What Mental Health Looks Like When You Treat the Whole Person - Exclusive Interview With Dr. Elizabeth Ssemanda
- Brainz Magazine
- Feb 28, 2022
- 6 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Brainz Magazine Exclusive Interview
Dr. Elizabeth Ssemanda is a board-certified psychiatrist and the founder of New U Psychiatry. Rooted in both African and African American cultural traditions, she integrates a soul-centered, holistic approach to healing with a mission to challenge stigma and redefine mental wellness.
Navigating the space between two cultures shaped Dr. Elizabeth Ssemanda’s life in profound ways. As the daughter of Ugandan refugees, her upbringing was infused with resilience, history, and silence—particularly around the traumas of war. It’s from this intersection of inherited pain and the search for healing that her passion for psychiatry emerged.
Her journey began with a fascination for people and science, blossoming into a desire to understand and support others on their healing journeys. Through psychiatry, she found a language to engage with suffering, resilience, and transformation. After working in a range of settings—from emergency care during COVID-19 to boutique practices—she became disillusioned by a model focused primarily on symptom suppression. It was then that New U Psychiatry was born.
“Through psychiatry, I've come to appreciate the impact of language, the resilience of the human spirit, and the healing power of words.”
What inspired you to pursue psychiatry and eventually launch New U Psychiatry?
My parents are refugees from Uganda. Both endured the oppressive regime of dictator Idi Amin. Many in my extended family experienced the war, along with its genocide and its aftermath. Some were lucky enough to make it to America. I was born in America. All my life, I have navigated two different worlds: at home, my life is deeply rooted in traditional African culture, while outside it reflects American society. I live as both an African and an African American; each identity carries a shared history of trauma. There’s a part of me that yearns to understand my family and communities better and to help them. Pursuing psychiatry and aspiring to become a psychiatrist—particularly one who identifies as a person of color in America—was my pathway toward this goal.
Conversations about the war remain scarce. Although there have been some shifts recently, discussions surrounding mental health are still uncommon within African and African American communities due to lingering stigma. As I have embraced this career, I've felt compelled to change this narrative by illuminating crucial issues regarding healing emotional traumas that profoundly affect our spirits and uniting the communities with which I closely identify.
I will add that I have always been captivated by people. They stimulate my curiosity and intrigue my thoughts. As a child, I found great pleasure in reading about individuals, particularly through biographies. I vividly recall informing my kindergarten teacher of my aspiration to become a doctor. I liked science and I enjoyed understanding people. With determination and hard work, I pursued a career in medicine; however, it was within this field that I realized my genuine passion lay in building meaningful relationships with others, helping people understand themselves and assisting them in transforming their lives.
After completing my residency, I embraced several roles across different settings—working for large healthcare institutions, community mental health services, boutique private practices, and even participating in emergency care during the COVID-19 crisis. It became clear to me that many organizations emphasized medication management and symptom relief rather than addressing the underlying issues affecting patients' concerns. This realization left me feeling somewhat disheartened. It failed to tackle the core reasons individuals sought assistance initially. As a result, I founded New U Psychiatry with an intention to delve into root causes while providing comprehensive care honoring the mind, body, and spirit. My goal was to foster an atmosphere where ample time could be devoted to thorough treatment—a method embracing holistic integration while treating each person as a complete individual.
How does New U Psychiatry approach mental health differently from traditional clinics?
What distinguishes New U Psychiatry from conventional mental health facilities is its commitment to 1) holistic care, 2) a focus on soul-centered psychology, and 3) the promotion of heart-centered living. While we do offer medication and therapy alternatives, our discussions also center on understanding the cause of your mental health concerns, clarifying your sense of purpose, nurturing your intuition, and embracing your personal strengths. We specialize in helping people break free from cycles of trauma and cultivate post-traumatic resilience.
What does the name “New U” mean to you, and to your clients?
The term "New U" signifies transformation; it embodies the idea of releasing things that no longer benefit you so that you can more fully embrace your authentic self and shine.
“New U is about shedding what no longer serves you—so you can step into your truth, fully and freely.”
As Dr. Elizabeth Ssemanda reflects on the evolution of mental health care, she sees a tide turning. The convergence of science and spirituality, once considered separate realms, now informs a more integrative approach to healing. For her, it's not just a professional interest—it’s a calling.
What changes or trends in mental health care excite you the most right now?
I am excited that science and spirituality are coming together. Many insights shared by shamans and indigenous cultures over the years are now being supported by scientific evidence (e.g. the power of meditation), which thrills me. I wholeheartedly support this movement.
There is also a growing focus on a more integrative approach that transcends mere symptom management to incorporate wellness strategies. Patients want and deserve more holistic care. Health care organizations are starting to make strides for this to happen. There is a paradigm shift going on. I foresee things like complementary and alternative medicine enhancing psychiatric practices in meaningful ways. By working together, we could establish integrated wellness centers where allopathic and complementary and alternative practitioners work together to not only offer outstanding patient care but a more fulfilling work experience for providers. It truly is an exhilarating time within the field of psychiatry!
Finally, I find the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) to be monumental in healthcare. Tasks that used to consume considerable amounts of time—like documentation—are becoming more efficient thanks to AI, enabling us to focus more on providing top-notch clinical care. The presence of AI introduces an interesting facet into patient interactions since our patients are already utilizing these technologies themselves to learn about mental health. However, there are critical ethical considerations we as a society must address as we move forward.
How do you tailor treatment plans to truly meet each patient’s unique needs?
Never underestimate the power of listening. Giving patients time to speak during visits matters. A study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that doctors interrupt their patients on average after 11 seconds. Whenever I interact with a patient, I genuinely make a conscious effort to let patients talk first and listen actively.
One of the major challenges we face in the medical field is truly understanding our patients' concerns. You might assume that this happens routinely, but I can assure you that many patients, particularly in communities of color, often feel overlooked. This feeling of not being heard ranks among their top complaints. It's crucial to dedicate time for attentive listening, which is why I spend considerable time with my patients.
Additionally, before any official appointment, I offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation. During that initial meeting, I let patients know that I have a collaborative approach. In our initial intake, I will present them with a variety of treatment options and look to them to be active partners in their care. During follow-up appointments, they are encouraged to ask questions, listen to and cultivate their intuition and voice their opinions in treatment planning.
What advice would you give to someone hesitant about seeking psychiatric support?
The advice I would offer is this: don’t give up on finding the support you need. The field of psychiatry is diverse. It’s not a one-size-fits-all; each psychiatrist has their own unique practice styles and approaches. Just because you've consulted one psychiatrist doesn’t mean you’ve experienced them all; there’s someone out there who resonates with you and your spirit.
A metaphor I often share with patients during consultations is that searching for the right psychiatrist is like finding the perfect pair of jeans. You may need to try a few different options before discovering the one that fits comfortably, allowing you to feel free and open in being your true self.
What keeps you grounded and inspired in both your life and your work?
Cultivating my relationship with the divine keeps me grounded and inspired. Every morning, I quiet the noise, sit still, and listen. I can’t always predict what will happen. But often, if I sit long enough, clarity comes and inspiration finds me.
What are your hopes for the future of New U Psychiatry and mental health care as a whole?
Our vision is to see New U Psychiatry evolve into a wellness center. Although we can provide medication management and therapy, my goal is to integrate additional wellness practices that truly assist our patients in thriving. My mission is to move past treatment, into prevention, and cultivate an environment that recognizes individuals' strengths and fosters their development.
Dr. Elizabeth Ssemanda is more than a psychiatrist—she’s a visionary committed to reshaping mental health care through empathy, cultural awareness, and holistic practice. At New U Psychiatry, she offers a safe space where healing happens on a deeper level, with care tailored to the whole person. Her journey is a testament to the power of listening, the courage of transformation, and the promise of a new way forward in mental health.
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