Hidden Gems: Meet Sonni Elliott Md of Sunrise Psychiatry Inc

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonni Elliott Md

Hi Sonni , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am a native of Kansas City, Kansas. My early interest in science and medicine translated to an amazing medical school education after college, later specializing in Psychiatry. I love to be a steady, trusted ear for people struggling with various mental health issues like depression, anxiety, insomnia or substance abuse issues. As a board certified physician I am able to integrate various therapies including medications and therapy. All with the goal of improving the quality of the lives of people. After living in various cities I returned again to Kansas City in 2020 with a goal of opening up my own practice.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No. I don’t believe any physician would say they have had a smooth road. Getting into medical school is a very competitive process and training is extremely long and grueling. This is completely expected as people are trusting your education, care and recommendations based on that training to manage their medical concerns with compassion.

I have navigated in multiple health clinics and hospitals in numerous cities. There are unfortunately not enough psychiatrists and mental health providers to support the need of the community these days. So I am always examining how to be efficient but present with the care I’m providing while empowering other medical professional to care for others and expand the network of care for all.

I am always focused on having the greatest impact on my community. This has pushed me through difficult moments including advocating for others and advocating for myself despite potential stress or fear.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sunrise Psychiatry Inc?
In 2022, after practicing for over 15 years in mental health, I decided to expand my practice, providing a FDA approved treatment for anxiety and depression called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation or TMS. Approved in 2008 for adults and covered by most insurances by 2016, TMS provides well tolerated, low risk in office treatment with improved responses for depression and anxiety vas compared to medication. I have been aware of the treatment since its approval and decided to offer TMS in the area as an additional option to medications. Since 2024,TMS is now approved for teens starting at age 15

Fortunately TMS is slowly expanding as an offering in the KC area. My practice is small and focused entirely on the clients receiving TMS. Our goal is be a caring service that integrates other care providers, family, friends if desired, anything that will strengthen the support for the client. Unlike other practices I strive to can people their TMS course and provide brief psychotherapy along the way.

The exciting part is that TMS can be largely covered by insurance and available to most people with only 2 past medication trials. It consists of using magnetic therapy to treat symptoms and is conducted in office for approximately 30 sessions done daily M-F for only 15 min per day.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Psychiatry is growing by leaps and bounds. New discoveries that link the brain and behavior are occurring everyday. New medications are being developed based on new brain pathways discoveries. I anticipate more research to provide awareness about cannabis and psychedelics to become more mainstream and understood in the next 5-10 years.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sunrisepsychkc.com
• Instagram: @sunrisepsychkc