Meet the Team: Derek Susalla, Physician Assistant
Derek Susalla, a native of the small town of Bad Axe in Michigan’s Thumb, is one of several physician assistants at Rochester Center for Behavioral Medicine. They work as independent, licensed clinicians who see their own patients.
Susalla specializes in general psychiatry, adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and what’s known as treatment-resistant depression and anxiety, which means depression or anxiety that persists after two to three attempts with basic anti-depressant medication trials. He also specializes in medications to treat obesity, a condition that has a strong connection to mental health.
“I want to help fight the obesity epidemic that continues to increase in our country,” Susalla says. “I’ve noticed a large population of my patients who are suffering from depression are also overweight or struggle with obesity.
“I have always believed that when you look good, you feel good. Not only do I want to help people mentally feel better, but also physically look and feel the way they desire. I want to help people obtain their weight goals by using newer, FDA-approved medications that are on the market in addition to diet and exercise.”
It’s that last point — exercise — that Susalla sees as “the best medicine on the market” for people to take care of themselves. Lifting weights, going on a walk or riding a bike at least three times a week can benefit you not just physically, but mentally, he says.
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Susalla is a prescriber of RCBM’s Mind/Body weight-loss program, which focuses on the connections of the brain to the body and how things like emotions, behaviors and spirituality affect a person’s health and well being. The practice aims to enhance a patient’s awareness of his or her own thoughts and actions in order to boost self-esteem and self-confidence.
Susalla earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree in physician assistant studies at Wayne State University. He received his psychiatric training at an inpatient psychiatric hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Helping people reach their highest quality of life is Susalla’s passion. He says he finds the greatest satisfaction when patients return and say they’re feeling and functioning better on a day-to-day basis.
“Seeking mental health counseling is not a weakness, it’s a strength,” he says. “It takes a strong individual to admit they are struggling and to ask for help.”
When he’s not at work, Susalla enjoys playing golf, boating, walking and spending time with his dog, Lulu.
If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment or visiting the office, call today (248) 608-8800 or fill out our New Patient form here.
