Psychiatry is the medical field of behavioral health that diagnoses and treats behavioral health issues and mental disorders. It involves not just therapeutic practices and talk therapies, but also incorporates prescription medication to help patients on their journey.
Janice Gerlach, MD, is an expert in adult psychiatry at Platte Medical Clinic Avera in Platte, SD. She also offers telemedicine appointments for patients at other Avera clinics, including in Pierre, SD.
Dr. Gerlach credits her parents as her inspiration to pursue a medical career. Both were family medicine physicians and grew up on South Dakota farms. Their values and appreciation for rural communities were passed along to Dr. Gerlach.
“I hope to give back to people as their provider, just as I watched my parents provide compassionate care to their patients,” she said. “It’s my dream job; I feel like I can reach a lot of people in the middle of the state.”
Expert Care in Adult Psychiatry
Dr. Gerlach cares for a variety of mental health conditions, including addiction, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders and more.
She holds a special interest in serving patients who are experiencing isolation, whether that’s due to physical location, lack of community, or symptoms of mental illness. Through compassionate and personalized treatment, Dr. Gerlach hopes her care empowers patients to heal and embrace their lives.
“As a physician, I get to know my patients on a deep level,” she said. “I have the distinct privilege of hearing so much of my patients’ life story and being a small part of assisting them on their journey.”
Active Lifestyle
Dr. Gerlach loves spending time with her beautiful family, engaging with her faith, and being creative. She enjoys baking and making meals from her large collection of cookbooks. This includes treating her husband to her latest flavored latte creations.
Her other interests include sports/fitness, camping, hiking and experiencing new cultures. She speaks German and Spanish.
