Our Providers

Personalized Psychiatric Care. Advanced Treatment Options. A Partnership You Can Trust.

Finding the right psychiatrist can make an important difference in your mental health journey. Kevin Bays, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist who believes effective psychiatric care begins with listening—taking the time to understand each patient's experiences, concerns, and goals before developing a treatment plan.

Dr. Bays provides personalized, evidence-based psychiatric care for adults experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric conditions.

His approach is collaborative and patient-centered. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment, Dr. Bays combines a thorough psychiatric evaluation with individualized treatment planning. He believes patients should feel heard, respected, and actively involved in decisions about their care.

In addition to medication management and supportive psychiatric care, Dr. Bays offers several advanced treatment options. These include Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), SPRAVATO® (esketamine) therapy for treatment-resistant depression, and medical cannabis evaluations and guidance when clinically appropriate and legally permitted.

For patients who have struggled to find relief through traditional approaches, having access to additional treatment options can open the door to new possibilities. Dr. Bays takes the time to discuss available treatments, answer questions, and work with each patient to determine an approach that aligns with their individual needs and goals.

At the heart of Dr. Bays' practice is a simple philosophy: patients deserve to be treated as individuals, not diagnoses. His goal is to create a comfortable, respectful environment where patients can be open about what they are experiencing and feel confident that their concerns are being taken seriously.

Whether you are seeking help for the first time or looking for a different approach to managing an ongoing mental health concern, Dr. Bays is committed to providing thoughtful, compassionate care and helping you find a path toward improved well-being.

You deserve to feel heard, understood, and involved in your care. Dr. Bays is here to help you take that next step.

Decades of Experience. A Deep Commitment to Patient Care.

For more than two decades, Charles Bensenhaver, MD, has been a trusted member of the Louisville mental health community. As one of the founding members of Louisville Behavioral Health Systems (LBHS), Dr. Bensenhaver has been providing psychiatric care to patients at LBHS since its establishment in 2000.

A native of Louisville, Dr. Bensenhaver has spent much of his professional career caring for individuals and families in the community he is proud to call home. He graduated from Centre College in 1982 before completing his medical education and residency training in Psychiatry at the University of Louisville. He became Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in 1994.

Dr. Bensenhaver's experience extends across a broad range of psychiatric settings and patient needs. Since 2000, he has served as Medical Director of Psychiatry and Chemical Dependence at Baptist Health Louisville, while also providing inpatient psychiatric care at UofL Peace Hospital and continuing to see outpatient patients at LBHS.

This combination of inpatient, outpatient, hospital leadership, and consultation experience has given Dr. Bensenhaver a broad perspective on mental health and the many different circumstances that can affect a person's well-being.

His areas of clinical interest include mood disorders, substance use disorders, consultation-liaison psychiatry, and geriatric psychiatry. He brings particular depth of experience to patients whose psychiatric concerns may intersect with medical conditions, substance use, aging, or other complex life circumstances.

After decades in psychiatry, Dr. Bensenhaver understands that effective treatment begins with seeing the person—not simply the diagnosis. His goal is to provide thoughtful psychiatric care while helping patients and their families better understand the challenges they are facing and the treatment options available to them.

For patients seeking an experienced psychiatrist, there is value in working with someone who has been part of the Louisville community for decades and who has cared for patients across virtually every level of psychiatric care.

With experience comes perspective. With compassion comes connection. Dr. Bensenhaver brings both to the care of his patients.

Time, Experience, Perspective

Choosing a psychiatrist is a personal decision. You want someone with the experience to understand complex mental health concerns, but also someone who will listen, treat you with respect, and take the time to understand you as an individual.

Dr. Deland brings more than 40 years of medical and psychiatric experience to the care of adults age 18 and older. Throughout his distinguished career, he has cared for individuals with a wide range of psychiatric conditions and has developed a reputation for his extensive knowledge, clinical experience, and ability to understand even the most complex psychiatric concerns.

Dr. Deland received his undergraduate education at the University of Florida and the University of Kentucky before earning his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He completed residency training through the University of Louisville and the University of Southern California and subsequently completed a fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry at the State University of New York at Albany.

He is Board Certified in Psychiatry and Neurology.

In addition to his extensive clinical experience, Dr. Deland has specialized expertise in forensic psychiatry. His professional career has included work with the Jefferson County Medical Examiner’s Office, service as a state-appointed forensic psychiatric expert in both New York and Kentucky, and consultation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

This unique background has provided Dr. Deland with an extraordinary understanding of human behavior and the many factors that can affect a person's mental and emotional well-being. However, his focus when working with patients is simple: to understand the individual sitting in front of him and provide thoughtful, individualized psychiatric care.

Dr. Deland treats adults age 18 and older and welcomes patients experiencing a broad range of psychiatric concerns. Whether you are seeking help for a condition you have been managing for years or are facing new challenges that have begun to affect your relationships, work, sleep, mood, or quality of life, he provides a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to evaluation and treatment.

He understands that reaching out for psychiatric care is not always easy. His goal is to create an environment where patients feel heard, respected, and comfortable discussing the concerns that brought them through the door.

With decades of experience and a commitment to individualized care, Dr. Deland offers patients something that is increasingly difficult to find—time, experience, perspective, and a genuine commitment to understanding the whole person.

Your mental health matters. Your story matters. And finding the right physician to help you navigate that journey matters.

Science, Experience, and Personalized Psychiatric Care

Finding the right psychiatrist is more than finding someone who can diagnose and prescribe medication. It is about finding a physician who will listen, understand the full picture, and work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your life.

Michael Harris, MD, brings a unique combination of scientific training, medical expertise, and extensive psychiatric experience to the care of adults. His background in physics and medical physics, combined with his training in psychiatry and forensic psychiatry, gives him a broad and thoughtful perspective when evaluating complex mental health concerns.

Dr. Harris earned his Bachelor of Science in Physics from Marshall University in 1983 and a Master of Science in Radiological Medical Physics from the University of Kentucky. Before becoming a physician, he worked as a clinical physicist in radiation oncology in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.

He went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio in 1996, followed by residency training in Psychiatry at the University of Louisville, which he completed in 2000. He subsequently completed a fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where he trained under renowned forensic psychiatrist Dr. Phillip Resnick.

After completing his fellowship, Dr. Harris returned to the University of Louisville as a faculty member. He joined Louisville Behavioral Health Systems in July 2008, where he continues to provide psychiatric care to adults.

Dr. Harris specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of adults and has particular expertise in Attention-Deficit Disorders, Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and bipolar disorder.

His approach to treatment begins with understanding the individual—not simply the diagnosis. During the initial visit, Dr. Harris takes time to review a patient's personal history, medical history, mental health history, and most importantly, their goals and desires for treatment.

Treatment decisions are made collaboratively. Dr. Harris combines his clinical assessment and experience with the patient's preferences to develop a treatment plan that is both medically appropriate and realistic for the individual's life.

He utilizes current, evidence-based treatment approaches, including medication management, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and esketamine (Spravato) when appropriate. He also works collaboratively with psychotherapists to develop a comprehensive approach to care when therapy is part of the patient's treatment plan.

Dr. Harris believes that effective psychiatric treatment is not simply about reducing symptoms. It is about helping patients move toward a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling. Frequent appointments during the early stages of treatment allow him to closely monitor progress, make appropriate adjustments, and ensure that treatment is both effective and compatible with the patient's lifestyle and goals.

Ultimately, the goal is to help each patient move toward a fuller, healthier, and more gratifying life—with family, friends, work, and the things that matter most to them.

You Don't Have to Navigate Life's Challenges Alone

Reaching out for therapy can be an important first step toward creating positive change. Robert J. Veliky, LCSW, brings more than 20 years of experience helping individuals navigate difficult seasons of life, develop healthier perspectives, and work toward meaningful change.

Rob earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bellarmine University and his Master of Science in Social Work from Spalding University in 2004. His experience includes working with individuals in both inpatient and outpatient settings, giving him a broad understanding of the challenges people may face at different points in their lives.

Throughout his career, Rob has worked with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship concerns, and a variety of other personal and life challenges. He understands that no two people—and no two stories—are exactly alike. His goal is to create a supportive environment where patients can feel comfortable sharing their experiences and working toward the changes they want to make.

Rob believes that a strong therapeutic relationship is at the heart of effective counseling. Therapy is a collaborative process, and he works together with each individual to better understand their concerns, identify areas for growth, and develop practical steps toward their personal goals.

Whether you are struggling with a specific mental health concern, experiencing difficulties in a relationship, working through an addiction, or simply finding that life has become more challenging than you expected, Rob offers a compassionate and experienced perspective.

You don't have to have everything figured out before beginning therapy. Sometimes the most important step is simply deciding that you don't want to face it alone.

With the right support and a willingness to work together, positive changes are possible. You do not need to take this journey alone.

Compassionate Support for Meaningful Change

Sometimes life can feel overwhelming, and knowing where to begin can be difficult. Bonita Edmondson, LCSW / LCADC, believes that seeking support is a sign of strength and that no one should have to navigate life's challenges alone.

With more than 22 years of experience in the mental health field, Bonita brings extensive clinical experience, compassion, and a genuine commitment to helping individuals create positive change in their lives. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) and holds a master's degree from the Kent School of Social Work.

Throughout her career, Bonita has worked extensively with adults facing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and life challenges, including anxiety, depression, chemical dependency, and other mental health concerns. Her diverse experience allows her to look beyond a diagnosis and understand the individual, their circumstances, and the experiences that have shaped their journey.

Bonita takes a client-centered approach to therapy, creating a supportive and respectful environment where individuals can feel comfortable being open and honest about what they are experiencing. She believes therapy should be a collaborative process—one in which patients are encouraged to explore their feelings, better understand themselves, develop healthy coping strategies, and identify practical steps toward the life they want.

Her work with individuals experiencing substance-use concerns is an important part of her clinical experience. As both an LCSW and LCADC, Bonita brings an understanding of the relationship between mental health and substance use and works to meet each person where they are without judgment.

Most importantly, Bonita wants her patients to know that change is possible. Progress may not always happen quickly, and everyone's journey is different, but having a compassionate professional to walk alongside you can make the process feel more manageable.

Whether you are struggling with anxiety or depression, working through substance-use concerns, facing a difficult season in life, or simply feel that something needs to change, Bonita offers a safe and supportive place to begin.

You don't have to have all the answers before you begin. Sometimes the first step is simply having someone who will listen, understand, and help you find your way forward.

Real Conversations. Practical Tools. Meaningful Progress.

Since its establishment in 2000, Barry has been a psychotherapist with Louisville Behavioral Health Systems, where he has worked with individuals experiencing a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety disorders, loss and grief, stress management, and personal development.

His approach to therapy is practical, collaborative, and focused on helping patients make meaningful progress. Barry incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and strategies from Positive Psychology into his work, tailoring his approach to the individual needs and goals of each patient.

And yes—Barry believes therapy doesn't have to end when you walk out of the office.

He is known for giving his patients a little “homework,” which may include helpful handouts, book or podcast recommendations, and behavioral exercises designed to encourage reflection and reinforce the work being done in therapy. For Barry, therapy is not simply about talking about problems; it is about understanding what is happening, discovering what can be changed, and taking practical steps toward that change.

Barry's decision to enter the mental health profession was partly inspired by his longstanding interest in understanding people and what motivates them. He finds it both interesting and rewarding to help individuals analyze their experiences, recognize patterns, overcome obstacles, and make progress toward their personal goals.

He also believes strongly in perseverance. One message he has carried with him—and frequently shares with his patients—is: “Don’t you want to see what happens if you don’t give up?”

That philosophy reflects the heart of Barry's approach. Change does not always happen quickly, and life does not always follow the plan we had in mind. But with the right support, perspective, and willingness to keep moving forward, meaningful change is possible.

Outside of his professional life, Barry enjoys writing, music, history, ghost tours, collecting sports memorabilia and vintage toys, and following college sports. He has even made a few appearances as a background actor in films.

These interests are a small glimpse into the person behind the therapist—and are part of what makes Barry's approach to therapy feel personal, conversational, and relatable.

If you're ready to better understand yourself, work through life's challenges, and take the next step forward, Barry is ready to walk alongside you.