Dr. Ernest A. Graypel is a highly regarded psychiatrist and researcher, board-certified in psychiatry and neurology. As the Medical Director at Community and Long-Term Care Psychiatry, Dr. Graypel brings a wealth of expertise in geriatric psychiatry, long-term care, and advanced psychiatric treatments.
Dr. Graypel received his medical degree from Saratov State Medical University in the former Soviet Union. There, he was active as a physician and was involved in clinical research, which resulted in 16 publications, 2 of which being presented internationally. In 1992, he and his family relocated to the United States, where he founded a home healthcare business, and then became a licensed nursing home administrator and owner-operator of three assisted living facilities. For over a decade, Dr. Graypel successfully managed all his enterprises, was focusing on patient care, and was able to financially support his family.
Despite the success of his business endeavors, Dr. Graypel still felt that his life lacked an important aspect: direct clinical work as a physician. To satisfy his cravings for hands-on clinical work while still managing his businesses, he successfully passed all of the medical license examinations and completed psychiatry residency training. Additionally, during his board preparation, Dr. Graypel completed a Master of Healthcare Administration program and obtained an MHA Degree.
Upon completing his residency, Dr. Graypel assumed numerous significant leadership positions. He served as the Medical Director of Behavioral Health at Saint Anthony’s Hospital and for several years was the Statewide Psychiatric Director for the Missouri Department of Corrections. In addition to these leadership roles, he also served as an educator. He is a Clinical Associate Professor at A.T. Still University, and was a Clinical Instructor at St. Louis University. He authored the book Graypel’s Review of Dementias and Adult Cognitive Impairments for Non-Psychiatrists.
With a career dedicated to treating patients with mental illnesses and cognitive impairments, Dr. Graypel has worked extensively in private practice, personally treating patients in several hospitals, and overseeing psychiatric and psychological care in nursing home facilities and his outpatient clinic. Dr. Graypel integrates medication management, psychotherapy, and advanced treatments such as esketamine therapy, further expanding the range of advanced treatment options he offers. His dedication to advancing mental health care has earned Dr. Graypel a lifetime membership in the Trademark Top Doctors of America.