Elizabeth B. May, MD, MPH, Psychiatrist

Elizabeth May, MD is a psychiatrist at the University of Vermont Medical Center and assistant professor at the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont.  

Dr. May treats a variety of conditions, including mood disorders, personality pathology, emergency psychiatry, psychodynamic psychotherapy, CBT, psychotic spectrum disorders and college student mental health. Her research interests include psychedelic medicine / psychiatry and psychedelic assisted psychotherapy. 

Dr. May took the road less travelled to medicine, after considering careers in journalism and public health. Ultimately, she was drawn to medicine for the patient-physician relationship, and the opportunity to help people feel understood and supported during times of suffering and vulnerability. What she loves most about being a mental health professional is that it demands and incorporates her whole personhood, and affords her the opportunity to learn about patients beyond their symptoms or a series of lab values to reach for deeper understanding. She is proud to be constantly learning and growing as a psychiatrist and therapist, and lean into, rather than away from, moments of uncertainty. 

In her work as a psychiatrist, Dr. May favors an approach that is evidence-based, patient-centered, honest and compassionate.  Psychiatry is a field that demands curiosity and a broadly humanistic perspective, with consideration of biological, developmental, behavioral and environmental factors. She hopes that patients feel seen and understood, and empowered to voice questions, thoughts and concerns freely in their interactions.  

Learn more about psychiatry at the UVM Medical Center.