Dr. Yunlay Bridges, DNP, PMHNP-BC, MSN, MHA, BSN, BMS, RN, joined SMCHD in 2026 as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner responsible for seeing patients in the School-Based Health Centers. Using over 29 years of diverse nursing experience, he provides psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and mental health support for students and community members.

Dr. Bridges began his academic journey by obtaining an associate degree in Business Management and Nursing (RN) from Prince George’s Community College. He then earned dual undergraduate degrees in Management Studies and Nursing from the University of Maryland, where he later completed a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration. Looking to deepen his expertise in mental health, Dr. Bridges pursued a second master’s degree as a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MHNP) from Walden University in 2019. In 2024, after achieving a lifelong goal, Dr. Bridges completed a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree at Chamberlain University.

Raised as one of twelve children, Dr. Bridges was brought up in the vibrant Washington, DC, metro area. He brings to St. Mary’s County Health Department a wealth of knowledge from prior leadership roles in emergency room and mental health settings including at Providence Hospital and the Psychiatric Institute of Washington. In every interaction, he is dedicated to driving positive change and enhancing patient outcomes.