About us

When leaders at Columbus Community Hospital saw how much of a need there was for psychiatry services in the Columbus community, they knew it was time to act. In August 2019, they opened Columbus Psychiatry Clinic in the Healthpark Medical Office Building. The clinic started with a psychiatrist, Dr. Venkata Kolli, and a licensed independent mental health practitioner. But soon it became clear that the need for mental health providers was continuing to grow. Psychologist Dr. Tara Sjuts came to the practice in December 2021 and Columbus Psychiatry Clinic began offering a new service — psychological evaluation and behavioral therapy for children. In 2022, Amanda Gulbrandson, psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, joined the clinic. In 2024, Tina Karmann, psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, joined the practice along with Katie Placzek, licensed mental health practitioner. Most recently, Dr. Susan Howard joined the practice in 2025, along with Akpene Abalekpor, psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner and Anne Niffenegger, a doctorally prepared advanced practice nurse practitioner.

As we have grown, the community has responded. People from Columbus and the surrounding communities have appreciated the opportunity to receive mental health services close to home.