Melanie Brace

With over a quarter-century dedicated to healing young minds and supporting families, Dr. Melanie Brace stands at the forefront of child and adolescent psychiatry. Her journey in mental health began at the prestigious University of Michigan, where she earned her Medical Degree in 1990, following a Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University.

Dr. Brace's expertise was honed through rigorous post-graduate training, including residencies in General and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Washington, completed in 1995. Her commitment to excellence led her to join the faculty at the University of Washington Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division, where she also served on staff at Seattle Children's Hospital for six years. There, she treated patients with complex mental and behavioral illnesses, often complicated by medical comorbidities.

Now based at the Center for Child and Family Therapy's Port Orchard location, Dr. Brace offers a comprehensive range of services. Her practice encompasses assessment, medication management, and eclectic therapies for a wide spectrum of disorders. These include mood and anxiety disorders, PTSD, ADHD, ODD, Conduct disorder, Tic and Tourette's disorders, and early onset psychotic disorders. Additionally, she brings valuable experience in working with patients on the autism spectrum and those with developmental disorders.

Dr. Brace's approach to treatment is both holistic and collaborative. She believes in the power of integrated care, working closely with primary care providers and other mental health professionals to ensure comprehensive treatment plans. Her goal is to provide excellent, sensitive care that addresses the unique needs of each patient and their family.

Understanding that mental health challenges affect the entire family unit, Dr. Brace is passionate about supporting families through the recovery process. She emphasizes the importance of connecting patients and their loved ones with community services and support systems, believing that no one should face these challenges alone. This compassionate, family-centered approach reflects her deep commitment to not just treating symptoms, but fostering overall well-being and resilience in her young patients and their families.