Katarzyna Litak
,
Credentials
MD, FASAM
Bio
During residency training, I was actively involved in medical education and teaching as Chief Resident. While working at Hennepin County Mental Health Center and Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, I have supervised the University of Minnesota, Hennepin County Medical Center Psychiatry Residents and Mayo Clinic Child Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry Fellows.
I am board-certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. I am passionate about working with young adults and adolescents with substance use disorders. I see my role as a diagnostician who uses mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational, and psychodynamic approaches, coupled with responsible use of psychiatric medications to assist with symptom management as well as collaboration with support systems.
In my career, I have worked with diverse populations, including children in the welfare and juvenile justice systems, various settings, including community-based clinics and residential programs. I have extensive experience working with young adults and adolescents with substance use and co-morbid disorders. I enjoy working on a multidisciplinary team to provide my patients with the most comprehensive care, and I appreciate the importance of family collaboration. I believe strongly in the psychiatrist's role as a diagnostician and the prudent and responsible use of psychiatric medications to assist symptom management. I prescribe controlled substances judiciously.
Outside of my clinical practice I am interested in intersections of use of documentary photography and narratives to promote resilience and gratitude. I have led documentary photography and oral history projects with grant support from the Minnesota State Arts Board, Metro Regional Arts Council and the Minnesota Historical Society.
Administrative Assistant
(for academic support only)
Shelly Slominski
slomi001@umn.edu
In the Media
- 2023: Quoted in this StarTribune article titled, “Polish immigrant, 88, recalls astonishing journey to northeast Minneapolis.
- 2023: Quoted in this Minneapolis Star Tribune article titled, “A Minnesota family’s desperate search for care reveals state’s mental health crisis”.
- 2022: Dr. Litak is the focus of this article titled, "New child & adolescent inpatient medical director values the teamwork involved in the treatment process".