Prescribers
Meet our Prescribers
NJ & PA BOARD-CERTIFIED PRESCRIBERS
Rebecca Meinke, MD
Medical Director, PsychiatristRebecca Meinke, MD, is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. A native of New Jersey, Dr. Meinke earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University – Metropolitan Campus, and a medical degree from Rutgers University – New Jersey Medical School (formerly UMDNJ). Dr. Meinke completed a residency in General Psychiatry at George Washington University in Washington, DC, and a fellowship in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.
Dr. Meinke has worked in every level of psychiatric care and with patients of all ages. She enjoys all aspects of psychiatry and is especially fond of working with families and utilizing a team approach in treatment. After many years as the consulting psychiatrist at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), Dr. Meinke joined the team at LifeBack, full time, as the Medical Director of both LifeBack locations.
Firoz Rahman, MD
PsychiatristDr. Rahman is a board-certified Psychiatrist with a fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry. He is a dedicated psychiatrist with extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Dr. Rahman completed his residency at Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA and his fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry at St. Francis Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA. During his residency, Dr. Rahman received a merit award from the Dr. Henry P & M Page Durkee Laughlin Foundation.
Dr. Rahman has many years of clinical practice experience in psychiatry with a special expertise in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Substance Use Disorder, and dual-diagnosed patients.
In 2008 Consumers’ Research Council of America awarded him the “America’s Top Psychiatrist” certificate. In 2014, the International Association of Healthcare Professionals recognized him as a lead Physician of the World and a Top Psychiatrist in New Jersey.
Stephan Brautigam, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse PractitionerStephan Brautigam is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. After serving 4 years in the military, he returned to Pennsylvania and started his healthcare career as a unit clerk. Stephan progressed through the ranks, becoming a Nursing Aide and then earning his diploma through Roxborough Memorial Hospital. As a nurse, Steve continued his education at the University of Pennsylvania where he earned his Master’s Degree in Psychiatric Mental Health. Steve is also a member of Sigma Theta Tau, an honor society of Nursing. Steve has worked in various settings, including crisis, inpatient, outpatient, and corrections. Humble beginnings and a nonjudgemental attitude allow him to adapt to diverse patients and their unique situations.
Kelly Houston, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Nurse PractitionerKelly Houston is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in behavioral health in hospital, community, and outpatient settings. She graduated with a BSN and Doctor of Nursing Practice from Rutgers University School of Nursing. She is passionate about providing empathetic and compassionate care and believes in a touch of humor to create a comfortable environment for patients.
Ahmad Nashif, PA-C
Psychiatric Physician AssociateAhmad is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Physician Associate who brings a unique blend of experience in both psychiatry and primary care. He completed his undergraduate studies at Rutgers University in New Brunswick before earning his Master’s degree in Physician Associate Studies from Hofstra University in Long Island. Prior to graduate school, he gained invaluable frontline experience working as an Emergency Department technician, which gave him a strong foundation in patient care and crisis management.
In his career, Ahmad has cared for individuals in diverse settings, including outpatient practices, rehabilitation centers, assisted living communities, and skilled nursing facilities. This wide-ranging background has shaped his ability to understand each person’s challenges in the context of their overall health and life circumstances.
Ahmad’s approach is grounded in respect, compassion, and collaboration. He takes the time to listen closely and works together with patients to create treatment plans tailored to their needs and goals. His dual expertise in psychiatry and primary care allows him to consider the whole person—mind and body—while helping patients move toward improved well-being.
When he is not working, Ahmad enjoys spending time with family and friends, and he carries that same sense of care and dedication into the relationships he builds with his patients.