Dr. Theresa Greiner, Northeastern Center's chief medical officer, is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 30 years of experience in her field. She kindly answered some questions about her role, and the differences between psychiatrists and other mental healthcare professionals.
Q: Northeastern Center often uses the term "prescriber" to refer to its medical staff. Who are we referring to when we say prescriber?
A: When we say prescriber, we're generally referring to anyone on our staff who can prescribe psychiatric medications. At Northeastern Center, this includes psychiatrists, or doctors who specialize in psychiatry, as well as our psychiatric nurse practitioners.
Q: What's the difference between a prescriber and a therapist?
A: Our prescriber team and our therapists work together for the benefit of our clients, but they both perform different roles. Prescribers are trained medical professionals; they sit down with clients to diagnose issues that can be treated with medication. They evaluate clients and create treatment plans, which may include referring them for counseling with a therapist.
Our therapists work with clients and address their concerns through therapy. Not all clients who are receiving therapy are prescribed medication, but many times prescribers and therapists work together as a treatment team to help the client with a combination of therapy and medication that supports the client's diagnosis.
Q: What would you say to people who are worried about the stigma surrounding mental illness and medication?
A: You go to the doctor for your physical health – you go to annual check-ups and take medication if needed, and you may even make changes in your day-to-day life to make your overall physical health better. You should do the same for your mental health, and doing so should not be stigmatized.
You can go to therapy for your overall mental wellbeing, take medication for your mental health if needed, and make lifestyle changes to improve your mental health as well. All these things should be considered normal and not be looked down on.
A Healthier You
If you're looking to take care of your mental health in the new year, check out our How to Become a New Client page and contact the NEC outpatient location nearest you to make your first appointment.
