

CHIL:
At the Center for Health and Innovative Learning (CHIL), our mission is to provide
compassionate, innovative, and individualized care for those struggling with opiate addiction and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. We specialize in medically-assisted treatment using Suboxone/buprenorphine, offering a holistic approach to recovery that
addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of addiction.
Our dedicated team of physicians and mental health professionals work closely with each patient, fostering stability, promoting long-term recovery, and enhancing overall well-being. Through ongoing support, monitoring, and personalized counseling, we empower individuals on their journey to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
At CHIL, we believe in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where every person is treated with dignity and respect, and where innovative treatments are paired with compassionate care to guide you toward a brighter future.
Professional Personalized Care.
No two people get healthy the same way.
Clinic:
With over 80 years of combined clinical experience and more than 40 years specializing in opiate addiction treatment, our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional care. We are proud to boast a retention and stable recovery rate that is twice the national average, demonstrating our commitment to long-term success for our patients.
We strive to begin treatment as promptly as possible, typically within one or two business days. While we encourage patients to maintain continuity with the same clinician, we are committed to supporting and accommodating our patients busy schedules by having other physicians available if necessary to ensure the best possible care and overcome any challenges.

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SAFE RECOVERY
All of our physicians are trained in psychiatry and addiction and 2 of our MD's are board certified in addiction medicine. We use a model of supportive treatment with motivational interviewing and collaborative decision making.
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QUALITY OF CARE
It is our mission to treat and support every patient on the journey to their recovery. We focus not only on supports to avoid relapse but also seek to improve function in the domains of work, physical health, brain health, and relationships.
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FLEXIBILITY AND SUPPORT
We endeavor to initiate opiate recovery as timely as possible, usually within 2 business days. We encourage patients to continue with the same clinician, but will support a relationship with a new physician if there is a impasse.
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EXPERIENCED PHYSICIANS
We have over 80 years of combined clinical experience and over 40 years of combined work with opiate addiction. Our retention rate / stable recovery rate is outstanding at twice the national average.

Team
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Daniel Nelson MD
Dr. Nelson earned his medical degree from OUHSC in Oklahoma City and completed his residency and fellowship in Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in San Antonio, Texas. He holds advanced training in a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Gestalt Psychotherapy, Hypnotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Parent-Child Psychotherapy, Forensic Interviewing, Motivational Interviewing, Supportive Psychotherapy, and Behavioral Therapy. Dr. Nelson is board certified in Adult, Child, and Adolescent
Psychiatry, as well as Addiction Psychiatry. -
Earnest "Ernie" Pedapati MD
Dr. Pedapati is a board-certified specialist in Pediatric Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Addiction Psychiatry. With a strong passion for advancing the field, he is
recognized as a premier researcher in the area of Autism, contributing valuable insights to both clinical practice and scientific understanding. Dr. Pedapati joined The Center for Health and Innovative Learning as a provider when the center opened in 2013, bringing his expertise and dedication to the community. Known for his warmth and compassion, he is deeply committed to providing patient-centered care that fosters trust,
understanding, and healing for children, adolescents, and families. -
John Wirick MD
Dr. Wirick earned his medical degree and completed his residency training at the University of Cincinnati, where he also served as faculty on the inpatient service. His extensive experience includes working at Summit Behavioral Health, and he is currently a valued provider at Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health. Dr. Wirick has been dedicated to treating addiction and mental health disorders at The Center for Health and Innovative Learning (CHIL) since 2015, where he has built a reputation for his compassionate, evidence-based approach to care. With years of clinical expertise, Dr.
Wirick remains deeply committed to helping individuals achieve lasting recovery and improved mental well-being. -
Ismail Badran MD
Dr. Badran is board-certified in Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He currently serves as the Medical Director of the Adult Psychiatric Unit at Good Samaritan Hospital, where he leads a dedicated team in delivering quality mental health care. A member of the National Board of Integrative Medicine since 2013, Dr. Badran
has a strong interest in integrative approaches to mental health. He has been a provider at The Center for Health and Innovative Learning (CHIL) since 2016, offering compassionate, patient-centered care that combines both traditional and integrative treatment methods. -
Joel Ellison MD
Dr. Ellison is board-certified in Adult Psychiatry and brings a wealth of experience to his practice. He operates a private practice in Cincinnati, where he is deeply committed to providing evidence-based care and medically-assisted therapy to help individuals
achieve lasting mental health and well-being. Dr. Ellison’s approach is rooted in a deep understanding of psychiatric conditions, utilizing proven methods to ensure the best possible outcomes for his patients. He has been providing compassionate care at The
Center for Health and Innovative Learning (CHIL) since 2016, where he continues to make a positive impact on the lives of those he serves. With a dedication to both scientific rigor and individualized care, Dr. Ellison is a trusted provider in the Cincinnati
community. -
Elana Harris MD
Dr. Harris is board-certified in both General Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, bringing over 15 years of experience in the field, primarily at an academic hospital. She has a passion for helping individuals overcome mental health challenges
and is trained to prescribe Buprenorphine to support those struggling with opioid dependence. In 2017, Dr. Harris founded the not-for-profit organization My Sister’s Garden, which provides trauma-informed therapy, job skills training, life skills development, safe housing, and a supportive community for individuals with a history of trauma. She is deeply committed to empowering patients by addressing their mental health needs holistically and with compassion. Dr. Harris believes in the power of words to build and heal, and is inspired by patients who show resilience and courage in reinventing their lives despite years of hardship. She is dedicated to helping people realize their full potential and achieve lasting transformation. -
Jeff Craven MD
Dr. Craven, MD, is a highly experienced physician with a distinguished career in both Emergency Medicine and Addiction Medicine. After earning his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1976, Dr. Craven completed his internship, residency, and Board Certification in Internal Medicine at Good Samaritan Hospital. His passion for Emergency Medicine led him to a 38-year career on the front lines, serving at institutions such as The Christ Hospital, Good Samaritan, Deaconess, and Dearborn County Hospital. In 2009, Dr. Craven expanded his expertise to treat patients with Substance Use Disorders (SUD), working with Northland Mind Body Solutions, Ohio Rehabilitation, and BrightView. He became Board Certified in Addiction Medicine and Medical Director at BrightView Morgan Street until 2021. Dr. Craven continues his part-time work in SUD medicine at Healthcare 12 and joins the CHIL provider group to further enhance his care for patients with SUD and related mental health challenges.
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Coming Soon
Stay tuned for further staff as we build our team.
