Laura Burdette, M.D.
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Board-Certified Forensic Psychiatrist
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American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
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Licensed to Practice Medicine in South Carolina
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South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners
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Member of the American Psychiatric Association (APA)
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Member of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (AAPL)
My Why
My interest in psychiatry started early on, rooted in a genuine curiosity about why people are the way they are. As I moved through my medical training, I found myself increasingly drawn to the emotional and psychological experiences of my patients just as much, if not more, than their physical concerns. Over time, it became clear to me that mental health touches everything. People who seem outwardly well can carry deep pain, while those facing serious illness can still experience real moments of joy. That perspective has stayed with me and continues to shape how I show up for and care for my patients.
Throughout my residency, fellowship, and diverse clinical experiences, my passion for this field has continued to grow. The relationships I’ve built with patients have deepened my understanding of the human experience and helped shape my approach to care. I find that I work best by integrating both psychiatry and psychotherapy, allowing me to offer the comprehensive, thoughtful care many patients are seeking. I’m passionate about helping individuals feel like the best versions of themselves, and I look forward to supporting my patients as they move toward more fulfilling, healthy lives.
My Story
I was born and raised in Charleston, West Virginia, where the mountains shaped much of my early life. I went on to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Biology and my Doctor of Medicine at Marshall University in Huntington, before feeling a pull toward something new and setting out for the coast. That path brought me to Charleston, South Carolina, where I began my psychiatry residency.
At the Medical University of South Carolina, I truly found my footing in the field. During my fourth year, I was honored to be selected as Chief Resident by both peers and faculty. In that role, I helped coordinate clinical rotations and served as the resident liaison for the Charleston-Dorchester Mental Health Center, working to keep our team and training structure running smoothly.
After residency, I pursued additional specialization through the MUSC Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship. That experience gave me the opportunity to conduct court-ordered and private forensic evaluations, serve as a Designated Examiner in the Berkeley and Charleston County Probate Courts, and provide care within the South Carolina Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice. It deepened my clinical skills and gave me a close look at the intersection between psychiatry and the legal system.
Throughout my career, I have worked across a wide range of settings, including inpatient psychiatric units such as Acute Care, Child and Adolescent, General Adult, and Geriatric care. I have also worked in Women’s Mental Health and with the PTSD Clinical Team at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. At MUSC, I provided counseling and medication management through the Counseling and Psychological Services clinic, as well as therapy through the Employee Assistance Program. These experiences have shaped the way I practice and helped me build a strong foundation in supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychodynamic therapy.