Welcome Dr. Boettcher

Dr. Anna Boettcher, MD, Psychiatrist
Chartiers Center is excited to welcome Dr. Anna Boettcher to the staff. As the Chief Psychiatrist, Dr. Boettcher will be responsible for treating Chartiers’ consumers in the Outpatient Program, the Substance Abuse Outpatient Program, the Outpatient clinic at the CASH Club, and the Residential Treatment Program (RTP).
Dr. B., as she likes to be called, has been practicing psychiatry for over 20 years. She was born in Los Angeles, where her family settled after her grandfather came to this country from Germany. Dr. B completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California at Santa Cruz and attended New York Medical College in New York City for medical school. She came to Pittsburgh to complete her residency training at Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic and settled in Pittsburgh. While she thinks the city has changed a lot over the past 25 years, she finds Pittsburgh easy to get around and she enjoys the variety of neighborhoods. Dr. B. and her family enjoy the outdoors. She takes her two – 16 year old dachshunds, Otis and Owen, on long walks, and is trying to learn German during the Covid – 19 pandemic.
Dr. B. has a history of treating addictions and substance abuse. She explained that treatment is a journey that she takes with her clients. There are ups and downs, and together they celebrate the successes. She finds the work very rewarding as she helps clients put the pieces of their life back together. She likened the treatment of addiction to be like any challenge in life – there are set backs, but the goal is to keep on track with a healthy lifestyle.
When describing her style of treatment, Dr. B. said she likes to create a comfortable, relaxing environment where she listens to her clients’ stories and learns about their treatment goals. She does not see all treatment as needing medication and she will work with her clients to review what is best for each one. As a member of Chartiers Center’s treatment team, Dr. B. recognizes and values the work of the therapist who she said “provide a variety of tools for life” for the clients.  Together, they are on a road to wellness with each client.
When asked what challenges she faces, Dr. B. responded “the challenges of the profession is to reduce the division between medical and mental health coverage.” She went on to explain the issue is to get mental health coverage on par with medical benefits.
Dr. B. will join the Chartiers Center team on Monday, August 3^rd. We thank Dr. B for her willingness to provide a brief glimpse of what the clients can expect when they meet her for the first time. We are certain the clients will find her smile warm and inviting and her treatment style always open to helping consumers get to a better place. We are happy to welcome Dr. B to the Chartiers Center team.