By Katina Rice-Davis, Staff Writer | katina@thewoodrufftimes.com
In a time when mental health is finally emerging from the shadows, one local native is helping lead the charge toward healing, understanding, and lasting change, Dr. Asa T. Briggs, DNP, owner of Briggs Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, PC, has become a transformative figure in the field of mental health care, blending professional excellence with personal compassion.
A proud graduate of Woodruff High School’s class of 1997, Dr. Briggs has journeyed far in both education and mission, returning to his roots with a vision to heal the minds and uplift the spirits of those around him.
After earning his undergraduate degree from Clemson University in 2002, Dr. Briggs pursued advanced clinical training, eventually obtaining his master’s from Vanderbilt University in 2012 and his doctoral degree from Yale University in 2020. His academic achievements are only the foundation of a deep, passionate commitment to mental wellness.
“As far back as I can remember, I wanted to be a lawyer,” Dr. Briggs shares. “God upended my plans my senior year in college, so here we are.” That divine detour, he explains, led him to a purpose far greater than he had imagined. “My inspiration to enter the field of mental health came from a desire to address the silent suffering I saw in so many individuals—family, friends, and community members who carried emotional and psychological burdens in silence.”
Founded with compassion and cultural sensitivity at its core, Briggs Psychiatry & Behavioral Health provides services such as psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and supportive therapy. “We focus on creating a safe space where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered to take ownership of their mental wellness,” Dr. Briggs explains.
In a world where stigma still shadows mental health conversations, Dr. Briggs remains a vocal advocate for awareness and empathy. “Mental health awareness is crucial because so many people struggle in silence due to fear, shame, or lack of understanding,” he says. “Reducing stigma starts with open conversations, education, and seeing mental health as just as important as physical health.”
He confronts misconceptions head-on, especially the belief that mental illness is a weakness.
“That couldn’t be further from the truth. Mental health conditions are medical issues—just like diabetes or hypertension—and they deserve the same level of care and attention,” he emphasizes.
With many years of experience treating individuals from diverse backgrounds, Dr. Briggs believes some of the most pressing mental health concerns in our community today, are anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use, are incredibly prevalent and often intertwined. But equally pressing is the lack of access to culturally competent care. “Many individuals are still hesitant to seek help because they don’t feel understood or represented in the healthcare system. Addressing these disparities is essential, he emphasizes.”
Dr. Briggs urges individuals to prioritize their well-being by engaging in self-care. Start by acknowledging your emotions and giving yourself permission to feel. Practice self-care regularly—whether that’s rest, movement, healthy boundaries, or spiritual practices. Most importantly, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to someone. That could be a trusted friend, faith leader, or mental health professional. There is strength in asking for help.
Beyond his clinic’s walls, Dr. Briggs partners with schools, churches, and nonprofits to extend the reach of mental health education. A particularly impactful partnership is with the Urban League of the Upstate.
This partnership has been vital in reaching underserved populations and building trust within the community,” he notes. Community leaders and organizations have an enormous influence. They can create spaces for dialogue, partner with mental health professionals to host events or workshops and help reduce stigma by openly supporting mental health initiatives. “When leaders are transparent about the importance of mental wellness, it sends a powerful message that it’s okay to prioritize your mental health,” he adds.
As Mental Health Awareness Month unfolds, Dr. Briggs hopes it becomes more than a symbolic effort. “To sustain momentum, we need to integrate mental wellness into our daily lives, workplaces, schools, and communities. It can’t be a one-month campaign—it must be a year-round commitment,” he stresses.
Some recommended resources for individuals seeking mental health support would be to speak with your primary care provider if you’re unsure where to begin. You can also visit websites like NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), Psychology Today for finding local providers, or SAMHSA’s treatment locator for addiction services.
Looking ahead, Briggs Psychiatry is launching a community-based mental health education series and expanding its telepsychiatry services to reach rural and underserved populations. “We’re working to break barriers of access and meet people where they are,” he says.
Dr. Briggs’s work is deeply rooted in his values and his faith. “My faith grounds me. It reminds me that every person has inherent worth and that healing is possible for everyone,” he reflects. “I believe in meeting people where they are, loving them through their struggles, and walking alongside them toward hope and healing.”
To those who are struggling, Dr. Briggs offers this final word of encouragement: “You are not alone, and your pain is valid. Healing is a journey, not a destination, and it’s okay to take that journey one step at a time.”
Briggs Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, PC, is located at 1007 Pendleton Street, Greenville, SC 29601. Their hours of operation are Monday-Thursday from 9 am -6:00 pm. Telephone: 864-748-3939
Author: Katina Davis
