Pawnee Mental Health celebrates the contributions of Alison Creager, Pamela Steinmetz and Terri Bushey from the organization’s Recovery Services team. Their commitment to excellence sets the standard for the organization and provides hope for the people we serve.
Allison Krieger, LSCSW, LMAChas worked at Pawnee Mental Health for seven years as a Substance Use Therapist on the Recovery Services Team. Creagar earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Kansas State University and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Denver. Recently, Creagar achieved a major milestone by completing her clinical supervision hours and passing her clinical exam to earn the title Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW). Creagar has also earned her Licensed Master of Addictions Counseling (LMAC), solidifying her expertise in the field.
Krieger’s responsibilities include providing individual therapy, group therapy, and assessments. When asked why she chose to join Recovery Services, Krieger reflected, “Initially, it was because it was an open position and I already knew some of the team members. But the real reason I stuck with Recovery Services is because I get to work with clients who are full of potential. There are many stages of working with clients that I love. But it’s always inspiring to see someone put in the effort to rebuild their life, repair their relationships, rediscover themselves sober and live the life they want.”
Pamela Steinmetz, LSCSW, LMAChas been an integral part of the Pawnee team since October 2019. Recently, Steinmetz achieved clinical licensure, becoming a Licensed Professional Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW). Steinmetz also holds a Certified Master of Addictions Counseling (LMAC) and hopes to obtain clinical licensure in addiction counseling. Hoping to expand her scope of practice and provide more comprehensive care to her clients, she sees obtaining clinical licensure as a gateway to diverse opportunities and professional growth. Steinmetz values the valuable learning experiences she gained through clinical supervision, where she was coached and mentored by experienced clinical therapists.
Professionally, Steinmetz navigates the complex intersection of substance use issues and mental illness in her practice. Her flexibility in working independently with either type of patient or addressing the unique needs of dually diagnosed patients allows her to demonstrate a holistic approach to treatment. Steinmetz’s foray into recovery services came from her previous work as an Adult Protective Services Worker for DCF, where she worked closely with individuals facing the barriers of addiction and mental illness.
Teri Bussey, BA, LAC P-KCGCAn addiction treatment specialist, Ms. Bushey has been with Pawnee Mental Health for five years. With an extensive background since 1996, Ms. Bushey has made impressive progress in the treatment field. Already a licensed addiction counselor, Ms. Bushey recently reached a major milestone by completing her training hours to become certified as a gambling addiction counselor, a goal she had been working towards for many years. Inspired by the changing landscape surrounding addiction and the legalization of online gambling in the state, Ms. Bushey seized the opportunity to expand her services and now offers comprehensive gambling addiction treatment and counseling to those struggling with gambling addiction in addition to substance use disorder treatment. Notably, this service is fully funded by the state of Kansas.
Always seeking personal and professional growth, Busey pursued higher education after all five of her children had graduated from high school. She was fortunate to have access to some of the state’s leading addiction treatment professionals, and with their encouraging support, Busey chose this path. “Looking back, I have no regrets. Although there were challenges, it has been the most rewarding and fulfilling path I have ever chosen,” said Counselor Teri Busey.
Pawnee Mental Health serves 10 counties, including Geary County.
