Written by: Damita Miller-Shanklin

Dr. Nakia Scott is a child and adolescent psychiatrist based in the Austin area. She pursued her education at UT (University of Texas) and attended medical school in Dallas. Later, she completed her residency and fellowship in child psychiatry at A&M (Texas A&M University) in Temple, Texas, finishing in 2007.

Dr. Scott follows a holistic medicine philosophy in her practice, which is compassionate, integrative, and collaborative. Holistic medicine recognizes that health and wellness involve multiple aspects, such as physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. She views her child and adolescent patients as part of a larger system, considering their family, school, and community resources to help them reach their potential.

In her practice, Dr. Scott addresses common issues faced by young people, with anxiety disorders being the most prevalent. She acknowledges the external stressors that children and adolescents face, including school pressures, financial concerns, and existential stressors like climate change and safety concerns. Dr. Scott takes a personalized approach to treatment, which may include discussions about nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, and various therapy modalities.

To begin the treatment process, Dr. Scott emphasizes active listening to better understand the child’s narrative and their family’s story. By identifying the child’s strengths and leveraging them in the treatment plan, she aims to create a judgment-free environment where families feel safe to share their concerns.

Dr. Scott collaborates with other healthcare providers, schools, and therapists involved in a child’s care. This team-based approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the child’s needs and enables the development of effective treatment plans.

In the African American community, there can be a stigma associated with seeking mental health care. Dr. Scott acknowledges this and emphasizes the importance of breaking down barriers and creating a safe and inclusive space for families. She appreciates the value of community engagement and sometimes collaborates with church leaders to address mental health concerns.

Dr. Scott encourages families to recognize the benefits of seeking mental health support and assures them that she will not judge or disregard their concerns. She strives to create a supportive and understanding environment for her patients, starting with their strengths.

To learn more about Dr. Nakia Scott’s practice and philosophy, interested individuals can visit her website for comprehensive information on her services and approach to holistic and integrative medicine. Dr. Scott also emphasizes the significance of self-care during challenging times and advocates for supporting oneself and others within the community.

For those seeking her services, her website, https://holisticmh.com/ would be the ideal place to find relevant information and contact details. Dr. Scott also shares her personal self-care interests, such as spending time outdoors, hiking, gardening, traveling, and her love for Marvel comics.