Brian Mears, DNAP, APRN, PMHNP, CRNA
Founder & CEO
Brian Mears has been a dedicated and well-respected clinician since 1997. Passionate about all aspects of patient care and the business of medicine, he has owned, operated, managed, and consulted for numerous successful entities. Brian is a consummate team player who recognizes and celebrates the strengths of each team member. Known for his visionary thinking, he is always exploring new and innovative approaches.
As a lifelong learner and educator, Brian constantly seeks improvement. His interest in anesthesia-based procedures for chronic mental illness began in 2014, and since then, he has devoted his life to enhancing access to mental health providers, reducing appointment wait times, improving treatment protocols with a focus on integrative and holistic care, and improving the quality of life for those suffering from mental illness and chronic pain. Patient-centered care, improved outcomes, and empowering individuals to take control of their health are his guiding principles. Brian believes every business decision should start with the question, “How will this benefit our patients?”
With a strong educational background in healthcare, Brian has a master’s and doctorate in nurse anesthesiology and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. He is passionate about utilizing and teaching nutritional psychiatry and functional medicine principles. This unique combination of specializations equips him with a comprehensive understanding of both physical and mental health, driving innovative approaches to patient care.
Brian’s commitment to making the world a better place by improving the lives of others is reflected in the mission of Alleviant Integrated Mental Health. Alleviant, the largest outpatient mental health practice in Arkansas, with nine locations, sees approximately 100,000 patients annually. The practice is expanding into Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska, aiming to become the go-to provider for all behavioral health needs in these regions. Brian states, “Alleviant is designed to find and treat the root cause of illness. I care deeply about people suffering and believe it is my responsibility to share our clinical environments and knowledge with everyone suffering from conditions we know how to treat. Our mission is to be a change agent, using all techniques—new, old, traditional, holistic, Eastern, and Western—that improve the lives of those suffering. The human experience is only optimized when we are mentally, physically, and spiritually healthy. I believe all humans are unique and complex, and one size does not fit all in health.”
Under Brian’s leadership, Alleviant is also contracted with courts to help establish, implement, and participate in mental health courts, assisting non-violent offenders in staying out of jail by treating their underlying mental illness. Alleviant has been voted the Employer of Choice multiple years in a row, reflecting its culture that values each team member deeply, provides excellent work-life balance, competitive compensation, and a robust benefits package. Brian’s vision is to make Alleviant the Employer of Choice across all the communities it serves.
Brian has extensive experience in both academic and private practice settings. He served in the United States Army Reserves for over 24 years and is a veteran of Operations Enduring Freedom and Freedom Sentinel. He has been happily married to his beautiful wife, Leilani, since 1999 and has three wonderful children.