Kristen Sparks, MD

Kristen Sparks was born in Abilene, Texas and spent her childhood in Kokomo, Indiana. She graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. After working as an actuary for five years, she returned to school to get her medical degree from Ohio State University in 2003. She completed residency in general adult psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston in 2007. After training, Dr. Sparks worked in a wide variety of settings including homeless shelters, urban private not-for-profit facilities, rural community hospitals, outpatient clinics, short-stay units, and state hospitals.

She enjoys working in the entire spectrum of mental health. She is interested in the rational use of effective medications while minimizing side effects. She has a particular interest in non-pharmacological adjuncts as well, including nutrition, exercise, sensory modalities, and wilderness therapy. Dr. Sparks moved to Alaska in early 2018 for what was supposed to be a short term assignment, but she fell in love with the state and decided to stay.

Dr. Sparks is a Board Certified in General Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.