Psychiatrist - Osteopathic Physician - Mother - Wife - World Traveler - Art Enthusiast - Crafter - Foodie - High School Dropout - Roller Coaster Fanatic - Music Lover - Lego Enthusiast

Hi, I’m Dr. Joanna Gratton and I’m not your typical psychiatrist.

On the Isle of Skye, Scotland

I knew I wanted to be a doctor when I was five years old. My best friend's dad was a neurosurgeon, and my mom, a nurse, nurtured my curiosity—enrolling me in anatomy classes and even bringing home specimens for me to dissect. I was fascinated by how the body worked.

Despite early passion, I struggled in middle and high school with rigid expectations and eventually dropped out, later earning my GED. A pivotal experience was completing a 30-day Outward Bound course in the Rocky Mountains. Carrying a heavy pack up steep trails taught me resilience, determination, and the belief that I could overcome any obstacle.

The Evergreen State College welcomed my unconventional journey. There, surrounded by diverse mentors and friends, I rekindled my love for medicine and developed a strong interest in natural healing. Initially drawn to naturopathic medicine, I found Osteopathy—an approach that resonated with my belief in treating the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.

I joined the inaugural class at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, diving deep into Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and learning to view health holistically. My rotations in rural Southwest Virginia further shaped my understanding of the deep connection between culture, community, and healing.

Though I planned to practice family medicine, my psychiatry rotation revealed my true calling: connecting deeply with patients and addressing the complexities of their emotional, physical, and spiritual health. After beginning a family medicine internship, I transitioned to psychiatry residency at Maine Medical Center and never looked back.

During residency, motherhood added new depth to my understanding of presence and balance. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with underserved and complex populations in outpatient and inpatient settings, often blending medical and psychiatric care to achieve better outcomes. I’ve also held leadership roles, including helping open a hospital during the pandemic.

One of my most meaningful experiences was helping a woman hospitalized for 15 years reconnect with her family and rediscover joy through equine therapy—reminding me that healing is about far more than medications alone.

Turning fifty marked a personal and professional shift: I knew it was time to integrate all I had learned. Stillpoint Psychiatry reflects that journey—combining traditional psychiatry, natural medicine, and Osteopathic principles into truly holistic care. It also symbolizes embracing my authentic self, including letting my natural hair grow and shedding expectations of conformity.

Patients describe me as "not your typical psychiatrist"—someone relatable, compassionate, hardworking, quirky, and creative. They appreciate my ability to simplify treatments, integrate nutrition, nature, and psychotherapy, and explore all routes to health.

At Stillpoint Psychiatry, all parts of you are honored. Together, we’ll find your unique path to healing, growth, and resilience.

Me at 16 years old on my Outward Bound course

The Corkscrew - The first roller coaster that I rode at Cedar Point at age 10