Psychiatry

Clemson University offers ongoing psychiatric care for both undergraduate and graduate students. Our team comprises a full-time psychiatrist and a nurse practitioner with many years of clinical experience. Appointments are conducted both in-person and over telehealth. Our psychiatric providers initially meet with students for a detailed diagnostic interview and develop a tailored, individualized treatment plan. Treatment includes both medication management and, when appropriate, psychotherapy. Our providers work closely with counselors and other medical professionals on and off campus if needed for collaboration. They treat a variety of conditions, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder and eating disorders. Before meeting with a psychiatric provider, students will meet with a counselor to undergo an individualized assessment to determine if a referral to psychiatry is appropriate.

Christopher Pelic, M.D.
Psychiatrist

Christopher Pelic, M.D. is a physician certified as a Diplomate in the specialty of Psychiatry and subspecialty of Consultation Liaison Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1996 and completed medical school at the University of Toledo in 2000, graduating in the top 1/6th of his medical school class. Following medical school, he finished his residency in psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in 2004.

During the last 20 years in practice, Dr. Pelic has served in various leadership roles at MUSC, the VA healthcare system and Clemson University despite maintaining a robust clinical schedule. He now serves as the Executive Director of Psychiatric, Counseling and Well-Being Services at Clemson University, overseeing Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and Healthy Campus.

Dr. Pelic has been the recipient of numerous Golden Apple Teaching Awards during his 20 years on faculty at MUSC. He also has experience working with college and professional athletes while at MUSC and Clemson, as his clinical practice since 2018 has focused on serving Clemson students' psychiatric needs. 

Dr. Pelic's clinical expertise and interests are focused on telemedicine, college student mental health and sports psychiatry.

Jennifer Esker, APNP
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Jennifer Esker is a board-certified advanced practice provider with expertise in the management of anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD and autism. She has over 20 years of clinical experience in primary care and mental health, specializing in adolescent and young adult health populations. Jennifer has a special interest in wellness and advocacy, patient-centered care, and behavioral health research. She is passionate about inspiring people to take an active role in their health and promoting wellness. By integrating medication management, lifestyle modifications and brief supportive therapy, she implements the most effective plan to support individuals with mental health challenges.

Certifications:

• ANCC credentialed, FNP-BC, 2002
• Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriber, 2002