Nicholas Breitborde, PhD
Psychologist, Professor
Psychology
Conditions and expertise
- Psychiatry
- Psychotic Disorders
- Schizophrenia and Disorders with Psychotic Features
- Schizophrenia
Locations
- University Hospital
Academics and research
Department: Psychiatry
About
- Gender
- Male
Biography
I am Nicholas Breitborde, PhD, a psychologist. I specialize in the assessment and treatment of early psychosis, including individuals with first-episode psychosis and individuals at elevated risk for developing a future psychotic disorder. My practice at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center focuses on helping youth and young adults access specialized, evidence-based care that supports recovery, resilience and long-term wellness.
As a psychologist, I develop, deliver and expand specialized clinical interventions for individuals who are early in the course of a psychotic disorder or who may be experiencing emerging symptoms. I am committed to providing personalized care that meets patients and families where they are and helps them navigate the challenges associated with psychosis.
I established, and I direct, the Ohio State Early Psychosis Intervention Center (EPICENTER), one of the largest specialized clinical programs for individuals with first-episode psychosis in the United States. Through this work, I focus on increasing access to comprehensive, coordinated care that supports meaningful recovery and improved quality of life. My goal is to help patients and families feel informed, empowered and supported throughout their care.
Highlights
- Content Area Expert in schizophrenia, unipolar depressive disorders, major depressive disorder, bipolar affective disorder and all-cause mortality for the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study
- Member of the American Psychological Association Task Force on Serious Mental Illness and Severe Emotional Disturbances
- Cited more than 21,000 times and funded by agencies such as the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Conditions and expertise
- Psychiatry
- Psychotic Disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Schizophrenia and Disorders with Psychotic Features
Locations
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
Credentials
Education
- Doctor of Philosophy
- University of California Los Angeles-Non-Medical, Los Angeles, CA
9/1/2001 - 9/14/2007
Academics and research
I am Nicholas Breitborde, PhD, professor and Charles F. Sinsabuagh Endowed Chair of Psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at The Ohio State University College of Medicine., As a psychologist, I specialize in schizophrenia, mood disorders with psychosis, and population-level mental health outcomes. My research focuses on early psychosis intervention, serious mental illness and the factors that influence health and mortality among people living with psychiatric conditions.
As director of the Early Psychosis Intervention Center (EPICENTER) at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, and as vice chair of Community Behavioral Health there, I lead and support research aimed at improving outcomes for individuals experiencing early psychosis and other serious mental health conditions. My work examines how evidence-based interventions can improve people’s quality of life, reduce their barriers to care and strengthen community-based behavioral health services.
I serve as a Senior Collaborator for the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study, contributing expertise in mental health, , health financing, and all-cause mortality. My research has been widely cited and supported by organizations including the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Through my research, I seek to advance the understanding of serious mental illness and develop approaches that improve care, recovery and long-term outcomes for individuals and communities.
Research interests
- Medical Education
- Serious Mental Illness
- Psychosis Intervention
Honors and Awards
- Charles Hughes Fellowship in Cultural Psychiatry, Society for the Study of Psychiatry and Culture, 2006
- Michael Goldstein Distinguished Research Award, UCLA Clinical Psychology Program, 2007
- Training Director’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Psychology Internship, Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona, 2011
- Senior Residents’ Award for Excellence in Psychiatric Education, University of Arizona Medical Center, South Campus, Department of Psychiatry, 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2014
- Senior Residents’ Award for Excellence in Psychiatric Education, University of Arizona Medical Center, University Campus, Department of Psychiatry, 2013
- Herring-Farrell Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Psychology Internship, Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona, 2014 and 2015
Professional Affiliations
- American Psychological Association
- International Early Psychosis Association
- Ohio Psychological Association
- Society for Research in Psychopathology
Academic information
- Department:
- Psychiatry
- Division:
- Health Psychology
Leadership titles
- Director of Early Psychosis Intervention Center (EPICENTER)
- Vice Chair of Community Behavioral Health Professor
More about my research
Consulting and related relationships
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 11/3/2025 Nicholas Breitborde has reported relationships with the companies or entities listed below. If you have questions about the relationships listed below, please ask the faculty member. If you have questions about how these relationships are monitored by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, please contact our Compliance Office.
- A&G Associates
- N4 Consulting
- WESTAT