Meet Teresa (Teri) Schweitzer, LCSW

Meet Teresa (Teri) Schweitzer, LCSW

Teresa "Teri" Schweitzer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) providing behavioral health services through Sunshine Community Health Center. With a passion for client-centered, compassionate care, Teri helps individuals and families navigate life's challenges, heal from difficult experiences, and build the skills and confidence needed to move forward. Her approach recognizes each person's individual experiences and strengths while creating a supportive space for meaningful growth.

A Journey to Healthcare

Teri's path to behavioral health is uniquely connected to Sunshine Community Health Center. She earned her bachelor's degree in Dietetics from Oklahoma State University in 2000 and spent many years working in customer service before discovering a new calling in mental health.

After relocating from the Southeastern United States to Alaska in 2019, Teri joined Sunshine Community Health Center in 2021 as a Behavioral Health Administrative Coordinator. Working alongside Sunshine's behavioral health providers and seeing their dedication to patients inspired her to pursue a career in social work.

Teri continued working at Sunshine while earning her Master of Social Work from Louisiana State University, completing her degree in 2024 and fulfilling her practicum hours at Sunshine along the way. That experience gave her valuable insight into the connection between behavioral and physical health and helped shape the holistic approach she brings to patient care today.

Areas of Care & Professional Interests

Teri has a special interest in trauma care and parenting and is passionate about helping individuals and families heal, grow, and strengthen their resilience. She uses evidence-based therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical

Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS), tailoring care to each person's individual needs and goals.

At the heart of Teri's approach is the belief that therapy should be collaborative and centered around the person seeking care. She strives to provide a compassionate environment where clients feel heard and supported while developing practical tools to navigate challenges and create meaningful, lasting change.

Why Community Health Matters

Teri's journey from Behavioral Health Administrative Coordinator to Licensed Clinical Social Worker has allowed her to experience Sunshine Community Health Center and its mission from multiple perspectives. Her years with the organization have strengthened her appreciation for integrated care and the importance of making behavioral health services accessible within the communities Sunshine serves.

She is proud to continue growing her career at Sunshine and values the opportunity to support the individuals and families who call this community home.

Life Outside the Clinic

Outside of work, Teri enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, fishing, and developing her skills in fiber arts. These activities provide opportunities to slow down, stay grounded, and enjoy the people and places that are important to her.

A Message to Patients

"Healing and growth look different for everyone. My goal is to meet you where you are, provide a supportive space where you feel heard, and help you develop the tools and resilience to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence."

Sunshine Community Health Center

1-907-376-2273 (CARE)

www.sunshineclinic.org

*This article was written with the support of AI*