Meet the Founders Behind BR+NAD®
At the heart of our groundbreaking work in NAD+ therapy are the visionaries who started it all— Richard Mestayer III, M.D. and Paula Norris Mestayer, M.Ed., LPC, FAPA, Their decades of clinical experience, deep compassion, and unwavering commitment to innovation laid the foundation for what is now recognized as the gold standard in NAD+ treatment: BR+NAD®.
Together, the Mestayers pioneered a new approach to mental health and addiction recovery—one rooted in science, integrity, and whole-person healing. Learn more about their backgrounds, contributions, and continued leadership below.
BR+NAD® began with two clinicians who believed that effective treatment should address the whole person—not simply the symptoms.
Richard Mestayer III, M.D., and Paula Norris Mestayer, M.Ed., LPC, FAPA, brought together decades of experience in psychiatry, psychotherapy, addiction recovery, and clinical care to develop what became the BR+NAD® approach.
Their work began in 2001 and continues today through clinical care, education, research, and innovation.
Richard Mestayer III, M.D.
Chief Psychiatric Consultant | Co-Creator of BR+NAD® | Medical Director of NAD Research, Inc.
Dr. Richard F. Mestayer III is a board-certified psychiatrist with more than 40 years of experience in psychiatry and a longstanding focus on addiction recovery and neurobiological restoration.
He earned his medical degree from Louisiana State University Medical Center and completed his psychiatric training at Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation and the University of Virginia.
Dr. Mestayer co-developed the BR+NAD® protocol with Paula Norris Mestayer and has dedicated his career to advancing innovative approaches to addiction recovery, mental health, and brain restoration.
Paula Norris Mestayer, M.Ed., LPC, FAPA
Founder of Springfield Wellness Center | Co-Creator of BR+NAD® | Author & Advocate
Paula Norris Mestayer is a licensed professional counselor, educator, and pioneer in NAD+ therapy. Her work has focused on addiction recovery, psychotherapy, behavioral health, and whole-person healing.
In 2001, Paula founded Springfield Wellness Center and, alongside Dr. Richard Mestayer, developed the BR+NAD® protocol. Her clinical experience and commitment to innovative approaches to recovery have helped shape the BR+NAD® model used today.
She continues to advocate for compassionate, individualized approaches to mental health, addiction recovery, and wellness.
A Legacy of Clinical Innovation
For more than two decades, BR+NAD® has evolved through clinical experience, professional education, and ongoing research. What began with the work of two clinicians has grown into a broader mission encompassing treatment, education, product development, and scientific inquiry.
Clinical Care
Advancing individualized NAD+ therapy through real-world clinical experience.
Education
Training professionals in the principles and application of the BR+NAD® approach.
Research & Innovation
Continuing to explore NAD+ and its role in addiction recovery, mental health, and neurological health.
Can NAD+ Slow The Aging Process?
“NAD+, a molecule found in every cell of the body, is essential for life. It enables the conversion of the food we eat into the energy and chemical products the body needs. Researchers have recently found that NAD+ is also required as a substrate by enzymes that regulate the expression of genes involved in cell viability and in repair of damaged DNA. Given the role NAD+ plays in such a wide range of critical functions, it is easy to understand why it might have a profound effect on health and aging.”
Authentic compassion is paramount, and along with truth and integrity, is the hallmark of treatment success. Our motto is, no guilt, no shame, and no judgment.
We hope you join us.