Physicians

Dr. McCormick is a native of Northeast Louisiana. He is a graduate of The University of Louisiana at Monroe and Louisiana State University Medical School in Shreveport. He completed his Family Medicine residency through the University of Arkansas in 1999. He found an interest in Addiction Medicine while in practice and became board certified through the American Board of Addiction Medicine in 2010.

Dr. McCormick has been in Family Medicine private practice in West Monroe, LA for 18 years treating a variety of general medical illnesses and addiction related medical issues. He has experience in preventative health maintenance, geriatrics, hypertension, diabetes, nutrition, and addiction medicine.

Dr. McCormick believes Palmetto offers the personal and clinical experience necessary to assist in a person’s unique spiritual, emotional and physical journey in recovery.

Jay Weiss, MD, is a graduate of University of Arkansas College of Medicine. He completed his residency in Psychiatry while serving in the United States Air Force for a total of 30 years. Dr. Weiss is ASAM certified (2005) and is board certified in Geriatrics (1994), Addictions/Substance Abuse (1995), and Psychiatry (1991). He is a member of both the AMA and APA associations. His speaking engagements include the FAA conference on Aviation Psychiatry, USAF on Combat Psychiatry and Celestial Navigation. Dr. Weiss believes that staff interaction on both a professional and personal level makes Palmetto an exceptional place for treatment.

He gives lectures throughout the country. He is affiliated with the FAA. He has been at Palmetto 15 years.

Dr. Brandon Waits is a licensed psychologist specializing in psychological evaluations, including fitness-for-duty evaluations and the assessment of cognitive, affective, and behavioral factors relating to substance use. He has degrees from Auburn University (B.A., psychology), Reformed Theological Seminary (M.A., marriage and family therapy), and Louisiana Tech University (Ph.D., counseling psychology). He completed a doctoral internship in professional psychology at the University of Tennessee and has experience in residential substance use treatment and outpatient clinics. He also holds an academic position as a faculty member at Louisiana Tech University where he teaches in the doctoral program in counseling psychology and has research interests in trauma, substance use, and positive psychology.

Ryan joined Palmetto in May 2022 as a registered nurse with over 20 years of experience in psychiatric care. He has worked with various age groups, including adolescents, adults, and the elderly, in inpatient psychiatric units.

He is board certified in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner across the lifespan by the ANCC and has an MSN from Northwestern State University specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

A few words from Ryan:

"As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, my focus is on treating mental health conditions and substance abuse in a dual diagnosis setting. At Palmetto, I conduct psychiatric evaluations, provide medication consultations, and offer support for psychiatric emergencies. I collaborate with Dr. Weiss, Palmetto’s Psychiatrist,  to manage medication and create personalized recovery plans to help patients achieve lasting sobriety.

I am dedicated to serving by providing integrated care for mental illness and substance abuse. I am also passionate about increasing access to mental health services, particularly in areas where there is a shortage of mental health providers.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and four daughters. I am an avid outdoorsman, participating in activities such as boating, hunting, fishing, and riding ATVs. I also take pride in being a supportive father to my daughter's travel softball team, watching them grow and develop as athletes over time."

Jennifer became part of the team at Palmetto Addiction Recovery Center in October 2016 bringing 21 years of healthcare experience. She is a 2014 graduate of Northwestern State University with a Master’s Degree in Nursing with the role concentration of Family Nurse Practitioner. Jennifer also has bachelor’s degrees in Nursing from University of Louisiana at Monroe and Clinical Laboratory Science from Louisiana Tech University. Jennifer feels that patient centered treatment of physical, emotional, and mental needs in a safe, supportive, and respectful environment will assist patients in reaching their full potential for personal success.

Katie's bio coming soon!