Matthew Pierson, MD

Dr. Matthew Pierson is the National Director of Neuromodulation and Medical Director at ERC Pathlight in Maryland. He earned his MD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed his residency training in psychiatry at Duke University Hospital, where he also specialized in child and adolescent psychiatry and neuromodulation techniques. Dr. Pierson is board certified in both Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, reflecting his extensive training and expertise in these fields.

His clinical focus encompasses child and adolescent psychiatry, treatment-resistant mood disorders, and innovative neuromodulation therapies, including electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and ketamine treatments. Dr. Pierson has co-authored several significant publications on ECT use in adolescents and novel approaches for treating depression, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in psychiatric care.

Before joining ERC Pathlight, Dr. Pierson served as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Utah, where he treated children, adolescents, and adults facing severe mental health challenges. He was the medical director of the Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment program, providing specialized care for youth with complex presentations in a 6-week inpatient setting. As the lead physician for TMS, he administered ECT, TMS, and ketamine treatments to patients in the Treatment Resistant Mood Disorders clinic. Dr. Pierson is also dedicated to education, having lectured extensively and received the Award for Clinical Teaching twice for his outstanding mentorship of trainees. 

In his personal life, he enjoys playing piano, mountain biking, and exploring Maryland with his wife and three sons.