23, 2023

5

One of WellStar Best.

August 25, 2023

5

I was anxious because I'm afraid of sharing but he made it a very comfortable place.

July 22, 2023

5

Everyone is always so amazing!!

March 16, 2023

5

One of WellStar finest.

February 10, 2023

5

He's always incredibly patient and an incredible source of wisdom.

December 23, 2022

5

Intelligent and caring.

November 19, 2022

5

In all my years going to the doctor I have never really felt that they truly care. But this journey I'm on the doctors, staffs were fantastic my experience was wonderful. I wouldn't change anything about it. These doctors are changing lives. Thanks Wellstar Bariatric team.

September 15, 2022

5

He was professional and very thorough. He was easy to talk to.

August 19, 2022

5

Dr. Ryan Breshears was very attentive and professional towards my possible upcoming Bariatric surgery. Very personable!

August 12, 2022

5

Guylaine is AMAZING at the Front Desk. Wonderfully professional, extremely helpful and the best at her Job!! You couldn't have anyone better suited for this Role. And always with a smile!! Dr Breshears has been my physician for 4yrs now, and has truly been my Godsend! I wouldn't be where I am today without him.

July 1, 2022

5

Dr Breshears was very explanatory on my care. Listened and asked if I had questions. Felt very comfortable in the office. He made me feel at ease.

June 25, 2022

5

This team is amazing!

May 20, 2022

5

I'm very Thankful for Dr. Breshears and glad he is with WellStar.

May 12, 2022

5

To whom it may concern, RE: Ryan Breshears, PhD My thoughts and analysis regarding Dr. Breshears are as follows. I find him a knowledgeable professional who is an attentive and caring person. His manner and style of care are exceptional. I can tell he is always prudent in the conversation and has very insightful remarks and statements at the appropriate time. His help and observations have been instrumental in helping me find my path during a challenging time. I know that he places my comfort and needs above his own. I have been a doctor in the healthcare arena for over 40 years and worked for nine months with Lovelace Healthcare System in Albuquerque, NM, helping them acquire new providers. I also worked with the children's hospital at Northside before they merged with Scottish Rite many years ago. I only share this so you may know that I have a working knowledge about what to look for in a good provider. I respect him as a person and a professional provider. {name removed]

May 18, 2022

5

Dr. Breshears one of Wellstars finest.

April 17, 2025

5

One of the best for Wellstar.

December 13, 2024

5

Dr Breshears listens, cares about the well being of his patients. I'm glad he is Wellstar.

September 13, 2024

5

Dr Breshears is great.

May 9, 2024

5

ALWAYS have an outstanding experience at this office!!! One of THE BEST WMG, bar none!!! Warmly greeted by my name, very professional, gracious and beyond empathetic Office Staff!!! And my Physician must be listed as one of THE TOP NEURO PSYCHOLOGISTS in the Country!!! Has absolutely saved my life!!! Need I say more.

April 20, 2024

5

The doctor and supporting staff are great. Wellstar Health System's Billing service is a joke.

January 26, 2024

5

Dr. Ryan Breshears is one of WellStar's best doctor.

January 19, 2024

5

The office felt very inviting, the ladies up-front we very warm and Dr. Breshears was very interesting. I love his openess and interaction pattern

November 9, 2023

5

Dr Breshears and his Staff are always welcoming and empathetic to my health issues. His diagnosis and treatment plans of my Neurological Disorder (and others) have been extremely successful and has helped me Recover to live a more fulfilling and healthier life! I VERY highly recommend Dr Breshears and the entire Wellstar Behavioral Medicine Clinic. I am truly grateful that Wellstar has this specialization!

September 23, 2023

5

One of WellStar Best.

August 25, 2023

5

I was anxious because I'm afraid of sharing but he made it a very comfortable place.

July 22, 2023

5

Everyone is always so amazing!!

March 16, 2023

5

One of WellStar finest.

February 10, 2023

5

He's always incredibly patient and an incredible source of wisdom.

December 23, 2022

5

Intelligent and caring.

November 19, 2022

5

In all my years going to the doctor I have never really felt that they truly care. But this journey I'm on the doctors, staffs were fantastic my experience was wonderful. I wouldn't change anything about it. These doctors are changing lives. Thanks Wellstar Bariatric team.

September 15, 2022

5

He was professional and very thorough. He was easy to talk to.

August 19, 2022

5

Dr. Ryan Breshears was very attentive and professional towards my possible upcoming Bariatric surgery. Very personable!

August 12, 2022

5

Guylaine is AMAZING at the Front Desk. Wonderfully professional, extremely helpful and the best at her Job!! You couldn't have anyone better suited for this Role. And always with a smile!! Dr Breshears has been my physician for 4yrs now, and has truly been my Godsend! I wouldn't be where I am today without him.

July 1, 2022

5

Dr Breshears was very explanatory on my care. Listened and asked if I had questions. Felt very comfortable in the office. He made me feel at ease.

June 25, 2022

5

This team is amazing!

May 20, 2022

5

To whom it may concern, RE: Ryan Breshears, PhD My thoughts and analysis regarding Dr. Breshears are as follows. I find him a knowledgeable professional who is an attentive and caring person. His manner and style of care are exceptional. I can tell he is always prudent in the conversation and has very insightful remarks and statements at the appropriate time. His help and observations have been instrumental in helping me find my path during a challenging time. I know that he places my comfort and needs above his own. I have been a doctor in the healthcare arena for over 40 years and worked for nine months with Lovelace Healthcare System in Albuquerque, NM, helping them acquire new providers. I also worked with the children's hospital at Northside before they merged with Scottish Rite many years ago. I only share this so you may know that I have a working knowledge about what to look for in a good provider. I respect him as a person and a professional provider. {name removed]

May 18, 2022

5

I'm very Thankful for Dr. Breshears and glad he is with WellStar.

May 12, 2022

5

I'm very Thankful for Dr. Breshears and glad he is with WellStar.

May 12, 2022

5

To whom it may concern, RE: Ryan Breshears, PhD My thoughts and analysis regarding Dr. Breshears are as follows. I find him a knowledgeable professional who is an attentive and caring person. His manner and style of care are exceptional. I can tell he is always prudent in the conversation and has very insightful remarks and statements at the appropriate time. His help and observations have been instrumental in helping me find my path during a challenging time. I know that he places my comfort and needs above his own. I have been a doctor in the healthcare arena for over 40 years and worked for nine months with Lovelace Healthcare System in Albuquerque, NM, helping them acquire new providers. I also worked with the children's hospital at Northside before they merged with Scottish Rite many years ago. I only share this so you may know that I have a working knowledge about what to look for in a good provider. I respect him as a person and a professional provider. {name removed]

May 18, 2022

5

This team is amazing!

May 20, 2022

5

Dr Breshears was very explanatory on my care. Listened and asked if I had questions. Felt very comfortable in the office. He made me feel at ease.

June 25, 2022

5

Guylaine is AMAZING at the Front Desk. Wonderfully professional, extremely helpful and the best at her Job!! You couldn't have anyone better suited for this Role. And always with a smile!! Dr Breshears has been my physician for 4yrs now, and has truly been my Godsend! I wouldn't be where I am today without him.

July 1, 2022

5

Dr. Ryan Breshears was very attentive and professional towards my possible upcoming Bariatric surgery. Very personable!

August 12, 2022

5

He was professional and very thorough. He was easy to talk to.

August 19, 2022

5

In all my years going to the doctor I have never really felt that they truly care. But this journey I'm on the doctors, staffs were fantastic my experience was wonderful. I wouldn't change anything about it. These doctors are changing lives. Thanks Wellstar Bariatric team.

September 15, 2022

5

Intelligent and caring.

November 19, 2022

5

He's always incredibly patient and an incredible source of wisdom.

December 23, 2022

5

One of WellStar finest.

February 10, 2023

5

Everyone is always so amazing!!

March 16, 2023

5

I was anxious because I'm afraid of sharing but he made it a very comfortable place.

July 22, 2023

5

One of WellStar Best.

August 25, 2023

5

Dr Breshears and his Staff are always welcoming and empathetic to my health issues. His diagnosis and treatment plans of my Neurological Disorder (and others) have been extremely successful and has helped me Recover to live a more fulfilling and healthier life! I VERY highly recommend Dr Breshears and the entire Wellstar Behavioral Medicine Clinic. I am truly grateful that Wellstar has this specialization!

September 23, 2023

5

The office felt very inviting, the ladies up-front we very warm and Dr. Breshears was very interesting. I love his openess and interaction pattern

November 9, 2023

5

Dr. Ryan Breshears is one of WellStar's best doctor.

January 19, 2024

5

The doctor and supporting staff are great. Wellstar Health System's Billing service is a joke.

January 26, 2024

5

ALWAYS have an outstanding experience at this office!!! One of THE BEST WMG, bar none!!! Warmly greeted by my name, very professional, gracious and beyond empathetic Office Staff!!! And my Physician must be listed as one of THE TOP NEURO PSYCHOLOGISTS in the Country!!! Has absolutely saved my life!!! Need I say more.

April 20, 2024

5

Dr Breshears is great.

May 9, 2024

5

Dr Breshears listens, cares about the well being of his patients. I'm glad he is Wellstar.

September 13, 2024

5

One of the best for Wellstar.

December 13, 2024

5

Dr. Breshears one of Wellstars finest.

April 17, 2025

Publications and Articles

A young woman smiles with her eyes closed while she listens to headphones with her hands crossed over her heart

5 Strategies to Strengthen Your Mental Health

Mental health is an essential part of whole-person care. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or want to build resilience, small steps can make a big impact.

At Wellstar, we’re here to support your mental well-being and help you thrive. Our Behavioral Health team offers specialized care close to home, so you can feel your best both physically and mentally.

Here are five expert-backed strategies to help protect your mental health and strengthen your overall wellness.

Pay attention to early signs of stress.

Recognizing stress early is key to managing it effectively. When stress becomes chronic, it can affect both your mental and physical health. Learning to identify warning signs can help you take action before it escalates.

This is true across all areas of life, including the workplace, where job stress can quietly build over time and lead to more serious mental health concerns if left unaddressed.

“Paying attention to feelings of emotional exhaustion and general cynicism is important,” said Dr. Ryan Breshears, a board-certified clinical health psychologist and chief behavioral health officer at Wellstar. “Those are the foundational signs of occupational burnout, which certainly affects our well-being in the workplace, but when unchecked, can also spill over into our personal lives.”

That spillover can show up as irritability, mood changes, social withdrawal or insomnia. “Any of those could point to a problem that warrants intervention,” Dr. Breshears said.

Treat your whole health to support your mental well-being.

Mental and physical health are deeply interconnected—and we shouldn’t treat them in silos. At Wellstar, integrated care is a key part of our approach.

“I think the days of talking about problems that are physical problems versus mental problems are over,” said Dr. Breshears. “We have a body of research now and decades of science that show the interplay between the physical and the emotional.”

He explained that changes in thinking patterns can trigger physiological shifts in heart rate, stress hormone levels and more. Recognizing these mind-body connections can help you take a more proactive approach to your mental health.

“Wellstar is making a concerted effort to deconstruct old ideas about mental health and remove barriers to access,” Dr. Breshears added. “For example, we’re bringing behavioral health into primary care, cardiac care, pediatrics and women’s health. We want to strategically integrate behavioral health services wherever patients are receiving care.”

By treating the whole person and bringing behavioral health into every corner of healthcare, Wellstar is helping people take charge of their well-being in a way that’s compassionate, connected and convenient.

Prioritize recovery.

Stress is inevitable, and recovery is essential. Without it, your mind and body stay in overdrive, increasing your risk for burnout and long-term health issues. Taking time to recover is not a sign of weakness—it’s a strategy for resilience.

“Our bodies are designed to return to baseline, what we call homeostasis, after high-stress periods,” Dr. Breshears said. “Research suggests it's often the failure to prioritize recovery, not the stress itself, that actually contributes to the most lasting problems.”

Dr. Breshears shared a study comparing elite marathon runners to non-elite runners. The surprising finding? Elite runners were better at identifying stress early and adjusting their pace to recover, ultimately helping them perform better.

That same principle can apply to your mental health. If you notice signs of stress—like fatigue, irritability or changes in focus—take time to reset. That might mean getting more sleep, going for a walk, reaching out to a friend or seeking professional support.

Being intentional about recovery helps you maintain balance, build resilience and continue showing up for what matters most.

Nurture relationships and workplace well-being.

Meaningful relationships are a powerful buffer against stress. For many people, the workplace is a central source of community—and a critical place to nurture mental health.

“We’re social creatures,” said Dr. Breshears. "Having environments where people come in and feel good about their day-to-day interactions is really important.”

Dr. Breshears said it starts with employers being committed to understanding the inadvertent threats to their team’s well-being and removing barriers to care.

“First, I think we have to pay attention to the occupational drivers of stress on our employees and commit to resolving those issues,” he explained. “All of the human resources and benefits in the world will fail if we’re not also working upstream to eliminate the root causes. Secondly, we need to establish clear pathways so people can easily access support without all the stumbling blocks and delays they often run into.”

Employers who lead with empathy—and prioritize flexibility, compassion and connection alongside performance—help create cultures where people feel empowered to seek help when needed.

“We have to ensure that we have accessible resources,” Dr. Breshears said. “People bring their personal struggles into the workplace, and take their struggles in the workplace home. The lines have certainly blurred.”

Know when to seek help.

While self-care and support systems can go a long way, there are times when professional help is essential. Mental health conditions are common—and treatable. The sooner you seek help, the better.

This is especially true for men, who often face cultural and emotional barriers when it comes to seeking support.

“Men on average tend to delay help-seeking more than women,” Dr. Breshears said. “And this is especially true when men are suffering. Frankly, it's a mortality issue.” He noted that men are more likely to die by suicide and experience substance abuse disorders, which makes early intervention even more critical.

Dr. Breshears also emphasized the need to remove barriers and promote action: “We have to create environments in which people feel safe to talk about the struggles that they’re having.”

If you’re struggling, don’t wait. Explore Wellstar Behavioral Health services and find the support you need today.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

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Make Mental Health Your Habit

Your body supports you in everything you do, from everyday activities like grocery shopping to milestones and memories with friends and family. 

But while you may make sure you eat healthy, get your exercise and see your doctor to keep up with your physical health, it’s important to check in on your mental health, too. 

Wellstar offers a full range of behavioral health services close to home in convenient locations, so you can feel your best both physically and mentally.

Meeting you where you are

If you’re dealing with feelings of anxiety and depression, you may turn to your primary care physician or another clinician for help. Wellstar is removing barriers to behavioral healthcare by integrating those services into many of our locations. 

On-site behavioral health clinicians work at many of our primary care and specialty locations, making it a little easier to take that first step in improving your mental health. Wellstar also provides access to on-site and virtual behavioral health specialists in hospital emergency departments and on the medical floors.

“We know that patients are already struggling with stigma, and sometimes it takes a lot for a patient to come into care with a behavioral health professional, and we wanted to remove that stigma,” said Dr. Ryan Breshears, chief behavioral health officer at Wellstar.

About 1 in 3 patients with a physical health condition also could benefit from some form of mental health support, Dr. Breshears said. Wellstar clinicians work together across specialties to ensure each patient receives “whole person care”—addressing both their mental and physical well-being.

“When you address the mental health components that an individual is dealing with, you’re going to improve the physical outcomes,” Dr. Breshears said. “In the same way, if you address the physical health outcomes, you’re probably going to provide care that improves the mental health outcomes as well.”

Wellstar Psychologist Dr. Shawn Coyne works with cardiovascular patients to provide that whole person care to patients like John Petrick and his daughter Janin as they adjust to heart diagnoses. 

Cardiovascular health and behavioral health are closely tied, Dr. Coyne said—if someone is depressed, they are twice as likely to have a heart health issue or twice as likely to experience a second cardiovascular event. Heart patients are also three times as likely to be depressed as the general population.

In addition to cardiovascular behavioral medicine, Wellstar also offers several other specialized programs to assist patients with the mental and emotional challenges of a medical condition: 

  • Metabolic behavioral medicine, for patients with metabolic conditions or who have received bariatric surgery
  • Psycho-gastroenterology to provide support to gastrointestinal patients
  • Psychosocial oncology to help patients adjust to cancer treatment
  • Somatic symptom disorders for people experiencing unexplained physical symptoms that may be caused or impacted by stress

With our PeopleCare approach, Wellstar tailors care to each patient, taking the time to get to know their needs and create a customized care plan.

“You as the patient are part of the treatment team,” Dr. Coyne said. “You are involved, you can participate, you give feedback, you engage and we get a better end product when we work as a strong team.”

To learn more about outpatient behavioral health services, call (770) 644-1570.

Compassionate inpatient care

If you or a loved one requires immediate care for a behavioral health condition, our inpatient behavioral health units provide 24-hour care for adults ages 18 and older.

Inpatient behavioral health services include round-the-clock monitoring, medication management, individual and group therapy, and educational resources for both the patient and their family.

If you have questions, you can reach our Behavioral Health Assessment & Resource Center anytime at (470) 732-3789. However, in the case of an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Learn more about behavioral health services at Wellstar.

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Wellstar Health System Recognized by the American Medical Association for Promoting Well-Being of Healthcare Workers

The American Medical Association’s (AMA) Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program has recognized Wellstar Health System for its commitment to improving physician well-being and reducing burnout among healthcare clinicians. Wellstar is Georgia’s first large health system to receive this distinction.

Prior to 2020, burnout rates among U.S. physicians and other healthcare professionals were rising, but the prevalence spiked dramatically as the COVID-19 pandemic placed acute stress on care teams and exacerbated longstanding system issues. While the worst days of the pandemic have passed, the lingering impact of work-related burnout remains an obstacle to achieving national health goals.

“From our President and CEO Candice L. Saunders to our physician leaders and executive team, this recognition is a meaningful testament to the commitment that our physician and other Wellstar leaders have made to our people,” said Dr. Ryan Breshears, a clinical health psychologist, Wellstar’s chief behavioral health officer, and chair of Workforce Well-being. “The road ahead is long, and by no means does this suggest that our work is finished, but it’s encouraging that the AMA has validated that we’re trending in the right direction.”

When it comes to clinician well-being, elevating the voice of the practicing clinician is paramount. In April 2022, Wellstar’s Clinician Resiliency and Well-being team developed a cross-specialty Physician Well-being Council to identify opportunities to mitigate stress drivers and support physicians and other clinicians in prioritizing their health and well-being. Employing a multi-pronged approach aligned with best practice models, Wellstar has implemented the assessment of clinician well-being annually, developed avenues to build camaraderie, and made improvements to reduce administrative burdens on the clinical workforce. July 2023 data revealed that Wellstar’s prevalence of physician distress has declined by 29% over the past two years and that overall physician well-being is 15% better than the national average during the same timeframe. Following rigorous analysis, these changes proved statistically significant on both accounts.

“Health organizations that have earned recognition from the AMA’s Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program are leading a national movement that has declared the well-being of health professionals to be an essential element for providing high-quality care to patients, families, and communities,” said AMA President Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH. “Each recognized organization is distinguished as among the nation’s best at creating a culture of wellness that makes a difference in the lives of clinical care teams.”

"The goal of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program is to unite the healthcare community in building a nationwide culture committed to the well-being of clinical care teams by helping health organizations invest in action plans promoting professional fulfillment and meaning that clinicians find in caring for their patients,” said Christine Sinsky, MD, AMA vice president of professional satisfaction.

Since its inception in 2019, the Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program has recognized more than 100 organizations across the country. In 2023, 72 health systems nationwide earned recognition with documented efforts to reduce system-level drivers of work-related burnout and demonstrated competencies in commitment, assessment, leadership, efficiency of practice environment, teamwork, and support.

Learn more about the AMA Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program at ama-assn.org/joyinmedicine.

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Ryan Breshears, PhD
Psychologist with Wellstar since 2009
Rating
4.9
Specialties
Clinical Health Psychology , Psychology
Education
Doctor of Philosophy
Medical School
University of Georgia
Fellowship
Eastern Colorado Health Sciences Center
Certifications
American Board of Professional Psychology
Spoken Languages
English
Hospital Affiliations
Wellstar Cobb Hospital
Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
Office Locations
www.wellstar.org/physicians/ryan-breshears-phd
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Graduate Medical Education
Medical Residency Pharmacy Residency
For Business
Corporate Purchasing
For the Media
Media Room Community Health Needs Assessment
Help
Contact Us Pay Your Bill Policy & Privacy Information Hospital Transparency Information Price Transparency

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