Expert Insights: Nahrain Raihan, MD, Associate Medical Director and Psychiatrist, Brookfield, Wisconsin
A Conversation with Wisconsin Psychiatrist Dr. Nahrain Raihan: On the role of psychiatry in comprehensive mental health care
When it comes to mental health treatment, patients and families often have questions about medications, diagnoses, and how psychiatry fits into a broader care plan. At Compass Health Center, psychiatrists play a central role in ensuring treatment is individualized, evidence-based, and responsive to each patient’s needs.
With Compass’s expansion into Wisconsin, Dr. Nahrain Raihan, Associate Medical Director and Psychiatrist, brings her expertise and passion for patient-centered psychiatry to the community. In this conversation with Britt Teasdale, Associate Director of Brand Management and Content, Dr. Raihan shares about her career in psychiatry, her approach to collaborative care, and what excites her about Compass’s growing roots in Wisconsin.
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Q&A
Britt Teasdale (BT): Tell me about your background and what brought you into psychiatry.
Nahrain Raihan, MD (NR):
I have always been drawn to the sciences, particularly the process of asking questions and working toward meaningful answers. During my undergraduate studies at the University of Windsor in Canada, I took psychology courses and immediately connected with the subject. Psychology welcomed complex questions and explored them through multiple perspectives, perfectly matching my curiosity and love of deeper understanding.
What most captivated me was how psychology examines what makes us human, from shared traits to individual differences, and how we can actively shape our behaviors and growth. That realization inspired me to pursue psychology as my primary focus.
In medical school, I kept psychology central to my training. My background helped me approach patients through a biopsychosocial lens, recognizing each person as both biologically rooted and uniquely shaped by life experiences. Mental health challenges were present across nearly every patient I encountered.
After medical school, I began a psychiatry residency at Louisiana State University (LSU) in Shreveport, focusing on Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I was drawn to early intervention, where patterns can be redirected before they become ingrained, though I believe meaningful change is possible at any age.
The beauty of mental health treatment is that it empowers individuals to take control of their growth. Helping people recognize their strength and supporting them in becoming their best selves is an honor and a privilege.
BT: What are some of your interests or passions within the psychiatry field or your life in general?
NR:
I am particularly interested in using CBT and DBT in my work. I value how these approaches help people understand their thought patterns and provide practical steps for navigating difficult situations. It is rewarding to see how that insight can lead to meaningful change.
Outside of work, I enjoy time with family, staying active through walking and hiking, traveling, exploring new places, and appreciating food, music, and art.
BT: What drew you to Compass and this new role as Associate Medical Director?
NR:
Before joining Compass, I worked across multiple levels of care, including partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), residential, and inpatient treatment. These experiences gave me a deep appreciation for the critical role each setting plays. PHP and IOP, in particular, provided a vital middle ground for patients who needed more structured and involved support than outpatient care could offer, while still maintaining their daily lives. It was rewarding to see the progress patients achieved in these programs through the collaboration of dedicated treatment teams.
I first heard about Compass through former patients who spoke very highly of their care at the Illinois location. Their experiences made it clear that Compass was providing something truly impactful. As I learned more, I found that Compass’ mission of patient-centered, evidence-based care aligned closely with my own values, especially the emphasis on timely access and equipping patients with practical skills to support their recovery.
I was also drawn to Compass’ commitment to collaboration within the treatment team. In my role as Associate Medical Director, my priority is to continue building on that foundation and remain dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of our patients. I look forward to working with our team and applying my experience to shape care that is both impactful and lasting.
BT: How would you describe your approach to psychiatry and working with patients?
NR:
I approach each patient as a unique individual, shaped by their own experiences, beliefs, and goals. I emphasize involving families and support systems in care, as they often play a vital role in overall well-being. Every treatment plan is personalized and guided by the patient’s specific needs.
Medication can be a valuable tool, but I view it as one part of a broader, comprehensive approach. When medication is appropriate, I take time to explain options and address concerns, ensuring patients feel informed and comfortable in their care.
My approach to psychiatry is collaborative and team-based, bringing together the provider, the patient, their supports, and other members of the care team. I believe that combining evidence-based practices with compassionate support creates the strongest foundation for lasting progress.
BT: What role does psychiatry play within Compass’s PHP/IOP model?
NR:
Psychiatry offers an essential layer of support within treatment. While therapeutic modalities foster self-understanding and growth, psychiatry complements this work through medication management, symptom reduction, and a biopsychosocial understanding of each individual. This approach helps patients engage more fully in therapy and supports their unique path to recovery.
During programming, psychiatry provides consistent care through regular meetings and close collaboration with the treatment team. Together, they develop personalized care plans that align with patient goals and promote meaningful outcomes.
Collaboration also extends beyond the program. Psychiatry maintains communication with each patient’s outpatient providers, ensuring continuity and a smooth transition after PHP or IOP. From beginning to end, psychiatry supports patients holistically, helping to guide and strengthen their journey toward wellness.
BT: What excites you about Compass’s expansion into Wisconsin?
NR:
Compass provides access to high-quality mental health care at a time when it is most needed. In my work in inpatient and residential settings, I often saw how long waitlists delayed care, leaving patients and families struggling without support. What I value most about Compass is the commitment to timely access, which can prevent symptoms from worsening and address concerns before higher levels of intervention are necessary.
Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are vital levels of care, offering structure and consistent support while allowing patients to remain connected to daily life. They also serve as an important bridge for those stepping down from inpatient or residential treatment, ensuring continuity and stability.
Ultimately, Compass expands options for care in the community and meets individuals at critical moments. Timely, effective support can make all the difference in helping patients move forward with strength and hope.
BT: What do you want families and clinicians in Wisconsin to know about Compass?
NR:
Compass offers psychiatry-led care grounded in evidence-based practices, with a focus on timely access to assessments and treatment. We strive to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can experience meaningful personal growth. Our team is composed of compassionate, highly trained professionals who share a commitment to Compass’s mission: delivering patient-centered care that addresses symptoms while also enhancing overall quality of life.
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Bios
Nahrain Raihan, MD, is a dually board-certified psychiatrist and Associate Medical Director at Compass Health Center in Brookfield, Wisconsin. She specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry and is dedicated to delivering evidence-based, compassionate care to patients and their families. At Compass Health Center, Dr. Raihan integrates academic knowledge with clinical practice, and collaborates closely with patients and multidisciplinary treatment teams to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Dr. Raihan completed her adult psychiatry residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. She has extensive experience across inpatient, residential, and outpatient levels of care and is particularly focused on collaborative, team-based approaches to treatment.
Dr. Raihan has coauthored publications and presented on topics including psychological mindedness in psychiatry training, the Stages of Change model, and autism spectrum disorder. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Association, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the American Medical Association.
Britt Teasdale is a writer, photographer, and creative strategist. As Associate Director of Brand and Content at Compass Health Center, she has spent nearly a decade shaping narratives that translate complex clinical ideas into stories that resonate, reduce stigma, and help families access care. She holds a degree in Broadcast and Investigative Journalism, MFA in Creative Nonfiction Writing, and began her career as a reporter. She is also co-host of Compass’s forthcoming podcast, You Only Know What You Know.
