FORT SMITH - Dr. Bryant Virden is Arkansas born, raised and trained - and proud of it.

Just a short 100-mile drive from where he grew up, Virden is happy to call Fort Smith his new home and looks forward to addressing the mental and behavioral health needs of children and adolescents in the community.

When Dr. Virden enrolled in medical school, he knew he wanted to care for children. It was his time working on the Child Diagnostic Unit at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences' Psychiatric Research Institute in Little Rock that sparked his interest in child psychiatry.

He received his bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock. He earned his medical degree and completed his residency in general psychiatry and fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Outside of work, Dr. Virden enjoys playing golf, cooking and traveling with his wife, Rebecka.