Business Details
37 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Psychiatrist in Traverse City, MI
Dr. Susan L. Wainwright has dedicated her career to psychiatry, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and psychoanalysis, serving patients in Bloomfield Hills and Traverse City, Michigan. With over 30 years of experience since establishing her solo practice in 1989, she combines medical expertise as a licensed M.D. with specialized training in adult and child psychoanalysis. Her approach emphasizes creating a safe space for patients to explore life's challenges, aiming to help them become their own best therapists. Board-certified in both adult and child psychiatry, Dr. Wainwright integrates medication management with insight-oriented therapy when necessary. Her practice addresses anxiety, depression, trauma, and complex psychological issues across all age groups.Affiliated with William Beaumont University Hospital since 1989, she maintains rigorous professional standards through ongoing education and certifications. Dr. Wainwright's academic contributions include teaching at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine and conducting research on traumatic loss impacts. Her commitment to patient-centered care focuses on resolving inner conflicts and fostering long-term mental well-being. Recognized as a Fellow of the International Psychoanalytic Association, she adheres to the highest clinical and ethical standards. This practice represents decades of specialized experience in navigating biological, mental, and social health challenges.
Services
Psychiatry
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Psychoanalysis
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Adult Psychiatry
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of specialized psychiatry experience since 1989
- Dual board-certification in adult and child psychiatry
- M.D. credentials enabling medication prescription when needed
- Fellow of the International Psychoanalytic Association
- Affiliated with William Beaumont University Hospital since 1989
Associations and certifications
- Board Certified, NBME, Adult Psychiatry
- Board Certified, NBME, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Fellow of the International Psychoanalytic Association
Services
Psychiatry
As a licensed psychiatrist, I provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for mental health conditions. Services include medication management combined with evidence-based therapies. Treatment addresses biological, psychological, and social factors affecting mental wellness across all age groups.
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
This therapeutic approach helps patients explore unconscious patterns through open dialogue. We examine recurring thoughts and behaviors to uncover underlying causes of distress. The goal is developing self-awareness and creating lasting behavioral changes through deeper understanding of personal history.
Psychoanalysis
Intensive weekly sessions focus on uncovering deeply rooted psychological conflicts. Using specialized techniques, we explore buried memories and unconscious motivations. This comprehensive approach builds transformative self-understanding through sustained therapeutic relationship and exploration of formative life experiences.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Specialized care addresses developmental challenges in children and teens. Services include diagnostic evaluation, family consultation, and age-appropriate therapeutic interventions. Treatment focuses on academic performance issues, behavioral concerns, and emotional difficulties through both individual and family-centered approaches.
Adult Psychiatry
Comprehensive care for adults facing life transitions, relationship issues, and chronic mental health conditions. Treatment combines medication management with therapeutic exploration of personal history. Focus areas include career challenges, family dynamics, and achieving emotional balance through evidence-based interventions.
People
Dr. Susan L. Wainwright
Psychiatrist & Psychoanalyst
Board-certified psychiatrist with 30+ years of experience in psychodynamic therapy and psychoanalysis. Holds faculty appointments at Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute and Oakland University medical school. Specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma across all age groups.
Questions
What age groups do you treat?
I work with patients across all life stages including children, adolescents, emerging adults, and seniors.
What mental health conditions do you specialize in?
My practice addresses anxiety, depression, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, trauma, and relationship difficulties through specialized therapies.
Do you prescribe medication?
As a licensed M.D., I prescribe medication when necessary, focusing on minimal effective doses with ongoing evaluation.
What hospital are you affiliated with?
I've been affiliated with William Beaumont University Hospital's Psychiatry Department since 1989.
How long are therapy sessions?
Standard sessions last 45 minutes, with psychoanalysis sessions potentially requiring more frequent visits.
What happens in a mental health emergency?
For emergencies, please call 911 immediately or contact William Beaumont University Hospital at 248-551-5000.
