Svetlana Simovic, M.D.

My approach is to listen carefully to my patients and to understand their symptoms in the context of their lives and relationships. Symptoms cannot be addressed properly if they are not looked at in the context of a person’s life. I consider whether patients are content with their job, or stuck in a job they don’t like; are they succeeding in school; are they in a satisfying relationship or they long for one; do they have a medical illness that is affecting them; do they have emotional scars from the past that are causing or contributing to their symptoms.

After a thorough assessment, which includes biological and psychological perspectives, I collaborate with each patient to decide on the treatment approach that suits him or her best.

While encouraging my patients to take an active role in their care, my goal is to help them reduce their immediate symptoms and understand their underlying issues. We work on understanding their fears and perceived or real weaknesses and on understanding and appreciating their passions, desires and strengths. Underlying issues, while not always obvious, can greatly contribute to and sometimes even be the cause of presenting symptoms. My approach helps patients address their problems in a more comprehensive and lasting way and helps them grow and become more content, productive and creative individuals.

As a physician, I am able to prescribe medications. Medications can be very helpful when used thoughtfully and judiciously. Medications also have limits to their effectiveness. It is important to understand both the benefits and the limitations of medications so that my patients and I have realistic expectations – which ultimately lead to more satisfaction. Certain issues or symptoms cannot be helped through medication. A combined approach that includes medication and psychotherapy is more effective for many patients.

I have 15 years of experience in psychodynamic psychotherapy practice. My training includes work in outpatient and inpatient clinical settings, and I have worked on the integration of psychiatry and primary care. Prior to solo practice, I served as a psychiatrist at Mayo Clinic, Allina Hospitals and Clinics, Aspen Medical Group, and the Minnesota Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VA).

I earned my medical degree at the University of Belgrade Medical School in 1996. After moving to Rochester, Minnesota, I completed an adult psychiatry residency followed by a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Mayo Graduate School of Medicine. Since 2012, I have been pursuing psychoanalytic training at the Minnesota Psychoanalytic Society and Institute in Minneapolis where I am an advanced psychoanalytic candidate. I am board-certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatric and Neurology. I hold a valid Minnesota medical license.

I am an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota. I enjoy teaching and supervising psychiatrists-in-training at the University, Hennepin County Medical Center and Mayo Clinic in Rochester. In these roles, I educate physicians about such topics as attachment theory, development and principles of individual and group therapy, and I supervise psychiatry residents in their psychotherapy work.

I am a recipient of several awards during my training including the Alexander R. Lucas Award and Adelaide M. Johnson Award both by Mayo Clinic Department of Psychiatry and Psychology and later on, for my teaching of residents and fellows: Adjunct Faculty of the year award by Mayo Clinic Department of Psychiatry and Psychology.

Click here to view Dr. Svetlana Simovic’s complete CV.