How Sean Goddard is revolutionizing mental health care in Northeast Indiana with groundbreaking treatments and a heart for healing.
It was late, and the world outside Sean Goddard’s office was quiet. He sat alone, as he often did after hours, grappling with thoughts of the patients who had come to him for help but still faced the weight of their struggles. He could see their faces, patients who had tried every available treatment, every therapy, and every pill, but nothing had worked. They were still trapped in cycles of depression, anxiety, and pain. What more could he offer them?
The answer, he realized in that quiet moment, would not come from traditional psychiatry. It would take something new, something transformative. And that’s how Viking Psychiatry was born.
Viking Psychiatry isn’t just another mental health practice; it’s a rethinking of what mental health care could be. Founded by Sean Goddard, a psychiatric nurse practitioner with a deeply personal connection to mental health, Viking Psychiatry challenges the norms of conventional care. It combines cutting-edge therapies with a human-centered approach, offering a beacon of hope for those who feel they have nowhere else to turn.
A Personal Mission to Heal
Sean Goddard’s journey into psychiatry is rooted in his own experiences as an adoptee. Struggling with identity and belonging from a young age, Goddard was no stranger to the emotional complexities that accompany a sense of not fitting in. “I know what it’s like to feel lost and to search for meaning,” he shares. “Mental health care isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s personal, and it requires more than just following protocols and prescribing pills.”
This personal understanding of emotional pain fueled Goddard’s drive to find better, more individualized treatments for his patients. While many psychiatrists focus solely on medication management, Goddard went beyond the conventional approach. He sought training in psychedelic-assisted therapy, one of the most innovative and controversial areas in mental health care at the time. Specializing in therapies like psilocybin, ketamine, MDMA, and 5-MeO-DMT, Goddard positioned himself at the forefront of a new era in psychiatric treatment.
Overcoming Resistance
Introducing these new therapies in Northeast Indiana, a region not known for its progressive views on mental health, came with its challenges. There was skepticism, both from colleagues and insurance companies. But Goddard’s vision was unwavering. “It wasn’t that patients were failing treatments. Treatments were failing patients,” he explains. His determination to provide alternatives to conventional care propelled him forward, despite the resistance he faced.
The turning point for Viking Psychiatry came when Goddard began offering a range of groundbreaking treatments, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Spravato, and various forms of ketamine therapy. He also pioneered Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), a novel approach that combines the therapeutic effects of ketamine with psychological support. This integrated treatment approach brought about profound results, with patients experiencing relief from conditions such as treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and anxiety, conditions that traditional therapies had failed to treat effectively.
Compassion as the Core of Healing
However, innovation in treatments alone is not enough for true healing. Goddard recognizes that a compassionate approach is just as essential. That’s why he introduced therapy dogs, Bjorn and Loki, to the Viking Psychiatry practice. These gentle, loving animals provide emotional comfort to patients, helping them feel at ease as they enter the clinic. Goddard’s philosophy is clear: Healing isn’t just about medical procedures; it’s about creating an environment where patients feel heard, cared for, and understood.
Extending His Impact: A Healing Mission Beyond the Clinic
Goddard’s impact extends beyond his psychiatric practice. In 2020, he wrote Blushbottoms: The Belonging Bear, a children’s book inspired by his own adoption experience. The book helps children in foster care and adoption understand that family and belonging come in all shapes and sizes. It’s an initiative that connects deeply with Goddard’s personal mission of helping those who feel isolated and abandoned.
Alongside his clinical work and writing, Goddard has become an advocate for mental health education. He frequently travels across the country to share his expertise on neuroplasticity and psychedelic-assisted therapies. His speaking engagements, including regular segments on Mental Health Matters, have helped broaden the conversation about alternative therapies and the importance of compassionate care in mental health.
A Thriving Practice with a Bright Future
The success of Viking Psychiatry is a direct result of Goddard’s innovative approach and commitment to his patients. What began as a solo practice in Fort Wayne has expanded into multiple locations, with clinics now serving both Fort Wayne and Warsaw. Viking Psychiatry has become a trusted name in the region, attracting patients from all walks of life who are seeking alternatives to traditional mental health care.
The clinic’s growth is also a testament to Goddard’s focus on education and outreach. He regularly appears on local television programs, speaking about mental health issues and the importance of embracing new, effective treatments. Through his work in the community, Goddard has raised awareness about mental health and demonstrated the benefits of groundbreaking therapies.
The future of Viking Psychiatry is promising. As more and more patients seek alternatives to traditional treatments, the clinic is positioned to continue leading the way in mental health innovation. With a growing number of people turning to Viking Psychiatry for support, Goddard’s message of hope, healing, and human connection is gaining momentum, setting the stage for a new era of psychiatric care.
Viking Psychiatry’s Unique Approach to Healing
At Viking Psychiatry, patients are seen as individuals, not just a collection of symptoms. The combination of advanced treatments, a compassionate care model, and a commitment to true healing makes Viking Psychiatry unique in the mental health field. For those who have struggled with traditional treatments and felt abandoned by the system, Viking Psychiatry offers a fresh start, a place where healing isn’t just a possibility; it’s a reality.
Ready to experience the Viking Psychiatry difference? Whether you’re seeking alternative treatments or simply want a practice that understands your needs, Viking Psychiatry is here to help. Visit Viking Psychiatry today to learn more about how innovative therapies and compassionate care can make all the difference in your mental health journey.
About Viking Psychiatry
Viking Psychiatry, founded by Sean Goddard, is an independent mental health practice in Northeast Indiana. The clinic offers a range of advanced treatments such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Spravato, ketamine therapies, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). With a commitment to compassionate, individualized care, Viking Psychiatry serves the communities of Fort Wayne and Warsaw, providing innovative mental health solutions to those in need. For more information, visit Viking Psychiatry.
