columbushosp.org 3 As most doctors will tell you, mental health is as important as physical health. At Columbus Community Hospital, we are fortunate to have expert mental health care. Our new full-time psychiatrist and outpatient psychiatric medical director, Susan Howard, MD, loves helping patients on their journey toward better mental health. “I really enjoy what I do,” Howard said. “I try to create a safe space to let you be yourself and tell me what you want me to know about you.” A traveling psychiatrist comes home Howard was born in South Dakota, but she and her family moved to Hastings, Nebraska, when she was a child. In college, she majored in chemical engineering. By the time she applied to medical school, she was interested in brain research. But while research was intellectually fulfilling, Howard ultimately realized she wanted to interact more with patients. Around that same time, a friend told her she would be an “exceptionally exceptional” psychiatrist. This specialty was the perfect fit. After medical school and residency, Howard practiced psychiatry primarily in central Nebraska, commuting to various towns so she could fill gaps in care. “There was a shortage of psychiatrists at hospitals,” she said. “Over the years, I’ve been very busy filling in at most of the hospitals throughout Nebraska, including Columbus, as well as in the prison system. Being back at Columbus feels like coming home. I’m super excited to be here.” It’s important for patients to be able to access care locally, Howard said. They’re more likely to trust a provider who knows the community. “If your background matches that of a lot of your patients, you can be more helpful to them,” she explained. “It may be an understanding of local resources, state laws or cultural aspects, but it’s also communication. A patient talks to you about their deepest, darkest things. They need to be able to trust you.” Expert mental health care in Columbus Meet Susan Howard, MD scan Schedule a visit Outpatient behavioral health services are available at Columbus Psychiatry Clinic for patients ages 2 and older without a referral. Visit columbuspsychiatry.org or call 402-562-4765 for an appointment. Patient-centered care No matter the person or diagnosis, Howard puts the patient at the center of their treatment process. “They should be able to choose their treatment,” she said. “I believe in helping a person understand what I’m seeing, what the treatment options are and what the benefits of those choices are. But the choice is theirs.” Howard also has experience in addiction medicine. “My background in chemistry and pathology has helped, because I constantly need to think about what people have been through physically,” she said. “The critical thing is knowing what you are treating. It’s a bit of a moving target, and a symptom is not a diagnosis.” Some common conditions Howard treats are attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), depression, anxiety, dementia, bipolar disorder and conditions related to alcohol and drug use. At Columbus Psychiatry Clinic, Howard and her team provide outpatient evaluations; therapy and testing for adults, teens and children; and medication management.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODQ1MTY=