Suzanna Freerksen, MD

As a psychiatrist I treat a variety of mental health concerns utilizing medication and psychotherapy.

I have experience treating people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and other mental health issues. I treat patients in California, Arizona, and Alabama who are 14 years of age and older.

I was diagnosed with neurodiversity later in life, and helping other neurodiverse people with their mental health and wellness is my passion.

I use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), polyvagal theory, and other trauma-informed approaches in my clinical work, even in 20-25 minute medication management sessions. I received training from the Ketamine Training Centers and Polaris in Ketamine Assisted Therapy, from Behavior Tech in DBT, and the EMDR Institute, Connect EMDR, and the Ketamine Assisted EMDR™ Institute in EMDR for individuals, groups, and in conjunction with psycholytic ketamine. I will start teaching psychodynamic therapy to psychiatry residents in Muscle Shoals, Alabama in July 2025.

In my psychiatry practice I work with a person to find and foster their natural inner resilience to reclaim their life and health. My belief is that the best way for me as a psychiatrist to help others is to use psychiatric medication and psychotherapy to treat mental illness.

I enjoy a large professional network of other trauma-informed therapists, practitioners interested in ketamine and ketamine assisted therapy, group therapists, and neurodiversity affirming therapists. I am a life-long learner. My current interest is the intersection between psycholytic ketamine doses and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), exemplified by the Ketamine Assisted EMDR ™ Institute’s work and trainings.

Currently, I am accepting new patients. Please use our online scheduler to book your first appointment. I offer a free 15 minute introductory phone conversation for those who wish to ask questions about my practice before scheduling their first session.

Post Graduate Training

I completed my intern year at University of Iowa’s Family Medicine/Psychiatry Combined Residency. I realized that I wanted to dedicate my life to being a psychiatrist working with family doctors, while not being a family doctor myself. In order to follow my dream, I transferred to the University of South Alabama Psychiatry Residency for my second half of residency. In my final year at University of South Alabama, I was the Chief Resident. I am also a former Adjunct Faculty at the USA Department of Psychiatry.

Work Experience

I am learning more all the time about trauma-focused care, including the therapy techniques that make up EMDR and DBT. Currently, I operate a private psychotherapy and medication management practice at Reclaim Joy Medical.

I finished my Chief Resident year in 2014 and moved to the Silicon Valley area shortly after. I have worked in a variety of settings, including PAMF, Santa Clara County’s Mental Health Clinics, Alameda County’s Primary Care Clinics, and San Jose State University.

Honors and Awards

• Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association

• University of Illinois at Chicago, Natalia J. Janicki Scholarship

• University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois Lieutenant Governor’s Scholarship

• University of Illinois at Chicago, International Travel Scholarship (Cairo,Egypt)

• New College of Florida, Tuition Merit Scholarship

• New College of Florida, New College Alumni/e Association Scholarship

• New College of Florida, New College Foundation Scholarship

Creative Work

Freerksen, S. “Contaminated” 2014. Academic Psychiatry 38(6). (Poem)

I have also published several short stories under a private pen name. Beyond my professional life, I enjoy spending time with my two cats, reading, writing poems and stories, and traveling. I have a weekly art Zoom with friends and chosen family where I explore different visual art modalities. My inner child enjoys jumping on the trampoline and fingerpainting. I feel that expression through creative endeavors makes life worthwhile.

“You are not a drop in the ocean.
You are the entire ocean in one drop.”
-Rumi

Qualifications

Years in Practice: Since 2014

License: California / A132676

Education: University of South Alabama, University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Iowa Family Medicine/Psychiatry

Academic Teaching Positions: University of South Alabama – North Alabama Medical Center/Shoals Psychiatry Residency Program, University of South Alabama – Chief Resident, University of South Alabama Department of Psychiatry – Former Adjunct Faculty 

Board Certification: Psychiatry and Neurology

License No. and State: Alabama Medical License MD.31471 / Arizona Medical License 62811

Society Memberships: Councilor at Large for North California Psychiatric Society, Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, Memeber of the Bay Area Psychological Association

Volunteer Posistions: Peer Support Volunteer for Physician Support Line , Co-host and Co-Founder of Physician Healing Circle