Psychiatric treatment will become available Thursday, Oct. 19 when Dr. Neeraja Kakade begins practicing at the DCH Family Medicine Clinics.
Dr. Kakade will serve patients at the DCH in Perry on the first and third Thursdays of each month and in the Dallas Center clinic on the second and fourth Thursdays. Telehealth appointments will also be offered.
As a psychiatrist, Dr. Kakade will diagnose and treat mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, dementia, substance abuse and schizophrenia. She is accustomed to working with multi-linguistic patients and with those from diverse backgrounds.
A native of India, Dr. Kakade said she desired to serve the population of a smaller town population. She raised her family in the U.S. Midwest and has enjoyed serving in rural areas, she said.
She received her medical degree from Gandhi Medical College in India and has been in practice for more than 20 years. She completed residency training in Ireland and then moved to the U.S. in 2000.
Dr. Kakade first practiced in New York, where she also trained, and in New Jersey. She moved to Iowa after four years on the East Coast and has worked at the VA of Central Iowa Healthcare System and at Broadlawns Medical Center for a total of 16 years.
She has now practiced throughout rural Iowa, gaining a familiarity with the landscape, cultures and everyday challenges faced by adults that can cause mental distress.
Realizing the disparity in care options and solutions for patients with a mental health background, Dr. Kakade said she was drawn to the psychiatry field. She recognizes the stigma that accompanies talking about mental health needs or becoming diagnosed with a mental health disorder, and she said she wishes to uplift patients through their journeys.
“The need for psychiatry in our service areas has become increasingly evident over the years,” said Dallas County Hospital CEO Angela Mortoza, “and it is difficult for patients to locate psychiatry services. The ability to house this care in our clinic every Thursday will be extremely beneficial for patients and offer continuity of care with primary care services offered in the same space.”
Individuals may arrange an appointment with either clinic by calling the Perry clinic at 515-465-3553 or the Dallas Center clinic at 515-992-3711. Following an initial appointment, telehealth video care is possible for some follow ups. Dr. Kakade has many years of treating patients from the comfort of their own home or whatever setting they choose. A referral is not required.
