Cornell University Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Human Development Minor in Biological Sciences Cornell Presidential Research Scholar Senior Honor Society of the Quill and Dagger
Northwestern University Medical Doctorate (M.D.)
University of Illinois at Chicago Graduate of Psychiatry Residency Program Chief Resident
American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology Certified Diplomate
About Me
Hello! I’m Dr. Brandi Jackson, a psychiatrist dedicated to helping individuals reconnect with their inner selves, overcome challenges, and step into their unique purpose. My journey in medicine and mental health has been shaped by a rich tapestry of experiences, both professional and personal, that have led me to develop a truly integrative approach to care.
Lester Holt called my twin sister and I “a delightful pair” (I still can’t get over that one :P) Source: NBC Nightly News
I began my academic journey at Cornell University, where I majored in Human Development and minored in Biology. My time there was marked by an insatiable curiosity about the human experience, which led me to work in genetics labs and even spend a semester in rural Uganda, where I volunteered with a wonderful organization that provides care to orphaned children. It was a humbling experienced that redefined the word “resilience” in my mind.
Community health workers were the backbone of care in this village in Uganda. It was a privilege to spend time learning from them.
In the beautiful country of Uganda, I saw doctors who looked liked me for the very first time. They were truly saving lives, and I knew I wanted to devote my life to doing the same thing.
After graduating from Cornell, I moved to Chicago to begin my medical training at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. I took a “break” between my 3rd and 4th years of medical training to complete 1 year of master’s level coursework in Northwestern’s Medical Humanities and Bioethics Master’s Program. During my final year of medical training, I studied abroad in India. That trip allowed me the opportunity to live with and work alongside a community doctor who blended western and traditional indigenous medicine in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains.
I became interested in plant-based medicine while studying abroad in rural India. This village is the most beautiful place I have ever visited.
During my medical training, I had the privilege of immersing myself in unique environments, from working with orphaned children in rural Uganda to studying Ayurvedic medicine in the foothills of the Himalayas. These experiences taught me the importance of a holistic approach to health—one that honors both modern science and ancient wisdom. This philosophy is the cornerstone of my practice today, where I blend medication management, psychotherapy, mindfulness training, and spiritual practices to create personalized treatment plans.
After obtaining my medical degree, I went on to the University of Illinois at Chicago to complete my 4- year psychiatry residency training program. In my final year of training, I was selected by my peers and our academic faculty to serve as Chief Resident of Psychiatry.
My path into psychiatry was deeply influenced by my own personal experiences with anxiety, depression, and trauma, as well as my work in challenging environments. After completing my psychiatry residency, I entered into clinical leadership, eventually becoming the first Chief Behavioral Health Officer at a queer-led federally qualified health center in Chicago. In that role, I led a large team of diverse mental health providers. As the pandemic waged war on our community, we offered mental health care to all, regardless of their ability to pay for it. After the pandemic ended, I transitioned to working at a maximum security men’s prison, where I provided psychiatric care to incarcerated individuals. These experiences instilled in me a profound empathy for those who struggle in silence and a dedication to breaking down the barriers that prevent individuals from seeking the help they need.
It’s the responsibility of all physicians to speak up about the (many) shortcomings the US healthcare system, and to advocate for positive change.
As a psychiatrist, I strive to create a space where my patients feel heard, understood, and empowered. I believe that healing trauma requires reconnection—within ourselves, with others, and with the larger world. My role is not just as a doctor but as a guide and fellow traveler on the journey to wellness. I work closely with my patients to build a therapeutic alliance, ensuring that our work together is collaborative and tailored to their unique needs.
My personal spiritual journey, which includes studying Christian, Buddhist, Daoist, and traditional African spiritualities, informs my holistic approach to healing. Whether I’m reading tarot for friends, enjoying the outdoors with my husband and son, or observing silence, I believe in the power of connection—with ourselves, with world around us, and with a power greater than all of us.
I generally dress like Whitney Houston on our hiking trips.
In our work together, you can expect a partnership. I see myself not as an authority figure, but as a guide and fellow traveler on your journey to healing. We will work together to create a treatment plan that’s tailored to your unique needs, drawing from a wide range of modalities, including medication management, psychotherapy, mindfulness training, and even divination practices like tarot if you’re interested.
My goal is to help you rediscover your wholeness, to help you feel loved, inspired, and expansive. Whether you’re a high-functioning professional battling burnout, a healer needing healing yourself or someone navigating the complexities of identity and trauma, I’m here to support you.
My unique blend of clinical expertise and personal experiences allows me to offer a compassionate, integrative approach to mental health care. Whether you’re a burned-out leader, a wounded healer, or someone seeking to integrate challenging experiences, I’m here to help you find your path to healing and rediscover your sense of purpose.
