BY JOY PRUDEK

St. Luke’s Wood River has added two psychiatrists to its behavioral health team to address what a Community Health Survey determined was a big gap in care.

The two psychiatrists are Dr. Christopher Doxey and Dr. Katie Quayle.

Christopher Doxey, D.O., Ph.D.: A Holistic Approach Rooted in Neuroscience

Christopher Doxey, D.O., Ph.D., joins St. Luke’s after completing his psychiatry residency at Wake Forest University in North Carolina. Originally from Utah, Dr. Doxey holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience from Brigham Young University and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Campbell University. His academic journey reflects a commitment to understanding mental health from both scientific and humanistic perspectives.

“I have wanted to become a doctor for as long as I can remember,” Doxey shared. “The more I studied, the more fascinated with the brain I became. That led me to complete a Ph.D. in neuroscience before entering medical school.”

Doxey’s clinical interests include treatment-resistant depression and bipolar disorder. He has extensive training in neuromodulation techniques such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which he will be able to recommend for patients in need.

His approach to care is deeply collaborative and rooted in the osteopathic philosophy of treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. “I believe that truly listening to each other will help us find the best solutions to individual mental health challenges,” he said. “There is never a magic pill. We need to address mental health through all aspects of general health.”

Doxey’s passion for rural medicine was sparked during a rotation in a small town with only one family practice doctor. That experience solidified his desire to serve in a close-knit community.

“I knew then that the place for my future would be practicing as the ‘small town doctor,’” he said. “I was impressed with St. Luke’s throughout the whole interview process, and everything I hear about them has been very positive. I’m pleased to be working with a health system that truly seems to have people, both patients and staff, as priorities.”

Doxey and his wife, Carlie, are thrilled to be moving closer to family and settling into the Sun Valley lifestyle.

“The skiing drew me in first,” he admitted, “but the real sense of community was what ultimately made me want to live and work here.”

Outside of work, Doxey enjoys music, theater and the arts. He plays piano and sang in the Brigham Young University Men’s Chorus. He’s also an avid skier and nature enthusiast. A unique fact: he speaks Icelandic fluently, having lived in Iceland for two years during a mission trip.

Katie Quayle, M.D.: Returning Home with New Expertise

Katie Quayle, M.D. is no stranger to the Wood River Valley. She previously served as a pediatrician at St. Luke’s Wood River before leaving to pursue specialized training in psychiatry and child psychiatry. Now, she returns with a renewed focus and expanded skill set, ready to serve the community she loves.

“I loved being a pediatrician at St. Luke’s Wood River and living and working in the Wood River Valley,” Quayle said. “It was a very difficult decision to leave the valley to gain additional training. But as I was seeing more and more kids struggling with mental health issues in my practice, I felt pulled to obtain dedicated training in psychiatry/child psychiatry so I could provide more comprehensive care for these patients. I was thrilled this winter when I learned St. Luke’s was recruiting for a child psychiatrist in Hailey.”

Quayle completed a unique three-year fellowship at University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio, through the Post Pediatric Portal Program. This intensive training qualifies her to treat both adults and children, though her true passion lies in child and adolescent psychiatry.

“I think my training now as both a pediatrician and child psychiatrist gives me a unique perspective in treating kids,” she explained. “There is often overlap between physical and mental health symptoms in children, and I think it’s valuable to have background in both.”

Her philosophy of care is holistic and family centered. “It’s important to consider the child in the context of their environment, school, family, and community,” she said. “While medication can be useful, I also believe in the importance of a healthy diet, exercise, time outdoors and adequate sleep. Therapy can be powerful and transformative.”

Quayle is excited to reconnect with the valley and contribute to its mental health services.

“I’m open to getting to know what the valley needs and hope to become part of the team here to treat patients’ mental health,” she said.

She and her husband, Forrest, are eager to share the beauty of the area with their children, Liv, age 5, and Wilder, age 3, both born in Ketchum. “We’re excited to introduce them to all of the spots we love, especially Galena Lodge,” she said.

An avid trail runner, hiker, and cross-country skier, Quayle is looking forward to once again living and working in a place where nature is just outside the door.

A Shared Vision for Community Mental Health

Both Doxey and Quayle bring not only impressive credentials but also a deep commitment to community-based care. Their arrival marks a significant step forward in expanding mental health services in the Wood River Valley.

“The addition of two psychiatrists marks a significant milestone in our commitment to expanding access to timely, expert mental health care,” said Megan Tanous, Chief Development Officer of St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation. “This investment not only strengthens our clinical capacity but also reinforces the goals of our Mental Well-Being Initiative—ensuring that individuals in our community receive the compassionate, comprehensive support they need to thrive.”

Doxey said he hopes to be an advocate for mental wellness, “not only by providing recommendations in the office, but through community outreach and education.”

Quayle echoed that sentiment: “My goal is to create a safe space where children feel comfortable sharing their feelings and to come up with a plan as a team with the child and their family.”

With their arrival, St. Luke’s Wood River will now have the capacity to serve adults, children, and adolescents in a transformative way that will benefit families across our entire region, said Alison Burpee, LCSW with St. Luke’s – Mental Health Services.

“Their addition makes us more capable, more connected and better equipped to meet the mental health needs of those we serve,” she added.

Quayle will begin seeing patients in September while Doxey will begin seeing patients in October at St. Luke’s – Mental Health Services clinic in Hailey.  They join:

Alison Burpee, LCSW

Priscilla Bake, LCSW

Hillary Godsill, LCSW

Sare “Sadie” Macquarrie, LPC

To schedule an appointment, contact the clinic at 208-727-8970.