We are privileged to share that three of our psychiatrists have been recognized by Mpls. St. Paul Magazine as Top Doctors: Rising Stars for 2024! Congratulations to Brent Nelson, MD, Sandra Quinn, MD, and Joshua Stein, MD, for this significant achievement.
The Top Doctors: Rising Stars is a recognition specific to up-and-coming physicians licensed to practice for 10 years or less. For the April 2024 issue, Mpls. St. Paul Magazine asked physicians to nominate a doctor they would trust for themselves or a loved one. Candidates are grouped into specialties and evaluated based on peer recognition, professional achievement, and disciplinary history. The various factors count for points, and the doctors with the highest points are featured in the list.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Quinn, Dr. Nelson, and Dr. Stein with us at PrairieCare, recognized again as Top Doctors by Mpls St. Paul Magazine,” said Christopher A Wall, MD, PrairieCare’s Chief Medical Officer and Psychiatrist. “Their exceptional dedication and expertise not only contribute to our mission but also make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. A heartfelt congratulations to them for their well-earned recognition, reflecting their commitment to innovation and excellence in psychiatric care for youth, adults, and their families.”
Brent G. Nelson, MD, Chief Medical Information Officer and Adult Interventional Psychiatrist
Dr. Nelson has long focused on neuromodulation, primarily non-invasive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy, to minimize symptoms of complex mental health conditions and injuries. He administers each treatment by placing a helmet on the patient to stimulate the brain with magnetic pulses that relieve the symptoms of depression.
In addition to administering TMS therapy at our Edina location, Dr. Nelson also oversees research on the effectiveness of this treatment intervention. PrairieCare’s clinical results have shown that 60% of patients have their symptoms reduced by half, and 40% achieve symptom reduction. With almost zero side effects and highly effective results, TMS helps to provide symptom relief to people living with depression.
“I continue to be impressed by TMS and its ability to find a reduction of symptoms when so many medication trials have failed,” said Dr. Nelson.
In addition to his work at PrairieCare, Dr. Nelson has served as a full-time faculty member and Executive Director for the TMS program at the University of Minnesota and Minnesota VA Medical Center. And, as well as treating depression with TMS, he has researched its effectiveness in treating brain injury and schizophrenia—a promising opportunity for more people to improve their quality of life.
“We are working with our research partners to both better understand and predict quality outcomes and bring novel understanding to patients fighting complex mental health disorders,” said Dr. Nelson.
Sandra Quinn, MD, Medical Director of Adult Outpatient Services and Adult Interventional Psychiatrist
Dr. Quinn has a passion for understanding and working with patients who have complex mental health conditions to create a path to healing. She uses medication, psychotherapy techniques, and neuromodulation to unlock new potential for the patient—even when it doesn’t always seem possible for them.
When medication and therapy aren’t enough, Dr. Quinn can provide Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for depression at our Woodbury location. Dr. Quinn is an interventional psychiatrist and certified BrainsWay provider. The BrainsWay helmet delivers magnetic pulses to the patient’s brain in 20-minute sessions. Over 8–12 weeks, most patients see a reduction in their depression symptoms, and some achieve remission.
“Much of my practice is providing transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for patients who have depression,” said Dr. Quinn. “It is incredibly rewarding to see the results!”
In addition to administering TMS treatments, Dr. Quinn is the attending physician at the Woodbury Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), and she is the Medical Director of Adult Clinic and Outpatient Services for PrairieCare. Through several weeks of multidisciplinary treatment from Dr. Quinn and the team, adults build the skills to overcome their severe symptoms, often preventing hospitalization.
“I feel fortunate to work in such a fascinating field of medicine,” said Dr. Quinn. “We hope to continue to expand our programs and treatment modalities to offer more types of mental health treatment in the future.”
Joshua Stein, MD, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Dr. Stein is a clinician and community advocate respected for his passionate work in youth mental health services. He is the Clinical Director and attending physician at PrairieCare’s Brooklyn Park Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). Dr. Stein specializes in treating young people with severe symptoms, focusing on autism, anxiety, family dynamics, emerging personality disorders, depression, and OCD.
“As a child psychiatrist the greatest part of my career is when my patients can get back to their purposes and joy in life,” said Dr Stein. “Whether the fall musical, Girl Scouts or a varsity sport, the goal is to get through the hard moments and get back to what makes them shine.”
Dr. Stein takes pride in being part of patients’ journeys as they find a path to healing that fits their unique needs. At our youth PHP, he works alongside a multidisciplinary team to provide treatment through assessment, therapy, and stabilization of symptoms. The goal is for our patient-centered care to create sustainable outcomes, including increased functioning at home, in school, and in the community.
In addition to his clinical work with patients, Dr. Stein shares his expertise with healthcare professionals and parents alike. From explaining how TikTok trends affect mental health to supporting parents who are asked by their kids if the Easter Bunny is real, Dr. Stein has wise insight and advice. He is also a consultant for PrairieCare’s Psychiatric Assistance Line (PAL), which connects primary care providers with psychiatric resources.
“Through the Psychiatric Assistance Line, I have the opportunity to interact with primary care providers and emergency room doctors on a day-to-day basis. The community collaboration is outstanding,” said Dr. Stein. “My long-term goal is to continue this education throughout her entire geographic region, making sure patients, their community, and their care providers approach mental health with a common constructive grace and understanding.”
Mental Health Services from Our Top Doctors
If you are struggling with mental health symptoms, our team can help. You can request a no-cost mental health screening by calling 952-826-8475 or filling out our request form. Within one business day, our trained professionals will assist you in finding the proper treatment for the symptoms you or a loved one are experiencing.
If you are a professional looking to make a referral to our services, you can call 952-826-8475 or use our online referral system.
Learn more about the services mentioned above:
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Clinic Services
- Psychiatric Assistance Line (PAL)
About PrairieCare
At PrairieCare, we believe that mental illness is real, common, and treatable. We provide individuals of all ages with the psychiatric care they truly need. PrairieCare is one of the nation’s largest providers of premier psychiatric services to the Twin Cities metro area, Rochester, and Mankato. Our programs and services span the full continuum of care, with the understanding that each patient has unique experiences, life stages, and needs.
Learn more about PrairieCare’s full continuum of mental health services.