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This week on the podcast, Mikki speaks to Dr Matt Bernstein, a physician working in the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry, which explores the connection between brain health, metabolism, and mental illness.

In this episode, the conversation centres on how metabolic dysfunction may play a far greater role in mental health than traditionally recognised. Matt explains what metabolic psychiatry actually is, how it differs from conventional psychiatric approaches, and why factors like insulin resistance, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction are now being considered key drivers in conditions such as depression, anxiety, and more severe psychiatric disorders.

They explore the growing interest in nutritional and metabolic interventions, including dietary strategies like carbohydrate restriction, and how these may influence brain energy, neurotransmitter function, and symptom outcomes. The discussion also touches on where the evidence currently sits, what clinicians should be cautious about, and how to think about integrating these approaches alongside standard care.

It’s a thought-provoking conversation that challenges traditional models of mental health, while offering a more biologically grounded way of understanding and supporting the brain.

Dr. Matt Bernstein is a highly respected clinical psychiatrist and a leading voice in metabolic psychiatry, with 25 years of experience helping individuals achieve full mental health and functional recovery.

He graduated summa cum laude from Columbia University in English literature and earned his medical degree from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Trained at MGH/McLean, he served as chief resident and later held leadership roles including psychiatrist-in-charge and assistant medical director of the schizophrenia and bipolar inpatient program. He also serves as chief medical officer at Ellenhorn, developing community-based strategies to optimize mental health.

For the past five years, Dr. Bernstein has focused on metabolic psychiatry, first in his private practice, and then at Ellenhorn. More recently, he created Accord’s comprehensive program and is sharing his expertise through podcasts, national conferences, and briefings for members of Congress. He co-organized the first public conference on metabolic psychiatry, and co-leads a privately funded study evaluating outcomes of Accord’s pioneering interventions.

He serves on advisory and non-profit boards, including Metabolic Mind, Meru Health, The Metabolic Revolution, and the Coalition for Metabolic Health, helping advance the field both clinically and publicly.

https://accordmh.com/our-team/matt-bernstein/