Amanda Wright, MD

Staff Psychiatrist
Languages
English
Conditions Treated
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD/Trauma
Perinatal Psychiatry
Phobias
Postpartum Depression
Tics/Tourette Syndrome
Geriatric

Education and training

  • Rhodes College, BA
  • Harvard University Extension School
  • University of Texas Health Science Center, MD
  • University of Texas Health Science Center, Internship and Residency

Get to know

Amanda Wright, MD

Dr. Amanda Wright is a board-certified adult Psychiatrist who has been in practice for ten years. Her practice offers in-depth evaluations for new patients, personalized medication management, and supportive and motivational therapy within 30-minute follow up visits. Dr. Wright's professional interest is in mind-body wellness; she believes in psychotropic medication management as one of the tenants of overall wellness and also recognizes that non-medicinal interventions such as psychotherapy can enhance patients' ability to reach their full potential. To that end, if Dr. Wright feels you would benefit from working with a therapist in conjunction to medication management, she welcomes collaboration with your therapy provider. Dr. Wright is a graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, where she completed her psychiatric internship and residency training in 2013. From 2013 through 2022 she practiced Psychiatry in Louisiana. While practicing with Ochsner Health System, Dr. Wright was recognized locally (within her practice region) as "Provider of the Month” and later, "Provider of the Quarter” for the larger system of Ochsner. These awards were based primarily on patient feedback and highlight her warm and open approach as well as her genuine care for each patient's best long-term outcomes. In 2022, Dr. Wright and her family moved back to her home state of Texas where she has been practicing both in- and outpatient Psychiatry within a hospital system in the Rio Grande Valley. The broad scope of her professional experience lends itself to working with a variety of Psychiatric issues ranging from mood to anxiety spectrum disorders. Dr. Wright looks forward to returning her focus to outpatient Psychiatry and providing compassionate, individualized care for those seeking treatment.

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Dr. McLain earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and a Master’s in Counseling from Sam Houston State University, along with a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Houston. She is known for her expertise in DSM-5 diagnostics, psychoeducation, and multidisciplinary collaboration to support diverse populations across age groups.

If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply need a safe place to work through life’s transitions, I am here to walk with you on your journey toward healing and growth. Reach out today to begin the process of reclaiming your peace and wellness.

Dr. McLain believes in a holistic approach that takes into account both the mental and emotional aspects of wellbeing, helping you find lasting strategies for improving your overall quality of life. She operates from a person centered approach to guide you on your healing journey.

Jennifer Ruch, DO

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Dr. Jennifer Ruch is a board-certified psychiatrist who strives to understand her patients' lived experiences and aspirations to develop supportive therapeutic relationships through empathetic listening, mutual trust, and respect. She collaboratively creates individualized care plans that align with personal treatment goals in a safe and judgment-free environment. After completing her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology with a focus in psychology from the University of California, Merced, she earned her medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Ruch completed her General Psychiatry Residency at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in New York. Her clinical experience involves treating individuals of all age groups from diverse populations and socioeconomic backgrounds suffering from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neurocognitive disorders. She has provided care in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric facilities, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, emergency rooms, state facilities, and an inpatient chemical dependency center. She also performed pre-procedure psychological evaluations for bariatric and spinal cord surgeries, and psychiatric consult liaison services on medical units and has clinical training in inpatient and outpatient neurology. Her clinical experience incorporated treatment modalities such as pharmacotherapy and interventional psychiatry, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Spravato. Dr. Ruch integrates a wide array of psychotherapy as needed; however, her practice primarily focuses on medication management while utilizing referrals to therapists and providing collaborative care for optimal outcomes.

Garrick Gaffney, DO

Staff Psychiatrist

Dr. Garrick Gaffney earned his medical degree from Kansas City University and completed his psychiatry residency at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. A combat veteran, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, including a tour in Iraq, and was honored with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and a Certificate of Commendation for exemplary leadership.  During medical school, Dr. Gaffney pursued advanced training as an Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine fellow. As a resident, he served as Chief Academic Resident and earned accolades such as Intern of the Year and Outstanding Educator of the Year twice consecutively.  

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A proponent of holistic care, Dr. Gaffney integrates psychotherapy into medication management and emphasizes lifestyle modifications and evidence-based integrative medicine

New patients receive comprehensive evaluations to rule out medical causes of symptoms, followed by tailored treatment plans combining therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments. Follow-up visits focus on symptom management through supportive, brief dynamic, or cognitive behavioral therapy, with frequent appointments until stabilization is achieved.  

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Tara Merchant, LMHC

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Laura Hendricks, PMHNP

Staff Nurse Practitioner

Laura Hendricks is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) with over 20 years of experience across a variety of clinical settings, including outpatient care, inpatient psychiatric facilities, private practice, consult-liaison psychiatry, and telepsychiatry. She has worked with individuals across the lifespan and brings a Family Systems perspective to her practice, helping patients develop greater awareness of their personal growth, attachment styles, and behavioral patterns to support more fulfilling lives.

Laura is also a long-time practitioner of Nonviolent Communication (Compassionate Communication), a method that fosters deeper empathy and connection with oneself and others. She integrates these principles into her clinical work to help individuals live more authentically and meaningfully.

Her approach is rooted in a whole-person perspective, guiding clients to recognize their strengths and utilize appropriate treatment tools. This begins with building a strong, respectful therapeutic relationship based on collaboration and shared decision-making. Laura practices evidence-based medication management and incorporates supportive counseling and psychoeducation into every session. She believes that empowering patients through education is essential to improving mental health outcomes.

Laura conducts thorough assessments to clarify diagnoses and treatment needs, with ongoing evaluation throughout the course of care. She works collaboratively with patients to refine treatment goals and strategies, always emphasizing a strengths-based and empowering approach.

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Specialties
ADHD
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD/Trauma
Perinatal Psychiatry
Phobias
Postpartum Depression
Tics/Tourette Syndrome
Geriatric
States
Louisiana
New York
Texas
Languages
English
Takes insurance
Virtual visits
10 years experience