Welcome to our clinic!
Founded in 2001, the Virginia Institute of Neuropsychiatry (VIN) is a small clinic doing big things Our staff is dedicated to the clinical treatment, forensic evaluation, and other expert consultation of neuropsychiatric and general psychiatric disorders listed below.
Our patients tend to have a complex presentation of symptoms that affect their daily cognitive, behavioral, social, physical, emotional, relational, financial, work, and home functioning. Most have long and complex histories requiring comprehensive evaluations. Our private-pay model allows us to give patients what they need, not just what an insurance company says they need. We often review and summarize piles of records in advance to better understand our patients' unique presentations. Often we interview family and friends who have insight into our patients' symptoms and level of functioning.
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Time and again, our patients tell us how they finally feel seen and heard as we compassionately and thoroughly investigate their neuropsychiatric concerns, supporting them on the way toward better health and wellness.
What is neuropsychiatry?
Neuropsychiatry bridges the gap between neurology and psychiatry. We have expertise in the following neuropsychiatric disorders:
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by:
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Forceful head impact (e.g., sports, falls, collisions)
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Acceleration/deceleration movement (e.g., whiplash, roller coasters)
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Blast or explosion force (e.g., military, mines/bombs)
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Non-traumatic acquired brain injury caused by:
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Stroke
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Lack of oxygen to the brain (e.g., hypoxia, anoxia, anaphylaxis, choking)
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Toxic exposure [links to Toxic Exposure page]
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Movement disorders caused by medication:
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Akathisia
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Tardive dyskinesia
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Psychotic disorders:
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Schizophrenia
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Psychosis caused by brain injury
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Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
David E. Ross, M.D.
Director
Neuropsychiatrist
He completed medical school and residency in psychiatry at VCU. After that, he finished a fellowship in neuropsychiatry at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland, where he stayed on the faculty for several years.
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In 1997, he returned to VCU where he served on the full-time faculty for several years.
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In 2001, he founded the Virginia Institute of Neuropsychiatry, an organization dedicated to the understanding and treatment of patients with neuropsychiatric disorders, including brain injury.
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He specializes in the treatment and research of patients with traumatic brain injury and other types of brain injury. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed scientific articles. He serves as a reviewer for many scientific journals. He has taught hundreds of residents and medical students over many years. He serves as a member of the Brain Injury Medicine Examination Committee. He is board-certified in 3 areas: 1) General Psychiatry, 2) Neuropsychiatry, and 3) Brain Injury Medicine.
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He and his colleagues pioneered the application of NeuroQuant, FDA-cleared MRI brain volumetry software, in patients with traumatic brain injury. Also they developed NeuroGage, software that extends the utility of NeuroQuant. In 2017, NeuroGage was spun off into a separate company.
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Erin Truitt MS, CBIS
Assistant Director
She holds advanced degrees in Pre-medicine Biology and Food Science and has participated in academic research studies in Immunology and Food Processing.
Following completion of her master’s degree in 2006, she worked for Walmart Food Safety before disengaging from the corporate sector to devote full-time effort to raising her children.
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While independently managing her household, she became a Certified Personal Trainer and Kid’s Yoga Instructor, coaching over 100 clients in various aspects of fitness, nutrition, and health/wellness. She served as a Chemistry adjunct faculty member at John Brown University, elementary school mentor, volunteer crisis specialist, and ESL teacher.
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In 2019-2020, she completed additional master’s level coursework in Clinical Mental Health and Marriage & Family Therapy.
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In 2021, she initially began working for VIN as the Clinical Associate/Imaging Coordinator but at the start of 2024 transitioned to the role of Assistant Director. In October of 2024, she obtained credentials as a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS).
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Enlightened by her diverse academic, scientific research, teaching, coaching, and crisis-management experiences, she provides empathetic and dynamic clinical solutions for patients with brain injuries and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
Other Staff
Kailyn Turcios - Gonzalez, MS
Imaging Coordinator/Research Assistant
Kayla Wyche
Office Manager
Monica Dunivan
Business Manager