Austen Riggs Center

Margaret Kotarba, LICSW, explains the role of the social worker and the value of the family's involvement in the treatment.

James Sacksteder, MD, former Medical Director/CEO talks about the mission of the Austen Riggs Center and the unique treatment approach.

Steven Ackerman, PhD, staff psychologist talks about the importance of the alliance in an open setting.

Elizabeth Weinberg, MD, staff psychiatrist describes the unique way psychiatrists at the Austen Riggs Center apply psychodynamic concepts to medication management.

Lee Damsky, PhD, former staff psychologist, describes the first six weeks of treatment at the Austen Riggs Center.

David Mintz, MD, Team Leader/Staff Psychiatrist talks about the effects of medication relating to the quality of the doctor-patient relationship.

Charge Nurse, Karen Kalish, R.N., talks about the patient's relationship with nursing staff.

Eric M. Plakun, MD, medical director/CEO (director of admissions at the time of this interview) talks about the benefits of residential treatment.

Marilyn Charles, PhD, Staff Psychologist, poet, artist and author talks about the role of creativity. She has a special interest in the creative process and is currently investigating factors that facilitate and inhibit creativity. 

Elizabeth Weinberg, MD, Staff Psychiatrist on a psychodynamic perspective on medication management at the Austen Riggs Center.