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Laura Burdette, M.D.

  • Board-Certified Forensic Psychiatrist

    • American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology​

  • Licensed to Practice Medicine in South Carolina

    • South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners​

  • Member of the American Psychiatric Association (APA)

  • Member of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (AAPL)

Dr. Burdette

My Why

My fascination with the field of psychiatry began long ago. It was apparent to me that I had a keen interest as to why people are the way they are. Early in my medical training, I learned that I care deeply for the psychological aspects of my patients, not just their physical ailments. It seemed to me that even the healthiest person could feel pain and the most ill could experience joy, with the common denominator being their mental health.

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Throughout residency, fellowship, and my diverse clinical experiences, my love for this field has continued to grow. The relationships I have built with my patients have allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the human condition and have taught me about my preferred treatment style. I find that I work best as a psychiatrist and a therapist so that I can provide comprehensive care many patients desire. I have a passion for helping people feel like their best selves and I look forward to guiding my patients on their journey to a happy and heathy life.

My Story

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I was born and raised in the picturesque hills of Charleston, West Virginia, where the mountains shaped my early years. After earning my Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Doctor of Medicine degree at Marshall University in Huntington, I felt a yearning for adventure. This desire led me to the sun-kissed shores of Charleston, South Carolina, where I embarked on my psychiatry residency.

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At the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), I dove deep into my training and found my calling. During my fourth year, I had the honor of being selected as a Chief Resident by both my peers and faculty. In this role, I took on the responsibility of scheduling clinical rotations and served as the resident liaison for the Charleston-Dorchester Mental Health Center, ensuring our team ran smoothly.

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After completing my residency, I pursued further specialization in the MUSC Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship Program. This opportunity allowed me to conduct court-ordered and private forensic evaluations, serve as a Designated Examiner at the Berkeley and Charleston County Probate Courts, and provide medication management at the South Carolina Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice. Each of these experiences sharpened my diagnostic skills and offered me a fascinating glimpse into the intricate relationship between psychiatry and the law.

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Throughout my career, I've worked in diverse clinical settings, including inpatient psychiatric units—such as Acute Care, Child and Adolescent, General Adult, and Geriatric. I also contributed to Women's Mental Health and joined the PTSD Clinical Team (PCT) at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. At MUSC, I provided counseling and medication management services for students in the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) clinic, as well as therapy for employees through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). These varied experiences have enriched my practice, allowing me to gain proficiency in Supportive Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy.

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