Timothy J. Petersen, Ph.D.
Jonathan E. Alpert, M.D., Ph.D.
Andrew A. Nierenberg, M.D.
The Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Psychiatry
Boston, Massachusetts
Dr. Susan Noonan is a physician, author, long term-patient with lived experience, consultant and Certified Peer Specialist who is about to begin her new virtual mental health and wellness coaching practice, called Noonan Wellness Coaching. She bridges that gap between recipient and provider of health and mental health care services.
Dr. Noonan graduated with a BA from Mount Holyoke College, where she was the recipient of the Abbey Howe Turner Award for excellence in Biology. She then earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the Tufts University School of Medicine and a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the Harvard University School of Public Health, with a concentration in Quality of Care.
After achieving board certification in Emergency Medicine, Dr. Noonan focused her clinical career in the greater Boston area. Emergency Medicine gave her an opportunity to treat patients with a variety of medical conditions at different stages of their illness, including many years counseling, treating and advocating for individuals with mental illness. She later became Certified by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
For eight years Dr. Noonan volunteered her time at the Maxwell V. Blum Cancer Resource Room of The Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, counseling patients and helping them find information. In 2006 she was presented with an esteemed MGH Volunteer Service Award in recognition for her exemplary service.
She has recently served as a consultant at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), McLean Hospital, the national office of DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance) where during Covid-19 she created a Peer Specialist Training Course for healthcare providers, and the Cancer and Mental Illness Collaborative: Engage Initiative at MGH where she is on the Stakeholder’s Board and is participating in a PCORI research project. Dr. Noonan also serves on the Board of Directors of Mass NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) as well and their Governance and Nominating Committee.
Outside of work, Dr. Noonan enjoys fitness, the arts, music, reading, and spending time with friends and family. She works out regularly, swims, enjoys long fitness walks, learning to golf, amateur photography, and plays the piano.