FOUNDER

With more than 25 years of experience in the medical industry and over 7 years as a business owner, Kristian Brinkman brings a compassionate, patient-centered approach to leadership in mental health and wellness. As the co-founder of Awaken Brain Health & Wellness, Kristian is passionate about creating a welcoming environment where individuals feel supported, valued, and empowered on their journey toward emotional, mental, and physical well-being.

Kristian’s vision for the clinic is rooted in the belief that true wellness comes from treating the whole person — mind, body, and spirit. With a heart for service and a strong commitment to the local community, Kristian is dedicated to helping others find hope, healing, balance, and renewed purpose through compassionate care and innovative wellness solutions.

Faith and family are at the center of Kristian’s life. Most important to Kristian are God, family, and serving others with integrity, compassion, and purpose. Outside of the clinic, Kristian enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys, boating along the Gulf Coast, staying active through fitness, and enjoying live music and community events.

Kristian believes that mental health care should feel personal, uplifting, and empowering — not clinical or impersonal. Through leadership, outreach, and a passion for helping others thrive, Kristian strives to build a community where people feel seen, heard, and supported as they awaken the best version of themselves.

MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Raj Loungani, MD, MPH, FAPA is Double Board-Certified, as he specializes in Psychiatry and sub-specializes in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, with a mission to serve children, teenagers, adults and families by providing psychiatric care that is experienced, compassionate, individualized, holistic (i.e., utilizing an integrative biological-psychological/spiritual-social approach) and effective.

Through a combination of medication management and customized psychotherapies, including an innovative ketamine-assisted psychedelic therapy process, helps his patients and their families not only diminish emotional, thought, and behavioral difficulties, but to achieve maximal well-being, true healing, and thriving.

A Word From Dr. Raj

I fell in love with Northern Florida while attending medical school at the University of Florida in Gainesville, and after completing my psychiatry residency and child & adolescent psychiatry fellowship training felt compelled to move back to the region in its urban center of Jacksonville and the beautiful Beaches throughout the rapidly growing Northeast Florida region to serve the children, teenagers, adults and families of this wonderful area.

My wife, kiddos, and puppies share a love of the outdoors, and we enjoy our leisure time by playing at the park, beach, zoo, and gyms, exploring new restaurants, attending Jags games, and giving back to the community through volunteering in coaching youth sports to community service for charitable organizations such as AngelAID and Habijax.

As a psychiatrist who manages a broad spectrum of mental/behavioral health conditions for patients of all ages, my philosophy of care entails providing the highest quality, evidence-based, individualized care possible, tailored to each of my patients and his/her families.

I am excited to work with children, teens, adults and families in developing self-awareness and wellness, while making positive transformations to lead their most healthy, fulfilling lives. I enjoy integrating medication management and psychotherapy services, including ketamine-assisted psychedelic therapy, in designing a treatment plan that considers the patient holistically to help my patients and their families overcome their most difficult challenges, process and cure their past traumas, and achieve their greatest treatment and life goals with maximal support.

I am dedicated to providing the finest care imaginable and advocating for the best interest of my patients and their families always.

PMHNP

Crystal Pope is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over seven years of experience in mental health care. She is passionate about helping adults achieve emotional wellness through compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric treatment and medication management.

Crystal earned her Master of Science in Nursing and has extensive experience providing care in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings. She specializes in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma-related conditions, PTSD, insomnia, and other mental heath conditions.

Crystal believes that effective mental health care begins with listening. She takes a collaborative, patient-centered approach, working closely with individuals to develop personalized treatment plans that support their unique goals, values, and overall well-being. Her mission is to create a safe, supportive environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout their healing journey.

In addition to her work as a psychiatric provider, Crystal proudly serves as a Captain in the United States Army Reserve, bringing a unique understanding of the challenges faced by service members, veterans, and their families. She is committed to providing high-quality, accessible mental health care while reducing the stigma often associated with seeking treatment.

At Awaken Brain Health and Wellness, Crystal’s goal is to help individuals regain balance, build resilience, and move toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.

“Taking the first step toward mental wellness can be difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. Together, we can create a path forward that helps you thrive.”

CERTIFIED TRAINER & NUTRITIONIST | PR & AGENCY CHAPLAIN

Justin Ullrich is a veteran, community outreach professional, and ministry leader who serves as the clinic's Public Relations and Agency Chaplain. He is passionate about helping individuals connect with the resources, support, and treatment options needed to improve their mental health and overall well-being.

Justin works closely with community organizations, healthcare providers, veterans, first responders, and local partners to promote awareness of the clinic's services and foster meaningful relationships throughout the community. As Agency Chaplain, he also provides compassionate emotional and spiritual support to patients, families, and staff members who desire it.

Currently pursuing a degree in Christian Studies, Justin is committed to serving others with integrity, compassion, and purpose. His mission is to help individuals find hope, healing, and renewed purpose as they navigate life's challenges.

TMS TECH & ADMIN

Lexi is a TMS Technician with a passion for mental health and patient-centered care. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences at the University of West Florida and brings a strong academic background in the biological sciences, along with experience in neuroscience research.

Her clinical experience spans psychiatry, neurology, and emergency medicine, providing her with a well-rounded understanding of patient care across diverse healthcare settings. As a TMS Technician, Lexi is dedicated to supporting patients throughout their treatment journey, helping create a comfortable, compassionate, and encouraging environment.

FITNESS TRAINER & NUTRITIONIST

Emily Reynolds is a Certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, Weight Loss Specialist, and Health Coach with over 17 years of experience helping clients achieve sustainable weight loss, improved health, and lasting lifestyle transformation.

She has worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds, specializing in nutrition coaching, weight management, behavior change, and supporting clients with chronic health conditions.

Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience overcoming significant chronic health challenges, Emily takes a science-based, individualized approach to nutrition and wellness. She develops customized nutrition, fitness, and accountability programs designed to help clients lose weight, improve energy, optimize metabolic health, and build sustainable habits for long-term success.

Emily is passionate about empowering clients through education, practical strategies, and ongoing support, helping them achieve measurable results while creating healthier lifestyles they can maintain for years to come.