Dr. Svetlana Yakov, MD, PhD
We are incredibly excited to introduce Dr. Svetlana Yakov, MD, PhD, as the new Medical Director of Sunflower Counseling MT. Her impressive background in neurology, psychiatry, and medicine, combined with her groundbreaking clinical research, makes her an extraordinary addition to our team.
Dr. Yakov’s journey in psychiatry began with her residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, one of the leading NIH clinical research hubs for treatment-resistant depression. There, she gained early experience managing inpatient psychiatric patients receiving innovative treatments, including ER-administered ketamine for suicidal ideations. Witnessing the rapid and powerful anti-suicidal effects of ketamine firsthand ignited her passion for providing life-saving care to those most in need.
Under the mentorship of renowned psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Richard Shelton, she further honed her expertise in advanced depression treatments, participating in NIH trials involving endonasal esketamine and studying cutting-edge approaches to managing treatment-resistant mental illness. Dr. Yakov’s clinical and research work also included innovative projects, such as sensory reduction methods that significantly improved patient outcomes and safety in psychiatric units.
After her residency, Dr. Yakov served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UAB and transitioned to outpatient practice, bringing her expertise to Alabama and Montana. Since 2020, she has been addressing the critical mental health challenges in Montana, particularly its high rates of suicide and advanced depression. In Billings, she plays a leadership role in establishing a Ketamine Clinic to provide underserved populations—such as rural residents and veterans—with innovative, evidence-based anti-suicidal treatment.
Dr. Yakov’s clinic “Billings Advanced Psychiatry PLLC” has made significant strides in improving access to care for Montanans, reducing ER visits, psychiatric admissions, and disabilities, while saving countless lives. Her commitment to research and collaboration with local organizations and public health initiatives ensures that her work continues to benefit the most vulnerable in our community.
Beyond her focus on depression and suicidality, Dr. Yakov’s extensive clinical and research interests have included movement disorders, Parkinson’s disease, deep brain stimulation (DBS), and sensory and hormonal changes. Her PhD work led to the implementation of DBS for Parkinson’s in multiple hospitals in her home country. She has published extensively in the fields of neurology and psychiatry, presented at international conferences, and authored book chapters. Her contributions continue to shape the field of neuropsychiatry.
At Sunflower Counseling MT, Dr. Yakov brings not only her clinical expertise but also her patient-centered, holistic approach to care. She leverages advanced techniques, such as pharmacogenetic testing, to craft personalized treatment plans tailored to each client’s unique needs.
With Dr. Yakov as our Medical Director, Sunflower Counseling MT is entering an exciting new chapter. Her leadership and expertise will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission to provide innovative, compassionate care to all our clients.